10 Best Guitars for Beginners in the Philippines 2026 | Rixton, RJ Guitars, Fender, and More
Learning to play the guitar is an exciting journey, but choosing your first one can feel overwhelming with so many types, sizes, and features to consider. Whether you're picking up the instrument for fun, school, or future gigs, starting with the right beginner guitar can make a big difference in your progress and enjoyment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a beginner-friendly guitar that suits your style and skill level. We’ve also rounded up the best guitars for beginners you can easily order online from popular e-commerce sites in the Philippines, such as Lazada and Shopee.
David is a law graduate (LL.B) who has a sharp eye for details and a strong passion for helping others make smarter decisions. Since he joined mybest in 2020, he’s been working on buying guides that make it easier to find the best products—whether they’re everyday essentials or unique finds. Apart from his work at mybest, David has also written for Grotto Network, a digital platform from the University of Notre Dame, and has experience as a special educational needs assistant. These roles have helped him hone his ability to connect with people and make complex topics more relatable and easy to understand. His love for nature and moments of reflection keep him grounded, and this thoughtful perspective shines through in every article he writes for mybest.
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How to Choose a Guitar for Beginners - Buying Guide
Finding the right guitar as a beginner can make learning more enjoyable and less frustrating. Here's what to look for to match your playing style, comfort, and budget.
Choose a Guitar Type Based on Your Playing Style
Your choice of guitar type affects how easy and enjoyable it is to learn. Acoustic, classical, and electric guitars each offer different sounds and playing experiences, so think about the music you want to play and how you plan to improve.
For a Versatile and All-Round Option: Choose an Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars are a go-to for many beginners because they're easy to pick up and play without needing extra equipment. They have a bright, resonant sound perfect for strumming or fingerpicking.
Whether you’re into folk, pop, or even some soft rock, an acoustic guitar can handle it. It's also great for those who want to play and sing along. Since it doesn’t require an amp, it’s ideal for practice at home or casual jam sessions with friends.
For Easier Fretting and Amplified Play: Go for an Electric Guitar
Electric guitars are built for easy play, thanks to their light string tension and slim necks. This makes pressing down on the strings and moving up and down the fretboard easier.
They require an amplifier to produce sound, but this also allows you to explore different tones and effects, which adds excitement to your practice. If you're into experimenting with sounds or want to play lead melodies and riffs, an electric guitar might be your best match.
Pick the Right String Type for Comfort and Sound Quality
Strings play a significant role in how easy a guitar is to play and how it sounds. Choosing the right type can help you enjoy longer practice sessions without discomfort. Here are the main options to look for:
- Steel Strings for Brightness and Volume: Steel strings are the most common choice for acoustic guitars. They deliver a loud, crisp, and clear tone that’s great for strumming and picking, though they may feel stiff for first-time players.
- Bronze Strings for Warm and Rich Tones: Bronze strings are often used for acoustic guitars because they produce a warm, full-bodied sound with plenty of clarity. However, they can wear out faster since bronze reacts to air and moisture.
- Copper-Coated Strings for Durability and Softer Feel: Copper-coated or copper-infused strings are designed to last longer and resist corrosion. They also provide a slightly softer feel on the fingers, making them more comfortable for beginners.
Always check the product details to see what string type the guitar comes with. Many beginner-friendly models come pre-installed with steel or bronze strings, but trying different types can help you find what feels and sounds best.
Select a Guitar With Low Action and a Slim Neck for Easier Playing
“Action” is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Guitars with low action require less effort to press the strings, which is especially helpful for new players who haven’t developed finger strength yet.
A slim neck also makes a difference, allowing your hand to wrap around the neck more easily and improving control over your fretting hand. Together, low action and a slim neck can reduce frustration and help you play longer without discomfort.
Go for a Laminated Spruce or Mahogany Body for Durable Sound Quality
The wood used in a guitar's body impacts both sound and durability. For beginners, laminated spruce or mahogany is a smart pick. These woods offer decent tone quality and are more resistant to humidity and temperature changes, which is important in the Philippine climate.
Laminated guitars are also more affordable and less prone to cracking or warping, making them a practical choice for first-time buyers who want something reliable without a high price tag.
