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10 Best Guitar For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Size and Shape
Build Quality
Tuning Stability

Most important from
752 reviews

Size and Shape
Lightweight and great for travel, this guitar is praised for its beautiful looks and open sound, making it ideal for beginners and traveling musicians alike.
Build Quality
The Fender FA-25 offers impressive quality at a budget-friendly price, surprising users with its rich tone and smooth playability.
Tuning Stability
The guitar arrived well-intonated with smooth, level frets, and reliable tuning stability, requiring minimal setup out of the box.

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners, boasting several features tailored to new players. Its full-size dreadnought shape offers a rich and bold bass tone, making it suitable for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass. The guitar's body is constructed from laminated basswood with a spruce wood top, ensuring durability and decent sound quality. The 'C'-shaped neck and walnut fingerboard contribute to a smooth and comfortable playing experience, which is crucial for beginners who need to practice for extended periods.

The bronze strings and sealed-gear tuning machines provide reliable tuning stability, so you spend more time playing and less time tuning. Additionally, the guitar comes with a subscription to Fender Play, providing access to numerous instructional videos that can help beginners improve their skills without additional costs.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The laminated basswood body, while durable, may not offer the same resonance and tonal richness as solid wood options. Some users might find the factory setup requires adjustments to the action, which is the height of the strings off the fretboard, to suit their comfort. Despite these minor issues, the guitar's build quality is backed by Fender's 75-year legacy, and it includes a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Weighing just 12.3 ounces, it's also lightweight and easy to handle. In summary, this guitar is a well-rounded option for beginners, offering a good balance of playability, sound quality, and instructional support.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Size and Shape
Build Quality
Tuning Stability

Most important from
752 reviews

Size and Shape
Lightweight and great for travel, this guitar is praised for its beautiful looks and open sound, making it ideal for beginners and traveling musicians alike.
Build Quality
The Fender FA-25 offers impressive quality at a budget-friendly price, surprising users with its rich tone and smooth playability.
Tuning Stability
The guitar arrived well-intonated with smooth, level frets, and reliable tuning stability, requiring minimal setup out of the box.
#2

Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)

Rating
10.0
Size and Shape
Build Quality
Tuning Stability

Most important from
2048 reviews

Size and Shape
The concert size is perfect for smaller players and offers great projection and comfort for fingerpicking and percussive playing.
Build Quality
Even with a few minor cosmetic imperfections, the overall build quality is practically flawless.
Tuning Stability
The guitar offers a rich, full tone and stays in tune very well.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is designed with beginners in mind, making it a strong contender in the entry-level acoustic guitar category. One of its standout features is the solid spruce top, which helps produce a bright and balanced tone, appealing to those just starting to explore music. The dreadnought shape provides a robust sound with excellent projection, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The use of quality materials, like rosewood for the fingerboard and nato for the neck, not only contributes to durability but also enhances the overall warmth of the sound.

In terms of build quality, Yamaha's commitment to craftsmanship is evident. The guitar is well-constructed and features reliable hardware, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of practice and performance over time. The dreadnought size, while great for sound, may feel bulky for some smaller players, potentially leading to discomfort during long practice sessions. Additionally, while the action is generally set well for beginners, some may find they need to adjust it slightly to suit their playing style better, especially if they prefer a lighter touch.

Lastly, the phosphor bronze strings are known for their bright sound but may wear out quicker than some other string types, necessitating more frequent replacements. This could be a small inconvenience for beginners who are still getting accustomed to guitar maintenance. The Yamaha FG800J NT offers a well-rounded package that caters to new players, providing quality sound and build without overwhelming them. Its strengths make it a solid choice for anyone looking to start their musical journey.

Rating
10.0
Size and Shape
Build Quality
Tuning Stability

Most important from
2048 reviews

Size and Shape
The concert size is perfect for smaller players and offers great projection and comfort for fingerpicking and percussive playing.
Build Quality
Even with a few minor cosmetic imperfections, the overall build quality is practically flawless.
Tuning Stability
The guitar offers a rich, full tone and stays in tune very well.
#3

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

Rating
9.9
Size and Shape
Action
Build Quality

Most important from
1280 reviews

Size and Shape
The guitar's lightweight design and smooth fretboard make it easy to handle, even for extended practice sessions.
Action
Beautifully made neck with smooth frets and nicely set low action from the factory, making it a pleasure to play.
Build Quality
Set to spec with smooth tuners and polished frets, this guitar is comfortable and sounds great both plugged and unplugged.
Tuning Stability
Despite some initial setup adjustments, once dialed in, the guitar plays fantastically and maintains tuning well.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar is a solid choice for beginners, whether kids or adults. With its full-size body and iconic Stratocaster shape, this guitar offers a familiar and comfortable playing experience. The 'C' shaped neck and laurel fingerboard enhance playability, making it easier for beginners to practice and improve their skills. The lightweight poplar body adds to the comfort, allowing longer practice sessions without discomfort.

The nickel strings are standard for electric guitars and provide a bright, clear tone, ideal for aspiring guitarists learning various styles of music. The three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching offer versatile sound options, catering to a wide range of musical genres. The tremolo bridge system allows for fun string-bending effects, adding excitement to playing sessions. The build quality is reliable, backed by Fender's 75-year legacy and a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for new players.

However, this guitar is designed with right-handed players in mind, which might be a limitation for left-handed beginners. The tuning stability is decent, although frequent tuning adjustments may be needed, especially during initial use. Additionally, the included free lessons via Fender Play are a valuable resource, providing structured guidance for beginners. At just under 10 pounds, the guitar is manageable in terms of weight, though it might feel a bit heavy for very young children. In summary, this guitar brings together classic design, solid build quality, and beginner-friendly features, making it a strong contender for anyone starting their musical journey.

Rating
9.9
Size and Shape
Action
Build Quality

Most important from
1280 reviews

Size and Shape
The guitar's lightweight design and smooth fretboard make it easy to handle, even for extended practice sessions.
Action
Beautifully made neck with smooth frets and nicely set low action from the factory, making it a pleasure to play.
Build Quality
Set to spec with smooth tuners and polished frets, this guitar is comfortable and sounds great both plugged and unplugged.
Tuning Stability
Despite some initial setup adjustments, once dialed in, the guitar plays fantastically and maintains tuning well.

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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