What Is The Best Guitar for Beginners? Our Top Picks

Starting your musical journey with the right guitar can make all the difference in your learning experience. For beginners, selecting an instrument that suits your needs, budget, and personal preferences is crucial to staying motivated and enjoying the process. 

Here at The Music Depot, we understand the importance of finding the perfect guitar to kickstart your musical adventure, so here we’ll explore some of the best beginner-friendly guitars available, highlighting why each one is an excellent choice for new players. We’ll also share some general tips to help you get started and stay motivated.

Valencia Guitars: Affordable and Reliable for Young Players

When it comes to young players or those with smaller hands, Valencia Guitars offer an affordable and reliable option. These guitars are particularly well-suited for beginners because they come in a range of sizes, from ½ and ¾ to full size, allowing for a more comfortable playing experience as you grow. 

The slim necks on these guitars make them easier to grip and play, which is essential for new players still developing finger strength and dexterity.

Valencia Guitars are known for their durability and consistent quality, ensuring that even at an entry-level price point, you’re getting a reliable instrument. The adaptability of the sizes also means that you can find a guitar that fits perfectly, helping to reduce any frustration that might arise from trying to play an instrument that’s too large or too small.

Tanglewood Steel String Guitars: A Versatile All-Rounder

If you’re looking for a guitar that offers a bit more versatility and a fuller sound, the Tanglewood steel string guitars are a fantastic option. These guitars are known for their rich, full-bodied tone and comfortable playability. Whether you’re strumming chords or picking out melodies, a Tanglewood steel string guitar will provide a satisfying sound that inspires you to keep playing.

One of the standout models in this range is the Tanglewood Crossroads series. This series is perfect for beginners who are looking for a budget-friendly steel string acoustic guitar. The Crossroads guitars are designed with a vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of the iconic Robert Johnson era. The “off into the sunset” look, combined with the solid Tanglewood sound, makes these guitars not only a joy to play but also a stylish accessory for any aspiring musician.

The Crossroads travel guitar, in particular, is a great choice for beginners who want a compact instrument that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. Despite its smaller size, this guitar holds its own against larger models and is perfect for practice, travel, or casual jam sessions. At less than £130, it’s an affordable investment that will serve you well as you progress in your musical journey.

Tips for Beginners: Getting Started and Staying Motivated

Choosing the right guitar is just the first step in your musical journey. Here are some tips to help you get started and stay motivated:

1. Start with the Basics: Before diving into complex techniques, focus on mastering the basics, such as tuning your guitar, learning basic chords, and practising simple strumming patterns. Building a solid foundation will make learning more advanced techniques easier down the line.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Set small, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated. Whether it’s learning a new chord every week or playing your first song, having clear milestones will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you engaged.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key when learning a new instrument. Even if you can only practise for 15-20 minutes a day, regular practice will help you improve steadily over time. Try to make playing the guitar a part of your daily routine.
4. Play Music You Enjoy: Learning songs you love can make practice sessions more enjoyable. Find beginner versions of your favourite songs and use them as a way to apply the techniques you’re learning.
5. Stay Patient and Persistent: Learning an instrument takes time, and progress may be slow at first. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Stay patient, and remember that every practice session is a step forward.
6. Seek Guidance: Whether through online tutorials, classes, or a personal instructor, getting guidance from experienced players can accelerate your learning. They can provide valuable feedback and help you avoid common mistakes. If you want any advice, come and see us at The Music Depot, we’re always happy to help!

Starting your guitar journey is an exciting adventure, and with the right instrument, you’ll be set up for success. Both Valencia Guitars and Tanglewood Steel String models are excellent options for beginners, combining affordability, quality, and playability. By following these tips and choosing a guitar that fits your needs, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled guitarist. Remember, the key to success is to keep playing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun!

You can view our full range of guitars here.

Embarking on the journey to learn piano is an exciting adventure, but choosing the right instrument can be daunting, especially with the wide variety of options available! The piano you select can significantly impact your learning experience, so it’s essential to find a model that suits your needs and budget. 

For beginners, digital pianos are often the most practical choice due to their affordability, portability, and low maintenance. 

Below, we explore three excellent digital pianos from our range at the Music Depot that are perfect for beginners, each offering a balance of quality and value across different price ranges.

Yamaha P145 Digital Piano – Affordable Quality

For those just starting, the Yamaha P145 Digital Piano is an excellent entry-level choice. Part of Yamaha’s renowned P series, the P145 offers a full-sized, 88-key keyboard with weighted touch, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano. 

This model is known for its simple controls and compact size, making it one of the best pianos for beginners who want to focus on the fundamentals without getting overwhelmed by advanced features.

The P145’s portability is another plus—it can be placed on a tabletop, an X-frame keyboard stand, or Yamaha’s L100 fixed wooden stand, which is available for £129. 

Priced at just £369, this piano delivers incredible value for its quality, making it a fantastic option for those who want a solid start without breaking the bank.

Yamaha P225 Digital Piano – Enhanced Features

If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced but still beginner-friendly, the Yamaha P225 Digital Piano is a great step up from the P145. Priced at £549, this model offers everything the P145 does but with additional features that enhance the playing experience.

The P225 includes a newly developed Grand Hammer Compact keyboard action and a larger 2-way speaker system for richer sound. It also comes with 24 built-in instrument tones, including the Yamaha CFX grand piano tone found in higher-end models like the Clavinova. 

For those interested in expanding their setup, we offer a bundle that includes Yamaha’s official L200 fixed stand and L1B pedal system for £749. 

The P225 provides a more dynamic playing experience, making it one of the best pianos for beginners who want a bit more versatility in their instrument.

Yamaha CLP725 Digital Piano – Premium Beginner Option

For those willing to invest in a high-quality instrument, the Yamaha CLP725 Digital Piano is the first model in Yamaha’s esteemed Clavinova range, offering a luxurious playing experience at £1099. This piano is designed with a full-size cabinet, an improved GrandTouch-S keyboard, and a triple pedal board, providing a feel that closely resembles an acoustic grand piano.

The CLP725 also features a 20W stereo speaker system, ensuring that the sound is as rich and immersive as the playing experience. It includes the prestigious Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer grand piano tones as its default sounds, offering a level of quality typically reserved for much more expensive instruments. 

Despite its advanced features, the CLP725 remains approachable for beginners, with simple controls and settings. Additionally, this model comes with a 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your musical journey.

Selecting the best piano for beginners depends largely on your budget and personal preferences. The Yamaha P145, P225, and CLP725 each offer something unique, whether it’s affordability, enhanced features, or a more premium experience, but any of these will serve you well as you are starting out.

All three models are available here at The Music Depot, so please come by if you want to see these fantastic pianos up close before you buy. Whichever model you choose, you can be confident that you’re starting your piano journey with a quality instrument that will support your growth as a musician.

You can browse our full range of pianos here.