Buying Guide
How to Choose Your First Guitar or Bass
Electric, bass or acoustic: here is how to choose your first guitar based on the music you actually want to play.
Quick Answer
The right first instrument depends on the music you want to play, not a single best pick. For electric guitar, the Fender Player II Stratocaster is the strongest lasting choice, with the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster as a more budget-friendly alternative. For bass, the Ibanez GSR200 offers a comfortable, affordable start. For acoustic, the Fender CD-60S plays anywhere without an amp.
Electric, Bass or Acoustic?
The right first instrument depends on the music you want to play more than any spec sheet. Electric guitars suit rock, blues and pop; bass guitars anchor the rhythm section; acoustic guitars work anywhere without an amp.
Electric Guitar
Bass Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Amp Required?
What to Look For
A few things matter more than brand name when buying your first instrument:
Neck Feel
A comfortable neck width and action height make practicing enjoyable instead of painful.
Tuning Stability
Quality tuners hold pitch longer, especially important while you are still learning to tune by ear.
Build Quality
Solid construction resists warping and holds up to regular practice.
Pickup or Body Type
Electric pickups and acoustic body shape both shape your core tone before any amp or pedal.
Weight and Size
A guitar that's comfortable to hold gets played more often than one that feels awkward.
Upgrade Path
Beginner instruments with quality hardware are easier to upgrade later with new pickups or strings.
Types of Guitars
Here is a quick overview of each type:
Electric Guitar
Needs an amp to be heard properly. Versatile for rock, blues, pop and more.
Bass Guitar
Four thicker strings tuned an octave below guitar, anchors the rhythm of a band.
Acoustic Guitar
No amp needed, plays anywhere. A great choice if you mostly want to play alone or sing along.
Our Top Picks
We researched and compared a popular option in each category to get you started.
Fender Player II Stratocaster
Best Electric
Who Should Buy It
- You want a genuine Fender tone as a lasting first electric guitar
- You want an iconic design that is easy to upgrade later
- You already have or are budgeting for an amp
Skip It If
- You're not ready to also budget for an amp
- You want the lowest possible entry price for an electric guitar
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Last verified: September 2026
Ibanez GSR200
Best Bass
Who Should Buy It
- Beginners looking for an affordable active bass
- Players who want a lightweight instrument for long practice sessions
- Anyone seeking a budget backup with a bass boost
- Students who do not require a documented premium hardware set
Skip It If
- You insist on knowing exact scale length and nut width before purchase
- You prefer passive pickups without a battery
- You need premium tuners and bridge hardware documented in the listing
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Last verified: October 2026
Fender CD-60S
Best Acoustic
Who Should Buy It
- Beginners who want a recognizable Fender acoustic with a warranty
- Players who prefer the warm, midrange-rich sound of an all mahogany body
- Strummers looking for a dreadnought with strong bass and volume
- Buyers who do not need electronics and are comfortable with a full-size body
Skip It If
- You require a pickup or preamp for live performance
- You need precise neck dimensions like nut width and scale length to ensure fit
- You want a smaller travel or parlor style guitar
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Last verified: October 2026
Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster
Best Budget Electric
Who Should Buy It
- Beginner and intermediate players seeking a classic Telecaster sound
- Guitarists who want a vintage aesthetic without a high price tag
- Players who appreciate Fender designed alnico single coil pickups
- Musicians who need a reliable lower mid-range electric guitar for practice and recording
Skip It If
- You require detailed body wood and fret specifications before buying
- You prefer humbucking pickups or high gain modern tones without single coil noise
- You want a guitar that arrives with a full setup and case included
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Last verified: October 2026
Common Beginner Mistakes
Skip these common pitfalls when buying your first guitar or bass:
Buying the cheapest possible instrument regardless of playability
Skipping a tuner and trusting your ear too early
Not budgeting for an amp with an electric guitar
Ignoring neck width and scale length for smaller hands
Forgetting a gig bag or case for transport
Buying based on looks alone over tone and feel
Why You Can Trust This Guide
We compared products using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, retailer listings, owner feedback, and editorial research.
We focus on measurable differences such as performance, compatibility, usability, build quality, features, and value.
Mandrillis presents editorial research as editorial research, not as laboratory testing, unless physical testing was actually performed.
Read our full research methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Guide
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.