Introduction
What style of guitar should you learn first? It’s a great question and one that many budding guitarists grapple with. You’re probably eager to start strumming or shredding, but the sea of guitar styles out there can be a bit overwhelming. That’s understandable. With options ranging from classical to rock, jazz to country, it can feel like you’re missing out on something no matter what you choose. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Let’s break this down together and find the style that best suits your budding musician’s soul.
Considering Your Musical Interests
The first thing you should think about is your own musical taste. Seriously, if you wouldn’t be caught dead listening to classical music, then why torment yourself with learning classical guitar? Let’s get real. You’re more likely to stick with it if you love the songs you’re learning to play.
Your Spotify Playlist
Imagine skimming through your Spotify playlist. What do you see?
- Is it full of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath tracks?
- Perhaps there’s a good number of John Mayer or Taylor Swift tunes?
- Or maybe you have a soft spot for Hendrix and Eric Clapton?
Based on what’s in your playlist, you can take an educated guess on your inclinations. If you’re all about those rock riffs, then maybe classic rock or metal is your jam. On the other hand, if you groove to bluesy melodies, the blues style might be calling your name.
Different Guitar Styles and Their Characteristics
Now let’s move on to a quick rundown of different guitar styles. This isn’t just to confuse you further but to give you a snapshot of what each style offers, so you can make a clearer decision.
Classical Guitar
Classical guitar is the ultimate in fingerstyle playing. No pick allowed! The nylon strings are easier on your fingers, but the techniques can be challenging and require diligence.
Who it’s for:
- Those drawn to classical music or Spanish flamenco.
- People who want to develop strong fingerstyle techniques that can be transferred to other styles.
Acoustic Guitar (Folk, Country, Singer-Songwriter)
When you think of acoustic guitar, imagine campfires and sing-alongs. Strumming chords, fingerpicking patterns, and open tunings are all part of the game here.
Who it’s for:
- Fans of folk, country, or those who aspire to be singer-songwriters.
- If you love artists like Bob Dylan or Ed Sheeran, this style could be right up your alley.
Electric Guitar (Blues, Rock, Metal)
The electric guitar is a beast of versatility. Playing blues might have you bending notes and mastering slides, while rock will have you diving into power chords and riffs. Metal? Get ready for some hammer-ons, pull-offs, and dive-bombs with your whammy bar.
Who it’s for:
- Lovers of rock, blues, metal, and even punk.
- If you’re looking to play in a band someday, the electric guitar is a staple.
Jazz Guitar
Jazz guitar focuses on complex chords, scales, and improvisation. It’s rich, intricate, and extremely rewarding but definitely a challenge for beginners.
Who it’s for:
- People fascinated by jazz music and its improvisational aspects.
- Those who appreciate complex musical theory and are willing to learn it.
Flamenco Guitar
Similar to classical guitar but more rhythmic and energetic, flamenco guitar involves some pretty unique techniques like rasgueado and complex strumming patterns.
Who it’s for:
- Those attracted to Spanish music and cultural dance forms.
- Anyone interested in complex, rhythmic playing techniques.
Bass Guitar
While it may not be what you first think of, becoming a bass guitarist has its perks. Bass lines are the glue in any band, and mastering the bass can make you a highly sought-after musician.
Who it’s for:
- People who enjoy jazz, funk, and rock or any music that appreciates a solid rhythm section.
- If you’d rather groove than shred, consider the bass.
Skill Requirements and Challenges
You might wonder if some styles of guitar are easier to learn than others. Well, you’re right to think that different styles can bring different challenges. Let’s put this into perspective.
Classical vs. Electric: The Fingerstyle Debate
Classical guitar demands that you tackle fingerstyle techniques right off the bat. Sure, this helps in developing great finger independence and strength, but it can also be frustrating if you’re not into that kind of playing. On the other hand, starting with an electric guitar might seem simpler because you can begin with power chords and riffs that don’t require finger independence immediately.
Acoustic Strumming vs. Jazz Complexity
Strumming chords on an acoustic guitar for folk or country music can be fairly straightforward and quick to learn. Compare this with jazz, where you need to know complex chords and improvisation techniques, and you’ll see a significant difference in the learning curve.
Here’s a quick comparison to illustrate:
| Style | Skill Requirement | Initial Complexity | Long-Term Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | Fingerstyle, sight-reading | High | High |
| Acoustic/Folk | Basic chords, strumming | Low | Medium |
| Electric/Rock | Power chords, riffs | Medium | High |
| Jazz | Complex chords, improvisation | Very High | Very High |
| Flamenco | Rhythmic strumming, fingerstyle | High | Very High |
| Bass | Grooves, rhythm | Low | Medium |
Practical Considerations: What Gear Do You Need?
It’s not just about style—practical considerations like gear also come into play. Different styles often require different equipment, and there are several factors to consider.
Acoustic vs. Electric: The Equipment Debate
Acoustic guitars are relatively straightforward. You buy the guitar, maybe a tuner and some picks, and you’re good to go. Electric guitars, however, usually require an amp, cables, possibly distortion pedals, and other gear.
