The two basic types of Acoustic Guitar

Steel string guitars have 6 strings which are normally wound steel for 4 strings and plain steel for the two top strings. These guitars are used in most styles other than traditional classical and flamenco music. They are more closely related to the electric guitar because steel strings are normally used on electric guitars

Nylon string guitars have nylon strings with some wound with steel windings. These guitars are used in traditional classical and traditional flamenco music.

Electric guitars

Electric guitars have very little acoustic sound of their own and are designed to be used with a guitar amplifier to be able to properly hear them.

What Type of acoustic guitar is suitable for a beginner ?

It is important that the guitar has accurate tuning and is reasonable to play and of the correct size (there are smaller guitars available in half and three quarter sizes). There are some good budget guitars that meet those requirements but final quality control can cause variable quality.

More expensive instruments should have a better tone and quality should be much more consistent. One thing that is often overlooked is that a guitar made from solid woods will need more looking after than a guitar made from laminated wood. It is important to maintain the correct temperature and humidity ( the purchase of a guitar humidifier is recommended ) which should help to maintain the instrument also protecting it’s value.

What Type of electric guitar is suitable for a beginner ?

It is important that the guitar has accurate tuning and is reasonable to play. There are many different types of electric guitars and often you can get the same type at vastly different budgets. For example one of the most enduring designs made by Leo Fender in 1954, the Stratocaster continues to be made by Fender today available from their lowest budget model the Sqirer ( the 62 model is very good value) to American custom shop models.

Other company’s like Yamaha ( Pacifica model ) make guitars that are loosely based on the same design.