Check the Guitar's Size and Shape for a Comfortable Fit
Comfort is key when choosing your first guitar. Pick one that fits your body size and feels right, whether you're sitting or standing. Here are some sizing tips to help you decide.
For Kids or Smaller-Sized Players: Choose a ¾-Size or Travel-Size Guitar (~36 Inches)
Guitars around 36 inches long, such as ¾-size or travel-size models, are perfect for children aged 8 to 12 or adults with smaller hands and frames. They're easier to hold, especially when seated, and their lighter weight makes them ideal for young beginners or casual practice. Despite their smaller size, many guitars still offer good sound quality and are perfect for learning the basics.
For Teens and Adults: Opt for a Full-Size Guitar (~38–41 Inches)
A full-size guitar, usually 38 to 41 inches long, is the most suitable option if you're a teenager or adult. These offer better projection, fuller tone, and more frets to grow into as your skills improve. Full-size guitars come in different shapes like dreadnought, concert, or jumbo, so you can choose one that feels comfortable and matches your musical preferences.
Consider a Starter Bundle to Get Everything You Need in One Purchase
A guitar bundle can save you time and money if you're just starting out. These sets often include essentials like a tuner, gig bag, extra strings, picks, a strap, and even a small amplifier for electric guitars.
Buying a bundle ensures you have all the basic tools for practice, so you can focus on learning instead of worrying about what else you need to buy. It's also great for gifting, especially for kids or first-time hobbyists.
10 Best Guitars for Beginners to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | String | Low Action | Body Shape | ||||
1 | Yamaha Steel String Acoustic Folk Guitar｜F-310 |  | Acoustic | Steel | Dreadnought | ||
2 | Ibanez GIO Electric Guitar｜GRX40 |  | Electric | Steel | Modern Strat | ||
3 | Yamaha Classical Acoustic Guitar ｜C40 |  | Classical | Nylon | Classical | ||
4 | Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster® Electric Guitar |  | Electric | Steel | Telecaster | ||
5 | Yamaha Student Beginner Acoustic Guitar 41 in｜F370 |  | Acoustic | Steel | Dreadnought | ||
6 | Kawes 38 Inch Acoustic Guitar |  | Acoustic | Steel | Concert | ||
7 | Valencia 4/4 Classical Guitar｜VC204TWR |  | Classical | Nylon | Classical | ||
8 | Rixton Acoustic Guitar For Beginners With Complete Sets｜38-Inch |  | Acoustic | Steel | Concert | ||
9 | PLAYOU Electric Acoustic Guitar 41 Inches |  | Acoustic | Steel | Dreadnought | ||
10 | MINSINE ST-Electric Guitar Stratocaster TG-15 |  | Electric | Steel | Stratocaster | ||
| Type | Acoustic |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Type | Electric |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Modern Strat |
| Type | Classical |
|---|---|
| String | Nylon |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Classical |
Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster® Electric Guitar
| Type | Electric |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Telecaster |
Yamaha Student Beginner Acoustic Guitar 41 in ｜ F370
| Type | Acoustic |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Type | Acoustic |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Type | Classical |
|---|---|
| String | Nylon |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Classical |
RixtonAcoustic Guitar For Beginners With Complete Sets ｜ 38-Inch
| Type | Acoustic |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Type | Acoustic |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Type | Electric |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Low Action | |
| Body Shape | Stratocaster |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
How Long Will a Beginner Guitar Last?
With proper care, a beginner guitar can last for years. Laminated wood models are durable and good enough to last through your early playing years.
Do I Need to Buy an Amplifier?
Only if you're using an electric or acoustic-electric guitar. Acoustic and classical guitars don’t need one. Many electric guitar bundles already include a small amp.
How Often Should I Tune My Guitar?
Tune your guitar every time you play. Guitars, especially new ones, go out of tune easily due to string tension and temperature changes.
Should I Learn Guitar With a Pick or Fingers?
Using a pick is great for strumming and lead playing, especially on acoustic or electric guitars. Fingers are better suited for classical or fingerstyle techniques. Try both to see which feels more natural and fits your playing style.
Amp Up Your Knowledge With More Guitar Reads
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
