Starting your musical journey with the right instrument can make all the difference. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful strumming of an acoustic guitar, the electrifying riffs of an electric guitar, or the rhythmic beats of a bass guitar, choosing the right beginner guitar is essential. At Black Tears Media, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the top 25 best guitars for beginners to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the details and find the perfect guitar to start your musical adventure.
Best Electric Guitars for Beginners
Budget-Friendly Electric Guitars:
1. Epiphone Les Paul Special
- Price: $180
- Features: The Epiphone Les Paul Special features a poplar body paired with a sturdy mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard. It’s equipped with two humbuckers that excel in producing rich, overdriven sounds, making it ideal for rock and heavier genres.
- Pros:
- Affordable price
- Robust and durable build
- Rich, powerful sound
- Versatile for various rock styles
- Cons:
- Heavier than some beginner guitars
- Not the best for clean tones
2. Squier Bullet Mustang
- Price: $200
- Features: With a basswood body, maple neck, and Indian laurel fingerboard, the Squier Bullet Mustang is lightweight and easy to play. It has two humbuckers, a master volume and tone control, and a 3-way pickup selector, offering versatile sound options.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to handle for younger players
- Versatile sound options
- Affordable
- Cons:
- May require setup adjustments out of the box
- Limited color options
3. Bullet Stratocaster HT
- Price: $200
- Features: The Bullet Stratocaster HT offers the classic Stratocaster body with a thin, lightweight profile. It has a C-shaped neck, three single-coil pickups, and a 5-way switch, delivering a crisp, rich sound.
- Pros:
- Classic Strat design
- Lightweight and easy to play
- Versatile sound
- Multiple color options
- Cons:
- Basic hardware quality
- May need frequent tuning
Electric Guitars for Small Hands:
4. Squier Mini Stratocaster
- Price: $200
- Features: The Squier Mini Stratocaster is designed for players with small hands or younger players. It features a smaller body and shorter 22.75″ scale, a C-shaped neck, three single-coil pickups, and a 5-way switch.
- Pros:
- Perfect size for smaller hands
- Lightweight and portable
- Good tonal quality for its size
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Limited sustain compared to full-size guitars
- Smaller range of tones
Overall Best Electric Guitars:
5. Affinity Series Stratocaster HH
- Price: $250
- Features: The Affinity Series Stratocaster HH features a classic Stratocaster body with two humbucking pickups, a 3-way tone switch, and a built-in tremolo bar. It offers a thick, rich tone suitable for various music genres.
- Pros:
- Versatile tone options
- Comfortable C-shaped neck
- Tremolo bar for creative play
- Iconic design
- Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- May require setup adjustments
6. Yamaha Pacifica 112V
- Price: $330
- Features: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V features an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. It has one humbucker and two single-coil pickups, offering a wide array of sounds. The 5-way pickup selector adds to its tonal versatility.
- Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Wide tonal range
- Comfortable to play
- Durable
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Plain design
7. Gretsch G5425 Jet Club
- Price: $380
- Features: This model boasts a basswood body with a maple top, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The chambered body enhances resonance and depth, while two humbuckers provide a bold and rich sound.
- Pros:
- Unique and striking design
- Great sound quality
- Chambered body for enhanced resonance
- Cons:
- Heavier than other beginner guitars
- Unique design may not appeal to everyone
8. Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster
- Price: $400
- Features: The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster features a pine body, maple neck, and fingerboard, and three single-coil pickups. It offers a clear, bright sound and includes a 5-way pickup selector for versatile tone options.
- Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Versatile sound
- Classic vintage look
- Cons:
- Higher price point for beginners
- Limited color options
Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitars:
9. Epiphone PRO-1
- Price: $150
- Features: The Epiphone PRO-1 features a cedar top with mahogany back and sides, designed to produce a smooth, mellow sound with nylon strings. It’s tailored for classical music and easy playability.
- Pros:
- Gentle on fingers
- Smaller body for easy handling
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Limited to classical styles
- Not as loud as steel-string acoustics
10. Yamaha JR1
- Price: $160
- Features: The Yamaha JR1 is a ¾ sized acoustic guitar with a spruce top and meranti back and sides. It’s designed for smaller hands and includes a gig bag for easy transportation.
- Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Good sound quality for its size
- Ideal for young players
- Cons:
- Limited volume compared to full-sized guitars
- Basic design
11. Fender CD-60S
- Price: $200
- Features: The Fender CD-60S features a solid spruce top and mahogany neck. It delivers a warm, resonant sound and has rolled fingerboard edges for comfortable playing.
- Pros:
- Good value for money
- Warm, resonant sound
- Comfortable playability
- Cons:
- Basic hardware
- May require setup adjustments
Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands:
12. Redondo Mini
- Price: Affordable
- Features: The Redondo Mini boasts a 22 ¾” scale length and a half-sized body with a spruce top and scalloped “X”-bracing. It’s designed for smaller hands and includes a gig bag.
