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10 Best Guitar For Beginners 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, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Type of Guitar
Action
Build Quality

Most important from
3067 reviews

Type of Guitar
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.
Action
The action is great, making it easier to play bar chords on the low frets.
Build Quality
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily, and the tuner included is easy to use.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, combining quality and versatility in a full-size steel-string design. One of its significant strengths is the durable all-laminate construction, which includes a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides. This build makes it sturdy enough to withstand the everyday use that new players often put their instruments through, allowing them to learn without worry about damage.

Another appealing aspect is the ergonomic design, featuring a slim neck that’s comfortable to play, making it easier for novice strummers to grasp chords and develop their skills. The dreadnought shape also provides a rich, full-bodied sound that can satisfy a wide range of musical styles.

This bundle includes everything a beginner might need: a gig bag for protection, a tuner for easy tuning, a strap, extra strings, a string winder, and picks. Additionally, the inclusion of the Fender Play online lessons and Austin Bazaar instructional DVD offers significant guidance, helping users learn effectively from the start.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Type of Guitar
Action
Build Quality

Most important from
3067 reviews

Type of Guitar
Fender makes quality guitars with a beautiful sound, perfect for beginners.
Action
The action is great, making it easier to play bar chords on the low frets.
Build Quality
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily, and the tuner included is easy to use.
#2

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

Rating
9.4
Size and Shape
Build Quality
Tuning Stability

Most important from
8202 reviews

Size and Shape
The guitar is perfectly sized for young beginners, making it easy and comfortable to hold and play.
Build Quality
The build feels solid and not flimsy, offering a quality feel that reassures first-time buyers.
Tuning Stability
It stays in tune well enough for regular practice, supporting consistent learning and enjoyment.

The Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package is tailored for new players, especially teens and students. Its 38-inch size is a bit smaller than a full-size guitar, making it easier for beginners to hold and play comfortably. The guitar has six steel strings, which are standard for acoustic guitars and offer a bright, clear sound. The neck is designed to be easy to grip, which helps when learning chords and finger placements. The laminated basswood body provides a warm tone and decent durability, though it may not deliver the rich sound quality found on more expensive guitars with solid wood. The action (string height) is generally beginner-friendly, making pressing the strings easier, which is crucial for those just starting out.

It also comes as a complete starter kit, including a gig bag, strap, tuner, pitch pipe, picks, and extra strings, adding good value and convenience for beginners. One point to consider is the tuning stability—while the included tuner and pitch pipe help, steel strings on budget guitars can sometimes slip out of tune faster, so frequent tuning might be necessary. Weighing just 2.8 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, but the guitar is only right-handed, so left-handed players would need a different model. For beginners looking for an affordable, ready-to-go package with essential accessories, this Ashthorpe guitar meets basic needs well, though more serious players might eventually seek a higher-end instrument for richer sound and improved tuning stability.

Rating
9.4
Size and Shape
Build Quality
Tuning Stability

Most important from
8202 reviews

Size and Shape
The guitar is perfectly sized for young beginners, making it easy and comfortable to hold and play.
Build Quality
The build feels solid and not flimsy, offering a quality feel that reassures first-time buyers.
Tuning Stability
It stays in tune well enough for regular practice, supporting consistent learning and enjoyment.
#3

Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks

Rating
9.1
Type of Guitar
Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
8202 reviews

Type of Guitar
This model proves to be a real guitar suitable for young learners, not just a toy, at an affordable price.
Size and Shape
This guitar is the perfect size for young beginners, making it comfortable and easy to handle.
Action
The lightweight design and manageable action make pressing the strings easier for small hands.
Build Quality
The build feels solid and not flimsy, providing confidence in its durability.
Tuning Stability
It stays in tune well, helping new players focus on learning rather than constant retuning.

The Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package is designed specifically for students and teens who are new to playing guitar. Its smaller 30-inch size and lightweight build make it comfortable and easy to handle, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands. The guitar features 6 steel strings and 18 smooth frets on a basswood neck and body, offering a warm and versatile sound suitable for learning different styles. The laminated basswood wood provides decent durability while keeping the guitar lightweight.

It includes a fixed bridge system which helps with tuning stability, though as an entry-level instrument, some occasional tuning adjustments might be needed. The package stands out by including useful extras like a gig bag, strap, digital tuner, picks, and an extra string set, giving beginners everything they need to start playing right away. The action (string height) is user-friendly, making pressing the strings easier for new players.

Because it’s made with laminated basswood and aimed at beginners, the tonal quality and build aren’t as rich or refined as higher-end guitars. However, this guitar offers impressive sound projection and bright tones that motivate practice and growth. For beginners seeking an affordable, ready-to-go guitar kit with solid features and good playability, the Ashthorpe 30-inch model presents a compelling option.

Rating
9.1
Type of Guitar
Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
8202 reviews

Type of Guitar
This model proves to be a real guitar suitable for young learners, not just a toy, at an affordable price.
Size and Shape
This guitar is the perfect size for young beginners, making it comfortable and easy to handle.
Action
The lightweight design and manageable action make pressing the strings easier for small hands.
Build Quality
The build feels solid and not flimsy, providing confidence in its durability.
Tuning Stability
It stays in tune well, helping new players focus on learning rather than constant retuning.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitar For Beginners

Choosing the right guitar as a beginner is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable learning experience. The right guitar can make learning easier and more fun, while the wrong one can be frustrating and discouraging. When selecting a guitar, consider factors such as the type of music you want to play, your physical comfort, and the quality of the instrument. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a guitar for beginners.
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 genres. 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 are interested in and your personal preference.
Size and ShapeGuitars come in various sizes and shapes, which can affect playability and comfort. Full-size guitars are suitable for adults, while smaller sizes like 3/4 or 1/2 are better for children or people with smaller hands. The shape of the guitar body, such as dreadnought, concert, or parlor, can also influence the sound and comfort. Try different sizes and shapes to see which one feels most comfortable for you.
String TypeGuitars can have either steel strings or nylon strings. Steel strings are common on acoustic and electric guitars and produce a bright, loud sound. Nylon strings are found on classical guitars and produce a softer, mellower tone. Nylon strings are also easier on the fingers, which can be beneficial for beginners. Consider the type of music you want to play and your finger sensitivity when choosing the string type.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Low action means the strings are closer to the fretboard, making it easier to press the strings down. High action requires more finger strength and can be more challenging for beginners. Look for a guitar with low to medium action to make playing easier and more comfortable as you start learning.
Build QualityThe build quality of a guitar affects its durability and sound. 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 sound better but also last longer, providing a better learning experience. If possible, have an experienced player or a professional inspect the guitar before purchasing.
Tuning StabilityTuning stability refers to how well a guitar stays in tune. A guitar that frequently goes out of tune can be frustrating for beginners. Look for a guitar with good quality tuning pegs and a stable neck. Some guitars come with built-in tuners, which can be very helpful for beginners. Test the tuning stability by playing the guitar for a while and checking if it stays in tune.

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