Best Guitar for Beginners in 2025: Acoustics and Electrics

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Ever imagined yourself strumming the perfect tune, only to be snapped back to reality by a jarring, off-key note? Finding the best guitar for beginners isn’t just about making music; it’s about creating moments that inspire.

Whether you’re picturing serene evenings with acoustic or electrifying jam sessions, the right guitar can turn those dreams into reality.

But who has time to look through all the options? Don’t worry – I’ve done the legwork for you!

This guide is your backstage pass to the world of guitars, offering a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of top acoustic and electric picks for 2025. From the Yamaha FG800’s harmonious melody to the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster’s vibrant energy, I’ve got the scoop to help you choose wisely.

Join me on a journey to discover your perfect musical companion, and let’s make your guitar dreams resonate with every string you strum. Ready to find the guitar that will set your musical soul on fire?

Let’s dive in!

three electric guitars on a porch

What’s the Best Guitar for Beginners? The List at a Glance

Not in the mood to read? No problem! Check out my top picks for the best guitar for beginners based on my years of experience in the industry. Links will be below each in case you change your mind and want to read more.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Overall

Yamaha FG800

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The Yamaha FG800 stands as a top pick for beginners, renowned for its outstanding playability, rich tones, and solid construction. It’s the ideal companion for novice players seeking a reliable and inspiring acoustic guitar to kickstart their musical journey with confidence and style.

Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitar

Rogue RA-090

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The Rogue RA-090 is the go-to acoustic guitar for budget-conscious beginners, offering a surprisingly rich sound and comfortable playability. Its affordability and durability make it an ideal choice for novices, providing a solid foundation for those taking their first steps in the world of music.

Best Entry Level Acoustic Guitar

Epiphone PR-150

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The Epiphone PR-150 is an excellent starting point for budding musicians, offering a blend of quality sound and ease of play. Its approachable design and affordability make it a top pick for beginners eager to learn on an acoustic guitar that promises a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.

Best Beginner Electric Guitar Overall

Fender Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

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Embrace the vintage vibe with the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster, designed for beginners who seek style and substance. This guitar offers a blend of classic aesthetics, versatile tones, and user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for newcomers eager to channel the spirit of the ’50s rock era.

Best Budget-Friendly Electric Guitar

Ibanez GRX70QA

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The Ibanez GRX70QA stands out as a stellar choice for beginners, offering an exceptional blend of affordability, playability, and sleek design. Ideal for those venturing into diverse musical genres, this guitar delivers robust tones and a comfortable playing experience, making it a versatile and inspiring entry-level electric guitar.

Best Electric Guitar for Rockers

Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1

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Discover the Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1, a beginner-friendly electric guitar that brings the legendary Les Paul essence within reach. With its classic design, rich tones, and comfortable playability, it’s tailored for newcomers, especially rock enthusiasts, aiming to start their musical journey with a touch of iconic style.

The Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners

acoustic guitar lineup

Yamaha FG800

Specifications

  • Body: Solid Spruce Top; Nato/Okume back and sides
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood

Key Benefits

  • Solid Top: The Yamaha FG800, acclaimed as the best beginner acoustic guitar, features a solid spruce top, ensuring superior sound quality. This solid top enhances the guitar’s resonance and sustain, so you hear every note clearer and more vibrant.
  • Scalloped Bracing: Unique to this acoustic guitar is its scalloped bracing. While rare to find in beginner guitars, it’s a design that allows for more top vibration, improving sound quality and projection. This feature ensures that even your softest strums are heard loud and clear, providing a dynamic range that encourages expressive playing.
  • Superb Build Quality: Yamaha’s commitment to quality is evident in the FG800’s construction, providing you with a reliable and durable choice for the best beginner guitar. Its superb build quality means it can endure the rigors of daily practice while maintaining excellent playability and sound.
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Overall

Pros

  • Rich and Balanced Tone: Offers a spectrum of sounds from deep lows to crisp highs, suitable for various musical styles.
  • Impressive Volume: The dreadnought body ensures strong projection, which is ideal for performances.
  • Effortless Playability: Comfortable neck design allows smooth transitions and extended play without fatigue.

Cons

  • Size and Weight: The dreadnought shape may be cumbersome for smaller players or those preferring a more compact guitar.
  • Price Point: While offering great value, its cost may be slightly higher than other beginner models, potentially stretching tight budgets.

Discover the Yamaha FG800, the best beginner acoustic guitar that combines rich tones, impressive volume, and effortless playability. Elevate your musical journey with this top-choice instrument. Ready to unleash your potential and fill the room with music? Start strumming today!

