The Ultimate Guitar Finder Quiz for Beginners and Why Some Brands Might Not Be Ideal
- Bethan Jones
- May 8
- 4 min read
Starting to learn guitar is exciting, but choosing the right first guitar can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, beginners and parents often struggle to find an instrument that fits their needs, budget, and style. I often get asked about what to buy. To make this important decision easier, I have created a Guitar Finder Quiz designed specifically for beginners and their parents. This quiz helps narrow down the best guitars based on your preferences and goals.
Before diving into the quiz, I want to share some honest advice about certain guitar brands. While many brands offer great beginner guitars, some do not meet the quality and playability standards that new players deserve. For example, I have found that guitars from 3rd Ave often fall short in these areas. I say this with respect, but after seeing so many beginners struggle with these instruments due to their poor quality and lack of ability to stay in tune, I feel it’s important to point this out. There are better options that will make learning more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Why Choosing the Right Guitar Matters
Many beginners pick their first guitar based on looks or price alone. While these factors are important, they don’t tell the whole story. A guitar that looks great but is hard to play can discourage a new player quickly. On the other hand, a well-made guitar that feels comfortable and sounds good encourages practice and progress.
Here are some key reasons why the right guitar matters:
Playability: The guitar should be easy to hold and play. Neck shape, string action (distance between the strings on the frets), and weight all affect comfort.
Sound quality: A guitar that sounds awesome motivates players to keep practicing.
Durability: younger beginners need a guitar that can handle some bumps and knocks without going out of tune or breaking.
Value for money: It’s better to invest in a guitar that lasts and supports learning than to buy a cheap model that needs constant repairs. There are guitars out there that are both affordable and easily maintained!
How the Guitar Finder Quiz Works
This quiz I created asks simple questions about your preferences, budget, and playing goals. It then recommends guitars that match your answers. This personalised approach saves time and helps avoid common mistakes.
Some questions you’ll find in the quiz include:
What style of music do you want to play?
Do you prefer acoustic or electric guitar?
What is your budget range?
How important is portability?
Are you looking for a guitar for a child or an adult?
Based on your responses, the quiz suggests guitars that fit your needs.
Why Some Beginner Guitars Are Not Ideal
Not all beginner guitars are created equal. Some brands produce guitars that look appealing but have issues like:
Poor tuning stability
High string action making it hard to press strings
Uncomfortable neck shapes
Low-quality materials that affect sound and durability
In my experience, guitars from 3rd Ave, and gear4music often show these problems. While they might be affordable, their playability and build quality can cause frustration for new players. I’ve seen many beginners lose motivation because their guitar was difficult to play or didn’t sound right.
This is not to say every guitar from 3rd Ave or gear4music are bad, and I have included one guitar from gear4music in my quiz, but as a general rule, I recommend exploring other brands that have a proven track record for beginner-friendly instruments.
What to Look for in a Beginner Guitar
When choosing your first guitar, keep these factors in mind:
Neck and fretboard: Look for a smooth neck with a comfortable shape. The fretboard should allow easy finger movement.
String action: Lower action is better for beginners because it requires less finger strength. This can be adjusted, but should feel comfortable out of the box.
Body size: Smaller bodies suit children or players with smaller hands. Full-size guitars work well for most adults.
Brand reputation: Brands like Squier, and Epiphone are made in the same factories as Fender and Gibson respectively, and are often offer reliable guitars. I personally still use and play guitars from both of these brands, so they do last!
Included accessories: Some beginner packs include a tuner, case, and picks, which are not to be overlooked!
Examples of Good Beginner Guitars
Here are some beginner guitars that I often recommend and that gear experts give positive feedback:
Squier Mini - great for small children, they have great tuning stability for the size, they look and sound great too!
Squier Sonic - This entire range of guitars are brilliant. I own two from this range, and I recommend them often.
Harley Benton TE and ST - these are incredible value for money, I actually don't understand how they make any money of these at all.
Fender Redondo - a bit pricier, but they feel so incredibly comfortable to play and you'll just want to keep practicing!
How Parents Can Help Beginners Choose the Right Guitar
Parents often want to support their children’s musical journey but may not know much about guitars. Here are some tips:
Use the Guitar Finder Quiz to get personalised recommendations.
Visit a music store to try different guitars.
Ask for advice from experienced players or teachers.
Have a look to see what your favourite musicians are playing!
Avoid buying the cheapest guitar just because it’s affordable, you'll be surprised how little you can pay for double the quality.
Consider the learner’s size and comfort first.
Supporting youself/your child with the right guitar can make a big difference in your/their motivation and progress.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your First Guitar
Picking your first guitar is a big step, and it should be a positive experience. Using the Guitar Finder Quiz takes the guesswork out of the process and points you toward guitars that will support your learning journey.
Remember, not all beginner guitars are equal. Some brands, like 3rd Ave, often fall short in quality and playability, which can make learning harder. Choosing a guitar with good build quality, comfortable playability, and reliable tuning will keep you motivated and help you improve faster.
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