One of the most thrilling milestones on your musical journey is selecting your very first guitar. Whether your heart is set on electric, acoustic, or bass, this choice marks a significant step toward mastering your instrument. However, the sheer volume of options available can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
The ideal beginner guitar is subjective and varies from person to person. To narrow down your choices effectively, it’s crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences. While the visual appeal of a guitar – its color and finish that resonate with your personal style and inspire you to practice – is important, so are the physical attributes that align with your unique body and playing style.
Consider the music genres that ignite your passion and fuel your desire to play. If indie rock or folk music resonates with you, an acoustic guitar might be an excellent starting point. If you’re drawn to the energy of rock and metal, an electric guitar could be your perfect gateway. And if the rhythmic pulse of funk music moves you, a bass guitar might be the instrument that calls to you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when searching for a Good Starter Guitar and present a curated selection of instruments to simplify your decision-making process.
Key Features of a Good Starter Guitar
What truly defines the best guitar for beginners? There isn’t a single definitive answer. The optimal choice is deeply personal and depends on what resonates best with the individual player. As previously mentioned, your preferred musical genre can influence the type of guitar you consider, but there are more specific elements to evaluate to ensure you find the perfect fit.
When selecting your first instrument, pay attention to features like the guitar’s size and weight, and even the dimensions of the fretboard, such as its length and circumference. These factors can significantly impact your comfort and enjoyment as you learn. For instance, lighter guitars are often more suitable for younger players who are still developing the strength to hold a guitar comfortably, either on their lap or with a strap. Similarly, players with smaller hands might find thinner necks easier to manage, allowing them to reach notes and chords with less strain. Furthermore, individuals with shorter arms might benefit from a shorter scale length, making it easier to navigate the entire fretboard.
Budget is another critical consideration. Most acoustic guitars are ready to play right out of the box. However, if you’re leaning towards an electric guitar or bass, remember to factor in the cost of essential accessories like cables and a practice amplifier to fully experience the instrument’s sound. Exploring beginner guitar bundles can be a smart strategy to acquire everything you need to start your musical journey while staying within a defined budget.
To streamline your search, we’ve compiled top recommendations based on budget, size, and overall versatility. This selection includes guitars that are not only excellent for beginners but also high-quality instruments that can support your musical growth for years to come.
Top Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Acoustic guitars have consistently been a favorite choice for novice players. From their inherent beauty to their rich history in iconic music, acoustic guitars offer a direct and resonant playing experience, requiring only a pick and strap to begin.
Acoustic guitars allow beginners to appreciate the pure, unamplified sound of the instrument. For those seeking versatility, acoustic-electric guitars offer the option to play acoustically or plugged into an amplifier for a larger, stage-ready sound.
Here are our top picks for excellent starter acoustic guitars:
Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitar
CD-60 Dreadnaught V3
- Dreadnought body with spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany back and sides
- Affordable price point
- Includes a hard-shell case for protection
- Balanced and versatile tone
- Dreadnought body style for strong acoustic projection
The CD-60 Dreadnought V3 stands out as an exceptional starter guitar for players mindful of budget, and it also appeals to experienced guitarists. Its classic aesthetics, balanced sound, and natural volume make the CD-60 comfortable to play and it includes a hard case to safeguard your investment. Priced affordably, the CD-60 is one of Fender’s most accessible acoustic models, making it a fantastic value for a good starter guitar.
Alt text: Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar – Budget-Friendly Starter Guitar
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
- Budget-friendly option
- Comes with a gig bag for portability
For aspiring guitarists drawn to the acoustic sound but needing a more manageable size, the Redondo Mini delivers impressive tone in a smaller package. It features a 22 ¾” scale length and a scaled-down body. With only 18 frets, it reduces the stretching required for players with smaller hands who are still learning to navigate the fretboard. The included gig bag enhances its portability, making it a great choice for a good starter guitar that’s easy to handle.
Alt text: Fender Redondo Mini Acoustic Guitar – Best Acoustic for Small Hands
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Overall
CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric
- Single-cutaway dreadnought body with solid spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany back and sides
- Acoustic-electric versatility for amplified or acoustic playing
- Integrated Fishman® preamp and tuner system
- Comfortable, easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
- Cutaway body style for access to higher frets
- Priced under $350.00
The CD-60SCE Dreadnought is our top recommendation for the best overall beginner acoustic guitar, particularly for adults. As an acoustic-electric model, it includes a built-in Fishman® preamp and tuner, simplifying tuning and amplification. The dreadnought Venetian cutaway body and rolled fingerboard edges enhance playability, especially when reaching higher notes. Its versatility is a major advantage, allowing players to use it as a standard acoustic or plug it in when ready for amplified performance. This makes the CD-60SCE a fantastic, all-around good starter guitar that grows with you.
Alt text: Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Best Overall Beginner Acoustic Guitar
Top Electric Guitars for Beginners
Choosing the best electric guitar for beginners involves considering several factors. Are you seeking an electric guitar that looks striking and provides excellent value? Do you prioritize a guitar that delivers powerful sound and tone while remaining lightweight and comfortable, even for younger players? Or are you interested in an electric guitar bundle that includes all the essential accessories to start playing and experimenting with different sounds?
Explore our top electric guitar recommendations for new players to help you make an informed decision.
