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Did you know you can start learning to play guitar without breaking the bank? In fact, you can get fully set up to play acoustic guitar for under $300!

Learning to play an acoustic guitar changed my life. Reflecting on the tours, the album releases, and the lifestyle, I realise that it all started with picking up an acoustic guitar. But success isn’t everything.

Sure, having dreams is great, but the guitar is more than just a tool for ambition. It’s meditation, expression, and your friend on a bad day. Not to mention, playing guitar can improve memory and cognitive skills.

The joys of playing an acoustic guitar should be accessible to everyone, but the most common concern is cost. Let me tell you this: if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to spend a fortune.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to get fully set up with a high-quality acoustic guitar and essential accessories, all for under $300. Let’s dive in!

Choosing Your First Acoustic Guitar

Listening to guitar bands inspired me to learn guitar during my school years. I’d sneak into the music room to use the one electric guitar there, even though it had only four rusty strings. Eventually, I got my first acoustic guitar, and that’s when my journey truly began.

Owning an acoustic guitar is the first step in your musical journey. Here’s something most guitar blogs won’t tell you: you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Sure, if you have the disposable income, go for it. But studies show that about 50% of students quit music lessons by the time they’re 17. So why spend a lot on something you might not stick with?

I remember feeling confused when choosing my first acoustic guitar. There were so many options. I ended up with an earlier version of the Yamaha FG800, which turned out to be one of the best beginner guitars. It’s affordable, sounds great, and is easy to play. What more could you want?

Believe it or not, although it’s a beginner guitar, I still use mine 20 years later. Today, it waits in an alternative tuning, ready for when inspiration strikes. That’s proof of its durability! Sure, it’s got a few dents and some stickers, but I love it, scratches and all. I’ve written hundreds of songs on that Yamaha, so it holds a lot of nostalgia.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar: Yamaha FG800

Here’s what I love about the Yamaha FG800:

• Budget-Friendly Price: All important for beginner guitarists.
• Sturdy Build Quality: I still use mine decades later.
• Easy Action: Kind on the fingers right out of the box.
• Classic Dreadnought Shape: Now considered a standard shape for acoustic guitars.
• Rich Tone: Suitable for all genres from country to pop.

The Yamaha FG800 is a full-size guitar. If you’re young or have smaller hands, you might want to consider a 3/4 size guitar, but starting with a full-size dreadnought shape helped me get used to the feel of different guitar shapes later on.

While I eventually bought a more professional guitar for recording, the Yamaha FG800 was the perfect beginner guitar for me, and it could be for you too!

USA Amazon Link to Yamaha FG800

UK Amazon Link to Yamaha FG800

Essential Acoustic Guitar Accessories for Beginners

Once you’ve got your guitar, there are a few accessories you’ll need to get started.

Do Beginner Guitarists Need a Capo?

A capo is a small device that clamps onto your guitar’s neck, allowing you to change the key of songs without re-tuning. This is especially useful for beginners who want to play along with songs in different keys.

Best Capo for Beginner Guitarists: Kyser Quick-Change Capo

The Kyser Quick-Change Capo is reliable and easy to use, making it a breeze to play in different keys.

Amazon Link to Kyser Quick-Change Capo

Do Beginner Guitarists Need to Use Picks?

Guitar picks, or plectrums, are a must-have for most players. This small but mighty tool is vital for producing a louder, brighter sound. When I first started, I experimented with different picks and found that lighter picks were easier for strumming. As I improved, I transitioned to heavier picks for more precision.

Classical players don’t use a pick. Likewise, for softer songs you might opt for finger styles. Nonetheless, I would advise getting used to using a pick for reasons outlined above.

Best Guitar Picks for Beginners: Fender Premium Picks Sampler

I recommend the Fender Sampler Pack because it includes Thin, Medium, and Heavy Gauge picks. This variety allows you to experiment and find what feels best for you as you progress.

Amazon Link to Fender Premium Pick Sampler Pack

Do Beginner Guitarists Need to Buy a Tuner?

Now, tuning your guitar can seem daunting for any beginner. Don’t worry, it’s like riding a bike. You might find guitar shops or other online resources that recommend you splash the cash here. You don’t need to do that. 

Just use an app. Boss has an app which I use all the time. It’s on your phone and ready to go. How much? It’s free!!!!! When you start hitting the stage, you’ll need something like a Boss TU-3, that’s an industry standard, but for now, go the free route.

Learning Resources for Beginner Guitarists

Gone are the days when you needed face-to-face lessons to learn the guitar. There’s now a wealth of information online. Never underestimate the value of personal lessons, but here are some common learning options:

YouTube

You can start with a free YouTube video. Check out this tutorial to learn Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”:

Fender Play

Considered one of the best resources for beginners, Fender Play is an online platform that’ll have you playing full songs in no time. It offers comprehensive lessons, starting with basic chords, and you can follow a well-organised pathway. Fender is a trusted name in music, so you can be confident in their expertise. Best of all, you can start for free, with the option to pay monthly as you advance from beginner to intermediate.

Link to Fender Play

My Acoustic Guitar Learning Journey

I have fond memories of learning to play the acoustic guitar. When I first played one of my favorite songs in its entirety, I was ecstatic—I felt like I’d scored the winning goal in a Premier League match or maybe a touchdown, depending on where you’re reading this! Learning guitar is a journey with many exciting milestones.

When I started, resources were scarce compared to today. I’m showing my age here, but I remember using a guitar magazine and books to learn chords. We had access to the internet, but dial-up speeds were unpredictable. Today, you can find tabs online and use tools like Fender Play, making learning guitar much easier.

The beauty of playing guitar is that I’m still learning. It’s a never-ending journey of discovery, from experimenting with accessories like slides and capos to exploring different tunings. Stay patient, keep practicing, and enjoy the process. Every great guitarist started where you are now.

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend a fortune to start your guitar journey. With the Yamaha FG800, a Kyser Quick-Change Capo, Fender Premium Picks, and Fender Play, you’re well-equipped to start playing for under $300.

While it may feel arduous, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Celebrate your progress! Every strum, every chord, every song you learn is a step closer to becoming the guitarist you dreamt of in the first place.

Shop the Essentials:

• Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar (Under $230)
• Kyser Quick-Change Capo (Under $25)
• Fender Premium Picks Sampler (Under $16)
• Fender Play (Free Trial – Monthly Payment After)

Just so you know, this post has affiliate links. That means, if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may earn a tiny commission. That’s at no extra cost to you by the way.