One of the most thrilling milestones in learning a musical instrument is selecting your very first one. Whether your passion lies with electric, acoustic, or even bass guitars, choosing your initial instrument is a significant rite of passage, marking the first step on your exciting journey to musical mastery. However, the sheer volume of choices available can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
The truth is, the Best Starter Guitar is a personal choice, varying from individual to individual. When you’re beginning to narrow down your options, it’s essential to consider your unique needs and preferences. While it’s definitely important to have a guitar that visually appeals to you – a color or finish that resonates with your personality and inspires you to pick it up and practice – the guitar’s physical attributes and how they align with your body are equally crucial.
Consider also the type of music that fuels your passion and makes you want to play. For example, if indie rock or folk music captivates you, an acoustic guitar might be an excellent starting point. If you are drawn to the energy of rock and metal, an electric guitar might be the perfect instrument to plug in and begin your journey. And if you find yourself instinctively moving to the bassline of funk or soul, perhaps a bass guitar should be your first instrument.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the key considerations to keep in mind as you embark on your quest for the best starter guitar, and we’ll present a selection of recommendations to simplify your decision.
Alt text: An inviting view of an acoustic guitar bathed in soft natural light, suggesting a warm and inspiring practice environment for beginner guitarists.
What To Look For In A Good Starter Guitar
What truly defines the best guitar for beginners? There’s no single, definitive answer. Instead, the ideal choice is highly subjective and depends on the player’s individual preferences and what feels right for them. As mentioned earlier, the musical genres that you’re most eager to learn may influence the type of guitar you initially consider. However, there are more specific factors to evaluate to ensure you find the instrument that’s perfectly suited to you.
When selecting your first instrument, paying attention to features like the instrument’s size and weight, and even the dimensions of the fretboard (length and circumference), can significantly contribute to finding the right guitar and make the learning process far more enjoyable. For instance, lighter instruments are often better suited for younger players who are still getting accustomed to holding a guitar, whether on their lap or using a strap. Similarly, players with smaller hands might benefit from a thinner neck, which can make it easier to stretch their fingers and fret notes comfortably. Additionally, players with shorter arms may find a shorter scale length neck easier to navigate.
Budget is another important factor to consider when choosing your first guitar. Acoustic guitars typically come ready to play, with everything you need to start practicing immediately. However, if you’re leaning towards an electric guitar or bass, remember to factor in the cost of essential accessories like cables and a small practice amplifier to fully experience the instrument’s sound. This is where exploring beginner guitar bundles can be particularly beneficial. These bundles are designed to provide you with all the necessary equipment to start your musical journey without exceeding a predetermined budget.
To simplify your search for the perfect instrument, we’ve compiled some top recommendations based on budget, size, and overall versatility. This selection includes not only excellent guitars for beginners but also instruments designed to grow with you as you progress on your musical path.
The Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners
Acoustic guitars have consistently been a top choice for new players. From their inherent beauty to the countless legendary musicians who have crafted iconic music on acoustics, these guitars require just a pick and a strap to start creating music.
An acoustic guitar offers beginners the pure, unadulterated sound of the instrument, without any need for distortion or amplification. For those seeking versatility, acoustic-electric guitars provide the best of both worlds. They can be played acoustically, in their natural form, or plugged into an amplifier to achieve a concert hall-worthy sound.
Here are our top recommendations for a good starter guitar for players who want to begin their musical journey with an acoustic instrument.
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Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitar
CD-60 Dreadnaught V3
- Dreadnought body with spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany back and sides
- Economical price point
- Includes a protective hard-shell case
- Well-balanced tonal qualities
- Dreadnought body shape for robust acoustic volume
For beginners mindful of their budget, the CD-60 Dreadnought V3 is more than just a great starter guitar; it’s a solid instrument for experienced players as well. Featuring classic aesthetics, a balanced tone, and impressive projection without amplification, the CD-60 is user-friendly and comes with a hard case to safeguard your investment. Priced at $199.99, it stands as one of Fender’s most accessible acoustic models.
Alt text: A detailed view of the Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 acoustic guitar showcasing its natural finish and classic dreadnought body shape, highlighting its affordability and quality for beginner guitarists.
