Have you ever dreamed of strumming your favorite songs or even writing your own? The guitar is a powerful tool for making music, and it’s never too late to start learning. Many people want to play guitar, but they get stuck before they even begin. It can be confusing to pick the perfect beginner guitar. There are so many types, brands, and price points! You might worry about buying the wrong one and getting discouraged.
This guide is here to help you cut through the noise. We understand the challenges you face when choosing your very first guitar. We’ll break down what makes a good beginner guitar and what features matter most. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, saving you time and frustration. We’ll help you find an instrument that feels comfortable, sounds great, and inspires you to keep practicing.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best guitar to kickstart your musical journey!
Our Top 5 Guitar For Beginner Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Guitar For Beginner Detailed Reviews
1. Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to strum your first song? The Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit in sleek black is your all-in-one ticket to learning guitar. This kit has everything a new player needs to get started, making it a super convenient choice for anyone wanting to pick up the instrument.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package! You get a gig bag, strap, picks, extra strings, a capo, and a cloth – no need to buy anything else.
- The guitar is designed for beginners, with nylon strings that are easier on your fingers and help you stay in tune longer.
- The neck is set up so the strings are closer to the fretboard, which means less finger pain and more comfortable playing time.
- It looks great with its classic shape and a nice rosette, giving it a modern acoustic vibe.
- It’s a good fit for both teens and adults who are just starting out or want to improve their skills.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, intermediate players might eventually want to upgrade to a guitar with a richer sound.
- The included gig bag might be a bit basic for serious protection during travel.
This starter kit makes learning guitar accessible and enjoyable. It’s an excellent way to begin your musical journey without any extra hassle.
2. Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to strum your first chords or finally learn that song you love? The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar in classic Sunburst is your perfect musical starting point. Fender, a name trusted for 75 years, designed this guitar specifically for beginners. It brings you the awesome sound and cool look of their famous acoustic guitars, but with features that make learning super easy. This guitar is built for comfort and great sound, making your musical journey enjoyable from day one.
What We Like:
- The dreadnought body shape gives a big, bold sound that’s great for country, folk, and bluegrass music.
- The “C” shaped neck, walnut fingerboard, and light body make it super comfortable and smooth to play.
- It comes with free lessons from Fender Play, packed with thousands of videos to help you learn songs you enjoy.
- Sealed-gear tuning machines help you stay in tune accurately, so you can focus on playing.
- A 2-year warranty offers peace of mind.
- The sunburst finish looks really sharp!
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, more experienced players might want a guitar with more complex tonal options.
This Fender FA-25 is an excellent choice for anyone starting their guitar adventure. It’s a well-made instrument that makes learning fun and rewarding.
3. Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue)
Rating: 8.8/10
Embark on your musical journey with the Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package in a vibrant blue! This guitar is made for new players, especially students and teens. It’s a right-handed acoustic guitar with 18 smooth frets and 6 steel strings. The neck is easy to hold, making practice comfortable. You get everything you need to start playing right away.
What We Like:
- It’s a perfect first guitar for beginners and young learners.
- The bundle includes all the essential accessories like a gig bag, picks, strap, digital tuner, and extra strings.
- The guitar is made from laminated basswood, giving it a warm and versatile sound.
- It has a bright, clear tone and good projection, making it enjoyable to listen to.
- The guitar is lightweight and a good size at 38 inches, making it easy for learners to handle.
- The high-gloss finish looks great and adds to its durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, the tonewoods might not satisfy advanced musicians looking for complex tones.
- The instructional sheet is basic and might not cover all the nuances of learning guitar.
This Ashthorpe guitar package is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to learn guitar. It provides good value and all the tools needed to begin making music.
4. Guitar for Beginners
Rating: 8.7/10
Strumming your first chords on an acoustic guitar is an exciting journey, and the “Guitar for Beginners, Volume 1: Easy Acoustic Guitar Lessons for Complete Beginners” aims to be your friendly guide. This book is designed specifically for those who have never touched a guitar before. It breaks down the basics into simple, easy-to-understand steps. You’ll learn how to hold the guitar correctly, tune it, and play your first few songs. The lessons are presented clearly, making it less intimidating for anyone wanting to learn this popular instrument.
What We Like:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions make learning easy.
- Focuses on fundamental techniques for a strong start.
- Helps build confidence with achievable early successes.
- Suitable for absolute beginners with no prior experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- No accompanying audio or video resources were mentioned.
- Could benefit from more visual aids like diagrams or pictures.
- May lack advanced techniques for those who progress quickly.
This book provides a solid foundation for anyone eager to start playing the acoustic guitar. It’s a straightforward approach to learning, perfect for kicking off your musical adventure.
