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10 Best Starter Guitar For Teen 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 - Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,486
Size
String Type
Build Quality

Most important from
37220 reviews

Size
The guitar's lightweight and portable design makes it convenient for young players.
String Type
Although the strings might snap easily, replacing them with higher quality ones is a simple and inexpensive fix.
Build Quality
Despite some minor imperfections and a few dings, the guitar's overall quality and color are impressive.
Aesthetics
The guitar arrived well-packaged, undamaged, and beautifully finished, making it feel like a steal rather than just a bargain.

The Best Choice Products 38in Beginner Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is tailored for teenagers entering the world of guitar playing. It stands out as a comprehensive package with essential accessories like a gig bag, guitar strap, extra strings, multiple picks, a capo, and a cleaning cloth, ensuring that beginners have everything they need to start playing immediately. The classic design with a beautiful black finish and elegant rosette adds a modern touch to its aesthetic appeal, making it visually attractive to young learners.

The guitar's body is made from spruce and sapele wood, providing a sturdy and durable build. However, the use of alloy steel strings, while durable, might be harder on the fingers for absolute beginners as compared to softer nylon strings. The 38-inch size is suitable for teens and adults, and the closer proximity between the fretboard and strings is designed to reduce finger fatigue, making it easier to play for extended periods. This feature, along with the adjustable bridge system, contributes to a more comfortable playing experience.

A potential drawback is the intermediate proficiency level specified, which might imply a slight learning curve for complete novices. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, the guitar is lightweight and portable, ideal for young players. In summary, this guitar kit is a solid choice for teenagers who are serious about learning to play, offering good value with its all-inclusive set and user-friendly design.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,486
Size
String Type
Build Quality

Most important from
37220 reviews

Size
The guitar's lightweight and portable design makes it convenient for young players.
String Type
Although the strings might snap easily, replacing them with higher quality ones is a simple and inexpensive fix.
Build Quality
Despite some minor imperfections and a few dings, the guitar's overall quality and color are impressive.
Aesthetics
The guitar arrived well-packaged, undamaged, and beautifully finished, making it feel like a steal rather than just a bargain.
#2

Donner Acoustic Guitar for Beginner Adult Full Size Dreadnought Acustica Guitarra Starter Bundle Kit with Gig Bag Strap Tuner Capo Pickguard String 4 Picks Cloth, Right Hand 41 Inch Natural, DAG-1

Rating
9.8
Type of Guitar
Size
Neck Width and Shape

Most important from
7295 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar sounds and plays really well, with plenty of low end and projecting midrange, typical of a dreadnought.
Size
It's a bright sounding guitar that stays in tune well and is lightweight, perfect for beginners.
Neck Width and Shape
The guitar has a nice flat paint finish, making the neck slide smoother than a highly lacquered one.
Action
Straight out of the box, the action was decent and the neck needed minimal adjustment, making it very playable.
Build Quality
This guitar is very well-made with a solid wood top and smooth fret ends, making it a steal for the price.

The Donner Acoustic Guitar for beginners is a comprehensive starter bundle for teens, providing everything needed to start playing immediately. This 41-inch dreadnought guitar is designed for right-handed players and comes with a padded gig bag, strap, digital tuner, capo, pickguard, extra strings, picks, cleaning cloth, and an Allen wrench.

Its craftsmanship features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which contribute to a rich, warm, and clear sound. The guitar is well-constructed with phosphor bronze strings and a high-carbon steel hex core, ensuring it stays in tune longer after the initial setup. The neck is made of mahogany with 20 brass frets, marked for easy navigation, enhancing the playability for beginners.

The full-size body might be a bit large for younger teens or those with smaller hands, making it slightly less comfortable for extended practice sessions. The build quality and aesthetics are commendable, with a natural finish that is visually appealing. While its size and right-handed orientation might limit its accessibility for some users, the Donner Acoustic Guitar offers excellent value with its complete accessory set and solid build, making it a great choice for teens starting their musical journey.

