Stringed instruments for that music enjoyment in your dream, 4 types of guitar plus 4 others…

I have a special place in my heart for stringed instruments. This is the category that stands out in my favorite music. Spanish classical guitar music is also very appreciated. Naturally, I am a fan of acoustic guitar, but maybe you prefer electric guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, etc.

It is so easy and affordable to come by your favorite stringed instruments and enjoy playing music. There are plenty of package sets that include the instrument, tuner, and other accessories. Additionally, there are many online resources for learning to play and many are free.

Left-handed

For those who are left-handed, it is possible to get a specialized instrument built for left-handed play, or many times, the strings can just be reversed from standard. I have a section at the end of this article (labeled in pink) that is strictly left-hander instruments and you can scroll down to it if that is what you are seeking.

Do you need a left-handed stringed instrument?

With MOST PEOPLE… the dominant hand is used for strumming the guitar. There are NO RULES about the way you play! Some of the most famous and talented rock guitarists are self-taught and creating their techniques… some for reasons like missing finger or finger tips! Figure out what is comfortable for you!

What is a left-handed guitar?

The left handed guitar, if it is based on the body shape, has a cut out for your hand to reach the full range of the frets on the neck. The body has an hour glass kind of shape for you to rest it easily on your leg in either direction while playing in a sitting position.

When the left handed design is important

Some guitars do not have this cut out area for fret access and the standard hour glass shape works for right and left hand playing. Do you need an instrument with this cut out area for the right hand?

The other reason for stringed instruments to be a left handed body type is so the pick guard is in the right location. This is valuable for protection from wear and tear from the pick or bow. You want your violin to have the chin rest pad on the proper side as well.

Left handed stringed instruments

This page provides many choices in stringed instruments designed for the left handed player.

Steel string vs Nylon string

Nylon, fluorocarbon, and other synthetic strings.

Synthetic or nylon strings have a warmer, softer sound. The bass strings may have a threaded or solid core which is wrapped with various metals and nylon. These strings are more gentle on the fingers and a good choice for beginner guitar players. There are types of guitars that can take either nylon or steel strings, but classical guitars cannot take steel. Any guitar that has a structure designed for nylon strings cannot support this, and they will be destroyed if steel strings are put in them.

Steel string

Steel strings have a brighter crisper sound than nylon strings. These type of guitars have a neck that connects to the guitar body at the 14th fret. The strong strings with higher tension require a strong guitar frame to secure and hold them. Besides the external aspects of the design that can easily be seen, there is more bracing internally as well.

Structure required for a guitar to accept steel strings

Steel string guitars have holes through the bridge and top of the guitar. This allows the strings to pass through and be secured against the top with removable bridge pins. This design allows the steel string to be held in place without pulling the bridge away.

The guitar has a truss rod that runs the length of the neck and is required to counteract the stress of the strings. Although these are also on the classical guitar, they must be adjustable on a steel string. There is also stronger bracing than classical guitars.

Classical guitar

Classic guitars have a wider neck spreading and string spread. The classical guitar connects to the guitar body at the 12th fret. Nylon strings are used and may be a better choice for a beginner because they are softer, more flexible and easier to select the strings you want to play. There may be string combinations that are more challenging because of this spread, but overall, this is an advantage for a beginner.

These strings won’t cut into your fingers while playing as much as steel strings, although no matter what type of guitar you are playing, you have to develop calluses on your fingers.

Flamenco guitars

This is a subset in the classical guitar category. The structure of this guitar is different in that the body is more shallow and has a more thin top with less bracing. This makes for a different sound. The strings of this guitar are also closer to the neck to aid in a technique called tapping (Golpe).

Acoustic guitar

The acoustic guitar is so named because the sound waves from the strings of the guitar resonate through it’s body without any amplification.

Resonator or Resophonic guitars

Resonator guitars produce sound by conducting string vibrations through the bridge to one or more resonators (metal cones) instead of through the top like other guitars. There are 2 styles: square and round neck. And for resonator guitars, there are 3 types of resonators: tricone, single cone (biscuit), and single inverted (Dobro or Spider). This unique sound was created for and made popular by blues music, but has spread out to other genres.

