Which Instrument Should I Learn? Guitar, Bass or Ukulele
Six routes in, one tutor. Here’s how electric, acoustic and classical guitar, bass, ukulele and music theory actually differ — so you can pick the right one before you spend a penny. All ages, total beginner to advanced, from my London SE16 studio, at yours within TfL Zone 3, or online worldwide.
Choosing your first instrument is the one decision that shapes everything after it. I teach guitar — most styles of acoustic, electric and classical — along with bass guitar and ukulele, and/or music theory and ear training, to all ages from total beginner to advanced. Pick the one that suits your hands, your ears and the music you already love, and the practice looks after itself.
You’ll need your own instrument so you can practise at home, but if you do not have one, I can suggest at 1st lesson. Individual lessons run in person from my London studio in SE16 6HR (Canada Water), at your place anywhere within TfL Zone 3, or online internationally. Still weighing it up? Compare the six below — each card links to a full page on that instrument, with videos to help you decide.
How do guitar, bass
and ukulele differ?
Electric guitar
Contemporary music as we know it was shaped by the electric guitar — from pop to rock/metal, reggae to jazz, etc. More about electric lessons →
Acoustic guitar
The folk or western steel-string: a ringing tone made for singing along or accompanying a singer. Never short of picnic mates. More about acoustic lessons →
Classical & flamenco
The nylon-string guitar — rounder-toned, for classical, Latin and Spanish styles, split into concert and flamenco. More about classical lessons →
Bass guitar
The low end of any band in any style, tuned like the guitar’s lower four strings. Played by fingers or pick for two different tones. More about bass lessons →
Ukulele
Smaller than a guitar and easy on the hands – a favourite with kids. Four sizes (soprano to baritone) shape its tone. More about ukulele lessons →
Theory & ear training
For any instrument: hear how music works, write your own songs and get far more from your one-to-one lessons. Available also to students of other instruments.More about theory lessons →
Which instrument & size to buy?
Before you spend anything, a few ground rules. The thinner the guitar the easier it is to play; the fatter, the louder it sounds — so if you’re a beginner, don’t buy a dreadnought acoustic or anything bigger. An electric is the easiest of all to play, though you’ll want a small amp (around £35) to go with it. For acoustics and ukes, coloured varnish ruins the sound, so buy one where you can see the wood. As nylon-strung classical guitars have too wide a neck for most beginners, only go that way if you’re a teen or adult specifically set on classical, Latin or flamenco, where a decent entry-level instrument runs to about £200.
Roughly what to spend
- For kids (smaller size): electric ~£100 · acoustic ~£60 · ukulele ~£30
- For adults (full size): electric ~£170 · acoustic ~£90 · ukulele ~£60
These are recommended spends for a decently good instrument — you’ll find cheaper, but this is the sweet spot. Prices swing with demand, which is why a full-size guitar can cost less than a three-quarter one. Match your height to the right guitar size before you buy, and if you’re weighing up which instrument to learn on, each lesson page above has videos to help you decide.
How much do lessons cost?
| Lesson | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 min · one-to-one | Studio · online | £30 |
| 50 min · one-to-one | Studio · online or 4 lessons for £150 | £40 |
| 50 min · one-to-one | At yours · TfL Zone 3 plus a small travel surcharge | £40 |
| 50 min · group course | Per person 12 sessions upfront | £14 |
Individual, group, in-person or online — same tutor, same standard. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks →
Ready to make some noise?
Tell me the instrument, your age and level, and how you’d like to learn. I’ll get your first lesson booked.