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10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
9.9
Chosen by1,467
Type of Guitar
Neck Width and Profile
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
999 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
9.9
Chosen by1,467
Type of Guitar
Neck Width and Profile
String Type and Gauge

Most important from
999 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.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
String Type and Gauge
Tuning Stability

Most important from
999 reviews

String Type and Gauge
Switching to Phosphor Bronze Earthwood strings significantly enhanced the guitar's rich tone, making it a pleasure to play.
Tuning Stability
The guitar arrived in excellent condition and needed minimal setup; the frets were smooth and level, and the tuners held the guitar in tune.

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is tailored for beginners, making it a great choice for both kids and adults starting their musical journey. Its dreadnought body shape offers a rich bass tone, which can enhance the experience of playing genres like country, folk, and bluegrass. One of its standout features is the comfortable 'C' shaped neck, which, along with the walnut fingerboard, provides ease of play, helping new players build their skills without frustration.

The guitar’s construction emphasizes quality with a solid reputation from Fender, known for their craftsmanship over a 75-year legacy. The lightweight, all-laminate body makes it easier to handle during practice. Additionally, the sealed-gear tuning machines ensure that once tuned, the guitar remains in tune, which is crucial for beginners who might struggle with frequent retuning.

A significant advantage of purchasing the FA-25 is the included free subscription to Fender Play, offering access to thousands of instructional videos. This resource can greatly assist new players in learning at their own pace and enjoying the process of playing their favorite songs. There are a few considerations for potential buyers. Being an all-laminate body guitar means it may not provide the same depth of sound as solid wood models. Some beginners might prefer a more traditional model, but this guitar's sound is still quite respectable for its price range. The guitar's full size could also be a bit large for younger or smaller players, though it is standard for adult beginners. Lastly, the warranty, while reassuring, is limited to two years, which might not match the long-term durability of some other brands.

Rating
9.8
String Type and Gauge
Tuning Stability

Most important from
999 reviews

String Type and Gauge
Switching to Phosphor Bronze Earthwood strings significantly enhanced the guitar's rich tone, making it a pleasure to play.
Tuning Stability
The guitar arrived in excellent condition and needed minimal setup; the frets were smooth and level, and the tuners held the guitar in tune.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge
Action

Most important from
2062 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
9.7
Body Size and Shape
String Type and Gauge
Action

Most important from
2062 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.

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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