Common Acoustic Guitar Mistakes to Avoid

Players at every level make avoidable errors on an acoustic guitar — in how they buy, maintain and practise on the instrument. Here are the most common mistakes and how to correct each one.

Buying an Unplayable Instrument

The most consequential mistake at the beginner stage is buying a very cheap acoustic guitar with poor factory setup. An instrument with high action, sharp fret ends and unreliable tuners makes learning measurably harder and discourages practice. The problem is not that a beginner needs an expensive guitar — a Yamaha FG800 or equivalent at entry level is more than adequate — but that the instrument must be playable. Every new instrument should have a basic setup at the point of purchase: action adjusted to a comfortable height, truss rod checked for correct relief, nut slots filed correctly and tuners tested. This costs £30–50 from a luthier and transforms even an entry-level instrument.

Not Changing Strings Regularly

Old strings lose brightness, become harder to tune accurately and feel dead under the fingers. Many beginners play the same strings for months or years. New strings make an immediately noticeable improvement to tone, response and tuning stability. For regular players, changing strings every four to six weeks is a reasonable guideline. Light gauge strings (12-53 for an acoustic guitar) are the standard starting point and are easier on the fingertips than medium gauge. String changing is a skill worth learning early — it takes under fifteen minutes once familiar and should be part of every player's basic maintenance routine.

Practising at Too High a Position

Beginners often practice while seated with the guitar resting on the right leg, which tilts the neck downward and makes chord fretting more awkward than necessary. A classical position — instrument resting on the left leg, slightly elevated — or using a footstool to raise the right leg keeps the neck at a more natural angle. The most important principle is consistency: wherever the acoustic guitar is positioned during practice, it should feel comfortable enough to allow relaxed hand and arm movement. Tension in the shoulder, elbow or wrist during practice is a sign that something in the setup or position needs adjustment. For buying guidance, see our buyer's guide.

Frequently Asked Questions