Buying Your First Guitar in Warsaw: Which Type and Budget

Adults starting out usually ask the same thing: which guitar to buy so you don't overpay and don't give up after two weeks. The good news: the type of guitar matters less than you think. What matters is that it is comfortable, stays in tune and suits the music you want to play.

Acoustic, classical or electric?

All three in full 4/4 size are meant for adults. Smaller guitars (3/4, 1/2) are for children — an adult will feel cramped on them.

Which one? Let the music decide

• You want to sing along and play songs — acoustic.
• You listen to rock, blues or metal — electric. It is also the easiest on your fingers.
• You like a classical sound or want to play with your fingers — classical.
• You don't know yet — acoustic, the most versatile choice to start with.

What a beginner guitar costs in Poland

Brands such as Yamaha, Cort and Harley Benton make good starter models and are easy to find in Polish music shops. In Warsaw you can also buy second-hand on OLX, the main Polish classifieds site — listings are in Polish, so it helps to bring someone who plays (and, ideally, speaks Polish) to check the guitar before you pay.

Moving to Warsaw for a year or two? Weigh the cost of shipping or flying with your own guitar against buying a decent starter here and selling it on OLX when you leave.

How to check a guitar in a shop

1. String height (action). At the 12th fret, strings should sit no higher than about 3 mm (acoustic) or 4 mm (classical). High action is the main reason beginners' fingers hurt.
2. Buzzing. Play every string on a few frets — nothing should buzz or rattle.
3. Sharp fret ends. Run your hand along the edge of the neck — it must not scratch.
4. Tuning. A tuned guitar should stay in tune for a few minutes of playing.
5. Setup. Ask the shop for a setup (neck and string height adjustment). It is usually a small cost and makes a big difference.

What to avoid

• The cheapest supermarket bundles — a “200 PLN guitar with case and tuner” often won't stay in tune.
• Buying an expensive guitar “for later” before you know what you like to play.
• A 3/4 guitar “because it's easier” — for an adult it is simply too small.
• Buying online without a return option while you can't judge a guitar yet.

At your first lesson we can check your guitar together or decide what to buy within your budget. For lesson prices, see how much guitar lessons cost in Warsaw.