10 Best Guitars 2026 in the United States

The Yamaha FS800 is a solid top acoustic guitar with a concert-sized body, making it smaller and easier to handle than a dreadnought, which is ideal for players seeking comfort during long sessions or those with smaller hands. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, known for delivering clear, bright tones that improve with time. The back and sides are made from Nato wood, a budget-friendly alternative to mahogany, providing decent warmth to the sound.

The neck is also made of Nato wood with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, offering a smooth playing surface and good durability. This model has a fixed bridge, typical for acoustic guitars, and diecast tuners that help keep the guitar in tune. It includes an adjustable truss rod, allowing neck relief adjustments to maintain playability over time. Weighing about 5.75 pounds, the guitar is fairly light, enhancing its comfort.

It does not have built-in pickups, so it is best suited for unplugged playing rather than live amplified performances. While Nato wood is not as resonant or rich as higher-end tonewoods, the sound quality remains good for its price point. The Yamaha FS800 is a reliable and easy-to-play acoustic guitar that suits beginners and casual players looking for a quality instrument with a smaller body size and solid spruce top at an affordable price.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster is a full-size electric guitar designed with beginners in mind, making it a solid choice for anyone just starting out or learning to play. It features a classic Stratocaster body shape made of poplar wood, which keeps it lightweight and easy to handle. The neck has a comfortable 'C' shape and is made from maple with a laurel fingerboard, which helps with smooth playing and good hand comfort. With a 25.5-inch scale length, it offers a familiar feel that suits a wide range of playing styles.

The guitar is equipped with three single-coil pickups and a 5-way switch, delivering the signature bright and versatile tones Stratocasters are known for. This allows players to explore various sounds, from clean and crisp to a bit more twangy or bluesy. A tremolo bridge with a removable arm adds some fun ability for vibrato and string-bending effects. One standout feature is the included Fender Play subscription, offering free lessons and thousands of videos, which is great for newcomers wanting guided practice.

While the poplar wood is lightweight, it is considered less premium compared to other tonewoods, which might affect the guitar's resonance and tone depth as players advance. Also, single-coil pickups can be a bit prone to picking up electrical noise in certain environments. For a beginner guitar, the Squier Debut Series strikes a good balance of quality, comfort, and versatility, supported by Fender’s strong reputation and a solid 2-year warranty. It is a dependable, user-friendly instrument that encourages learning and growth without overwhelming new players with complicated features.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a solid choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of acoustic guitars. Its dreadnought body shape offers a robust sound, with the solid spruce top delivering a bright and balanced tone, perfect for strumming chords or fingerpicking. The use of nato and mahogany for the back and sides contributes to a warm, resonant sound, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. With a comfortable rosewood fingerboard, players will find it easy to navigate the frets, enhancing playability and comfort—a crucial aspect for new players.

However, while the FG800J excels in many areas, there are some potential drawbacks. The larger dreadnought body can be a bit cumbersome for smaller players or children, which might hinder their comfort during long practice sessions. Additionally, while the materials used are of good quality, the guitar's construction is primarily aimed at beginners; more advanced players might find it lacking in certain tonal complexities and features that higher-end models offer.

For new guitarists seeking a reliable and well-crafted instrument to facilitate their learning journey, the Yamaha FG800J NT stands out as a commendable option.