The round neck is played like a regular guitar, while the square neck is laid down to play and played with a slide. The strings are raised above the fret board with a special screw adjustment. There are special nut converters that can be added to the round neck ones that can do this as well.

Tricone

There are few makers for these in a wood guitar. The triple cone design gives the added resonance and a more complex sound. The three cone design has a T-shaped frame connecting them.

Biscuit

This resonator has a wooden disc inside that inspires the name. In a wood guitar, the sound is less crisp with a stronger volume. When in a metal guitar, the sound is louder and special metallic ring to it.

Dobro

This resonator has a spoked framework on it that gives it the Spider name. The cone has a raised area in the center that would have a cross section shaped like a W.

Mandolin

This instrument is a member of the lute family that uses doubled metal strings, which are tuned in unison. These come in 3 versions: four courses (8 strings), five courses (10 strings) and six courses (12 strings). They tend to be round on the back and flat on the top. The strings are usually plucked or picked with a pick. Each paired set of strings are tuned to perfect fifths in succession.

Violin/Fiddle

The term violin is used for this instrument in use in classical music and is referred to as fiddle in folk music, bluegrass, country, etc. These are actually the same stringed instrument. Usually this instrument consists of four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is most commonly played by drawing a bow across its strings. It can also be played by plucking the strings though or striking the in a different way with the bow. These are hollow body instruments like guitar, but are much smaller and higher pitched.

Ukulele

This is a 4 nylon string member of the lute family that originated in Hawaii. These come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. With this instrument, the strings can be paired in courses to be 6 or 8 strings. This instrument is strummed like a guitar.

Banjo

A banjo is a four, five, or six string instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a frame or cavity as a resonator (kind of like a tambourine). The standard banjo has 5 metal strings. Neck design is much like a guitar and played like one too. Strings are plucked or picked with a pick.

Affordable starter guitar sets

ACOUSTIC STARTER GUITAR SETS

38” acoustic guitar, steel strings, gloss finish, 19 fret fingerboard. Complete with a case, pick, pitch pipe, shoulder strap, digital E-tuner, extra replacement strings. Overall Dimensions: 38”(L) x 3.25“(W) x 14“(H)
This one is blue, but you can also choose black, natural wood, pink, and black with fanned fret.
Both are 4.2 out of 5 stars with over 31,000 reviews

41-inch full-size acoustic guitar set designed with a 21-fret fingerboard and steel strings, perfect for beginning and advanced musicians.
Comes with a digital tuner, guitar pick, adhesive pickguard, capo, shoulder strap, replacement guitar strings, and cleaning rag; everything you need to strum up the tunes you’ve learned
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 3,300 reviews.

CLASSICAL STARTER GUITAR SETS

The main difference between acoustic and classical guitars is that the classical ones use nylon strings instead of steel ones. The nylon ones are much thicker and have a softer sound. Some do not have fret markers. They have a little different shape with a wider neck and cut in a litte more on the sides in the middle giving you easier access to higher frets. Once you know these differences, you recognize this type of guitar immediately.

Pyle 36” Classical Acoustic Guitar-3/4 Junior Size 6 Linden Wood Guitar w/Gig Bag, Tuner, Nylon Strings, Picks, Strap, for Beginners, Adults, Right, Natural (PGACLS82)

36” BEGINNER GUITAR SET: Pyle brings you a complete all-in-one acoustic guitar set, everything you need to start playing. The guitar comes with a gig bag case, pitch pipe tuner, spare strings, pearloid picks, cleaning cloth, and a gift card. This is a 6 string guitar.
4.3 out of 5 stars with over 3,900 reviews

Beginner Guitar Acoustic Classical Guitar 3/4 Junior Size 36 inch Kids Child Student Guitar 6 Nylon Strings Guitar Starter Kits with Waterproof Bag Guitar Clip Tuner Strap Picks Wipe

Guitar for Beginners: This guitar starter kit includes one waterproof guitar bag, one nylon strap with the leather end, one guitar tuner with the battery, one guitar wipe and two guitar picks. This is a 6 nylon strings guitar.
4.4 out of 5 stars with over 1,400 reviews

Starter Flamenco guitars

Although you cannot see different structure within the body of this guitar, you CAN see that is not as thick a body easily at a glance. This one should also be easy to recognize.

