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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 Acoustic Guitar Kit Starter Pack Classical Guitar, Small Beginner Guitar (3/4 Size) with Nylon Strings (Easier on Fingers), Includes Guitar Bag, Guitar Strap, and More

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,275
Brand Reputation

Most important from
736 reviews

Brand Reputation
The guitar's build quality is impressive, with smooth, shiny, and level frets, and a rich tone that even rivals higher-end models.

The Fender Acoustic Guitar Kit Starter Pack is tailored for beginners, especially younger players and those with smaller hands. Its 3/4-size body makes it more manageable for novices and children. The use of nylon strings is a thoughtful inclusion, as they are softer on the fingers and ideal for those just starting to play.

The pack includes everything a beginner might need: a padded gig bag, stand, picks, extra strings, and a strap, making it a convenient all-in-one solution. The guitar's construction features laminate materials such as agathis wood for the top and sapele wood for the back, which provides durability though it may not offer the rich sound quality of higher-end tonewoods. The scale length of 23.3 inches is appropriate for its size, making it easier to handle and play.

Fender's reputation as a reliable brand, combined with a two-year limited warranty, adds to the product's appeal. For beginners, this pack covers all essential bases and offers a solid introduction to playing the guitar.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,275
Brand Reputation

Most important from
736 reviews

Brand Reputation
The guitar's build quality is impressive, with smooth, shiny, and level frets, and a rich tone that even rivals higher-end models.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2041 reviews

Body Shape
The concert size is comfortable for smaller players, making it ideal for beginners and younger musicians.
Tonewood
The sound is rich and full, with a solid spruce top contributing to its bright and balanced tone.
Neck Profile
The neck might feel a bit wide for some, but it's a matter of personal preference.
Action
Action is generally good out of the box, though some may need to tweak the truss rod for optimal playability.
Electronics
It stays in tune well, and the built-in tuner is a fantastic addition.
Brand Reputation
A great guitar for the money, offering quality without the cost of higher-end brands like Martin or Taylor.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a fantastic choice for beginners stepping into the world of acoustic guitars. Its dreadnought body shape and solid spruce top combine to produce a bright and balanced tone, making it easy to hear the nuances of your playing. The combination of Nato and mahogany for the back and sides offers a warm, full-bodied sound and ensures durability, which is great for novice players who might be handling the guitar a bit more roughly as they learn.

One of the key strengths of the FG800J is its build quality. Yamaha is known for meticulous craftsmanship, so you can expect reliable performance and longevity from this instrument. The rosewood fingerboard and quality hardware further enhance playability, making it comfortable for beginners to practice chords and techniques.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the guitar sounds great unplugged, it lacks built-in electronics, which means you won't have the option of amplifying your sound unless you invest in external pickups. This may not be an issue for many beginners, but for those looking to perform or record, it could be a limiting factor. Additionally, being a dreadnought size, it may feel a bit bulky for some smaller players; trying it out first is advisable to ensure comfort.

Rating
9.8
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2041 reviews

Body Shape
The concert size is comfortable for smaller players, making it ideal for beginners and younger musicians.
Tonewood
The sound is rich and full, with a solid spruce top contributing to its bright and balanced tone.
Neck Profile
The neck might feel a bit wide for some, but it's a matter of personal preference.
Action
Action is generally good out of the box, though some may need to tweak the truss rod for optimal playability.
Electronics
It stays in tune well, and the built-in tuner is a fantastic addition.
Brand Reputation
A great guitar for the money, offering quality without the cost of higher-end brands like Martin or Taylor.
#3

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
9.6
Action
Brand Reputation

Most important from
2954 reviews

Action
The guitar's action allows for comfortable bar chords on low frets, enhancing playability.
Brand Reputation
Fender delivers a beautiful guitar with great sound, ideal for beginners.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a compelling choice for beginners, particularly due to its budget-friendly nature and comprehensive bundle. Its dreadnought body shape is known for producing a rich and full sound, making it suitable for various music styles. The combination of a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides offers durability, which is essential for novice players who may not handle their instrument with the most care.

The neck is made of nato wood with a slim profile, enhancing playability and comfort during long practice sessions. Additionally, the 25.5-inch scale length is standard and accommodates a wide range of playing styles, which is beneficial for beginners exploring different techniques. While the walnut fingerboard and dark-stained maple add a touch of elegance, the inclusion of D'Addario EJ16 phosphor bronze strings contributes to a pleasant sound right out of the box.

One of the standout features of this package is the array of included accessories, such as a gig bag, tuner, strings, picks, and instructional materials. These extras offer great value and significantly reduce the need for additional purchases, which is ideal for those just starting their musical journey. The Fender Play Online Lessons add an educational layer that can greatly assist in learning the basics.

However, the all-laminate construction, while durable, may not offer the same depth of sound as solid wood guitars, potentially limiting tonal richness as the player progresses. Also, the absence of electronics may be a downside for those who wish to perform amplified in the future.

This guitar ranks highly in customer satisfaction, indicating a positive reception among users. Its reasonable price point, coupled with Fender’s brand reputation, makes it a strong contender for beginners looking to enter the world of acoustic guitars.

Rating
9.6
Action
Brand Reputation

Most important from
2954 reviews

Action
The guitar's action allows for comfortable bar chords on low frets, enhancing playability.
Brand Reputation
Fender delivers a beautiful guitar with great sound, ideal for beginners.

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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