Best Budget-Friendly Electric Guitar
Bullet® Stratocaster® HT
- Iconic Stratocaster body shape
- Comfortable C-shaped neck profile
- Single-coil pickups for clear and versatile sound
- Available in a variety of attractive colors
- Priced under $200.00
With its timeless Strat body and classic tone, the Bullet Stratocaster HT is an outstanding and affordable choice for beginner electric guitarists. Its lightweight and thin body, combined with the rich tone from three Squier single-coil pickups, offers ample opportunity for sonic exploration. Available in multiple colors and priced under $200, the Bullet Strat HT offers a cool look, great sound, and exceptional value, making it a top budget-friendly good starter guitar.
Alt text: Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT Electric Guitar – Best Budget Starter Electric Guitar
Best Electric Guitar for Small Hands
Squier Mini Stratocaster®
- Stratocaster body design
- Easy-to-play C-shaped neck and 9.5” fingerboard radius
- Shorter 22.75” scale length for comfortable reach
- Thin and lightweight construction
- Three single-coil pickups for classic Strat tone
- 5-way pickup switch for tonal versatility
- Priced under $200.00
The Squier Mini Stratocaster is an excellent first electric guitar, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands. Its shorter 22.75” scale length (compared to the standard 25.5”) and lightweight body make it exceptionally comfortable for beginners. The slim C-shaped neck with a 9.5” radius further enhances playability, making it easier to navigate the fretboard and form chords. Despite its smaller size, the Mini Stratocaster retains a similar tone to a full-size Strat, thanks to its three single-coil pickups and 5-way switch, offering a rich and versatile sound palette. This makes it a perfect good starter guitar for smaller players.
Alt text: Squier Mini Stratocaster Electric Guitar – Best Electric Guitar for Small Hands
Best Beginner Electric Guitar Overall
Affinity Series™ Stratocaster® HH
- Classic Stratocaster body
- Comfortable and easy-to-play C-shaped neck
- Thin and lightweight body construction
- Equipped with a tremolo system for expressive playing
- Priced under $250.00
Our top overall pick for beginner electric guitarists is the Affinity Series Stratocaster HH. Featuring the iconic Strat body, this guitar is both lightweight and resonant, delivering a powerful sound. Its two Squier humbucking pickups produce a thick, rich tone suitable for various genres, from blues to metal. The three-way tone switch allows for tonal shaping, and the tremolo bar adds expressive capabilities for bending notes and adding vibrato. The Affinity Stratocaster HH is a fantastic, versatile, and inspiring good starter guitar.
Alt text: Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HH Electric Guitar – Best Overall Beginner Electric Guitar
Top Electric Bass Guitars For Beginners
Many of the same principles apply when choosing a beginner electric bass guitar as when selecting an acoustic or electric guitar. However, bass guitars typically have a longer scale length and thicker strings, which may require some adjustment for new players. But with the right electric bass, practice and learning songs become much more enjoyable. Here are our top recommendations for the best electric bass guitars for beginners.
Best Budget-Friendly Electric Bass Guitar
Squier Bronco™ Bass
- Thin and lightweight body for comfort
- Single-coil pickup for a clear bass tone
- Short 30” scale length for easier playing
- 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, making it easier to handle. Equipped with a single-coil pickup, the Bronco bass delivers a full and rich sound. Available in classic colors, the Bronco offers excellent value and sound for bassists starting their musical journey, making it a great budget-conscious good starter guitar.
Alt text: Squier Bronco Bass Electric Bass Guitar – Best Budget Starter Bass Guitar
Best Electric Bass Guitar for Small Hands
Squier Mini Precision Bass®
- Scaled-down Precision Bass body shape
- Short scale neck with a 28.6″ scale length
- Thin and lightweight for easy handling
- Split single-coil pickup for classic P-Bass tone
- Priced under $200.00
Designed with beginner players and smaller hands in mind, the Squier Mini Precision Bass is a scaled-down version of the iconic Fender Precision Bass (P-Bass), delivering the same powerful sound in a more compact form. Thin and lightweight, the Mini P-Bass is easy to hold, and its 28.6” scale length and shorter neck make it simpler for players with smaller hands to play comfortably across the fretboard. This makes it an ideal good starter guitar for bassists needing a smaller instrument.
Alt text: Squier Mini Precision Bass Electric Bass Guitar – Best Bass Guitar for Small Hands
Best Beginner Electric Bass Guitar Overall
Affinity Series™ Precision Bass® PJ
- Classic Precision Bass body shape
- Thin and lightweight construction
- Slim C-shaped neck for comfortable playability
- Versatile pickup configuration for a range of tones
- Priced under $300.00
Our top recommendation for the best overall beginner bass is the Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ, offering new players a wide range of sound and style options with room to grow. Its thin, lightweight Precision Bass body and slim C-shaped neck ensure comfortable playing. Beyond its playability and affordable price, the Affinity Precision Bass PJ stands out due to its pickup system. Equipped with both a split Squier single-coil P Bass neck pickup and a single-coil J Bass bridge pickup, it allows for crafting a signature sound using the volume and tone controls. Available in several colors, this bass is inspiring to play and offers excellent versatility, making it a top choice as a good starter guitar.
Alt text: Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ Electric Bass Guitar – Best Overall Beginner Bass Guitar
Ready to Find Your Perfect Starter Guitar? Try Find Your Fender.
Embarking on the journey of learning guitar or bass is a lifelong adventure. One of the first and most important steps is finding the right instrument to keep you motivated and progressing. While the best guitar for beginners varies for each individual, our Find Your Fender tool simplifies the process. With just a few clicks, you can input your preferences for size, tone, price, and style, and receive personalized recommendations to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect good starter guitar for you!
