Learning guitar is an incredible journey, full of discovery and reward. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re just starting out, but finding the right instrument can make all the difference in your progress and enjoyment. We understand that starting can be tough, and that’s why choosing one of the best guitars for beginners is so important. A great starter guitar will help you overcome the initial challenges, fueling your passion and setting you on the path to musical fulfillment, maybe even a career in music! Sadly, many cheap guitars suffer from poor construction, uncomfortable playability, and unreliable parts, which can discourage new players. We’ve carefully examined a wide range of guitars to recommend instruments that are not only easy to play but also built to a high standard, ensuring a positive and encouraging start to your guitar journey.
If you need more guidance to help you decide, check out our buying advice section at the end of this guide. Our team of experienced guitarists has answered common questions to assist you in your purchase. If you’re ready to see our top recommendations for beginner guitars, keep reading!
Quick Picks
Best Beginner Guitars: Electric
Best beginner electric guitars: Yamaha Pacifica 112V
Best Overall
- Yamaha Pacifica 112V
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V has been a top recommendation for beginners for over twenty years because it perfectly blends professional features with the versatility a new player needs.
Squier Bullet Mustang
Best for Kids
2. Squier Bullet Mustang
The Squier Bullet Mustang’s shorter scale makes it incredibly comfortable for smaller hands, while still delivering a powerful sound. It’s an excellent electric guitar for younger beginners.
Best beginner electric guitars: Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat
Best for Adults
3. Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster
For adults seeking a step above entry-level, the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster offers higher quality and iconic Strat tone right from the start.
Best Beginner Guitars: Acoustic
Yamaha FG800 MKII
Best Overall
4. Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 is a fantastic and affordable steel-string acoustic guitar, avoiding the pitfalls of many cheap, poorly-made models in its price range.
Yamaha JR1 FG
Best for Kids
5. Yamaha JR1
The Yamaha JR1 is specifically designed for children with its ¾ size, making it physically easier for young players to learn and practice acoustic guitar.
Ibanez PC12MHCE
Best for Adults
6. Ibanez PC12MHCE
The Ibanez PC12MHCE electro-acoustic offers great sound and value, perfect for beginners looking to perform or play with others in the future.
Best Beginner Electric Overall
Best guitars for beginners: Yamaha Pacifica 112V
1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V
The best beginner guitar for versatility
Our expert review:
Specifications
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Pickups: 1 x humbucker, 2 x single coil
Controls: Master volume, master tone, 5-way pickup selector
Finish: Natural, Vintage White, United Blue, Sonic Blue, Old Violin Sunburst, Black
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent value for money
- Designed to grow with your skills
- Wide range of usable tones
Reasons to Avoid
- Design is quite conventional
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V has earned its reputation as the go-to guitar for beginners for over two decades. Yamaha has successfully combined a professional design with the tonal flexibility that’s ideal for learners, creating a nearly perfect package. The humbucker pickup at the bridge allows you to explore heavier music genres, while the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions offer a variety of different sounds suitable for many styles.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pacifica line is its ability to support your progress as a player. While there may be cheaper guitars available for absolute beginners, they often reveal limitations as your skills develop. The Pacifica 112V, however, is designed as a ‘grown-up’ guitar, equipped with all the essential features you’ll need right from the beginning and beyond. It’s a guitar that answers the question, “What Is A Good Starting Guitar?” with a resounding affirmation of quality and lasting value.
Read the full Yamaha Pacifica 112V review
Best Electric for Kids
Best guitars for beginners: Squier Bullet Mustang
2. Squier Bullet Mustang
Best for younger rockers
Our expert review:
Specifications
Body: Basswood
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
Frets: 22
Pickups: 2 x humbuckers
Controls: Master volume, master tone, 3-way pickup selector
Finish: Imperial Blue, Black
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable, smaller size
- Powerful amplified sound
- Ideal for younger players
Reasons to Avoid
- Styling may not appeal to everyone
The Squier Bullet Mustang is not just a great electric guitar for beginners; it’s arguably the ideal electric guitar for younger beginners. Its shorter 24” scale length is specifically designed to be less demanding for smaller hands, yet it still packs a punch when plugged in. It’s a fantastic answer to the question, “what is a good starting guitar for kids?” because it combines playability with powerful sound.
The use of basswood for the body makes it very lightweight, allowing young players to focus on learning without being weighed down by a heavy instrument. The two humbucker pickups are perfect for playing energetic chords and riffs, making it suitable for rock, punk, and many other genres kids might be excited to explore.
