Top 5 factors to consider when learning how to play the guitar

Learning guitar is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up, but getting started can feel overwhelming. The guitar you choose, how you learn, and the habits you build in the first few months will determine whether you stick with it or give up. Here are the five most important factors to consider before you begin.

1. Acoustic or Electric: Which Guitar to Start With

This is the first decision every beginner faces, and the answer is simpler than most people think: start with whichever type plays the music you want to play. If you love Ed Sheeran, folk or singer-songwriter music, start acoustic. If you love rock, blues or metal, start electric.

The common advice that everyone should start acoustic is outdated. Electric guitars are actually easier to play physically – the strings are thinner, the neck is narrower, and less finger pressure is needed. Acoustic guitars build finger strength faster but can be discouraging for beginners because they hurt more initially.

Budget matters too. A decent beginner acoustic costs £100-150 (Yamaha F310, Fender FA-115). A beginner electric with an amplifier runs £150-250 (Squier Stratocaster pack, Epiphone Les Paul starter kit). Both are available at most music shops and online retailers.

2. Self-Teaching vs Lessons vs Online Courses

You have three main learning paths, each with trade-offs. Private lessons (typically £25-40 per hour in the UK) offer personalised feedback and structured progression but are the most expensive option. Online platforms like Justin Guitar (free), Fender Play (subscription) and Yousician provide structured courses you can follow at your own pace.

Self-teaching from YouTube videos is free but unstructured. Most self-taught guitarists develop bad habits – poor hand position, tension, inconsistent timing – that become harder to fix later. If budget allows, even a few initial lessons to establish good fundamentals is worth the investment.

The best approach for most beginners is a combination: use an online course for daily practice and book occasional lessons to check your technique and get feedback on your progress.

3. Building a Practice Routine That Actually Works

Consistency matters far more than duration. Fifteen minutes of focused daily practice produces better results than a two-hour session once a week. Your fingers need regular repetition to build the muscle memory and calluses that make playing comfortable.

A good beginner practice routine looks something like this: five minutes of chord changes, five minutes of a song you are learning, and five minutes of a new technique or exercise. Keep a practice journal to track what you worked on and what needs improvement. This structure prevents the aimless noodling that feels productive but teaches you very little.

4. Setting Realistic Expectations for Progress

Most beginners can play simple songs within four to eight weeks of regular practice. Basic open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am) take about two to three weeks to become comfortable. Barre chords – the first major hurdle for most guitarists – typically take two to three months to master.

The first two weeks are the hardest. Your fingertips will hurt, chord changes will be slow and frustrating, and nothing will sound like it does when your favourite artist plays it. This is completely normal. Every guitarist you admire went through exactly the same phase. Push through the first month and it gets dramatically easier and more enjoyable.

5. Essential Accessories You Actually Need

Beyond the guitar itself, you need surprisingly little. A tuner (free app like GuitarTuna works perfectly), a few picks in different thicknesses (a mixed pack costs about £3), a capo (£5-10) and a guitar stand (£10-15) are the essentials. A metronome app is invaluable for building timing skills.

Skip the expensive accessories marketed at beginners. You do not need a £50 guitar strap, premium strings or a pedalboard when you are learning your first chords. Invest in a comfortable chair and good lighting for your practice space instead – they make a bigger difference to your practice sessions than any accessory. For more hobby ideas, see our guide to setting up a home gym.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn guitar?

Most beginners can play simple songs within four to eight weeks of regular daily practice. Reaching an intermediate level where you can play confidently at social gatherings typically takes six to twelve months.

Is guitar hard to learn as an adult?

Adults often learn faster than children because they can focus for longer, understand music theory more easily, and practise more deliberately. The main challenge is finding consistent practice time around work and other commitments.

What is the best free resource for learning guitar?

Justin Guitar is widely regarded as the best free online guitar course. It offers a complete structured curriculum from beginner to advanced with video lessons, practice guides and song tutorials.