Best Guitar for Beginners

Buying a first guitar is a personal choice, and there is no single right answer. The best guitar for a beginner depends on the style of music you want to play, how the instrument feels in your hands, your build and what your budget allows. At Dijkman Muziek in Amsterdam, we help new players make that choice every day. Our team is made up of musicians themselves, all English-speaking, with years of playing experience behind them. We are happy to take the time to help you find a guitar that suits you, without rushing you into a sale.

Where to start: acoustic or electric?

For most people learning to play, an acoustic guitar is a sensible starting point. You can play it anywhere, without an amplifier, and it gives you a clear sense of finger strength and dynamics from the first lesson. Within the acoustic category, there are two common types:

Classical guitar with nylon strings

 Softer on the fingers, with a warmer and rounder tone. A good fit for classical, Spanish, bossa nova and fingerstyle playing.

Steel-string acoustic

Also called a western guitar. Brighter and louder, with more projection. Suited to pop, rock, country, folk and singer-songwriter styles. The neck is usually a little narrower than on a classical guitar, which some beginners find easier when learning chords.

If you already know you want to play rock, blues or metal, starting on an electric guitar is also a valid choice. Electric guitars often have thinner necks and lower action, which can make chord shapes more comfortable. You will need a small amplifier and a cable as well, so factor that into your budget.

How to choose your first guitar

A few practical points to keep in mind when picking your first guitar:

• Comfort comes before the brand name. A guitar that feels right in your hands is one you will keep picking up. A famous logo on the headstock means very little if the neck is uncomfortable for you.
• Size and shape matter. If you have a smaller frame, or if you are buying for a child, a 3/4 size or a smaller body shape can be much easier to handle. We can show you the options side by side so you can compare.
• Trust your ear. Two guitars at the same price can sound noticeably different. Try a few and pick the one that speaks to you.
• Budget realistically. A solid beginner instrument in good playing condition will serve you better than a very cheap guitar that is hard to play. A guitar that fights you tends to end up in a corner.

The best way to make this decision is to play several side by side. Take your time, ask questions and listen to how each one sounds in your hands.

Accessories every beginner needs

Whichever guitar you choose, a few accessories will make practice easier and more enjoyable:

• A tuner. Clip-on tuners are simple and reliable.
• A gig bag or case for safe transport.
• A spare set of strings, for when one inevitably breaks.
• Picks in a few different thicknesses, so you can find what feels comfortable.
• A guitar strap if you plan to play standing up.
• A capo, useful for playing along with songs in different keys.

We carry all of these in store and online, and our team can recommend what suits the guitar you have chosen.

Come in and try a few

If you can, the best way to find your first guitar is to play several side by side. You are welcome to take your time in the shop, ask as many questions as you like and compare instruments without pressure. Our team speaks English and we are happy to help international visitors find an instrument that fits.

If you would rather order online, we check and tune every guitar before it ships, so it arrives ready to play.

Visit our Amsterdam store

Our shop is in the heart of the Jordaan, at Rozengracht 115. It is about a 25-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station and roughly 6 minutes on foot from the Anne Frank House, so it is easy to combine with a wider visit to the city. Several tram stops are within a short walk of the shop, with direct connections from Amsterdam Central Station.

If you live outside the Netherlands, we can also ship instruments abroad on request. Get in touch with details of the guitar you are interested in and we will prepare a quote.

• Address: Rozengracht 115, 1016 LV Amsterdam
• Phone: (020) 626 56 11
• Whatsapp 0616680258

Opening hours

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00
• Sunday: closed