Read the full Squier Bullet Mustang review
Best Electric for Adults
Best guitars for beginners: Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster
3. Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster
Best for the more discerning learner
Our expert review:
Specifications
Body: Pine
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Frets: 21
Pickups: 3 x single coil
Controls: Master volume, 2 x tone, 5-way pickup selector
Finish: 2-color sunburst, White Blonde, Fiesta Red, Black
Reasons to Buy
- Iconic Stratocaster look and sound
- Exceptional build quality for the price
- Excellent foundation for learning
Reasons to Avoid
- Higher price point than some beginner options
Not every adult beginner wants a basic entry-level guitar. While progressing to high-end instruments is a journey, starting with a guitar of slightly higher quality can be very beneficial. The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is an outstanding choice in this category. Its vintage-inspired features and classic hardware give it a very appealing aesthetic and a feel of quality that goes beyond a typical beginner guitar. For adults asking “what is a good starting guitar that feels and sounds great?”, this Stratocaster is a strong contender.
Beyond its looks, it’s a comfortable and playable instrument with enough tonal versatility to cover a wide range of musical styles. While it’s not the cheapest option for beginners, its superior quality and classic Strat sound make it an investment that will enhance the learning experience and provide lasting satisfaction.
Read the full Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster review
Best Acoustic Overall
Best guitars for beginners: Yamaha FG800
4. Yamaha FG800
The best overall acoustic for new players
Our expert review:
Specifications
Body: Sitka Spruce top with Nato/Okume back and sides
Neck: Nato
Fingerboard: Walnut
Frets: 20
Finish: Natural
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent sound projection
- Easy and comfortable to play
- Unbeatable value for money
Reasons to Avoid
- Dreadnought size may be large for younger learners
When considering acoustic guitars at the beginner level, many might think of inexpensive, nylon-stringed guitars that lack quality and durability. While those guitars exist, we strongly recommend avoiding them, especially when excellent, affordable options like the Yamaha FG800 are available. For anyone wondering “what is a good starting acoustic guitar?”, the FG800 is a clear standout.
The FG800 features a dreadnought body, which is larger and deeper, providing a rich and resonant tone when combined with steel strings. It’s a guitar that offers both excellent sound and playability, perfect for taking your first steps in guitar and capable of staying with you as you progress. It’s a truly valuable instrument for beginners seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Read the full Yamaha FG800 review
Best Acoustic for Kids
Best guitars for beginners: Yamaha JR1
5. Yamaha JR1
A fantastic acoustic option for kids
Our expert review:
Specifications
Body: Spruce top with meranti back and sides
Neck: Nato
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 20
Finish: Natural
Reasons to Buy
- Great sound for its size
- Easy to learn on
- Includes a useful gig bag
Reasons to Avoid
- Visually less striking than some guitars
While we’ve included several smaller guitars in this guide, the Yamaha JR1 is arguably the top choice when it comes to the best guitar for kids. This ¾ size acoustic guitar features a smaller body and neck, making it much easier for children to manage and learn chords, fostering good playing habits from the start. For parents asking “what is a good starting guitar for my child?”, the Yamaha JR1 is specifically designed with young learners in mind.
Beyond its suitability for younger players, the Yamaha JR1 also serves as a great travel guitar for anyone. The included gig bag adds to its portability, making it a versatile option for beginners and more experienced players needing a compact, easy-to-carry instrument.
Best Acoustic for Adults
Best guitars for beginners: Ibanez PC12MHCE
6. Ibanez PC12MHCE
A brilliant electro-acoustic guitar for beginners
Our expert review:
Specifications
Body: Okoume top with Okoume back and sides
Neck: Okoume
Fingerboard: Laurel
Frets: 20
Finish: Open pore
Reasons to Buy
- Comfortable and compact body size
- Excellent plugged-in sound
- Outstanding value
Reasons to Avoid
- Bass response could be stronger
An electro-acoustic guitar is an excellent choice for beginners who are thinking about playing live or jamming with others in the future. The Ibanez PC12MHCE is a superb option for first-time players, combining great sound quality with exceptional value. For adult beginners wondering “what is a good starting guitar that can also be plugged in?”, the PC12MHCE is a perfect fit.
It offers a pleasant midrange tone, making it suitable for both learning basic chords and exploring more intricate fingerpicking styles. The cutaway body design provides easy access to the higher frets, and the neck is remarkably smooth, a hallmark of many Ibanez guitars.
The integrated electronics deliver a clear and natural amplified tone, and the built-in tuner is a very convenient feature for ensuring you’re always in tune and ready to play. It’s an outstanding choice for beginner guitarists who aspire to perform and need an instrument that’s ready for the stage.
