We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

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 by1,373
Tuning Stability

Most important from
1301 reviews

Tuning Stability
The tuners hold the guitar in tune well, minimizing the need for constant re-tuning.

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners, offering a range of features tailored to new players. One of its standout attributes is the dreadnought body shape, which delivers a bold and rich bass tone, making it ideal for playing genres like country, folk, or bluegrass. The 'C'-shaped neck profile and walnut fingerboard ensure a comfortable and smooth playing experience, which is crucial for beginners who might struggle with hand positioning on the fretboard.

Additionally, the lightweight, all-laminate body contributes to easier handling and portability. The guitar also comes with sealed-gear tuning machines that provide stable and accurate tuning, minimizing the frustration of constant re-tuning that beginners often face. A subscription to Fender Play is included, offering thousands of instructional videos at no extra cost, a great resource for those just starting out.

Crafted from quality materials like spruce for the top and laminated basswood for the back, the FA-25 promises durability and a pleasing tone. However, being an all-laminate construction, it might lack the depth and resonance of higher-end solid wood guitars. Another consideration is its right-handed orientation, which might not cater to left-handed beginners. While the guitar's size is standard and should suit most players, it may feel a bit large for younger children or individuals with smaller frames. Despite these minor points, the Fender FA-25, backed by Fender's 75-year legacy, is a reliable and well-rounded instrument for any beginner guitarist.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Tuning Stability

Most important from
1301 reviews

Tuning Stability
The tuners hold the guitar in tune well, minimizing the need for constant re-tuning.
#2

Donner Acoustic Guitar for Beginner Adult Full Size Cutaway Acustica Guitarra Bundle Kit with Free Online Lesson Bag Strap Tuner Capo Pickguard String Pick, Right Hand 41”Sunburst, DAG-1CS/DAD-160CS

Rating
9.4
Neck Width and Profile
Action
Tuning Stability

Most important from
7370 reviews

Neck Width and Profile
The neck relief needed a bit of adjustment, but overall, the guitar is very playable and comfortable.
Action
The action was decent out of the box, and the guitar stays in tune pretty well.
Tuning Stability
The action was decent out of the box, and the guitar stays in tune pretty well.

The Donner Acoustic Guitar for Beginners offers a comprehensive bundle that includes all necessary accessories such as a gig bag, strap, tuner, capo, extra strings, and more. This makes it particularly attractive for beginners who want to start playing without additional purchases.

The full-size 41-inch dreadnought body with a cutaway design is ideal for various music styles, providing a rich, warm, and clear sound thanks to its spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The craftsmanship is solid, with X bracing for added durability and aesthetic touches like black spray paint and brass frets with position markers.

The guitar's phosphor bronze strings with a high carbon steel core ensure good tuning stability, although some initial tuning adjustments may be necessary as the strings stretch. The neck is made of mahogany and features an ebony fretboard, which is comfortable for most players but might feel too wide for younger or smaller hands. The string gauge of 11-52 strikes a good balance between playability and sound quality, making it easier for beginners to press down the strings. However, the full 41-inch size may be cumbersome for younger children or those with smaller frames.

The inclusion of free online lessons is a nice touch, adding educational value to the purchase. The guitar is designed to cater to all proficiency levels, with its primary strength being an excellent entry-level instrument for beginners. This guitar bundle offers good value for its price, despite minor drawbacks such as the initial tuning period and potential size issues for some players.

Rating
9.4
Neck Width and Profile
Action
Tuning Stability

Most important from
7370 reviews

Neck Width and Profile
The neck relief needed a bit of adjustment, but overall, the guitar is very playable and comfortable.
Action
The action was decent out of the box, and the guitar stays in tune pretty well.
Tuning Stability
The action was decent out of the box, and the guitar stays in tune pretty well.
#3

Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Surf Green Bundle with Amplifier, Gig Bag, Cable, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video

Rating
8.5
Type of Guitar
Action

Most important from
239 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar's color is loved, and it's a great starter electric guitar with good size, weight, and sound.
Action
The guitar is playable right out of the box, though a little fret work and a set of new pickups can enhance its performance significantly.

The Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Surf Green is a solid choice for beginners. Its iconic Stratocaster design is appealing for those who want that classic look and sound. The guitar has a lightweight poplar body, which makes it comfortable to hold and play, especially during long practice sessions. The slim, 'C'-shaped neck profile is designed to be easy to grip, which is great for new players who are still building finger strength and dexterity.

The nickel strings are standard and provide a balanced sound, though beginners might need to get used to the feel and pressure required to play them comfortably. The action, which refers to the height of the strings from the fretboard, is set up to ensure ease of playing, helping beginners avoid excessive finger strain. Tuning stability is supported by sealed-gear tuning machines, which should keep the guitar in tune for longer periods compared to cheaper alternatives.

The bundle includes useful accessories like an amplifier, gig bag, cable, strap, picks, and an instructional video, making it a comprehensive package that covers all the basics a beginner would need to get started. However, it’s important to note that the tremolo bridge, while offering expressive pitch bending, can be tricky for beginners to master initially. At 8.95 pounds, the guitar is reasonably light but some might find it slightly heavy if they are very young or have small frames. The Surf Green color adds a fun, vibrant aesthetic. This bundle is a great value and a solid starting point for any beginner guitarist.

Rating
8.5
Type of Guitar
Action

Most important from
239 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar's color is loved, and it's a great starter electric guitar with good size, weight, and sound.
Action
The guitar is playable right out of the box, though a little fret work and a set of new pickups can enhance its performance significantly.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitars For Beginners

Choosing the right guitar as a beginner can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The key is to find an instrument that feels comfortable, sounds good, and motivates you to practice. Understanding the different specifications and how they affect playability and sound will help you make an informed decision. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a beginner guitar.
Type of GuitarGuitars come in various types, including acoustic, electric, and classical. Acoustic guitars are great for beginners because they are versatile and don't require additional equipment. Electric guitars are easier to play due to their lighter strings and lower action, but they need an amplifier. Classical guitars have nylon strings, which are gentler on the fingers, making them a good choice for young players or those with sensitive fingers. Choose the type that aligns with the music you want to play and your personal preferences.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a guitar affect its comfort and sound. Smaller body guitars, like parlor or concert models, are easier to handle and produce a balanced sound, making them suitable for beginners. Larger body guitars, like dreadnoughts, offer a louder and fuller sound but can be bulky for some players. Consider your body size and comfort when choosing the guitar's body shape. If possible, try holding and playing different sizes to see which feels best for you.
Neck Width and ProfileThe neck width and profile influence how easy it is to play chords and move your fingers along the fretboard. A narrower neck is easier for small hands, while a wider neck provides more space for finger placement, which can be helpful for fingerstyle playing. The neck profile, or shape, can be C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped, each offering a different feel. Beginners often find a C-shaped neck comfortable. Choose a neck that feels good in your hand and allows you to play comfortably.
String Type and GaugeStrings come in different types and gauges, affecting the guitar's playability and sound. Acoustic guitars typically use steel strings, which produce a bright sound but can be tough on fingers. Electric guitars use lighter gauge steel strings, making them easier to press down. Classical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer and easier on the fingers. For beginners, lighter gauge strings are recommended as they are easier to play and less likely to cause finger pain. Choose strings that match the type of guitar and your comfort level.
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, if the action is too low, it can cause buzzing sounds. Higher action can produce a cleaner sound but requires more finger strength. Look for a guitar with a moderate action that balances ease of play with sound quality. You can always have the action adjusted by a professional if needed.
Tuning StabilityTuning stability is crucial for maintaining the guitar's sound quality. A guitar that stays in tune longer will save you from frequent tuning and ensure consistent sound. Check the quality of the tuning pegs and the overall construction of the guitar. Guitars with good tuning stability are more enjoyable to play and help you focus on learning rather than constantly adjusting the tuning. Test the tuning stability by playing the guitar for a while and seeing how well it holds its tune.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now