To Begn with there are 4 main types of Guitar

1. The Acoustic Nylon string (also called the Classical guitar)

2. The Acoustic Steel string (also called the Plectrum guitar)

3. The Semi Acoustic guitar

4. The Electric guitar

4Front School of Guitar recommends that students beginning to learn the guitar use an acoustic nylon string guitar. This guitar comes in a variety of sizes and the nylon strings are easier on the beginner’s fingers. These guitars are also reasonably priced and often come in packages which include a case and strap. The basic principles of what to look for when buying an acoustic nylon string also applies to the other guitars as well. However there are extra features to the other guitars that also need to be taken into account when purchasing them.

It is important to get the correct size when buying a beginners guitar. Acoustic nylon string guitars come in a variety of sizes. The chart below gives you an idea of what is available. We recommend that 7-9 year old try a ¾ size guitar (CC34) and that 9 + year olds use a full size (CC44). It does depend on size though as a tall 8 or nine year old may be able to handle a full size guitar and a small 10 year old may need a ¾ size one to get started on. ½ size guitars and below don’t tend to produce a clear sound so we don't recommend them.

Having a straight neck on the guitar is vitally important. In order to check if your guitar's neck is straight or not, simply put the guitar in front of you with the body on the ground, and look down along the neck. You should see something like the picture on the left.  Check the neck by looking down along it to ensure it is not warped or twisted to te right or left.

The 'action' of a guitar is the distance between the strings and the frets. A low action (strings close to the frets) allows for faster and easier playing. A high action requires more force in your left hand and, typically, more 'pain'. A higher action will also slow down the accuracy of your left hand. Nylon string acoustic guitars typically allow fairly low action. Unfortunately, most guitars have their action set way too high. Make sure you ask the shop assistant about the action of the guitar you are looking to purchase. The action is set up using two important features on the guitar, the Nut and the Saddle. The nut is the white bone (or plastic on beginning guitars) at the top of the fretboard as seen above. The Saddle action has to do with the height of the saddle, the narrow strip (made of bone, plastic etc.) in the slot on the bridge of the guitar (the bridge is the wooden plate glued on the top).

Nylon strings have a low tension and are much thicker than steel strings, so they will 'cut' your fingertips less. Make sure you never put steel strings on a nylon string guitar! They will ruin the instrument by breaking the neck with their high tension.