I’ve always kind of wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I don’t anticipate becoming a famous musician but looking for a hobby to keep me at home more. So what is a decent guitar to learn on? Acoustic? Electric? I’d like to spend less than $400 if that is possible? I’m in no rush so if there is something to look out for in the used market I’m open to that as well. Thanks in advance.

Common misconception is that noobs should start on acoustic but electrics are almost always easier to play due to lighter strings and better action.

Nowadays, even cheaper electrics are pretty good. As long as it stays in tune and the action is nice. The $150 Epiphones are pretty dicey but could be made nice with better tuning machines, nut and bridge. The Squier Strat or MIM* Strat is a good choice. I picked up a MIM used at guitar center for $350.


When I got back into playing, I just got a Backstar BEAM practice amp.

*MIM = made in Mexico

Electric will be a little easier on the hands but I started on acoustic.

For less than $400 you are probably looking at Indonesian made guitars like the Yamaha Pacifica, Sire, EART, Sterling Cutlass, G&L Tribute, etc.

I would suggest looking locally for something and making sure there aren't issues like fret sprout that need dealt with. Fret sprout is an easy fix but you don't want to deal with it as a beginner.

You will also need around $150 to $200 for an amp. Something like the Behringer HA-20R will work to start out with.

Those Mexican made Strats are pretty nice.

What kind of music do you like? What kind of music do you visualize playing? That should help decide acoustic vs. electric.

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Originally posted by 6guns:
What kind of music do you like? What kind of music do you visualize playing? That should help decide acoustic vs. electric.

That’s a really good point.

Boss Katana 50 MKII amp and a used MIM Strat.

I was going to suggest a used Martin D15 for an acoustic. I paid $600 for mine 20 years ago and could have sold it for that anytime I wanted. However, a quick look at the internet says they go for way more than $600 these days.

I agree that the Fender Player series are good and I own a couple but I looked at a Player Lead III a few weeks back that had some of the sharpest fret ends I've ever seen.

Also the prices are around $700-900 for a new Fender MIM guitar these days.

For $400-$450 it's fairly easy to DIY a Tele with MIM/USA/Korea parts. This one is done except for strings and setup.

I recently bought a Squier Strat for my granddaughter for $150 in a decent gig bag. And +1 on the Boss Katana. Nice little amp.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
What kind of music do you like? What kind of music do you visualize playing? That should help decide acoustic vs. electric.

Good point, my favorite bands/singers are Metallica, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, and others like that. I’d like to eventually play a few songs of theirs but don’t expect anything like that overnight.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations, it is truly appreciated.

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Originally posted by SR025:

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
What kind of music do you like? What kind of music do you visualize playing? That should help decide acoustic vs. electric.

Good point, my favorite bands/singers are Metallica, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, and others like that. I’d like to eventually play a few songs of theirs but don’t expect anything like that overnight.

Then you may also want to look at the budget Jackson guitars, too.

https://guitarcenter.smart.lin...2-Electric-Guitar.gc

https://www.amazon.com/Squier-...rboard/dp/B07G4VRSYF

Then go to JustinGuitar.com

Seriously deep rabbit hole here. Decide on the music you want to play - acoustic or electric - and then start there. You need to start on whatever will make you want to practice all the time. Either way, the first 6-12 mos will be hard on your hands and soul.

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Originally posted by jhe888:
Those Mexican made Strats are pretty nice.

This, and Epiphone electric is nice too. Different scale length than the Fender.

How can you identify an MIM Strat? My son wants an electric now. Where do you get them?

The Mexican Strats all have a "Made in Mexico" decal on the headstock. The oldest ones on the front, the current ones on the rear. You should be able to find a nice used one on Craigslist for under $500. All the major retailers sell them new - Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, Guitar Center, etc. Used is the way to go for a first one.

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Originally posted by r0gue:
How can you identify an MIM Strat? My son wants an electric now. Where do you get them?

I believe the serial number begins with “MX”.

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Either way, the first 6-12 mos will be hard on your hands and soul.

That's for damn sure! Just keep at it at a moderate pace and practice a little everyday. Learn some very simple songs at first to boost your confidence and have some fun with it.

The difference between a $250 guitar and a $500 guitar is in how well it plays. Honestly, modern instruments sound pretty good if you can get into the $250 range or higher. The more money you spend, the better the finish will be. So a cheaper instrument may have imperfections in the clear coat.

But the big difference is in playability. Frets as have been mentioned are one issue. I won a charity auction Squire Strat with a street price of about $250. The frets definitely need work, but it is otherwise a good guitar.

Same story with an acoustic.

The string height, aka "action", will be more fine tuned as you spend more money. It takes time and labor to adjust each instrument.

So when you buy a guitar, ask the store to give you a setup as part of the deal. And a free adjustment within 6 months. The instrument will change a bit with the climate in your home, and you will get a better idea of what you want after a few months.

Setups usually cost $50 to $100 roughly, but it really only takes 10 minutes to a half hour to do it.

If you buy an electric you will also need an amp. This is where more money makes a big difference in quality of sound.

An acoustic doesn't need an amp, which leaves more in your budget for the guitar.

A case costs money. A cheap bag is ok if you're careful and just going to lessons with it.

I am a fan of buying a better used instrument rather than new, but you'll want a knowledgeable friend to help you out.

If you buy from a store, hold and doodle around on each candidate. Ask the sales person to play something simple on each one so you can hear the differences in sound. Some will be bold, some shrill, some quiet, some muddy. You will hear that difference if you listen to someone else strumming simple chords. Especially if you listen to several different guitars compared one after the other.