Classical, Acoustic or Electric Guitar: Which One Should You Choose?

This is the question we hear most often at Partassides — and with good reason. The guitar comes in three main types, and each one suits a different style, age and goal. Pick the wrong one at the start and the initial excitement fades fast. Pick the right one and learning becomes far more enjoyable. In this guide you’ll find a clear comparison plus a specific recommendation for every profile, so you can decide with confidence.

The 3 Main Guitar Types at a Glance

Before we get into the details, here are the key differences side by side. Each type has its own logic — no choice is “wrong”, as long as it matches what you actually want to play.

All three belong to the same big family, the string instruments — what changes is how each one produces and projects its sound.

Classical Guitar: Who Is It the Best Choice For?

The classical guitar has nylon strings, which are far gentler on the fingers than steel. That makes it ideal for children and for adult beginners whose fingertips haven’t toughened up yet. Its sound is warm and mellow, a perfect match for classical repertoire, fingerstyle pieces and Spanish guitar.

The neck of a classical guitar is usually wider, which can feel a little awkward at first. In practice, though, that extra width helps you place your fingers correctly while you’re learning. If you’re starting lessons with a classical teacher or working through a method book, the classical guitar is the standard choice.

Since 1958 we’ve been helping beginners choose their first guitar at Partassides. The vast majority of students who start with a teacher go for a classical — and our experience keeps proving that choice right. Brands such as Sandner and Hofner offer dependable classical guitars for beginners.

Browse the classical guitars we carry in the shop.

Acoustic Guitar (Folk/Steel-String): Who Does It Suit?

The folk acoustic guitar has steel strings and produces a loud, bright sound with no amplifier needed. It’s the guitar you see everywhere — on trips, around campfires, at gatherings with friends. If you want to play pop songs, folk, or accompany your own voice, this is your natural choice.

The downside for beginners: steel strings are tougher on the fingers. For the first few weeks your fingertips will be sore, until calluses form. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you should know it going in. It’s not recommended as a first guitar for children under 10.

Many beginners choose an acoustic because it’s the guitar they see in their favourite songs. That’s a perfectly good reason — enthusiasm counts for a lot. If your heart is in folk or pop, start with an acoustic straight away.

Take a look at the acoustic guitars in our store.

Electric Guitar: When Does It Make Sense as a First Guitar?

The electric guitar needs an amplifier to sound the way it should — but it also has a hidden advantage: the neck is slim and the strings sit very close to the fretboard, making it easy to press down. If what you dream of playing is rock, metal or blues, there’s no reason to start on any other type — go straight to electric.

The guitar-plus-amplifier combination does raise the starting cost. There are starter packages that include both, so it’s not necessarily an obstacle. A middle-ground option is the electro-acoustic guitar: it has a battery-powered pickup, plays fine unplugged, and can be connected to an amp whenever you need it.

See the electric guitars we have available.

Which Guitar for a Child or a Beginner?

For a child under 12, the classical guitar is almost always the right call. Nylon strings don’t hurt small fingers, the size can be matched to the child (1/2, 3/4 or 4/4 depending on age and height), and lessons follow a more structured path with a method book.

The general sizing rule is simple. Children aged around 6-8 usually need a 1/2 size. From 8 to 11, a 3/4. From around 11-12 upwards, a full-size 4/4 usually fits well — though it also depends on the child’s build.

For adult beginners, the choice comes down to the repertoire they want to play. If there’s no strong preference, the classical guitar gives you the best foundation — you can always move to any other type later.

What Else Will You Need Along with the Guitar?

The guitar on its own isn’t enough — there are a few essential accessories you’ll want from day one. Without them, the whole experience becomes harder than it needs to be.

Here are the essentials:

• A case – protects the guitar whenever you carry it around.
• A tuner – an out-of-tune guitar sounds bad even when you’re playing everything right.
• Spare strings – strings break, especially early on. Better to have a set ready. Check the guitar strings we stock.
• A method book – if you don’t have a teacher, a good method book stands in for your first lessons. See the guitar method books we recommend.

Our Recommendation by Profile

After years in the shop, we’ve seen which type suits which player. There’s no universal answer — there’s the right answer for you.

• If you’re a child aged 5-12 – go classical, in the right size (1/2 or 3/4). The nylon strings make all the difference.
• If you’re an adult beginner with no particular style in mind – go classical. It gives you the strongest foundation.
• If you want to sing and play folk/pop – go acoustic. That’s where your sound lives.
• If your heart is set on rock or metal – go straight to electric. Don’t waste time on another type.
• If you want flexibility and can’t decide – the electro-acoustic is the most adaptable option.
• If you’re buying a guitar as a gift – find out what music the recipient loves first. If you can’t, choose classical for a child and acoustic for an adult.

Come and see us at Partassides, or browse our categories: classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which guitar is best for a complete beginner?

For a complete beginner, a classical guitar with nylon strings is the friendliest choice. The strings don’t hurt your fingers, technique develops in a more structured way, and the starting cost is lower. If you already know you want rock or folk, start directly with the type that fits your style.

What’s the difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar?

The main difference is the strings: a classical guitar has nylon strings (soft), while a folk acoustic has steel strings (tougher, with a louder sound). Both are played without an amplifier. The classical suits classical and fingerstyle repertoire; the acoustic suits folk, pop and singing. The classical also has a noticeably wider neck.

Can a child start on an electric guitar?

Yes – with two conditions. First, the child should have a clear preference for the style (rock/pop). Second, there has to be an amplifier, because an electric guitar without one simply doesn’t sound right. For children under 10 with no set preference, the classical remains the better choice.

What size guitar does a child need?

Size depends on age and height. As a general guide: ages 6-8 need a 1/2 size, ages 8-11 need a 3/4, and from around age 11-12 upwards a full-size 4/4 usually works. The surest way to get it right is to bring your child to the shop and let them try one.

Browse all guitars →

Related guides

• Which Musical Instrument Suits Your Child? A Guide by Age
• Violin Sizes (1/16–4/4): How to Choose Your First Violin
• Back to School: Instruments & Equipment for Music Lessons

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