What to Buy as a Beginner Guitar Player at Don’s Discount Guitars and More (2026 Starter Guide)

Beginner Shopping List (the essentials)

1) The Guitar: Electric vs Acoustic (pick based on the music you want)

Electric is usually easier on brand-new fingers and gives you more tone options.
Acoustic is simple and portable (no amp needed), but strings can feel tougher at first.

If you’re unsure, choose electric—it’s a smoother learning curve for most beginners.

Beginner electric guitars we carry:

• Glarry electric guitars are a strong value option for first-time players and budget shoppers.

2) If you choose electric: get a practice amp (or a kit that includes one)

A beginner amp doesn’t need to be loud—it needs to sound good at low volume and be easy to use.

Look for:

• Headphone jack (quiet practice)
• Simple controls (volume + tone/EQ)
• A clean sound + a distortion/drive option (nice to have)

Smart move: beginner starter kits can be the best value because they often include the amp + cable + accessories in one purchase.

3) Tuner (non-negotiable)

If your guitar is out of tune, everything sounds wrong—even if you’re playing correctly.

Buy:

• A clip-on tuner (easy and reliable), or
• A tuner pedal (later, if you start gigging)

4) Picks (get a variety pack)

Different picks feel different. A variety pack helps you find what you like without guessing.

Beginner starting point: medium/light picks (roughly in the 0.60–0.88mm range).

5) Extra strings (plus a string winder)

Strings break, and old strings won’t stay in tune as well.

Typical beginner gauges:

• Electric: lighter sets are easier to press
• Acoustic: consider lighter sets if your hands are struggling early on

6) Strap + gig bag/case

• A strap helps posture and keeps the guitar stable while you learn chords
• A gig bag/case protects your investment and makes lessons/jam sessions easier

Optional (but highly recommended) upgrades

A guitar stand

You’ll practice more if your guitar is always within reach.

A capo (especially for acoustic)

Makes hundreds of beginner songs easier to play in the original key.

A metronome (or metronome app)

Good timing is the “superpower” beginners don’t realize they’re building.

The #1 secret weapon for beginners: a good setup

A basic setup can make a budget guitar feel dramatically better by improving:

• action (string height)
• intonation (staying in tune up the neck)
• overall comfort and playability

If you’re ever thinking “my fingers hurt too much” or “this feels impossible,” it’s often not you—it’s the setup.

Easy beginner bundles (choose your path)

Starter Electric Bundle (most common)

• Electric guitar (ex: Glarry)
• Practice amp (or a kit that includes one)
• Cable
• Clip-on tuner
• Picks + extra strings
• Strap + gig bag

Acoustic Starter Bundle (simple & portable)

• Acoustic guitar
• Clip-on tuner
• Picks + extra strings
• Capo
• Gig bag

“I want to learn fast” bundle

• Guitar + tuner + picks/strings
• Stand
• Metronome
• (Optional) a beginner-friendly effects pedal later—Donner makes popular pedal options when you’re ready to explore sounds

Buying for a student or a classroom?

If you’re a music teacher, Don’s offers bulk discounts on beginner instruments—a great option if you’re outfitting multiple students.

Final checklist before you buy

Ask yourself:

1. What kind of music do I want to play?
2. Do I need quiet practice (headphones)?
3. What’s my total budget for guitar + essentials?

Have fun and start your musical journey right at Don's!