Rogue RA-090

Specifications

  • Body: Whitewood
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fingerboard: Painted Maple

Key Benefits

  • Dreadnought Shape: The Rogue RA-090 stands out among the best acoustic guitars for beginners with its classic dreadnought shape, known for its broad, balanced sound. This design suits various music styles, making it a versatile choice if you’re interested in exploring a variety of genres.
  • Whitewood Body: Featuring a whitewood body, the RA-090 provides a crisp and clear tone, distinguishing it from most acoustic guitars. This material contributes to its bright sound and excellent mid-range, catering well to strumming and fingerpicking styles. For you, this means a guitar that responds well to various playing techniques, offering a great platform to hone your skills.
  • Sustain and Tone: The RA-090 excels in sustain and tone, offering you quality usually found in more expensive models. Its ability to maintain note clarity and richness across the fretboard sets it apart from most acoustic guitars. Whether using nylon strings for a softer touch or steel for a brighter sound, this guitar maintains a balanced tone, supporting you in developing your unique playing style.
Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitar

Pros

  • Dreadnought Shape: Offers a broad, balanced sound, suitable for various musical styles, making it versatile for learners.
  • Whitewood Body: Delivers a crisp, clear tone with excellent mid-range, ideal for different playing techniques.
  • Sustain and Tone: Provides quality sustain and tone clarity, often found in more expensive guitars, supporting diverse learning experiences.

Cons

  • Build Materials: Whitewood and painted maple may not offer the same durability or resonance as higher-end materials.
  • Neck and Fingerboard: Nato neck and painted maple fingerboard might not provide the same playability or comfort as more premium woods.

Experience the Rogue RA-090, the best budget-friendly acoustic guitar that doesn’t compromise on sound. Ideal for beginners, its dreadnought shape and whitewood body offer a versatile and engaging playing experience. Ready to embark on your musical journey without breaking the bank? Explore the RA-090 today!

Epiphone PR-150

Specifications

  • Body: Solid Spruce Top; Mohagany Back and Sides
  • Neck: Mohagany
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood

Key Benefits

  • Rich and Balanced Sound: The Epiphone PR-150 stands out to beginner guitar players with its rich and balanced sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience. Its well-rounded acoustic output ensures that every chord and note you play sounds excellent, making it an encouraging instrument even if you’re starting to learn and play songs.
  • Made for the Road: Designed with durability in mind, the PR-150 is an excellent companion for beginner guitar players on the go. Whether you’re heading to lessons or jamming with friends, this guitar withstands the rigors of travel, ensuring your musical journey continues seamlessly wherever you are.
  • Smooth Playability: The PR-150 offers smooth playability, a crucial feature for beginner guitar players. Its comfortable neck and easy action facilitate a gentle learning curve, making playing songs more enjoyable and less intimidating for you. Its user-friendly design ensures that your practice sessions are productive and enjoyable, helping new players build confidence and skill.
Best Entry Level Acoustic Guitar

Pros

  • Great Sound: Solid spruce top and mahogany sides deliver excellent sound quality, making learning and playing songs enjoyable for beginners.
  • Durability: Robust construction ensures the PR-150 withstands travel and frequent use, ideal for players on the move.
  • Comfortable to Play: Comfortable neck and easy action make it easier for beginners to learn and play for extended periods.

Cons

  • Weight: The combination of solid spruce and mahogany can make the PR-150 slightly heavier, which might be a concern for younger players.
  • Aesthetic Variations: Limited finish options may not satisfy all personal style preferences compared to other models.

Embark on your musical journey with the Epiphone PR-150, the perfect entry-level acoustic guitar for budding artists. Experience its rich sound, durability, and smooth playability. Don’t just dream about playing music—grab your PR-150 today and turn those dreams into reality. Start strumming, and let your musical story begin!

The Best Electric Guitars For Beginners

electric guitar lineup

Fender Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

Specifications

  • Body: Pine
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Maple

Key Benefits

  • Well Constructed: The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster stands out among electric guitars for its solid construction, ensuring durability and reliability. Ideal if you’re a beginner learning to play guitar, its robust build quality means it can withstand the rigors of practice and performance, making it a wise first guitar purchase.
  • Iconic Look: With its vintage aesthetics, this guitar not only allows you to play guitar with confidence but also to do so in style. Its classic design is inspired by the iconic ’50s Stratocasters, offering a timeless look that will inspire any player, making it an exciting first guitar purchase.
  • Quality for Price: Offering exceptional value, this model provides you with quality sound and playability but with a heftier price tag than other entry-level electric guitars. It’s a perfect choice if you’re making your first guitar purchase. It offers a balanced tone and comfortable playability that exceeds expectations for its price point, ensuring you get a great start on your musical journey.
Best Beginner Electric Guitar Overall

Pros

  • Versatile Sound: The guitar’s design allows for a wide range of tones, suitable for various music genres.
  • Playability: The maple neck and fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, enhancing learning.
  • Great Value: Offers excellent sound and playability, exceeding expectations for its price range.