Yamaha CG172SF Nylon String Flamenco Guitar with Flamenco scratch plates

This is a best seller
4.4 out of 5 stars with over 65 reviews

ELECTRIC STARTER GUITAR SETS

LyxPro Electric Guitar with 20w Amp, Package Includes All Accessories, Digital Tuner, Strings, Picks, Tremolo Bar, Shoulder Strap, and Case Bag

This kit includes everything you need to start playing: Full-size 39″ electric guitar, 20W amplifier, Digital clip-on tuner, 6 strings, 2 picks, Tremolo bar, Shoulder strap, Carrying bag.
4.4 out of 5 with over 9,600 reviews

STARTER BASS ELECTRIC GUITAR

Full Size Blue Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack Beginner Starter Package

Constructed with a hardwood body and fingerboard with truss rod neck, Classic electric guitar design with 22 frets allows for mellow playing and comfortable neck pickup placement, Amp includes guitar and microphone outlet, volume control, treble and base control, and drive button.

Set has integrated regulator volume x1, tone x2, 5 scale tone-changer amp, and single coil x3 pickup for a smooth response.
Guitar Dimensions: 39.5″(L) x 10.5″(W) x 2″(H)
4.5 out of 5 stars for over 7,600 reviews

Goplus Electric Bass Guitar Full Size 4 String with Strap Guitar Bag Amp Cord (Brown Bass 4)

Standard classical style guitar, pickups are passive, soft material bag. The truss rod will probably need loosening and the neck may need shimming before playing. Quality is excellent. Package Include: Electric Guitar, Guitar bag, Shoulder Strap, Guitar pick, Amp Cord.
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 1,100 reviews

Acoustic Resonator guitar

Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck Resonator Guitar – Natural

SQUARE NECK, SPIDER RESONATOR, Mahogany body, Mahogany neck 25″ scale length, Rosewood finger board, Ampli-Sonic cone, Spider bridge. It has the square neck that’s preferable for bluegrass. The G9210 features a beautiful mahogany body with traditional-style F holes. The heart of this richly resounding guitar is the Gretsch Ampli-Sonic resonator cone, hand-spun in Eastern Europe from nearly 99-percent pure aluminum for fantastic volume and sonic projection.

4.6 out of 5 stars with over 20 reviews

Pyle Resophonic Resonator Acoustic Electric Guitar-6 String Round Neck Sunburst Mahogany Traditional Resonator w/Built-in Pre Amplifier,Case Bag,Strap,Steel Strings,Tuner,Picks

ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC: The full scale 6-string classic standard guitar kit features a built-in preamplifier w/ volume, treble, mid, bass control. Comes with a gig bag case, 6 spare guitar strings, detachable nylon shoulder strap, digital tuner & 3 ABS picks. Create warm, vibrant acoustics, higher volume and a classic resonator blues guitar sound.

4.5 out of 5 stars for over 95 reviews

classical style & nylon string

THIS INSTRUMENT IS SMALLER SIZE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Hohner HAG250P 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar – For Toddlers

Sturdy Build Quality, Easy Playability with Nylon Strings, 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar, 1 Year Warranty.
4.3 out of 5 stars with over 1,000 reviews

Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar

Solid Cedar Top, 3-ply neck construction to improve durability against neck warp, Low String Action, Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge;19 Frets / 25.6 inches Scale, Natural Matte Finish
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 200 reviews

Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar

Solid Cedar top, All natural wood, hand inlaid rosette, Natural matte/satin finish allows resonance and sustain, Rosewood bridge, Rosewood fingerboard
4.2 out of 5 stars with over 280 reviews

