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10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
10.0
Chosen by1,439
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
37497 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
10.0
Chosen by1,439
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
37497 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.
#2

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

The Fender 6 String Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent choice for beginners, providing everything needed to start playing right out of the box. It includes a Squier Debut Series Stratocaster guitar, a Frontman 10G amp, and several accessories like a padded gig bag, a strap, a cable, picks, a guitar stand, and extra strings. This comprehensive kit allows new players to dive into their musical journey without needing to purchase additional items.

One of the standout features is the comfortable 'c' shaped neck and lightweight body, which makes it easy to handle for both kids and adults. The use of laurel wood for the fingerboard adds a nice touch, providing a smooth playing experience. The three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching open up a wide range of classic Strat tones, catering to different musical styles.

Fender’s reputation for quality is backed by a 2-year limited warranty, giving peace of mind against defects. Plus, the included free subscription to Fender Play offers valuable lessons, making it even more appealing for those just starting out. There are a few considerations; while the guitar is designed for beginners, its full-sized design might still be a bit bulky for younger children or players with smaller hands. Additionally, as with any electric guitar, players may need to invest in additional accessories as they progress, such as a better amplifier or effects pedals.

#3

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
9.1
Neck Width and Profile
Action
Tuning Stability

Most important from
7403 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
9.1
Neck Width and Profile
Action
Tuning Stability

Most important from
7403 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.

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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