Let’s be honest.
Most people who “want to learn guitar” never get past watching a few YouTube videos and walking into a music store without a clue.
If that’s you — cool. I’m not judging.
But before you waste your money on the cheapest Aldi-brand garbage that barely stays in tune, here are 10 things you should know (and probably haven’t been told) before you get started in 2025.
1. What type of guitar should I buy as a beginner?
Don’t get caught up in acoustic vs electric vs classical debates.
If you’re into rock, get an electric.
If you like singer-songwriter stuff, get an acoustic.
If you’re into fingerstyle or classical music, get nylon.
There’s no “best” option. Get what excites you — because that’s what you’ll actually want to play.
2. Acoustic or electric — which is better to start on?
Electric is easier. Full stop.
Thinner strings, slimmer neck, less effort.
But acoustic is more portable, cheaper (no amp needed), and feels more “raw”.
Whichever guitar you think you’ll actually play the most long term is the one you should start on. That’s it. No fancy logic required.
If you’re still not sure: try both. If one feels better, go with that. No one ever stuck with guitar because they picked the “correct” option. They stuck with it because it was fun.
3. How much should I spend?
Avoid the cheap $100 guitars. They suck. They sound bad, feel worse, and you’ll quit faster than you started.
You don’t need to remortgage your house either.
✅ Spend around $300–$700. That’s the sweet spot where you get something that actually plays well and doesn’t fight you every step of the way.
You get what you pay for.
If money isn’t an issue, go all in — get a $1200–$2000 guitar. It’ll play like butter, sound amazing, and you’ll never need to upgrade. You’ll feel the difference immediately.
4. What’s the best age to start?
Forget the “am I too old?” question. You’re not.
I’ve taught 6-year-olds and 70-year-olds. The difference? Kids have more time. Adults overthink everything.
Start now. That’s the best age.
5. How long does it take to learn guitar?
If your goal is to be Ed Sheeran in 3 weeks, good luck.
But if you’re happy playing a few chords, maybe your favourite song? You can do that in a few months — if you actually practice.
The real answer: the more time you put in, the faster you’ll improve. Shocking, I know.
6. Can I teach myself, or do I need a teacher?
You can teach yourself. You can also learn to drive by watching dashcam footage.
You’ll make more mistakes, waste more time, and probably hit a wall. A teacher gives you structure, accountability, and feedback. If you’re serious about getting good, get help.
Simple.
7. How do I tune a guitar?
It’s E A D G B E (from the thickest string to the thinnest). Use a clip-on tuner or a free app like GuitarTuna. Just follow the screen and twist the pegs — it’s not rocket science.
No excuses — if your guitar’s out of tune, it’ll sound like crap, even if you play it perfectly.
🎥 Not sure how to do it properly?
Watch this quick video on how to tune your guitar:
8. What accessories do I need?
Here’s your starter kit:
- Clip-on tuner
- Picks
- Strap
- Gig bag
- Extra strings
- Amp + cable (if electric)
That’s it. Don’t fall for the upsell. You don’t need 37 gadgets to play Wonderwall.
9. What brands are good for beginners?
You don’t need a custom-built, hand-carved unicorn guitar. Just avoid no-name rubbish.
Stick to:
- Yamaha
- Squier
- Epiphone
- Cort
- Ibanez
- Tanglewood
They all make solid entry-level guitars. Pick one in your price range and move on.
10. Nylon vs Steel Strings — what’s the difference?
Nylon = soft, mellow, easier on the fingers. Wider neck. Great for classical or fingerstyle.
Steel = brighter, louder, more versatile. Harder on the fingers early on.
Unless you’re specifically into classical, steel is the more flexible option for most beginners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still “thinking about starting guitar”, stop thinking and start doing.
Read this, buy a decent guitar, and either find a teacher or follow a structured course.
You don’t need to know everything — just enough to get started.
🎥 Want to see me break this down properly?
👉 Watch the full video here
And if you’re in Melbourne and want someone to teach you without the fluff — you know where to find me
About the Author
Michael Gumley is the founder of Melbourne Guitar Academy and one of Australia’s most in-demand guitar educators. With over a decade of experience teaching beginners, kids, teens, and adult players, Michael specialises in helping students learn faster, play better, and actually enjoy the process.
If you’re looking for high-quality, results-driven Guitar Lessons in Melbourne, Michael and his team can help you hit the ground running — no fluff, no time-wasting, just real progress.