Acoustic guitar

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar, Vintage Sunburst

The fingerboard of the DR-100 is constructed from rosewood, It has a select spruce top, It features a 14-degree headstock that gives you more pressure at the nut, Finishes available in ebony, natural and vintage sunburst, Mahogany body, Select Spruce top, 25.5 Scale.
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 1,800 reviews

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Mahogany body, Select Spruce top, 25.5 scale, Hardware :Nickel
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 1,600 reviews

Yamaha FD01S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar (Amazon-Exclusive)

The perfect first guitar; combining quality woods and outstanding tone at an outstanding value, Solid spruce top with Nato (eastern Mahogany) back & sides, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
4.5 out of 5 stars for over 1,200 reviews

Acoustic guitars that are also electric

Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package – Premium Tonewoods – Black

Perfect for musicians-in-the-making or advanced players, this guitar features an impressive tone, standout projection and incredible sonics.

Fine hardwood construction: Guitar is made from X-braced, A-grade Spruce wood, known for its resiliency and versatility and Basswood for warmth. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, the guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity.

Thinline cutaway design: The body of this full-size (41″) guitar is cut away at the neck for better access and more comfortable playing of the top frets. It’s also thinline (3″ thick) which creates an unparalleled sound & aesthetic, and is lightweight for burdenless travel and playing.

Loaded with upgrades: On-board 4-band pickup/EQ (bass, mid-range, treble, and presence), two sets of upgraded phosphor bronze strings, and an ultra-glossy, tough-as-nails finish with chrome tuning pegs.

Complete kit: Bundle includes the Ashthorpe guitar, a soft nylon “gig bag” guitar case, thin, medium & heavy celluloid picks, on-board 4-band pickup EQ, guitar cable, a shoulder strap, an extra set of strings and an owner’s manual.

4.5 out of 5 stars for over 3,300 reviews

Kadence Acoustica Series Acoustic Electric Guitar – Electric Acoustic Guitar (Ash Wood) – Semi Acoustic Guitar with Pickup & Inbuilt Tuner – Electro Acoustic Guitars for Beginners & Professionals

Designed in premium rosewood, built to have great sound quality, high durability, and increased ease of use, rosewood bridge has high hardness, strong vibration conductivity, stable and rich tone transmission, adjustable neck. This is easy to tune and hold tune after the first tune-up of strings and uses a 9V battery.
4.1 out of 5 stars for over 2,600 reviews

Electric guitar

Ibanez 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Right, Transparent Green Burst (GRX70QATEB)

6 string, fast, slim maple neck, beautiful quilted maple art grain top with a poplar body, high output Infinity R pickups. Neck, middle, and bridge pickups are passive/ceramic.
4.7 out of 5 stars with over 1,300 reviews

Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster Beginner Electric Guitar – Maple Fingerboard, 2-Color Sunburst

Two single-coil pickups offer a great range of tones. With a 3-way pickup selector switch, choosing your favorite tones is a breeze. A comfortable neck, quality hardware, and quality construction make this guitar a great buy.

This is 2-tone sunburst, but also come in these color choices: arctic white, butterscotch blonde, black, competition orange, race green, race red, and slick silver.
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 1,400 reviews

Epiphone Les Paul Special VE Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Ebony

This guitar has a Poplar body with a sleek look thanks to the Vintage Worn finish and no binding on the neck or body. The Les Paul VE has a comfortable and fast Mahogany bolt-on neck with a 1960s Slim Taper D profile. Rosewood fingerboard has traditional Pearloid “Dot” inlays. It’s also loaded with Epiphone’s world famous open-coil humbuckers with a warm 650R in the neck position and a slightly hotter 700T in the bridge or lead position.
4.4 out of 5 stars for 400 reviews

Bass guitar

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Root Beer Metallic (GSRM20RBM)

4 string, fast, slim maple neck, compact, light-weight body, dynamic P pickup, small case SR body, full sound pickups.
4.6 out of 5 stars for over 900 reviews

Ibanez Talman TMB100 MGR 2015 Mint Green Electric Bass Guitar

Wide, Chunky maple neck, Classic Ibanez Body style, Dynamix P & J pickups, Ibanez custom 2-band EQ offers a variety of tonal options
4.4 out of 5 stars with over 400 reviews

