We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Beginner Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Padded Gig Bag, Guitar Stand, Guitar Strap, and More, Natural

The Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit is a solid choice for beginner guitar players due to its combination of quality, playability, and beginner-friendly extras. It features a full-size dreadnought body known for producing a rich, bold bass tone, which suits genres like country, folk, and bluegrass well. The spruce top and basswood back provide a good balance between sound quality and affordability. The 'C'-shaped neck with a walnut fingerboard makes it comfortable and easier to play, especially for new players who might struggle with wider or more complex neck shapes. The sealed-gear tuning machines help keep the guitar in tune, which is important when just starting out.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,101
Type of Guitar
Playability
Build Quality

Most important from
913 reviews

Type of Guitar
A full-size dreadnought body delivers a rich, bold bass tone perfect for genres like country and folk.
Playability
The 'C'-shaped neck with a walnut fingerboard makes it comfortable and easy to play, especially for beginners.
Build Quality
Sealed-gear tuning machines keep the guitar in tune, which is crucial for new players.
#2
10.0 score

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is designed for beginners of all ages, making it a great choice for those just starting their musical journey. Its full-size dreadnought body shape provides a rich and bold bass tone, suitable for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass. The guitar includes a 2-year warranty and a subscription to Fender Play, which offers a wealth of instructional videos to help beginners learn and improve their skills without additional charges.

Rating
10.0
Size
Playability
Sound Quality

Most important from
913 reviews

Size
The guitar is lightweight and easy to travel with, without compromising on sound quality.
Playability
The setup was almost perfect right out of the box, with smooth, level frets and good intonation.
Sound Quality
The guitar has a rich and bold tone that can surprisingly rival more expensive models.
Build Quality
Despite its low price, the build quality and sound are impressive, making it a great value for beginners.
#3
9.8 score

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists. It is a full-sized electric guitar, making it suitable for players of all ages. The lightweight and thin body ensures comfort during long practice sessions, and the 'C' shaped neck and laurel fingerboard enhance playability, making it easier for beginners to learn and play. The guitar's sound quality is versatile, thanks to its three single-coil pickups and 5-way switching, which can produce a range of classic Stratocaster tones.

Rating
9.8
Playability
Sound Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
1318 reviews

Playability
The neck is comfortable, the frets are highly polished, and the guitar's setup was to spec right out of the box.
Sound Quality
This guitar sounds very good both unplugged and plugged in, with pickups that align perfectly under the strings.
Build Quality
Despite the tremolo arm requiring a lot of pressure to work, the guitar stays in tune, making it a reliable choice for beginners.

Top 10 Best Beginner Guitars 2025 in the United States

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

Type of Guitar: Dreadnought Acoustic
Size: Full
Playability: Smooth and comfortable
Sound Quality: Rich and bold bass tone
Build Quality: All-laminate body, basswood, spruce top
Brand Reputation: Fender, 75 years of craftsmanship

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

Type of Guitar: Electric
Size: Full
Playability: 'C' shaped neck, laurel fingerboard
Sound Quality: Three single-coil pickups, 5-way switch
Build Quality: Poplar body, maple neck
Brand Reputation: Fender, 75-year legacy

Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)

Type of Guitar: Dreadnought acoustic
Size: Larger body
Playability: Smooth rosewood fingerboard
Sound Quality: Louder, rich sound, balanced tone
Build Quality: Solid spruce top, mahogany body
Brand Reputation: Reputable brand, quality craftsmanship

Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Daphne Blue Bundle with Amplifier, Gig Bag, Cable, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video

Type of Guitar: Solid Body Electric Guitar
Playability: Slim 'C' maple neck, vintage tremolo
Sound Quality: Bright tone, nickel strings, S-S-S pickups
Build Quality: Poplar body, laurel fretboard, maple neck
Brand Reputation: Fender Squier, beginner-friendly brand
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Guitars

Choosing the right beginner guitar is crucial for a positive learning experience. The right guitar can make learning easier and more enjoyable, while the wrong one can be frustrating and discouraging. When selecting a beginner guitar, consider factors such as the type of guitar, size, playability, and sound quality. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Type of GuitarThere are three main types of guitars: acoustic, electric, and classical. Acoustic guitars are versatile and great for playing a wide range of music styles. Electric guitars are ideal for rock, blues, and metal, and they require an amplifier. Classical guitars have nylon strings and are perfect for classical and flamenco music. Choose the type of guitar based on the style of music you want to play and your personal preference.
SizeGuitars come in various sizes, including full-size, 3/4 size, and 1/2 size. Full-size guitars are suitable for adults and older teenagers, while 3/4 and 1/2 size guitars are better for younger children or those with smaller hands. It's important to choose a guitar size that is comfortable to hold and play. If the guitar is too large, it can be difficult to reach the frets and strings, making it harder to learn.
PlayabilityPlayability refers to how easy it is to play the guitar. Factors that affect playability include the action (the height of the strings from the fretboard), neck shape, and fret size. Lower action makes it easier to press down the strings, which is important for beginners. A comfortable neck shape and appropriately sized frets can also make a big difference in how easy the guitar is to play. Test different guitars to find one that feels comfortable in your hands.
Sound QualitySound quality is an important aspect of any guitar. While beginners may not need a guitar with professional-level sound, it's still important to choose one that sounds good to your ears. Acoustic guitars should have a rich, resonant tone, while electric guitars should produce clear, crisp sounds. Classical guitars should have a warm, mellow tone. Listen to different guitars and choose one that you find pleasing.
Build QualityThe build quality of a guitar affects its durability and longevity. Look for a guitar made from quality materials with good craftsmanship. Check for any visible defects, such as cracks or uneven finishes. A well-built guitar will not only last longer but also provide a better playing experience. Even as a beginner, investing in a guitar with good build quality can save you from potential issues down the line.
Brand ReputationSome brands are known for producing high-quality beginner guitars. Research different brands and read reviews from other beginners to get an idea of which brands are reliable. A reputable brand is more likely to offer better customer support and warranty options, which can be helpful if you encounter any issues with your guitar.

FAQ