Rating
9.8
Type of Guitar
Size
Neck Width and Shape

Most important from
7295 reviews

Type of Guitar
The guitar sounds and plays really well, with plenty of low end and projecting midrange, typical of a dreadnought.
Size
It's a bright sounding guitar that stays in tune well and is lightweight, perfect for beginners.
Neck Width and Shape
The guitar has a nice flat paint finish, making the neck slide smoother than a highly lacquered one.
Action
Straight out of the box, the action was decent and the neck needed minimal adjustment, making it very playable.
Build Quality
This guitar is very well-made with a solid wood top and smooth fret ends, making it a steal for the price.
#3

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
9.6
String Type
Action
Build Quality

Most important from
2995 reviews

String Type
The high E string broke during tuning, but replacing it with a good quality string improved the experience.
Action
The action is great; bar chords are easier to play on the low frets.
Build Quality
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily and the tuner included is easy to use.
Aesthetics
The guitar's sound is beautiful, even with novice playing.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a great starter option for teenagers looking to learn how to play. One of its standout features is its budget-friendly price, making it accessible for families without compromising on sound quality. The all-laminate construction, with a lindenwood top and mahogany back, provides durability—perfect for young and novice musicians who might not handle the instrument with extreme care just yet.

In terms of sound, the scalloped 'X'-bracing paired with a mahogany neck helps produce a full-bodied tone that is impressive for a beginner's guitar. The slim neck and dark-stained maple fingerboard enhance playability, allowing for comfortable learning and easier progress for new players. The aesthetics are also appealing, with a natural finish that looks great on stage or at home.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The build uses engineered wood, which may not resonate as well as solid wood guitars, potentially affecting sound quality over time as the player progresses. Also, while it caters well to right-handed players, left-handed individuals might need to look for alternative options. Another benefit is that this bundle includes everything a beginner would need: a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, online lessons, and an instructional DVD. This all-in-one package can save time and effort when starting out.

Rating
9.6
String Type
Action
Build Quality

Most important from
2995 reviews

String Type
The high E string broke during tuning, but replacing it with a good quality string improved the experience.
Action
The action is great; bar chords are easier to play on the low frets.
Build Quality
The guitar is great quality, tunes easily and the tuner included is easy to use.
Aesthetics
The guitar's sound is beautiful, even with novice playing.

Buying Guide for the Best Starter Guitar For Teen

Choosing a starter guitar for a teen can be an exciting yet challenging task. The right guitar can inspire a lifelong love of music, so it's important to consider several key factors to ensure you pick the best fit. Focus on the guitar's playability, sound quality, and durability, as well as the teen's personal preferences and physical comfort. Here are some key specifications to help guide your decision.
Type of GuitarGuitars come in various types, including acoustic, electric, and classical. Acoustic guitars are great for beginners because they don't require additional equipment like amplifiers. Electric guitars are easier to play due to their lighter strings and lower action, but they need an amp to produce sound. Classical guitars have nylon strings, which are gentler on the fingers, making them a good choice for younger players. Consider the teen's musical interests and the type of music they want to play when choosing the type of guitar.
SizeGuitars come in different sizes to accommodate players of various ages and body types. Full-size guitars are suitable for most teens, but smaller teens or those with smaller hands might find a 3/4 or 1/2 size guitar more comfortable. The right size ensures that the player can hold and play the guitar comfortably, which is crucial for maintaining interest and avoiding frustration.
Neck Width and ShapeThe neck width and shape affect how easy it is to play the guitar. A narrower neck is easier for smaller hands to navigate, while a wider neck might be better for fingerpicking styles. The shape of the neck (C-shaped, V-shaped, etc.) also influences comfort. Teens with smaller hands might prefer a thinner, C-shaped neck, while those with larger hands might find a thicker neck more comfortable. Trying out different neck shapes can help determine the best fit.
String TypeGuitar strings come in different materials and gauges (thicknesses). Acoustic guitars typically use steel strings, which produce a bright sound but can be tough on beginners' fingers. Classical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer and easier to press down. Electric guitars use lighter gauge steel strings, which are easier to play. For beginners, lighter gauge strings are generally recommended as they are easier on the fingers and require less pressure to play.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play because less pressure is needed to press the strings down. However, if the action is too low, it can cause buzzing sounds. Higher action can produce a cleaner sound but is harder to play. For beginners, a guitar with medium to low action is usually best, as it balances playability and sound quality.
Build QualityThe build quality of a guitar affects its durability and sound. Look for a guitar with a solid top, as it generally produces better sound than a laminate top. Check for sturdy construction, good quality tuners, and a straight neck. A well-built guitar will last longer and stay in tune better, which is important for maintaining a beginner's enthusiasm.
AestheticsWhile not a technical specification, the look of the guitar can be important, especially for teens. A guitar that looks appealing can motivate a teen to play more often. Consider the color, finish, and overall design. Let the teen have a say in this aspect to ensure they feel a personal connection to their instrument.

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