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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
10.0
Chosen by1,489
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge
Action

Most important from
2109 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
10.0
Chosen by1,489
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge
Action

Most important from
2109 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 Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Padded Gig Bag, Guitar Stand, Guitar Strap, and More, Natural

Rating
9.7
Type of Guitar
Neck Width and Profile
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
1199 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar offers a standard full-size that is perfect as a starter instrument for beginners.
Neck Width and Profile
Comfortable neck design helps reduce finger strain when learning chords.
String Type and Gauge
Strings have the right tension for beginners and maintain tuning stability effectively.

The Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit is a solid choice for beginners looking for a full-size acoustic guitar with classic styling and easy playability. The dreadnought body shape offers a rich, bold bass tone, suitable for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass, which many new players enjoy exploring. Its spruce top and basswood back provide warm sound quality without being overpowering. The neck is designed with a comfortable "C" shape and walnut fingerboard, making it easier for beginners to form chords without finger strain. This guitar uses nickel strings that balance durability and smooth playability, and the string action is generally light, helping reduce finger discomfort when pressing down the strings. The sealed-gear tuning machines ensure good tuning stability, so your guitar stays in tune longer during practice sessions.

A nice bonus in this kit is the inclusion of a padded gig bag, guitar stand, strap, picks, and extra strings, which covers most beginner needs right out of the box. Additionally, the Fender Play subscription offers structured lessons, a helpful feature for those starting from scratch. The guitar’s body size might feel a bit large for younger players or those with smaller hands, and the basswood back, while decent, is less resonant than higher-end tonewoods. Also, being a right-handed guitar limits options for left-handed players.

Priced with value in mind, this kit suits beginners who want a reliable, comfortable guitar with supportive learning tools included.

Rating
9.7
Type of Guitar
Neck Width and Profile
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
1199 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar offers a standard full-size that is perfect as a starter instrument for beginners.
Neck Width and Profile
Comfortable neck design helps reduce finger strain when learning chords.
String Type and Gauge
Strings have the right tension for beginners and maintain tuning stability effectively.
#3

YAMAHA FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Natural, Concert

Rating
9.4
Body Size and Shape
Neck Width and Profile
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
2109 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The concert-sized body is comfortably sized for players with smaller hands, making long practice sessions less tiring and more enjoyable.
Neck Width and Profile
The neck offers smooth playability and durability, though its slightly wider profile may not suit everyone’s personal preference.
String Type and Gauge
The factory strings are medium gauge and decent for strumming, but experimenting with different strings can help achieve a richer, more balanced tone.
Action
The guitar is highly playable once properly set up, with an adjustable truss rod that allows for comfortable string action and reduced finger strain.
Tuning Stability
The guitar stays in tune well thanks to reliable diecast tuners, which is important for both beginners and experienced players.

The Yamaha FS800 is a concert-sized acoustic guitar designed with beginners in mind. Its solid Sitka spruce top provides clear, rich sound quality that improves with time, which benefits new players looking for a guitar that grows with their skills. The smaller concert body is comfortable to hold, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands, making practice sessions less tiring. The neck is made from Nato wood with a rosewood fingerboard, offering smooth playability and durability. The string material is alloy steel, common for acoustic guitars, producing a bright tone. One helpful feature is the adjustable truss rod, allowing neck adjustments to maintain proper string action, making playing easier and reducing finger strain for beginners. The diecast tuners provide good tuning stability, so the guitar stays in tune during practice and performance.

On the downside, the Nato back and sides are less resonant than more expensive tonewoods, which may limit the depth of sound for advanced players. Also, while the guitar's action is adjustable, beginners might still need some setup help to achieve the most comfortable string height. Weighing about 5.75 pounds, the guitar is fairly lightweight, which is convenient for beginners who may need to carry it around.

The Yamaha FS800 represents a solid starting point for beginners seeking a reliable, easy-to-play acoustic guitar with good sound and build quality at an affordable price.

Rating
9.4
Body Size and Shape
Neck Width and Profile
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
2109 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The concert-sized body is comfortably sized for players with smaller hands, making long practice sessions less tiring and more enjoyable.
Neck Width and Profile
The neck offers smooth playability and durability, though its slightly wider profile may not suit everyone’s personal preference.
String Type and Gauge
The factory strings are medium gauge and decent for strumming, but experimenting with different strings can help achieve a richer, more balanced tone.
Action
The guitar is highly playable once properly set up, with an adjustable truss rod that allows for comfortable string action and reduced finger strain.
Tuning Stability
The guitar stays in tune well thanks to reliable diecast tuners, which is important for both beginners and experienced players.

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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