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10 Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,138
Body Shape
Tonewood

Most important from
1238 reviews

Body Shape
This guitar offers a full-size, standard build that’s perfect as a starter instrument for beginners.
Tonewood
The clean, bright tone suits a variety of acoustic styles like folk and country, supporting diverse musical interests.

The Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit is a solid choice for beginner players who want a full-size, easy-to-play acoustic guitar. Its dreadnought body shape gives it a rich, bold sound ideal for styles like country, folk, or bluegrass. The guitar’s top is made from spruce, which helps produce a bright and clear tone, while the basswood body keeps it lightweight and comfortable to hold. The "C"-shaped neck with a walnut fingerboard is designed for smooth playability, making it easier for new players to form chords and move along the fretboard. The scale length of 25.3 inches is standard, providing a familiar feel for most players. Fender includes sealed-gear tuners for stable tuning, though this model does not have built-in electronics, so it’s better suited for purely acoustic playing.

A nice bonus with this kit is the inclusion of a padded gig bag, stand, strap, picks, and extra strings, which means beginners get everything they need to start playing right away. Additionally, the kit comes with a subscription to Fender Play, offering video lessons that can help accelerate learning. Being made in China and using basswood for the body may mean the tone is not as rich or resonant as higher-end guitars with solid wood bodies. However, given its price and beginner-friendly design, this guitar provides great value. It is a dependable entry-level instrument with useful extras that can support a new player’s journey.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,138
Body Shape
Tonewood

Most important from
1238 reviews

Body Shape
This guitar offers a full-size, standard build that’s perfect as a starter instrument for beginners.
Tonewood
The clean, bright tone suits a variety of acoustic styles like folk and country, supporting diverse musical interests.
#2

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

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is designed specifically for beginners, making it an ideal choice for both kids and adults who are starting their musical journey. One of its main strengths is the dreadnought body shape, which delivers a bold and rich bass tone, perfect for genres like country, folk, or bluegrass. The easy-to-play 'C' shaped neck and comfortable walnut fingerboard enhance playability, allowing new players to develop their skills without frustration.

Additionally, this guitar boasts a solid reputation thanks to Fender’s 75 years of craftsmanship, ensuring decent quality and durability. The inclusion of a free subscription to Fender Play is a standout feature, providing access to thousands of instructional videos that can significantly aid beginners in learning at their own pace.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The all-laminate body, while lightweight and easy to handle, may not produce the same depth of sound as solid wood guitars, which might be noticeable to more advanced players down the road. The materials, such as laminated basswood for the back and sides, are practical for beginners but might limit the guitar's tonal richness over time. Additionally, while the 2-year warranty demonstrates Fender's confidence in their product, it is still relatively short compared to some brands that offer lifetime warranties. In terms of aesthetics, the sunburst finish is visually appealing, but as a beginner, the primary focus should be on playability and sound. The Fender FA-25 is a strong contender in the beginner guitar category, with a good mix of features, playability, and support for learning, making it suitable for anyone looking to start playing acoustic guitar.

#3

Donner Acoustic Guitar for Beginner Adult Full Size Cutaway Acustica Guitarra Bundle Kit with Free Online Lesson Bag Strap Tuner Capo Pickguard String Pick, Right Hand 41”Sunburst, DAG-1CS/DAD-160CS

Rating
7.6
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
6974 reviews

Body Shape
It's a bright-sounding guitar that is light in weight and has a full-size cutaway design, making it suitable for beginners.
Tonewood
The guitar is very nice with solid wood top and smooth fret ends, making it a great value for the price.
Neck Profile
The neck slides smoother than a highly lacquered neck, and the tuners are sturdy and functional.
Action
The action was decent out of the box and the guitar stays in tune well, which is impressive for its price point.

The Donner Acoustic Guitar for beginners is a well-rounded starter kit that includes everything a novice player needs to get started. The kit comes with a gig bag, strap, tuner, capo, pickguard, extra strings, picks, and more, making it convenient and ready to use right out of the box. The guitar itself features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a rich, warm, and clear sound with good resonance, thanks in part to the X bracing system.

The 41-inch full-size dreadnought body ensures a vibrant tone suitable for various music styles, and the cutaway design allows for easier access to higher frets, enhancing playability for beginners. The phosphor bronze strings and high-carbon steel core help maintain tuning stability, which is crucial for new players who might struggle with tuning initially. With ebony fretboard and mahogany neck, the guitar offers durability and a comfortable playing experience.

However, it's important to note that this guitar does not come with built-in electronics, which means it might not be the best option for those looking to plug into an amplifier or PA system. The Sunburst finish gives it a classic and appealing look, and the craftsmanship seems solid for a beginner instrument. This guitar is ideal for beginners of all ages who are looking for a reliable and complete package to start their musical journey.

Rating
7.6
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
6974 reviews

Body Shape
It's a bright-sounding guitar that is light in weight and has a full-size cutaway design, making it suitable for beginners.
Tonewood
The guitar is very nice with solid wood top and smooth fret ends, making it a great value for the price.
Neck Profile
The neck slides smoother than a highly lacquered neck, and the tuners are sturdy and functional.
Action
The action was decent out of the box and the guitar stays in tune well, which is impressive for its price point.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners

Choosing the right acoustic guitar as a beginner can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The key is to find a guitar that feels comfortable, sounds good, and motivates you to play. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting an acoustic guitar for beginners, along with explanations to help you understand their significance and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects both its sound and comfort. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and parlor. Dreadnought guitars are larger and produce a louder, bass-heavy sound, making them great for strumming and playing with others. Concert and parlor guitars are smaller, offering a more balanced tone and easier handling, which can be ideal for fingerpicking and smaller players. Beginners should consider their body size and playing style when choosing a body shape.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used to construct the guitar, which influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and cedar. Spruce is light and strong, providing a bright and clear tone, making it a popular choice for beginners. Mahogany offers a warmer, more resonant sound, while cedar provides a softer, mellower tone. Beginners should choose a tonewood that matches their preferred sound and playing style.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile describes the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck, affecting playability and comfort. Common profiles include C-shaped, V-shaped, and U-shaped. C-shaped necks are rounded and generally more comfortable for beginners, while V-shaped necks have a more pronounced ridge, and U-shaped necks are thicker and more substantial. Beginners should try different neck profiles to find one that feels comfortable in their hand.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the guitar's nut and the bridge, affecting string tension and playability. Shorter scale lengths (around 24 inches) result in lower string tension, making the guitar easier to play, which can be beneficial for beginners. Longer scale lengths (around 25.5 inches) provide a brighter tone and more string tension. Beginners should consider their hand strength and comfort when choosing a scale length.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, as less pressure is needed to press the strings down. Higher action can produce a clearer sound but may be harder for beginners to play. Beginners should look for a guitar with low to medium action to ensure a comfortable playing experience.
ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing them to be amplified. This can be useful for beginners who plan to perform or record. However, purely acoustic guitars without electronics are often simpler and more affordable. Beginners should consider whether they need the option to amplify their guitar when deciding on electronics.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the guitar brand can be an indicator of quality and reliability. Established brands often have a history of producing well-made instruments and offer good customer support. Beginners should research and consider reputable brands to ensure they are getting a reliable guitar that will last.

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