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10 Best Beginner Guitar 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 by1,112
Body Size and Shape
String Type
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
1157 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The guitar’s standard dreadnought size makes it an excellent choice for beginners eager to learn.
String Type
Strings are beginner-friendly, maintaining tuning stability well during practice sessions.
Build Quality and Materials
The guitar delivers very nice quality, making it a highly recommended gift for aspiring young musicians.

The Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit is a strong choice for beginners, especially those who prefer a full-size dreadnought body that delivers a rich, bold sound ideal for genres like country and folk. Its spruce top and basswood back offer a good balance of tone and affordability. The neck has a comfortable 'C' shape with a walnut fingerboard and a 25.3-inch scale length, which many beginners find manageable for forming chords and playing smoothly. Nickel strings and sealed-gear tuners support stable tuning, an important feature for new players.

The kit includes useful extras such as a padded gig bag, stand, strap, picks, and extra strings, providing beginners with everything needed to start playing right away. The 2-year warranty and access to Fender Play's online lessons add value by supporting skill development. The dreadnought’s larger body might feel bulky for younger or smaller players, and the basswood back is less premium than some wood options, which could affect long-term durability and tonal richness. Some users might also find the guitar a bit heavier than other entry-level models.

This kit delivers a solid, well-rounded package with Fender's trusted name, making it a dependable pick for beginners who want quality gear and supportive instruction.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,112
Body Size and Shape
String Type
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
1157 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The guitar’s standard dreadnought size makes it an excellent choice for beginners eager to learn.
String Type
Strings are beginner-friendly, maintaining tuning stability well during practice sessions.
Build Quality and Materials
The guitar delivers very nice quality, making it a highly recommended gift for aspiring young musicians.
#2

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
8.2
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
3014 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar feels great to play and has an impressive sound that satisfies both beginners and casual players.
Body Size and Shape
The sunburst finish is stunning and adds a classic, stylish look to the instrument.
Build Quality and Materials
The guitar arrives well-packaged and ready to play, reflecting Fender's commitment to quality at an affordable price.
Brand and Reviews
The bundle offers excellent value by including extras like different pick sizes, a handy tuner, extra strings, and a durable gig bag.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst Bundle is a solid choice for beginners, especially those interested in a guitar with a classic sound and style. Its dreadnought body shape is known for producing a rich, full tone with strong projection, which works well for strumming various music styles. The guitar’s all-laminate construction makes it durable and less sensitive to weather changes, which means it can handle practice sessions at home or on the go without worry. The 'C'-shaped neck is designed to be comfortable and easy to hold, helping new players form chords and finger notes without strain.

It comes with six steel strings, which are standard for acoustic guitars and offer a bright, clear sound, though they might feel a bit stiff at first for some beginners. The scale length of 25.6 inches is fairly standard, providing a good balance between playability and tone. Included are sealed tuning machines that hold tuning well, so you won't need to retune frequently. The bundle is great value, as it includes useful extras like a gig bag, tuner, extra strings, picks, and an instructional DVD, helping beginners get started without needing to buy additional items.

Fender is a trusted brand with a strong reputation, and with a high customer rating (4.6 out of 5), this guitar has proven popular among new players. While the all-laminate body doesn’t offer the same tonal richness as solid wood guitars, which more experienced players might notice, this Fender bundle provides a dependable, ready-to-play package that meets most beginner needs well.

Rating
8.2
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
Build Quality and Materials

Most important from
3014 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar feels great to play and has an impressive sound that satisfies both beginners and casual players.
Body Size and Shape
The sunburst finish is stunning and adds a classic, stylish look to the instrument.
Build Quality and Materials
The guitar arrives well-packaged and ready to play, reflecting Fender's commitment to quality at an affordable price.
Brand and Reviews
The bundle offers excellent value by including extras like different pick sizes, a handy tuner, extra strings, and a durable gig bag.
#3

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

Rating
7.9
Action
Build Quality and Materials
Brand and Reviews

Most important from
3014 reviews

Action
The action is great; I can play bar chords on the low frets, which was always a problem with other guitars.
Build Quality and Materials
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily, and the included tuner is easy to use.
Brand and Reviews
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar bundle is a great choice for beginners looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. One of its key strengths is its durable construction, featuring an all-laminate design with a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides. This ensures that the guitar can withstand the rigors of learning while producing a full-bodied tone thanks to its scalloped 'X'-bracing. The slim neck and dark-stained maple fingerboard contribute to its playability, making it comfortable for new players just starting their musical journey.

Another significant advantage of this bundle is that it comes with everything you need to get started: a gig bag, tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and access to Fender Play online lessons, along with an instructional DVD from Austin Bazaar. This makes it particularly appealing to those who want a comprehensive package without needing to purchase additional accessories separately.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the guitar is well-constructed for beginners, some may find the sound slightly less rich compared to higher-end models, as it uses engineered wood for the body. Additionally, the weight of 9.18 pounds might be cumbersome for some learners, especially younger players or those with smaller frames. The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar bundle is well-suited for beginner guitarists who are conscious of their budget and want a reliable instrument to start learning. Its comprehensive package offers great value, though some players might eventually seek a more advanced model as they progress in their skills.

Rating
7.9
Action
Build Quality and Materials
Brand and Reviews

Most important from
3014 reviews

Action
The action is great; I can play bar chords on the low frets, which was always a problem with other guitars.
Build Quality and Materials
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily, and the included tuner is easy to use.
Brand and Reviews
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Guitar

Choosing your first guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The right guitar can make learning more enjoyable and keep you motivated. When selecting a beginner guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get an instrument that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some essential specs to look at and how to navigate them.
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 if you're interested in rock, blues, or metal, and they require an amplifier. Classical guitars have nylon strings and are perfect for classical and flamenco music. Choose based on the genre of music you want to play and your personal preference.
Body Size and ShapeGuitars come in various body sizes and shapes, which can affect comfort and sound. Smaller body guitars, like parlor or concert size, are easier to handle and great for smaller players or children. Larger body guitars, like dreadnoughts, produce a louder and fuller sound but can be bulky. Consider your body size and comfort when choosing the guitar's body size and shape.
Neck Width and Scale LengthThe neck width and scale length of a guitar can impact playability. A narrower neck is easier for beginners, especially those with smaller hands, as it allows for easier chord changes. Scale length affects string tension and playability; shorter scales are easier to play but may have a different tone. Try different neck widths and scale lengths to see what feels most comfortable for you.
String TypeGuitars can have either steel or nylon strings. Steel strings are common on acoustic and electric guitars and produce a bright, loud sound. Nylon strings are used on classical guitars and are softer on the fingers, making them easier for beginners. Choose based on the type of music you want to play and your comfort level with the strings.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings down, which is beneficial for beginners. However, too low action can cause buzzing. Look for a guitar with a comfortable action that doesn't require too much effort to play but still produces a clean sound.
Build Quality and MaterialsThe build quality and materials of a guitar affect its durability and sound. Solid wood guitars generally produce better sound but are more expensive. Laminate wood guitars are more affordable and durable, making them a good choice for beginners. Check for good craftsmanship, such as smooth fret edges and a well-finished body, to ensure the guitar will last.
Brand and ReviewsReputable brands often provide better quality and customer support. Research different brands and read reviews from other beginners to see which guitars are highly recommended. This can give you an idea of the reliability and playability of the guitar you are considering.

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