Best Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands
Redondo Mini
- Redondo Mini body shape with spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany back and sides
- Short 22 ¾” scale length and reduced body size
- Compact size without compromising sound quality
- Affordable option
- Includes a convenient gig bag
For aspiring guitarists drawn to the acoustic sound but needing a more compact instrument, the Redondo Mini delivers the same impressive sound and tone as its full-sized counterparts, but in a scaled-down format. The Redondo Mini features a 22 ¾” scale length and a half-sized body. With only 18 frets, it reduces the reach required for players with smaller hands who are just beginning to explore the fretboard. It also comes with a soft gig bag, enhancing its portability.
Alt text: A person comfortably holding a Fender Redondo Mini acoustic guitar, demonstrating its smaller size and suitability for players with smaller hands, emphasizing its portability and playability as a starter guitar.
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Overall
CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric
- Single-cutaway dreadnought body style with solid spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany back and sides
- Acoustic-electric versatility offering the best of both worlds
- Integrated Fishman® preamp and tuner system
- Easy-to-play neck with smoothly rolled fingerboard edges
- Cutaway design for enhanced access to the upper frets
- Priced under $350.00
Our top pick for the best beginner guitar for adults is the CD-60SCE Dreadnought. As an acoustic-electric model, it features a built-in Fishman® preamp and tuner, simplifying tuning and amplification. The dreadnought Venetian cutaway body and rolled fingerboard edges enhance playability, especially when accessing higher frets for solos or chords. What makes the CD-60SCE an exceptional overall choice for beginners is its adaptability. It can be played as a traditional acoustic guitar or amplified when you’re ready to perform in larger settings.
Alt text: A close-up of the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar, highlighting its cutaway body and built-in electronics, emphasizing its versatility and suitability as an overall best beginner guitar.
Best Electric Guitars For Beginners
So, what constitutes the best electric guitar for beginners? The answer hinges on several factors. Are you seeking an electric guitar with visual appeal and excellent value? Do you prioritize powerful sound and tone in a lightweight instrument that’s easy for younger players to handle? Or are you looking for an electric guitar bundle that includes all the essentials to start playing and experimenting with different sounds immediately?
Explore our curated selection of top electric guitars for new players to help streamline your decision-making process.
Best Budget-Friendly Electric Guitar
Bullet® Stratocaster® HT
- Iconic Stratocaster body shape
- Comfortable C-shaped neck profile
- Single-coil pickups for clear, rich sound
- Available in a variety of attractive colors
- Priced under $200.00
With its timeless Strat body and characteristic tone, the Bullet Stratocaster HT is a fantastic, affordable option for beginner electric guitarists. It’s lightweight and slim, delivering a rich tone thanks to its three Squier standard single-coil pickups, giving players ample opportunity to explore different sounds. Available in five color options and priced at just $189.99, the Bullet Strat HT offers appealing aesthetics, great sound, and exceptional value.
Alt text: A sleek black Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT electric guitar, emphasizing its classic Stratocaster design and affordability as the best budget-friendly option for beginner guitarists.
Best Electric Guitar for Small Hands
Squier Mini Stratocaster®
- Stratocaster body style
- Easy-to-play C-shaped neck with a 9.5” fingerboard radius
- Shorter 22.75” scale length
- Thin and lightweight construction
- Equipped with three single-coil pickups
- 5-way switch for versatile tone control
- Priced under $200.00
For younger players or those with smaller hands, the Squier Mini Stratocaster is an excellent best starter guitar choice. Its shorter 22.75” scale length (compared to the standard 25.5”) and thin, lightweight body make it ideal for new guitarists still getting used to the feel of an instrument. Its slim C-shaped neck with a 9.5” fingerboard radius facilitates easier movement along the fretboard and comfortable chord playing for smaller hands. Despite its smaller size, the Squire Mini Stratocaster maintains a tone comparable to a full-size guitar, thanks to its three single-coil pickups that produce a crisp, rich sound, and a 5-way switch for tonal adjustments.
Alt text: A black Squier Mini Stratocaster electric guitar, highlighting its compact size and features tailored for players with smaller hands, positioning it as the ideal starter electric guitar for young or petite beginners.
