Best Guitar For Guitar Lessons? Nylon, Steel String, or Electric Guitar?
To make things nice a simple, for pure comfort when learning, Nylon Strings are going to be the easiest ones to start with. As the name suggests they are made from Nylon, the have a core which is Nylon with a wrapping around the Bass (Top 3) and Clear Nylon for the Trebles (Bottom 3).
There we go, questions answered....... well not fully.…. the best guitar for lessons depends on a couple of things.
What’s the Difference between Nylon & Steel Strung Guitars.... for Kids?
Ok, I’m going to split this into two; Children Vs Adults as beginners when it comes to Nylon V Steel V Electric.
Nylon Strings Guitars, or Classical Guitars, are easier to learn on, the strings easier to play because they are made of softer materials. So for Children (under 12’s) I would recommend that, if you are buying a guitar, to buy a Nylon Stung in either a 1/2 Size or 3/4 Size.
Why? Well it lessens the barriers to practice. Nylon String Guitar are a little bit duller and less clear when it comes to tone but at the starter part of learning it isn’t going to matter as much and it’s better to have more practice than better tone (or at least closer to the original tone if you are learning Modern Pop/Rock etc). You can learn any songs you like on any of these instruments, they may sound a little different depending on which type of guitar your playing.
Another thing to keep is, smaller beginners (i.e. 6 - 12 Year Olds) will nearly always need to go upto a Full Size instrument eventually so your not buy a forever guitar at the start. A 3/4 Nylon String has a similar width for the neck as a full size acoustic so there will be a small transition to harder strings but not a stretch for the hands.
The draw back to starting on Nylon is that you will still need to build up a callus on each of your fingers. Nylon will help you build up a small amount but there will be some adjustment if you move to Steel String or Electric.
Ibanez miKro
Electric Guitars for Kids
Honestly, it’s really hard to find a reasonably priced small electric for children who are just starting. There is the Ibanez Mikro Series which so far have been the best option we’ve seen, it is however over €200 where a starter Nylon guitar like the Jose Ferrier are starting from €89 or so.
Starting Guitar Lessons | Best Guitar For Beginners
Adults Guitar Students, Which instrument do you buy? Nylon, Steel or Electric?
For Adult beginner Guitarists, I would recommend that you jump straight into a Full Size Instrument, be that Nylon if you are learning Classical, Steel String or Electric. There is a bit of pain when you are building the callus on your fingers but it easier, in the case of adults, to get it out of the way. There is a middle ground available for Steel String Guitarists who would like a softer string to start and these are called “D’addario EJ40 Silk & Steel”. This string is essentially a hybrid between Nylon & Steel String.
Full Size Nylon Guitars
If you are going to get started with a Full Size Nylon for Learning Classical Music (or Flamenco) then you can start from as little as €99 for something half decent. You can spend more but for a first instrument something between €99 - €200 is fine. Once you have gotten to a level where you have progressed why not treat yourself, but I would generally recommend setting a goal and once you have done it then upgrade.
A Full size Nylon has a wider neck than Full Size Steel or Electric so just bear in mind that there is a bit of stretching do be done when playing Classical Guitar.
Electric Guitar For Adults
Again, if you want to start with Electric it’s no problem. There are some great deals from the likes of Squier who offer a Pack Deal which includes the Guitar, Strings, Strap, Amplifier and Guitar Cable from just over €300. As you progress you can choose if you want a different configuration of pick ups (there is a wide variety of setups which basically offer different tone). With the Electric Guitar you also have a massive variety of Guitar Pedals, these do thing like add Distortion, Delay, Harmonies and things like the Wah Wah Pedal which make playing alot of fun even as a novice.
Nylon String Guitars
Benefits for Children
Nylon string guitars, also known as classical guitars, are often the easiest for beginners, especially for children under 12. Here's why:
Softer on the Fingers: The strings are made from nylon, making them softer and easier to press down.
Ideal for Young Children: A 1/2 size or 3/4 size nylon string guitar is perfect for small hands, reducing the barriers to practice.
Affordable Starter Options: You can find decent beginner nylon string guitars starting from around €89.
However, it's important to note that children will eventually need to upgrade to a full-size instrument as they grow. While nylon strings are comfortable, transitioning to steel strings or electric guitars will require building up calluses on the fingers. You don’t have to learn just Classical Songs on a Nylon Guitar, you can play any type as the strings are tuned the same.
Benefits for Adults
For adults, starting with a full-size nylon string guitar is a great option, especially if you are interested in classical or flamenco music.
Comfortable for Fingerstyle Playing: The wider neck of a nylon string guitar allows for easier finger placement and better control.
Good for Classical Music: The sound quality is suited for classical and flamenco styles.
Full Size Admira Classical (With a Pickup System)
Classical Guitar Full Size Neck Width
Steel String Guitars
Benefits for Children
Steel string guitars are known for their bright, clear tone, which is ideal for various music styles, including folk, country, and pop.
Brighter Sound: The steel strings produce a louder, crisper sound compared to nylon strings.
Suitable for Various Music Styles: Versatile for different genres, making it a good choice if the child has diverse musical interests.
Benefits for Adults
For adult beginners, a full-size steel string guitar is a versatile option that can be used for many types of music.
Richer Tone: Offers a fuller, more resonant sound that many guitarists prefer.
More Versatile: Suitable for playing a wide range of musical styles, from rock to country.
Faith Nexus
Squier Electric Packs
Shergold Telestar Electric
Electric Guitars
Benefits for Children
Electric guitars can be an exciting choice for kids, especially if they are interested in rock or pop music. Again you can play any songs you like as the strings are all tuned the same for Nylon, Steel & Electric
Easier to Press Strings: The strings on an electric guitar are typically closer to the fretboard, making it easier to press down and play.
Engaging with Various Effects: Electric guitars come with a range of effects and accessories, such as distortion and delay pedals, which make learning fun.
Finding a reasonably priced small electric guitar for children can be challenging. The Ibanez Mikro Series, for example, is a good option but costs over €200. In contrast, starter nylon guitars like the Jose Ferrier begin at around €89.
Benefits for Adults
Starting with an electric guitar can be very rewarding for adults interested in modern music styles.
Versatile Sound Options: Electric guitars can produce a wide range of tones, from clean to heavily distorted sounds.
Great for Rock and Pop Music: Perfect for genres that use amplified and effects-laden guitar sounds.
Squier offers affordable starter packs that include everything you need: a guitar, amplifier, strap, and cables, starting from just over €300.
Conclusion
For a Student taking a lessons, you can really play any songs or types of Music you like on any of these instruments.
For children under 12, a 1/2 size or 3/4 size nylon string guitar is recommended for its comfort and ease of play. For adults, choosing a full-size guitar in nylon, steel, or electric depends on your musical interests. Embrace the initial discomfort of building calluses on your fingers, and reward yourself with a better guitar as you progress.
Ready to start your guitar journey? Take Weekly Guitar Lessons with a Professional Teacher at Blanch Music