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10 Best Beginner Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Playability
Sound Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
2940 reviews

Playability
The guitar handles nicely and learning to play different chords is smooth.
Sound Quality
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.
Build Quality
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily, and the included tuner is user-friendly.
Brand Reputation
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a great choice for beginners looking to start their musical journey. As a full-size steel-string guitar, it offers an impressive sound and performance, making it versatile enough for various styles of playing. The durable all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear that often comes with learning. Its ergonomic design, with a slim neck, enhances playability, allowing new players to easily navigate the fretboard without much hassle.

Aesthetically, the guitar is appealing, boasting a sleek black finish and scalloped

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Playability
Sound Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
2940 reviews

Playability
The guitar handles nicely and learning to play different chords is smooth.
Sound Quality
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.
Build Quality
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily, and the included tuner is user-friendly.
Brand Reputation
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Playability
Sound Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
2940 reviews

Playability
Despite some initial string issues, the guitar's action is impressive, making bar chords on the low frets easier to play.
Sound Quality
Fender's craftsmanship shines through – the guitar not only looks good but also offers a great sound, ideal for beginners.
Build Quality
The guitar is of great quality, tunes easily, and the included tuner is user-friendly.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners looking for an affordable yet reliable instrument. One of its standout features is the budget-friendly price, making it accessible to those just starting out. The all-laminate construction using lindenwood and mahogany provides durability, which is great for novice players who might not be careful at first. Additionally, the guitar's scalloped 'X'-bracing helps achieve a fuller sound, enhancing the playing experience without breaking the bank.

Playability is another strong point. The slim neck and dark-stained maple fingerboard make it easier for new players to handle, reducing the learning curve. The included bundle is particularly advantageous; it comes with a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and even online lessons and an instructional DVD, offering a comprehensive package for anyone starting to learn.

There are some drawbacks worth noting. While the sound quality is commendable for the price, it may not satisfy more experienced players who are seeking rich tonal depth. The engineered wood body might not resonate as well as solid wood options, which could limit sound quality as players progress. Additionally, the fixed bridge system might not offer the level of customization that some players desire as they advance in their skills.

Rating
10.0
Playability
Sound Quality
Build Quality

Most important from
2940 reviews

Playability
Despite some initial string issues, the guitar's action is impressive, making bar chords on the low frets easier to play.
Sound Quality
Fender's craftsmanship shines through – the guitar not only looks good but also offers a great sound, ideal for beginners.
Build Quality
The guitar is of great quality, tunes easily, and the included tuner is user-friendly.
#3

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

Rating
9.9
Type of Guitar
Playability
Sound Quality

Most important from
694 reviews

Type of Guitar
Despite initial shipping damage, the replacement arrived quickly and the guitar is lightweight and great for travel.
Playability
A Fender at a low budget price was surprisingly impressive with its rich tone and smooth frets.
Sound Quality
Replacing the factory strings with Phosphor Bronze Earthwood strings enhanced the sound significantly.
Build Quality
This guitar's build quality is excellent; it required minimal setup and maintained tuning well.
Brand Reputation
A Fender at a low budget price was surprisingly impressive with its rich tone and smooth frets.

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is tailored for beginners, whether kids or adults. Its full-size dreadnought shape offers a bold sound with a rich bass, ideal for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass. Playability is enhanced by an easy-to-play 'C'-shaped neck and walnut fingerboard, making it comfortable for new musicians. The guitar's body is lightweight, constructed with a laminated basswood back and sides, and a spruce top for good sound projection.

The fixed bridge and sealed-gear tuning machines contribute to stable and accurate tuning, which is crucial for beginners learning to play. Additionally, the guitar includes a free subscription to Fender Play, providing access to numerous instructional videos that can help users build their skills. Fender, a reputable brand with a 75-year legacy, backs this guitar with a 2-year warranty, ensuring protection against defects.

On the downside, the laminated construction might not offer the same resonance and richness as a solid wood guitar. However, given its price point, ease of play, and included lessons, it is a strong contender for those starting their musical journey. The vibrant sunburst color and brand reputation add to its appeal, making it a reliable choice for budding guitarists.

Rating
9.9
Type of Guitar
Playability
Sound Quality

Most important from
694 reviews

Type of Guitar
Despite initial shipping damage, the replacement arrived quickly and the guitar is lightweight and great for travel.
Playability
A Fender at a low budget price was surprisingly impressive with its rich tone and smooth frets.
Sound Quality
Replacing the factory strings with Phosphor Bronze Earthwood strings enhanced the sound significantly.
Build Quality
This guitar's build quality is excellent; it required minimal setup and maintained tuning well.
Brand Reputation
A Fender at a low budget price was surprisingly impressive with its rich tone and smooth frets.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Guitars

Choosing the right beginner guitar is crucial for a positive learning experience. The right guitar can make learning easier and more enjoyable, while the wrong one can be frustrating and discouraging. When selecting a beginner guitar, consider factors such as the type of guitar, size, playability, and sound quality. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
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 for rock, blues, and metal, and they require an amplifier. Classical guitars have nylon strings and are perfect for classical and flamenco music. Choose the type of guitar based on the style of music you want to play and your personal preference.
SizeGuitars come in various sizes, including full-size, 3/4 size, and 1/2 size. Full-size guitars are suitable for adults and older teenagers, while 3/4 and 1/2 size guitars are better for younger children or those with smaller hands. It's important to choose a guitar size that is comfortable to hold and play. If the guitar is too large, it can be difficult to reach the frets and strings, making it harder to learn.
PlayabilityPlayability refers to how easy it is to play the guitar. Factors that affect playability include the action (the height of the strings from the fretboard), neck shape, and fret size. Lower action makes it easier to press down the strings, which is important for beginners. A comfortable neck shape and appropriately sized frets can also make a big difference in how easy the guitar is to play. Test different guitars to find one that feels comfortable in your hands.
Sound QualitySound quality is an important aspect of any guitar. While beginners may not need a guitar with professional-level sound, it's still important to choose one that sounds good to your ears. Acoustic guitars should have a rich, resonant tone, while electric guitars should produce clear, crisp sounds. Classical guitars should have a warm, mellow tone. Listen to different guitars and choose one that you find pleasing.
Build QualityThe build quality of a guitar affects its durability and longevity. Look for a guitar made from quality materials with good craftsmanship. Check for any visible defects, such as cracks or uneven finishes. A well-built guitar will not only last longer but also provide a better playing experience. Even as a beginner, investing in a guitar with good build quality can save you from potential issues down the line.
Brand ReputationSome brands are known for producing high-quality beginner guitars. Research different brands and read reviews from other beginners to get an idea of which brands are reliable. A reputable brand is more likely to offer better customer support and warranty options, which can be helpful if you encounter any issues with your guitar.

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