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10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Neck Width and Profile
Action
Tuning Stability

Most important from
7362 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
10.0
Chosen by1,387
Neck Width and Profile
Action
Tuning Stability

Most important from
7362 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.
#2

Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/Case, Strap, 10W Amp, Strings, Pick, Tremolo Bar - Hollywood Blue

Rating
8.2
Action
Neck Width and Profile
Tuning Stability

Most important from
9652 reviews

Action
The action is well set for easy playability right out of the box, making it comfortable for new players to press chords without strain.
Neck Width and Profile
The neck shape and feel encourage long practice sessions, which is crucial for anyone starting their guitar journey.
Tuning Stability
The guitar holds its tuning surprisingly well, reducing frustration and allowing more time to focus on playing.
Body Size and Shape
This guitar size and neck width fit most teens and adults well, providing a balanced feel that suits beginners of various ages.

The Best Choice Products 39-inch Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit is designed specifically for beginners wanting an all-in-one package. It includes everything a new player needs to start practicing right away: a guitar, 10W amplifier, cable, case, strap, extra strings, and picks. The guitar features a solid wood body and a maple neck with an engineered wood fretboard, which provides a balanced feel and decent durability for beginners. The 6 stainless steel strings are standard and should be comfortable for newcomers. With a 39-inch body length and standard neck width, it fits most teens and adults starting out.

The tremolo bridge and single-coil pickups offer some flexibility in sound, allowing players to explore styles from blues to rock, which is great for experimenting. However, the action (string height) and tuning stability might require some adjustment or maintenance over time, as is common with beginner guitars in this price range. The included accessories, like the carrying case and amp, make it very convenient, but the 10W amp is modest and best suited for practice at home rather than performances. This budget-friendly starter guitar kit covers all basics and lets you explore different sounds, making it a solid choice, especially for right-handed players. Just be aware it might need some minor setup tweaks to get the best playability.

Rating
8.2
Action
Neck Width and Profile
Tuning Stability

Most important from
9652 reviews

Action
The action is well set for easy playability right out of the box, making it comfortable for new players to press chords without strain.
Neck Width and Profile
The neck shape and feel encourage long practice sessions, which is crucial for anyone starting their guitar journey.
Tuning Stability
The guitar holds its tuning surprisingly well, reducing frustration and allowing more time to focus on playing.
Body Size and Shape
This guitar size and neck width fit most teens and adults well, providing a balanced feel that suits beginners of various ages.
#3

Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Perfect Beginner Guitar for Kids that is Easy on Fingers, Includes 3 Months of Free Lessons, Natural

Rating
7.9
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
1259 reviews

Type of Guitar
This guitar delivers a rich, professional sound that surpasses expectations for its budget-friendly price.
Body Size and Shape
Its comfortable size and shape make it perfect for players with smaller hands, providing an easy and fun playing experience.
Action
Setup is minimal, letting players start enjoying the guitar immediately without complicated adjustments.
Tuning Stability
The build quality is impressive with smooth, level frets and reliable tuning stability right out of the box.

The Fender FA-25N is a 3/4 size nylon-string acoustic guitar designed especially for beginners and players with smaller hands, including kids. Its smaller body and shorter scale length (23.3") make it easier to hold and play, which is great for new learners who might find full-size guitars intimidating. The neck has a comfortable "C" shape and a slightly narrower width, helping beginners form chords without too much finger strain. Nylon strings are softer than steel strings, which means they are gentler on fingers and reduce discomfort for those just starting out.

The tuning machines are open-gear style, which generally offer reliable tuning stability, although beginners might need to tune more frequently at first. The guitar uses tonewoods like sapele for the back and agathis for the top, contributing to a warm but somewhat basic sound quality typical for entry-level instruments. The action (the distance between the strings and fretboard) is set up to be beginner-friendly, allowing easier pressing of strings, though some might prefer slight adjustments as skills improve.

One nice bonus is the inclusion of three months of free online lessons with Fender Play, which supports learning beyond just the instrument. While the FA-25N doesn’t match the tone or build quality of higher-end guitars, it delivers solid playability and value for those starting out, especially younger players or anyone looking for a comfortable, easy-to-play guitar. If you want a beginner guitar that’s gentle on fingers and sized just right for small hands, this Fender is a solid choice.

Rating
7.9
Type of Guitar
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
1259 reviews

Type of Guitar
This guitar delivers a rich, professional sound that surpasses expectations for its budget-friendly price.
Body Size and Shape
Its comfortable size and shape make it perfect for players with smaller hands, providing an easy and fun playing experience.
Action
Setup is minimal, letting players start enjoying the guitar immediately without complicated adjustments.
Tuning Stability
The build quality is impressive with smooth, level frets and reliable tuning stability right out of the box.

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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