Other stringed instruments

Violin/Fiddle

Cecilio CVN-300 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin with D’Addario Prelude Strings, Size 4/4 (Full Size)

Includes: Cecilio chromatic tuner, lesson book, lightweight hard case, 2 x Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, adjustable shoulder rest, and an extra bridge
4.3 out of 5 stars with over 3,000 reviews

Mendini MV500+92D Flamed 1-Piece Back Solid Wood Violin with Case, Tuner, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings – Full Size

Includes: Lightweight hard case, adjustable shoulder rest, 2 bridges, quality rosin cake, and an extra set of violin strings.
4.4 out of 5 stars with over 1,700 reviews

Bunnel Pupil Clearance Student Violin Outfit Full Size

Handcrafted with solid maple and spruce tonewoods, 100% genuine ebony fittings, and oil finish. Outfit includes everything you need: oblong case, genuine Brazilwood bow, rosin, and strings. Case color may vary.
4.6 out of 5 stars with over 400 reviews

Bunnel Premier Clearance Student Violin Outfit 4/4 (Full) Size

Includes violin, Pre-installed steel-core D’Addario Prelude Strings, Additional full set of Portland Violin Strings, Intro to Violin beginners book, Giuliani Rosin, & Clip-on Tuner.
4.6 out of 5 stars with over 400 reviews

Fretless Finger Guide for Full Size Violin

4.4 out of 5 stars with over 3,600 reviews

Ukulele

Banjo

ADM 5-String Banjo Large 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Wood Back and Geared 5th Tuner, Gift Package Banjoe Beginner Kit with Pad Bag, Tuner, Strap, Extra Strings, Picks, Allen Key etc, Large Size

High-quality remo drum head, geared 5th tuner, superior material- Mahogany fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered; Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.

Coming with bag, digital tuner, strap, strings, picks, hanger, clearing cloth. you can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price.
4.4 out of 5 stars with over 980 reviews

Mandolin

Mandolin can also come with a resonator.

Vangoa A Style Mandolin Musical Instrument Sunburst, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin with Tuner, Strings, Bag, Picks

Made of quality tonewood with popular sunburst color, shiny finish. It can produce ethereal and crisp sound, while it is light-weighted.
This A-style mandolin is a good selection either a gift or the first instrument.
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 900 reviews

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Black

A-style black with Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, Adjustable compensated rosewood bridge, 12th-fret neck joint, Chrome tuning machines
4.2 out of 5 stars with over 280 reviews

 

 

All of these models have a fantastic rating and very high sale numbers.

Donner Concert Ukulele Beginner Mahogany 23 Inch Ukelele Starter Bundle Kit with Free Online Lesson Gig Bag Strap Nylon String Tuner Picks Cloth DUC-1 Professional Ukalalee Yukalalee Gift

Banjo

ADM 5-String Banjo Large 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Wood Back and Geared 5th Tuner, Gift Package Banjoe Beginner Kit with Pad Bag, Tuner, Strap, Extra Strings, Picks, Allen Key etc, Large Size

High-quality remo drum head, geared 5th tuner, superior material- Mahogany fingerboard and bridge, sturdy and stable, make the sound more layered; Sapele sides and back have beautiful wood grain, hard and not liable to warp or corrode, making the banjo durable.

Coming with bag, digital tuner, strap, strings, picks, hanger, clearing cloth. you can get these accessories which is suited to beginner one-off at a cost-effective price.
4.4 out of 5 stars with over 980 reviews

Mandolin

Mandolin can also come with a resonator.

Vangoa A Style Mandolin Musical Instrument Sunburst, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin with Tuner, Strings, Bag, Picks

Made of quality tonewood with popular sunburst color, shiny finish. It can produce ethereal and crisp sound, while it is light-weighted.
This A-style mandolin is a good selection either a gift or the first instrument.
4.5 out of 5 stars with over 900 reviews

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Black

A-style black with Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, Adjustable compensated rosewood bridge, 12th-fret neck joint, Chrome tuning machines
4.2 out of 5 stars with over 280 reviews