Acoustic:
- Lower initial cost.
- Easier to grab and play anywhere.
- Less gear to lug around.
Electric:
- Need an amp to produce sound.
- Higher initial cost due to required accessories.
- Requires handling more gear.
Classical Guitars: Nylon Strings and Fingerpicks
If you’re starting with classical guitar, you’ll need a guitar with nylon strings, which is easier on the fingers. However, you will also need to get used to using your fingers instead of picks.
Genre-Specific Guitars and Accessories
If you’re into slide blues guitar, you might invest in slides and a bottleneck. Metal shredding may require a guitar with a locking nut and whammy bar. Jazz could have you seeking out hollow-body guitars for that rich tone.
What Do You Enjoy Playing?
This is often the most overlooked but most important factor in choosing a guitar style. Think of it as a relationship; if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to stick with it.
Hands-On Experimentation
It can be super useful to get hands-on experience before committing. Visit a music store, try out different guitars, or even borrow from friends. Notice which one you enjoy playing the most.
Genre Flexibility
Believe it or not, switching between styles later on is easier than you might think. So even if you start with rock and realize later that jazz is your true calling, the skills are transferable.
The Learning Environment
Are you planning to learn on your own, or via lessons, or maybe through online courses? This can greatly affect your choice of style because some genres are easier to pick up with the right guidance.
Self-Teaching
If you’re a self-learner, you might find it easier to start with styles that have abundant resources available online. Rock and folk songs usually come with plenty of free tabs and tutorials.
Lessons
If you’re planning on taking formal lessons, you might opt for classical or jazz because these styles benefit greatly from structured, guided learning.
Online Courses
Many online platforms like Fender Play, JustinGuitar, and JamPlay offer comprehensive courses across different genres. They often provide a good starting point regardless of the style you want to learn.
Your Personal Goals
What do you envision yourself doing with your guitar skills in the long run? This is an essential question because it can subtly (or not so subtly) guide you toward a particular style.
Performance Goals
Do you see yourself performing on stage one day? Then rock, metal, or even blues might suit you well given their prominent roles in live music scenes.
Technical Mastery
If your goal is to achieve technical brilliance, classical or jazz would be the right path. These styles demand high skill but offer the reward of deep musical understanding.
Creative Expression
Maybe you’re someone who wants to use the guitar as a medium to create your own music. Folk and singer-songwriter styles could give you the freedom and platform to pen your own tunes.
Influential Guitarists
Think about the guitarists you admire. These folks can offer invaluable clues about the style you might find most satisfying.
Rock Gods and Metal Legends
If you’re in awe of Hendrix, Jimmy Page, or Slash, you might be naturally inclined towards rock or metal. Watching them can inspire and inform your learning process.
Blues Legends and Jazz Virtuosos
Admiring B.B. King or Wes Montgomery could draw you to the stylistic nuances of blues and jazz. Their techniques and approaches can serve as a valuable blueprint.
Acoustic Icons and Classical Maestros
If you look up to John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, or Andres Segovia, your path might lie in acoustic folk, singer-songwriter genres, or classical music.
Social Elements and Community
Yes, your social circles and the community you find yourself in can also influence your choice. Humans are social creatures, after all.
Jamming Sessions
If your friends or local musicians frequently get together to jam, you might want to consider a style that will allow you to jam easily with others. Rock, blues, and folk are usually great for this.
Music Circles
Being part of a community can also help sustain your interest. Maybe join a local guitar club or online forums dedicated to your style of interest.
Family Influence
Sometimes family traditions or tastes can also play a role. If your dad was a blues guitarist, you might find access to valuable resources and encouragement in that style.
Flexibility and Transitioning
Don’t stress! Your first choice isn’t a lifelong commitment. You’ll find that many skills and techniques are transferable between styles. Here’s a little secret: what you learn playing rock will make you a better blues player, and your classical training will give you the chops to tackle flamenco.
Versatility Across Styles
Many guitarists find themselves becoming more versatile over time. If you start with rock but later become interested in jazz, the rock grounding will still serve you well.
Skills Transfer
Certain skills have universal applicability. For example, fingerpicking from folk can aid you in classical playing, while strumming techniques from rock can translate to country.
Wrapping It Up: The Balancing Act
So, what style of guitar should you learn first? Think of it like setting out on a new adventure. Take a moment to think about your music preferences, skill levels, goals, and even the practicalities like cost and equipment. No single answer fits everyone, and that’s okay. The idea is to pick a starting point that feels right for you and dive in with enthusiasm.
Making the Final Decision
Ultimately, you want to go for the style that makes you feel excited about picking up the guitar every day. Whether it’s the soulful bends of blues, the intricate patterns of classical, or the electrifying riffs of rock, you’ll find that the guitar is an instrument of endless possibilities. Embrace the journey and enjoy every note you play.
Hello, I’m an author for My Guitar Advisor. I love writing about and playing guitar, mainly fingerstyle but dabble into all genres. I hope you enjoy my writing and reviews.