Cons

  • Price Point: While a great value, it’s more expensive than other beginner guitars, which might not suit all budgets.
  • Pine Body: Not a traditional choice for guitar bodies, which may slightly impact tone.

Step back in time with the Fender Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster and capture the essence of a golden era in music. Embrace the iconic look, versatile sound, and quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, make this Strat your companion on a musical voyage. Start rocking today!

Ibanez GRX70QA

Specifications

  • Body: Quilted Maple Art Grain (Basswood) top; Poplar body
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Jatoba

Key Benefits

  • 5-Way Pick-Up Selector: The Ibanez GRX70QA’s versatile 5-way pick-up selector allows you to explore a wide range of tones, catering to various playing styles and genres. This feature ensures that whether you’re playing clean rhythms or distorted leads, you can shape your sound exactly how you want, making it an ideal electric guitar for beginners and experienced players.
  • Tremolo Bridge: Equipped with a tremolo bridge, this electric guitar allows you to add expressive vibrato effects to your playing. Whether you’re diving into deep pitch drops or subtle vibrato, the GRX70QA provides the stability and smoothness needed for such effects, enhancing your performance and allowing for creative expression.
  • Infinity R H-H Pickups: The GRX70QA features Ibanez’s Infinity R humbucker pickups, delivering powerful and versatile tones. These pickups provide a broad tonal palette, from warm cleans to aggressive distortion, ensuring that you can find the perfect sound for any style of music. The steel strings complement these pickups, offering brightness and sustain that enhance the guitar’s overall sound.
Best Budget-Friendly Electric Guitar

Pros

  • Versatile Tone Selection: The 5-way pick-up selector offers a range of tones, suitable for multiple genres and playing styles.
  • Expressive Tremolo Bridge: Adds vibrato effects, enhancing musical expression and performance.
  • Powerful Pickups: Infinity R H-H pickups deliver a wide tonal range, from clean to heavy distortion.

Cons

  • Tuning Stability: Tremolo use can affect tuning stability, requiring more frequent adjustments.
  • Pickup Versatility: While versatile, the pickups might lack the nuanced tone quality of higher-end guitars.

Unleash your creativity with the Ibanez GRX70QA, an electric guitar designed for those who dare to stand out. Explore a spectrum of sounds with its versatile features and add a new dimension to your music. Ready to elevate your playing experience? Check it out for yourself!

Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1

Specifications

  • Body: Mahogany
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fingerboard: Laurel

Key Benefits

  • Classic “Les Paul” Look: The Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 embraces the iconic Les Paul design, making it one of the great guitars for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its classic look pays homage to the legendary lineage and inspires players, making it an exciting first instrument choice if you’re attracted to the electric guitar’s rich history.
  • Zebra-Coil Ceramic Humbuckers: Equipped with powerful zebra-coil ceramic humbuckers, this electric guitar delivers a robust, versatile sound palette. Whether you’re playing rhythm or lead, these pickups ensure your tone is always rich and full, making the Les Paul Studio E1 a standout choice for those seeking quality sound in their first instrument.
  • Tapered Neck Joint: The tapered neck joint on the Les Paul Studio E1 offers you enhanced comfort and accessibility when played. This thoughtful design feature ensures a smoother experience, allowing you to explore your instrument without strain, solidifying its status as one of the great guitars to get started with.
Best Electric Guitar for Rockers

Pros

  • Iconic Design: Classic Les Paul look that’s visually appealing and inspirational for players.
  • Powerful Pickups: Zebra-coil ceramic humbuckers deliver versatile and rich tones.
  • Comfortable Playability: Tapered neck joint enhances comfort, making it easier for beginners.

Cons

  • Price Point: It may be slightly more expensive than other entry-level options.
  • Limited Versatility: While great for rock, its tone might be less adaptable to other genres.

Unleash your inner rocker with the Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1, a guitar that combines classic style with modern playability. Perfect for those just getting started, this electric guitar invites you to explore its rich tones and sleek design. Ready to ignite your passion for music? Don’t wait!

What is the Best Guitar for Beginners?

Finding the right instrument can be tricky, especially when faced with so many choices, from cheap guitars to premium models.

While affordability is a key factor for many, especially those testing the waters, it’s crucial not to compromise on quality. Cheap guitars might be tempting, but they often come with issues that hinder the learning process, such as poor sound quality, uncomfortable playability, and durability concerns.

