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10 Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

#5
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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 by1,499
Body Shape
Tonewood

Most important from
1261 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 by1,499
Body Shape
Tonewood

Most important from
1261 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

YAMAHA FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Rating
7.6
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2241 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
7.6
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2241 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 - Black Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
7.3
Action
Brand Reputation

Most important from
3038 reviews

Action
The guitar's action is great, making it easy to play bar chords on the low frets, which is perfect for beginners.
Brand Reputation
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle is an excellent choice for beginners. The full-size dreadnought body shape provides a rich, full sound that is well-balanced for various music styles. The guitar is built with durable materials, including a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, making it robust enough for new players who might handle it roughly.

The neck, made of mahogany with a maple fingerboard, is slim and easy to play, which is great for those just starting out. However, laminate construction might not offer the same resonance as solid wood guitars. The included accessories such as a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, string winder, and picks ensure you have everything you need to start playing right away.

Fender Play online lessons and an instructional DVD offer valuable guidance, making the learning process easier. One potential downside is the lack of electronics, which means you can't plug it into an amplifier for louder play. Nonetheless, Fender's reputable brand name and comprehensive beginner-friendly bundle make this guitar a strong contender for new players.

Rating
7.3
Action
Brand Reputation

Most important from
3038 reviews

Action
The guitar's action is great, making it easy to play bar chords on the low frets, which is perfect for beginners.
Brand Reputation
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect 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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