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10 Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Pink), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks

The Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package is designed with novice players in mind, particularly students and teens. The compact 38-inch body shape makes it easy to handle, which is essential for beginners who are still getting used to playing. The guitar is made from laminated basswood, providing a warm and versatile tone, though it may not compare to higher-end tonewoods in terms of richness and resonance. The neck profile is easy to hold, which is a significant advantage for new players with smaller hands or less finger strength. Action, or the height of the strings from the fretboard, is set at a beginner-friendly level to facilitate easier playing. The fixed bridge system adds to the guitar's stability, requiring less maintenance which is ideal for newcomers.

While the guitar lacks built-in electronics, this isn't typically necessary for beginners focused on acoustic play. The starter kit is quite comprehensive, including a gig bag, extra strings, picks, a tuner, and more, which adds significant value for someone just starting out. On the downside, the basswood construction, while durable, may not offer the same tonal quality as guitars made from higher-end materials. Additionally, the brand Ashthorpe, while adequate for beginners, does not command the same reputation as more established brands in the industry.

This guitar will serve well for initial learning stages but may require an upgrade as the player's skills advance. The bright pink color can be appealing to some, especially younger players, but may not suit everyone's taste.

#2

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

Rating
9.8
Brand Reputation

Most important from
2882 reviews

Brand Reputation
The sunburst finish is beautiful and the guitar sounds great.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle is an excellent choice for beginner players looking for a reliable and well-rounded instrument. Its durable all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The dreadnought body shape is designed for a full, rich sound, making it suitable for various playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking.

One of the standout features is the slim neck profile, which makes it easier for beginners to play. The scalloped 'X'-bracing improves sound quality while keeping the instrument lightweight. The dark-stained maple fingerboard adds to its visual appeal, creating an attractive look without compromising playability.

Included in the bundle are essential accessories such as a gig bag for transport, a tuner for easy tuning, a strap for comfort, and extra strings and picks. Additionally, the Fender Play online lessons and the Austin Bazaar instructional DVD provide valuable resources for new players eager to learn.

The all-laminate construction may not produce the same depth of tone as solid wood guitars, which could be a consideration for players looking for advanced sound quality. The guitar is also designed primarily for right-handed players, which limits accessibility for left-handed musicians. Some users might find the action slightly high, requiring adjustment for optimal playability.

Rating
9.8
Brand Reputation

Most important from
2882 reviews

Brand Reputation
The sunburst finish is beautiful and the guitar sounds great.
#3

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
9.7
Brand Reputation

Most important from
652 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
9.7
Brand Reputation

Most important from
652 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.

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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