Complete Guitar Starter Kit
All the equipment you need to get started with guitar lessons
You can get started with guitar for less than $100. The first choice you need to make is whether you’d like to buy an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar. For your first guitar, it’s actually not that important. Both types have the same notes and do the same thing.
Electric guitars need to be plugged into an amplifier, which you can use to control the volume. Acoustic guitars don’t need an amp, and they sound more “real” (which you may or may not be going for). Since you’re looking for a cheap instrument to start with, keep in mind that cheap electric guitars and amps are probably more likely to break than a cheap acoustic guitar.
Another thing you’ll need to keep in mind is the size of the guitar. In general, most 7 to 11-year-olds will do best with a 3/4 size guitar. Kids 12 and up should go with a full-size guitar. Use common sense, of course — if you have a particularly tall 10-year-old, you might want to get them a full-size, etc.
In this article you’ll find recommendations for guitars and other equipment at several different price points. Guitars are very easy to get started with because many starter guitars come with everything you’ll need: case, strap, strings, tuner, capo (if you don’t know what that is, that’s okay!), and picks.
You’ll also find a recommendation for a guitar stand, which is helpful for putting the guitar away quickly without having to put it in the case. This helps eliminate a possible practicing barrier if you want to be able to just pick it up and practice for 5 minutes at a time.
Acoustic Guitar Set
Classical Acoustic 3/4 Size
$89.99
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get started with guitar, then buy this one! It’s an amazing price and comes with all of the accessories you need to get started.
Donner Acoustic 3/4 Size
$129.99
My #1 Recommendation
If I was buying my very first guitar, I would probably buy this one. It’s a good brand, and surprisingly good quality for the price!
Donner Acoustic Full Size
$129.99
My #1 Recommendation
Full-size version of the guitar listed above.
Electric Guitar Set
RockJam Electric Full Size
$105
It’s pretty amazing that you can get a guitar, amp, and all the accessories for just over $100. This guitar is a steal! If you’re trying to get started with as little up front investment as possible, you can’t beat this price.
Donner Electric Full Size
$129.99
This is a solid guitar. You won’t want to depend on it forever, but if lessons are going well and you’re willing to upgrade down the road, it’s a great place to start.
Fender Squier
Full Size
$199.99
If you can spend a little more to start out, it’s probably worth it — this is a great guitar and a well-known brand. Comes in several cool colors, too!
Fender Squier
3/4 Size
$179.99
For whatever reason, it’s very difficult to find an inexpensive 3/4 size electric guitar! This is the best deal we could find but it’s a great guitar and would last your child a good amount of time. If you want to spend less, though, go with an acoustic.
Note that this kit doesn’t come with a case. You can find the case that fits this guitar here.
Guitar Stand
Acoustic/Electric
Guitar Stand
$13.95
I would highly recommend getting a guitar stand if you can afford the extra $14. It’s important for the guitar to be accessible to make it easier to pick up and practice! The alternative is storing it in a case, which makes it take extra time to take out and put away.
That’s everything you need to get started with guitar. The only thing remaining is finding a teacher, if you haven’t already. Get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE trial lesson!