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10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,399
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge
Action

Most important from
2041 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The slightly smaller size and concert shape make it comfortable for players of various sizes, including children and smaller adults.
String Type and Gauge
While the factory strings may not suit everyone, they are decent for strumming, though lighter gauge strings might be preferred for bending.
Action
Despite the initial high action, once adjusted, this guitar sounds and plays amazing, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Tuning Stability
The guitar's rich, full tone and reliable tuning stability make it a fantastic choice for both strumming and fingerpicking.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a solid choice for beginners looking to start their musical journey on the right note. It features a traditional Western dreadnought body that is well-known for its bright, balanced tone and strong low-end projection, thanks to the solid spruce top. The body size and shape make it comfortable to hold and play, which is essential for beginners who may spend a lot of time practicing. The neck is made from nato wood, and the fretboard is rosewood, providing a smooth playing experience. The phosphor bronze strings are durable and produce a warm, resonant sound.

Beginners might find the factory-set action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) a bit high, which could make pressing the strings down harder initially. The tuning stability is generally reliable, although frequent tuning adjustments might be necessary as the guitar settles in its early days. The craftsmanship, including the quality of materials like mahogany and rosewood for the back and sides, ensures this guitar is built to last. Its fixed guitar bridge system adds to the ease of use, as beginners won’t need to worry about making adjustments.

In summary, the Yamaha FG800J NT combines quality and playability, making it a strong contender for any beginner guitarist. Just be prepared for a bit of an adjustment period as you get used to the instrument's setup.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,399
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge
Action

Most important from
2041 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The slightly smaller size and concert shape make it comfortable for players of various sizes, including children and smaller adults.
String Type and Gauge
While the factory strings may not suit everyone, they are decent for strumming, though lighter gauge strings might be preferred for bending.
Action
Despite the initial high action, once adjusted, this guitar sounds and plays amazing, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Tuning Stability
The guitar's rich, full tone and reliable tuning stability make it a fantastic choice for both strumming and fingerpicking.
#2

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

Rating
9.8
Tuning Stability

Most important from
736 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
9.8
Tuning Stability

Most important from
736 reviews

Tuning Stability
The tuners hold the guitar in tune well, minimizing the need for constant re-tuning.
#3

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, 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.

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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