Best Beginner Electric Guitar Overall
Affinity Series™ Stratocaster® HH
- Classic Stratocaster body
- Comfortable and easy-to-play C-shaped neck
- Thin and lightweight body design
- Equipped with a tremolo system
- Priced under $250.00
Our top overall recommendation for beginner guitarists is the Affinity Series Stratocaster HH. Featuring the iconic Strat body, this guitar is both lightweight and slim while delivering a powerful sound. Its two Squire humbucking pickups produce a thick, rich tone, suitable for genres from blues to heavy metal. The three-way tone switch allows new guitarists to begin crafting their signature sound, and the built-in tremolo bar offers further creative possibilities for bending notes and adding expressive techniques to their playing.
Alt text: A black Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HH electric guitar, showcasing its humbucker pickups and tremolo bar, emphasizing its versatility and status as the best overall beginner electric guitar.
Best Electric Bass For Beginners
Many of the same principles that guide the selection of the best starter guitar for acoustic or electric guitar also apply to choosing an electric bass guitar. However, bass guitars typically have a longer scale length and thicker strings compared to electric guitars, which may require some initial adjustment for new players. But, once you find the right electric bass guitar, practice sessions and learning songs become significantly more engaging and enjoyable. Here are our top recommendations for the best electric bass guitars for beginners.
Best Budget-Friendly Electric Bass Guitar
Squier Bronco™ Bass
- Thin, lightweight body
- Single-coil pickup configuration
- Short 30” scale length
- Priced under $200.00
The Squier Bronco Bass hits all the right notes as a budget-friendly bass for beginners. Priced under $200, it features a thin, lightweight body and a shorter 30” scale length. Equipped with a single-coil pickup, the Bronco electric bass delivers a full, rich sound. Available in two classic colors, the Bronco’s price and sound make it an ideal choice for bassists on a budget who are eager to start their musical journey.
Alt text: A black Squier Bronco Bass electric bass guitar, highlighting its compact body and affordability, making it an excellent budget-friendly starter bass guitar for beginners.
Best Electric Bass Guitar for Small Hands
Squier Mini Precision Bass®
- Smaller scale Precision Bass body
- Short scale neck with 28.6″ scale length
- Thin and lightweight construction
- Split single-coil pickup configuration
- Priced under $200.00
Designed with beginner players and those with smaller hands in mind, the Squier Mini Precision Bass is a scaled-down version of the iconic Fender Precision Bass (P-Bass), offering the same powerful sound in a more manageable size. Thin and lightweight, the Squire Mini Precision Bass is easier to hold, and its 28.6” scale length and shorter neck make it simpler for bassists with smaller hands to play notes across the fretboard.
Alt text: A black Squier Mini Precision Bass electric bass guitar, showcasing its smaller Precision Bass body and short scale neck, emphasizing its suitability as the best electric bass guitar for beginners with small hands.
Best Beginner Electric Bass Guitar Overall
Affinity Series™ Precision Bass® PJ
- Classic Precision Bass body shape
- Thin and lightweight design
- Slim C-shaped neck for comfortable playability
- Pickups that accommodate a wide range of tones
- Priced under $300.00
Our top recommendation for the best beginner bass is the Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ, which provides new players with a wealth of sound and style options, along with room to grow. Its thin, lightweight Precision Bass body and slim C-shaped neck ensure comfortable playing. Beyond its comfortable design and accessible price point of $279.99, the standout feature of the Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ is its versatile pickup system. Equipped with both a split Squire single-coil P Bass neck pickup and a single-coil J Bass bridge pickup, new bassists can utilize the volume and tone controls to shape their unique sound. Available in four appealing colors, this bass is designed to inspire you to pick it up and play time after time, hitting all the right notes in your musical journey.
Alt text: A black Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ electric bass guitar, highlighting its PJ pickup configuration and classic Precision Bass body, emphasizing its versatility as the best overall beginner electric bass guitar.
Want To Find The Perfect Starter Guitar? Try Find Your Fender.
Embarking on the journey of learning guitar or bass is a lifelong adventure. One of the initial and most crucial steps in this journey is finding the right instrument to keep you motivated and moving forward. While the best guitar for beginners is subjective and varies from person to person, our Find Your Fender tool simplifies the selection process. With just a few clicks, you can input your preferences and considerations regarding size, tone, price, and style, and the tool will provide you with a curated list of options that best match your needs!
Alt text: A laptop screen displaying the “Find Your Fender” tool interface, illustrating its user-friendly design for helping beginners discover their perfect starter guitar based on personal preferences.
