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10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners looking to start their musical journey. Its all-laminate construction with a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides ensures durability, making it well-suited for the everyday use that novice players might put it through. The dreadnought body shape delivers a full-bodied sound, which many new guitarists appreciate as it provides a rich tone that can be quite inspiring.

One of the standout features is its slim neck, designed for easy playability. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who might struggle with thicker necks, allowing for a more comfortable learning experience. The inclusion of a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, winder, and picks in the bundle adds significant value, as it equips new players with everything they need to start playing right away. Additionally, the Fender Play online lessons and Austin Bazaar instructional DVD are excellent resources for learning, catering specifically to those who may need some guidance.

On the flip side, while the lindenwood top provides good sound, it may not match the tonal depth of higher-end solid wood guitars. The action, which can affect playability, might require some adjustments based on individual preference, as is common with many budget instruments. Some users also report that the tuning stability could be a concern, especially for those who frequently change tunings or are still getting accustomed to tuning their instrument.

#2

Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, 6 Picks, Nylon Strings, Strap w/Pick Holder - Matte Black

Rating
9.1
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
37614 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar’s finish and color options are attractive, with some variations adding a unique touch that users appreciate even if there are minor imperfections.
Body Size and Shape
The guitar’s smaller scale length suits players with smaller hands, providing comfort and easier fretboard access, though it might feel tight for larger hands.
String Type and Gauge
The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, helping reduce discomfort for new players and making practice sessions more enjoyable.
Tuning Stability
The included digital tuner is easy to use and significantly enhances the learning experience, especially for those new to tuning instruments.

The Best Choice Products 38-inch acoustic guitar kit is a solid starter option for beginners, especially teenagers and adults. Its classic jumbo body shape is comfortable to hold, and the smaller distance between fretboard and strings (action) makes it easier on fingers, helping new players build skills without too much finger strain. The nylon strings are another beginner-friendly feature, as they’re softer and gentler to press compared to steel strings, and they help keep the guitar in tune better, which can be encouraging for those just learning.

This kit comes with everything you need to get started—gig bag, strap, extra strings, picks, capo, and a cleaning cloth—so you don’t have to worry about buying accessories separately. The guitar has a 38-inch scale length, which is good for smaller hands but may feel a bit tight for larger players. It’s made mostly from laminate wood, which is common in beginner guitars but not as rich in tone or durability as solid wood instruments.

The fixed bridge and medium gauge strings offer decent tuning stability, though absolute tuning precision might require occasional tweaks. Although it’s labeled for intermediate players too, its features lean toward ease of use and comfort, making it especially suited for beginners who want a complete, affordable set to practice with. For casual learners who don’t mind a basic build, this model could be a good match.

Rating
9.1
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
37614 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar’s finish and color options are attractive, with some variations adding a unique touch that users appreciate even if there are minor imperfections.
Body Size and Shape
The guitar’s smaller scale length suits players with smaller hands, providing comfort and easier fretboard access, though it might feel tight for larger hands.
String Type and Gauge
The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, helping reduce discomfort for new players and making practice sessions more enjoyable.
Tuning Stability
The included digital tuner is easy to use and significantly enhances the learning experience, especially for those new to tuning instruments.
#3

Martin D-28 - Natural

Rating
9.1
Type of Guitar
Tuning Stability

Most important from
42 reviews

Type of Guitar
The Martin D-28 delivers an amazingly smooth playability with a rich, powerful sound that sets the gold standard for acoustic guitars.
Tuning Stability
This guitar comes ready to play right out of the box, with excellent setup and tuning stability.

The Martin D-28 is a classic dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its rich sound and quality build. It features a spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, which contribute to its strong, resonant tone. The dreadnought body shape offers a full, powerful sound but might feel large for younger players or those with smaller hands. Its neck is made from carbon fiber and has an ebony fingerboard, which generally offers smooth playability.

The guitar uses 6 phosphor bronze strings, which provide a warm tone and are common for beginners, though they might be a bit tougher on fingers compared to lighter gauge strings often recommended for those just starting out. Martin guitars typically have good setup out of the box, aiding easier playability and tuning stability. The D-28’s fixed bridge system and high-quality build help it stay in tune well, which benefits players seeking less hassle in tuning.

One consideration is its weight at 17.6 pounds, which is heavier than many beginner guitars and might be less comfortable for extended playing sessions. Additionally, the price and reputation of the Martin D-28 position it more for intermediate to professional players rather than entry-level. For those committed to learning and valuing a top-quality instrument from the start, it can be a rewarding choice.

Rating
9.1
Type of Guitar
Tuning Stability

Most important from
42 reviews

Type of Guitar
The Martin D-28 delivers an amazingly smooth playability with a rich, powerful sound that sets the gold standard for acoustic guitars.
Tuning Stability
This guitar comes ready to play right out of the box, with excellent setup and tuning stability.

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.

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