Guitar Resources
Affiliate Disclosure: Many of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, we earn a commission. This commission, of course, comes at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we are familiar with and ones that we know will serve our students well. While you are not obligated to use our links, we certainly appreciate when you do.
For beginning students, some instructors suggest purchasing either an electric or classical guitar (as opposed to a steel-string guitar) because the string tension on electrics and classical guitars is lighter, making it easier to play for a beginner.
Another thing to note, is that there are different size guitars (called scale length). For students under 10 years old (of average height for their age), we recommend purchasing a 3/4 scale guitar. For students over 10 years old, buying a “normal” full-size guitar is perfectly fine.
Top Guitar Recommendations
Electric Guitar
Full Size
The Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster comes equipped with three Single-Coil Stratocaster style pickups which provide the timeless Strat tone which has graced countless recordings. The six saddle vintage-style floating tremolo design provides accurate note intonation throughout the neck as well as the ability to adjust the string height in relation to the fingerboard.
Classical Guitar
Available in three sizes: full, 3/4, & 1/2
Yamaha CGS Classical Guitars are great instruments for students learning the ins and outs of classical guitar technique. The guitars feature a spruce top, Mercanti back and sides, a nato neck and a rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Yamaha is famous for producing great-sounding budget classical guitars, and the CGS instruments will reward the learner with years of musical pleasure.
Acoustic Steel-String Guitar
Full Size
The Jasmine S-35 is a great-looking dreadnought guitar with a big, bold sound and excellent features that represent exceptional value. Great for any player seeking a well-built and easy-playing guitar, the S-35 features a select spruce top with Jasmine’s Advanced “X” Bracing, and agathis back and sides.
Acoustic Steel-String Guitar
3/4 Size
Yamaha JR1 is built with the legendary quality and playability. It is designed for the younger player or anyone who is more comfortable with a smaller-bodied acoustic. Careful selection of woods goes into the building of every single Yamaha guitar and the JR1 is no exception. Features include a spruce top, nato neck, rosewood fingerboard and meranti body for solid, bright tonality and great looks, and chrome hardware. Includes gig bag. JR1 is an ideal first guitar for a child easy and fun to play.
Top Amplifier Recommendations
The Mustang series of amps set the standard for modern guitar versatility and muscle. Mustang amps have incredible Fender tone driven by remarkably authentic amp models, a wealth of built-in effects, easy USB connectivity and Fender FUSE software that lets your musical creativity and imagination run wild. Explore 17 various amp voices that range from classic Fender tube amps to flame throwing modern models. Add in 24 on board effects presets, an on-board chromatic tuner, USB connectivity and the result is much more than any other amp all in one box!
Once again Peavey Electronics revolutionizes the modeling amp industry. Introducing the world’s first Variable Instrument Performance amplifier, the VYPYR® V.I.P. The world’s first amp that contains Electric guitar, Acoustic guitar and Bass guitar amplifier models. Now for the first time ever using our Variable Instrument Input a single amp can provide amplification for a variety of instrument types.
Fender Frontman 10G is for the beginner electric guitarist who wants a straight forward and easy-to-use practice amplifier, the Frontman 10G provides explosive tone with intuitive controls. Gain controls how hard you are driving the amp with your guitar. Volume controls how loud your amplifier is. Treble and Bass controls help you shape the high and low frequencies of your guitar tone. For thick overdriven distortion at the push of a button, the Frontman 10G features a convenient front-panel clean/overdrive switch.