Best Guitars for Beginners: Buying Advice
Man teaching the guitar
Buying your first guitar is a significant decision, and making sure you choose the right one is crucial. There are many factors to consider, so gaining the right knowledge is essential to ensure you select an instrument that’s perfect for you and your musical goals. When considering “what is a good starting guitar?”, think about these key factors.
Should I learn acoustic guitar or electric guitar first?
Traditionally, beginners started with acoustic guitar, but just because it’s traditional doesn’t mean it’s the best path for everyone. While we ourselves began on acoustic guitar over twenty years ago, times have changed. The choice between acoustic and electric is now more about personal preference. If you’re drawn to one more than the other, go with what excites you!
However, electric guitars can often be easier for beginners for a few reasons. Firstly, the thinner body makes the guitar feel closer and more manageable. Electric guitar necks are typically slimmer than acoustic necks, making chord fretting easier. Lastly, electric guitar strings are lighter gauge than acoustic strings, requiring less finger strength to press down. This ease of play can be very encouraging when you are first learning what is a good starting guitar.
That said, learning on acoustic guitar also has its advantages. Because acoustic guitars generally require more finger strength and precision, starting with one can accelerate your progress in developing hand strength and finger dexterity. Like the saying ‘train hard, fight easy,’ tackling the slightly tougher acoustic guitar at the beginning can lead to faster overall development and reward you in the long run.
What size guitar should I get?
Electric guitars generally come in similar sizes, although body shapes vary. Electric guitars are typically thinner and considered relatively compact, especially compared to some acoustic guitar body styles. Short-scale electric guitars are available, featuring a shorter distance between the bridge and headstock, which can be more comfortable for younger players or those with smaller hands. This is an important consideration when thinking about “what is a good starting guitar” in terms of physical comfort.
Acoustic guitars come in various body sizes, some quite large, which can be challenging even for adults. Dreadnought and jumbo are among the largest, while parlor and grand auditorium styles are smaller and more suitable for younger players. You can also find ½ and ¾ size guitars, ideal for very young beginners, offering both smaller bodies and shorter scale lengths, making them excellent candidates for “what is a good starting guitar for children?”.
Woman plays Squier guitar with Fender acoustic in the background
How much should I spend on my first guitar?
All the guitars listed here are priced under $500, with many below $300. We advise against spending more than this on your first instrument, as it’s wise to avoid a large investment until you’re sure guitar is for you. Guitars around the $300 price point are likely to offer excellent quality, and even those below this price from reputable brands will certainly be capable of doing the job. When considering “what is a good starting guitar” on a budget, these price ranges are ideal starting points.
Do I need any accessories like a tuner or a strap?
Yes, absolutely! We highly recommend getting a clip-on tuner when you purchase your first guitar. It’s an essential accessory that you will use constantly. A tuner is indispensable for any guitarist and also helps you learn basic music theory. It’s a key part of ensuring you can properly use “what is a good starting guitar” effectively.
Other accessories like guitar straps and cables depend on the type of guitar. Acoustic guitars can be played without a strap, especially when sitting, due to their larger body. However, electric guitars can be awkward to play seated without a strap, so investing in one is advisable if you choose an electric guitar as your first instrument.
If you choose the electric guitar, you’ll also need a beginner guitar amp and a guitar cable to connect them. Factor these into your budget, as they are necessary to get the most out of an electric guitar and fully explore “what is a good starting guitar” in the electric realm.
Clip on guitar tuner on an acoustic guitar
Should I take lessons before I buy a guitar?
Having your own guitar is crucial while learning. If you’re taking lessons, practice is essential, so buying a guitar to use alongside your lessons is definitely recommended. If cost is a concern, there are many excellent online guitar lesson platforms available where you can learn at your own pace and in your own home. These resources are invaluable for anyone starting with “what is a good starting guitar”.
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How We Choose
At Guitar World, we pride ourselves on our expertise in guitars and related products. Our team has extensive experience in playing and testing a wide range of instruments. We use this knowledge, gained from years of playing in live, recording, and rehearsal settings, to inform our recommendations in guides like this one. When we select what we believe are the best guitars for beginners, we combine our hands-on evaluations with user feedback and thorough discussions among our editorial team.
Our primary goal is to help guitarists find the right gear. We carefully consider factors such as budget, features, ease of use, and durability to create lists of products that we confidently recommend as the best in their categories. Our process ensures that when you ask “what is a good starting guitar?”, you receive recommendations you can trust.
Learn more about our rating system, our gear selection process, and how we test each product rigorously.