5. Guitar for Beginners: How to Play Your First Song In 7 Days Even If You’ve Never Picked Up A Guitar
Dreaming of strumming your favorite tunes but intimidated by the guitar? The “Guitar for Beginners: How to Play Your First Song In 7 Days Even If You’ve Never Picked Up A Guitar” course is your express ticket to making music. This program is designed for absolute beginners. It promises to get you playing a full song in just one week. It breaks down the learning process into simple, manageable steps. You will learn the basics of holding the guitar, strumming, and playing chords. It focuses on building your confidence from day one.
What We Like:
- Clear, step-by-step lessons make learning easy.
- Focuses on playing a song quickly, which is very motivating.
- Suitable for people who have never touched a guitar before.
- The 7-day timeline provides a clear goal.
What Could Be Improved:
- The course content is not specified.
- No mention of the type of guitar needed.
- Additional practice resources could be helpful.
This course offers a fantastic starting point for anyone eager to learn guitar. It makes the initial learning curve feel less daunting and achievable.
Your First Guitar: A Beginner’s Buying Guide
So, you want to learn guitar? That’s awesome! Picking out your first guitar can feel a little tricky, but don’t worry, this guide will help you find the perfect one. We’ll cover what makes a good beginner guitar and answer your questions.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re starting, a few things are super important.
- Comfort: The guitar should feel good in your hands. It shouldn’t be too big or too small. A comfortable neck makes it easier to play chords.
- Playability: This means how easy it is to press down the strings. Lower “action” (the height of the strings from the fretboard) makes it easier.
- Sound: Even beginner guitars can sound nice! You want a guitar that makes a pleasant sound when you strum it.
- Durability: You’ll be practicing a lot, so your guitar needs to be built well. It should be able to handle being carried around and played regularly.
Important Materials
Guitars are made from different kinds of wood. The wood affects the sound and how the guitar feels.
- Spruce: This is common for the top of acoustic guitars. It gives a bright and clear sound.
- Mahogany: This wood is often used for the back and sides. It gives a warm and full sound.
- Maple: This wood can be used for the neck and body. It often makes the guitar sound bright and snappy.
- Rosewood: This is a common choice for the fretboard (where you put your fingers). It feels smooth and helps notes ring out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a guitar better, while others can make it not so great.
- Good Setup: A guitar that is “set up” well plays much better. This means the strings are at a good height and the neck is straight. A good setup makes a huge difference.
- Electronics (for electric guitars): If you get an electric guitar, the pickups and controls affect the sound. Good quality electronics give you a better range of sounds.
- Cheaply Made Parts: Sometimes, cheaper guitars use lower-quality wood or parts. This can make them harder to play or sound not as good.
- Poor Construction: If the guitar isn’t put together carefully, it might have problems like buzzing strings or a neck that bends too much.
User Experience and Use Cases
What can you do with your first guitar? Lots of things!
- Learning Chords: You’ll spend a lot of time learning basic chords. A comfortable guitar makes this much easier.
- Playing Simple Songs: Once you know a few chords, you can start playing your favorite songs!
- Practicing: The more you play, the better you get. A guitar you enjoy playing will make you want to practice more.
- Strumming and Fingerpicking: You can learn to strum rhythms or pick out individual notes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions beginners ask:
Q: What kind of guitar is best for a beginner?
A: Most beginners start with an acoustic guitar. They are simpler and don’t need an amplifier. However, if you love rock music, an electric guitar is also a great choice!
Q: Should I get an acoustic or electric guitar first?
A: It depends on the music you like! Acoustic guitars are good for folk, pop, and country. Electric guitars are for rock, blues, and metal. Both can be fun to learn on.
Q: How much should I spend on my first guitar?
A: You don’t need to spend a fortune. A good beginner guitar can cost between $150 and $300. Look for well-known brands that make beginner models.
Q: Does the size of the guitar matter?
A: Yes! If you’re smaller, a smaller guitar like a “parlor” or “3/4 size” guitar might be more comfortable. For most adults, a standard dreadnought acoustic or a regular-sized electric is fine.
Q: What accessories do I need with my guitar?
A: You’ll need a tuner to keep your guitar in tune, a pick to strum the strings, and maybe a strap to play standing up. For electric guitars, you’ll also need an amplifier and a cable.
Q: How do I keep my guitar in good condition?
A: Keep it in its case when you’re not playing. Avoid extreme heat or cold. You can also wipe it down with a soft cloth after playing.
Q: What if the strings are hard to press down?
A: This could mean the “action” is too high. A guitar shop can adjust this for you. It’s called a “setup,” and it makes the guitar much easier to play.
Q: Can I learn to play any song on a beginner guitar?
A: Yes! While some advanced techniques might be easier on higher-end guitars, you can absolutely learn and play thousands of songs on a beginner instrument.
Q: How often should I tune my guitar?
A: You should tune your guitar every time you play it. Strings can go out of tune easily, especially when they are new.
Q: Where is the best place to buy my first guitar?
A: Local music stores are great because you can try out guitars before you buy them and get advice. Online stores also have many options, but it’s harder to test them first.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.