For beginners, the physical ease of playing is paramount.

Guitars with lighter strings are often recommended as they are easier on the fingers, making practice sessions less daunting and more productive. The right instrument should be an ally in your learning process, offering a comfortable neck profile, accessible frets, and a body size that suits your frame.

The best guitar for beginners balances cost, playability, and sound quality. It should inspire your continued practice and musical exploration. Whether you choose an acoustic or electric model, ensure it resonates with you. After all, your first guitar is not just an instrument; it’s the beginning of your musical voice.

How Can a Beginner Guitar Benefit You?

Starting with an instrument that’s easy to play can significantly impact your learning curve and overall enjoyment.

A beginner guitar, designed with the novice in mind, often features a user-friendly setup—think lower action, comfortable neck profiles, and lighter strings. These characteristics make learning songs less of a chore and more of a pleasure for you, encouraging consistent practice and faster progress.

Engaging with an instrument that doesn’t fight you every step of the way boosts confidence.

As you quickly master basic chords and strumming patterns, you’ll find yourself more motivated to tackle new challenges and explore diverse musical styles. This sense of achievement is crucial in the early stages of learning an instrument, as it fuels your passion and dedication.

A beginner guitar is more than just a tool for making music; it’s your gateway to artistic expression and personal growth.

It allows you to comfortably develop your skills, ensuring each practice session is rewarding and productive. So, if you’re considering stepping into the world of music, remember that the right beginner guitar can be your best ally, transforming the intimidating task of mastering an instrument into an exciting and fulfilling adventure.

Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research

When doing our research to find the best products for each category, we determined them using these factors:

  • Pricing: How much did each product cost
  • Features and Benefits: What were the best features of each product?
  • Negatives: What was missing from each product
  • Support or Refund: Do they offer a community, support, or refund policy?

Final Thoughts

Starting this lifelong journey of playing guitar is an adventure that promises immense personal and artistic rewards.

As you reach the end of this guide, remember that choosing your first guitar is an important decision. The right instrument can set the stage for a fulfilling musical path, while an expensive mistake could hinder your progress and dampen your enthusiasm.

The ability to play chords, strum rhythms, and eventually express your unique musical voice hinges, not only on practice, but significantly on your compatibility with your guitar.

Think of your first guitar as the initial companion in your musical odyssey, one that will help you translate feelings into melodies and forge a deep connection with music. It’s not just about acquiring a skill but about starting a dialogue with yourself and your audience, a conversation that can last a lifetime.

Whether you’re dreaming of electrifying performances or intimate acoustic sessions, the right guitar will be your faithful ally, turning challenging practices into moments of triumph.

So, choose wisely, practice diligently, and remember that every great musician starts with a single chord.

FAQs

Which type of guitar is best for beginners?

Deciding between an acoustic and an electric guitar as your first instrument is a key step in shaping your musical journey.

Acoustic guitars are often recommended for beginners due to their simplicity and the immediacy of their sound. They’re great for learning the fundamental chords and techniques without additional equipment.

Electric guitars, while requiring an amp, offer easier playability with lighter strings and slimmer necks, which can be encouraging for new players. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your musical preferences and goals.

Both instruments have unique benefits, so consider what resonates with you and your aspirations in music.

How to choose a guitar for beginners?

Choosing the right guitar for beginners, especially young players, involves more than picking one with cool colors.

While aesthetics can inspire enthusiasm, the key factor should be finding an instrument that’s easy to play. Look for guitars with a comfortable neck size and low action, which reduce finger strain and make learning more enjoyable.

Additionally, consider the size of the guitar; smaller bodies are better suited for younger players or those with a smaller frame.

Ultimately, the goal is to select a guitar that feels good in the player’s hands, encourages regular practice, and makes learning fun and engaging.

Can you self-teach guitar?

Absolutely! I’m living proof that it’s possible, and you can do it too.

With many guitar tips and online lessons, beginners can effectively start playing without formal instruction. The key to self-teaching is a consistent practice schedule, clear goals, and a commitment to progress.

For my first few years, I practiced every single day with the exception of Christmas.

Use online tutorials, instructional books, and apps to help master the basics and beyond. While self-teaching requires discipline and motivation, it allows you to learn at your own pace and in your own space, making it a flexible and rewarding way to pick up the guitar.

How much does a guitar cost for beginners?

Getting a quality guitar that will make learning enjoyable but not so much that it becomes a financial strain is essential.

A decent beginner model for acoustic guitars can range from $100 to $300, while electric guitars might require an additional $50 to $150 for a basic amp.

Investing in a good-quality instrument from the start can enhance the learning experience, ensuring that the guitar stays in tune, plays well, and inspires continued practice.

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