Guides - Choosing a beginner acoustic guitar

For many people entering the world of learning guitar there is an intial option, whether to go for an electric guitar (beginner electric guide here) or an acoustic guitar. There is no right or wrong answer but the pick up and play qualities of the acoustic guitar really lends itself to the beginner. Also, no amplifier or cable or any other accessory is required (although we do recommend a tuner - the Korg GA1 is a great option), so potentially your initial foray into the world of guitar playing can start from below £100. So what is the best beginner acoustic guitar for you?...well, we stock many models offering great quality and superb value for money so let our guide help you.

We start with the Squier SA105 dreadnought sized acoustic guitar. Everyone (well almost everyone!) has heard of Fender guitars and the SA105 has links to Fender being that the Squier is their sister company, so you know you are getting a top brand. The SA105 comes in 3 finish options and delivers the sound and feel of a guitar that feels way beyond the low price, whilst the gloss finish really adds to the overall look.

The Epiphone AJ100 (with 3 colour options) is one of the models that comes in under £100 - it has an Advanced Jumbo body size which delivers a loud, big tone due to its size and shape, but is still very comfortable to play. The body is made from Mahogany and is complimented with a Spruce top.

Another model coming in under the magic £100 price point is the Brunswick BF200, which is also available in 3 colour options. The BF200 delivers a sweet, full tone and features a body coated in a matt satin finish which ensures smooth hand movement and ease of playing.

Step up in price and you'll then enter into the world of solid top acoustic guitars. What this means is that the top wood of the body is one solid piece - this improves the sound of the guitar not only from the off but will actually improve with age. So here we have the Yamaha FG700ms, featuring a solid Spruce top, a Rosewood fretboard and die cast tuners. Thanks to the solid top and the matt finish on the body this guitar really sings.

Stepping away from a pure acoustic guitar you then have the option of getting an electro acoustic guitar - these models give you a normal acoustic guitar but with added electronics allowing you amplify the guitar via way of a dedicated acoustic amp. The Epiphone AJ100CE gives you all the great qualities of it's non electro brother the AJ100 but with an undersaddle pickup (allowing you to amplify the guitar) and with the cutaway body it gives you access to the upper frets.

The Ashland SF40CE is another great beginner electro acoustic - available in 4 great colour options and a left handed version. The onboard active preamp gives you control over volume and features a 3 band eq, there is also a dedicated built-in tuner allowing you to stay in tune at all times without the need for an external tuner.

There are obviously a host of other electro acoustic models available but just one we have to mention is the top selling Yamaha APX500II - it is the worlds most sold electro acoustic . It's ongoing popularity is all thanks to its small, comfortable body shape, great electronics and superb tone whether amplified or played acoustically.

This is just a guide to get off on the right foot and help you make an informed choice. We stock a huge range of acoustic guitars at giggear so feel free to peruse the Acoustic and Electro Acoustic models that we have available.