10 Best Starter Guitar For Teen 2025 in the United States

The Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Kit is a solid choice for teens just starting to learn guitar. It features a full-sized dreadnought body, which offers a bold and rich sound, ideal for styles like country and folk. The neck has a comfortable "C" shape and is made from Nato wood with a smooth walnut fingerboard, making it easier for beginners to press down the strings without strain. The strings are nickel, providing a good balance for tone and durability.

The guitar’s spruce top and basswood back provide decent resonance and a warm tone, typical of entry-level acoustics. Included with the guitar are useful accessories such as a padded gig bag, stand, strap, picks, and extra strings, which add value and convenience for a newcomer. Also, the 2-year warranty and Fender Play subscription with video lessons make learning more accessible and supported. The build quality reflects Fender's long experience, providing reliable tuning with sealed-gear machines and a fixed bridge.

One minor consideration is that the dreadnought body shape might feel a bit large for very small teens, but it suits most beginners who want a full-sized guitar that won’t need upgrading soon. This kit combines good sound, comfort, and useful extras to help foster an interest in playing.

The Yamaha FG800J is a solid choice for teens just starting out with the guitar. It is a dreadnought acoustic, which means it has a larger body that produces a bright and balanced tone with good low-end projection, making it versatile for many music styles. The solid spruce top contributes to its clear sound, while the nato and mahogany woods in the back and sides provide warmth and durability. The rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth and comfortable feel for beginners, and Yamaha guitars typically have a beginner-friendly neck shape that’s easy to hold.

This guitar uses phosphor bronze strings, delivering a bright tone that is gentle on the fingers, helping new players adjust more easily. It features a fixed bridge and quality hardware, which help it stay in tune well and require minimal upkeep. The natural finish is simple and classic, likely appealing to teens who prefer a traditional look.

Because dreadnought guitars have a larger size, they may feel bulky for smaller teens, so the FG800J is best suited for those comfortable with a full-size guitar. It is designed for right-handed players, so left-handed individuals would need to consider other options. With its solid build, good sound, and beginner focus, the FG800J is a dependable and attractive option for a teen’s first guitar that can also serve well beyond the early learning stages.

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.