Borrow or purchase an Acoustic Guitar.
It can be daunting the first time you go shopping for an Acoustic guitar. It's recommended that you try and borrow one from a friend or family member to get familiar with holding a guitar. This way you have something to compare to when you arrive in a shop (hopefully a few chords under your belt too!).
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If you are unable to borrow a guitar you can book a introductory lesson or two, where you can get a familiar with holding a guitar and learn some basic chords so you can at least play something on a guitar before you buy it. Check prices/bookings page for more info.
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Read on to find about about essential gear you will need to begin learning...
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Essential Beginner Gear
Acoustic Guitar
This one is obvious! Check out the first time buyers guide below for more info.
Tuner
There is no point learning on an out of tune guitar. Do yourself and your neighbours a favour...buy a tuner!
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Plectrum
You could learn to play with your fingers but guitar picks are cheap (50p each), they are worth having so you're not limiting yourself to only playing fingerstyle.
Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitar generally holds a higher entry price tag, this is because the tone and sound is completely reliant on the intricate construction and type of wood used. Sure there are cheaper options but generally compromises have been made in wood and construction to bring the cost down. Also one thing to note is that great sounding, comfortable and cheap acoustics can be found although fairly uncommon, but you will have to go out and find one by trying a heap of guitars out.
You don't need to bust the bank to invest in a great sounding and long lasting acoustic though. You can get pro sounding guitars at around £400-£500. Here are 5 popular Acoustic Guitars to get you started:
Martin Little Martin LX1
Model: LX1
Description:
This is a small acoustic ideal acoustic for younger players or if you don't have long arms and big hands. Great tone, great quality.
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Included: Gigbag
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Rating:
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£379.00 (Andertons)
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Washburn HG26SCE
Model: HG26SCE
Description:
Looks great, sounds great, plays great and comes with a built in tuner too.
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Included: Gigbag
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Rating:
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£499.00 (Andertons)
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Yamaha FG800
Model: FG800
Description:
Very affordable acoustic with great playability and good sound for price range.
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Rating:
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£190.00 (Andertons)
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It's highly recommended that you go to your local guitar shop and ask the staff for advice, they could even point you to some great deals.
You will need to get a tuner. You can pick these up fairly cheap or if you have a smart phone you can download a tuner app!
Please note - When purchasing guitars online they often come straight from the factory into a warehouse without seeing daylight until you open it. An unplayed guitar is not a happy guitar and it may need a bit of love and a proper setup. Check Rates/Services for guitar setup services.