- Pros:
- Perfect for small hands
- Great sound quality
- Portable and easy to carry
- Cons:
- Limited frets
- Less projection than full-sized guitars
Overall Best Acoustic Guitars:
13. CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric
- Price: Under $350.00
- Features: This guitar features a single-cutaway dreadnought body style with a solid spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, and mahogany back and sides. It includes a built-in Fishman® preamp and tuner.
- Pros:
- Acoustic-electric versatility
- Built-in tuner and preamp
- Easy access to upper frets
- Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Requires an amp for electric use
14. Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird
- Price: $210
- Features: The Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird has an orchestra body size and easy-playing neck feel. It’s known for its comfort and value, with a built-in tuner.
- Pros:
- Comfortable to play
- Built-in tuner
- Good value
- Cons:
- Lacks the volume of larger bodies
- Basic aesthetics
15. Ibanez PC12MHCE
- Price: $250
- Features: This electro-acoustic model features an Okoume top with matching back and sides. The cutaway design and smooth neck facilitate easy access to higher frets, and the built-in electronics make it performance-ready.
- Pros:
- Versatile for acoustic and electric play
- Easy access to higher frets
- Warm midrange tonality
- Cons:
- Requires an amp for full potential
- Less volume unplugged
16. Martin LX1 Little Martin
- Price: $400
- Features: Despite its smaller size, the Martin LX1 Little Martin offers a classic Martin design and big sound. It’s perfect for younger players or those with smaller hands.
- Pros:
- Big sound in a small package
- High-quality build
- Portable
- Cons:
- Higher price for a small guitar
- Limited volume compared to full-sized models
17. Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
- Price: $450
- Features: The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio features a solid spruce top, mahogany body, and Fishman electronics. It’s visually stunning and tonally versatile.
- Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Rich, deep tone
- Built-in electronics
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Heavier than some beginner guitars
Best Electric Bass Guitars for Beginners
Budget-Friendly Bass Guitars:
18. Squier Mini Precision Bass
- Price: $200
- Features: The Squier Mini Precision Bass is a scaled-down version of the iconic Fender Precision Bass, with a 28.6″ scale. It’s lightweight and easy to handle.
- Pros:
- Perfect for small hands
- Lightweight
- Great sound quality
- Cons:
- Limited tonal range
- Basic design
19. Squier Bronco Bass
- Price: $210
- Features: The Squier Bronco Bass features a thin, lightweight body with a short 30″ scale. It has a single-coil pickup that delivers a full, rich sound.
- Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to play
- Good sound quality
- Cons:
- Basic features
- Limited tone control
Bass Guitars for Small Hands:
20. Ibanez Talman TMB30
- Price: $230
- Features: The Ibanez Talman TMB30 has a stylish offset design with a poplar body, maple neck, and jatoba fingerboard. It features Dynamix P neck and J bridge pickups.
- Pros:
- Stylish design
- Versatile tones
- Comfortable to play
- Cons:
- Heavier than some beginner basses
- Limited color options
Overall Best Bass Guitars:
21. Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ
- Price: $280
- Features: This model features a thin, lightweight body and slim C-shaped neck. It has a split single-coil P Bass neck pickup and a single-coil J Bass bridge pickup.
- Pros:
- Versatile sound options
- Comfortable to play
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Requires setup adjustments
- Basic hardware
22. Yamaha BB234
- Price: $300
- Features: The Yamaha BB234 features an alder body and a bolt-on maple neck with a 34″ scale length. It has Custom V3 single-coil and split-coil pickups for a wide range of sounds.
- Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Versatile tones
- Attractive design
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited color options
Choosing the right beginner guitar can set the foundation for your musical journey. Whether you prefer the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, the electrifying riffs of an electric guitar, or the rhythmic beats of a bass guitar, this guide covers a wide range of options to suit every beginner’s needs. Each guitar listed offers a unique set of features, pros, and cons to help you find the perfect instrument that fits your style, budget, and playing needs.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Beginner Guitar
Size and Weight
- Acoustic Guitars: Generally larger and heavier, consider smaller sizes for younger players or those with smaller hands.
- Electric Guitars: Typically lighter and more comfortable for extended playing sessions.
- Bass Guitars: Heavier and longer scale, but shorter scales are available for smaller hands.
Sound Quality
- Acoustic: Look for solid tops for better resonance and sound quality.
- Electric: Consider pickup configuration (single-coil vs. humbucker) for desired tone.
- Bass: Check for versatile pickups that can handle different styles of music.
Playability
- Neck Profile: C-shaped necks are comfortable for most players.
- Action: Lower action is easier for beginners.
- Fretboard: Consider the number of frets and the material of the fretboard.
Budget
- Bundles: Many beginner guitars come in bundles with essential accessories like tuners, picks, and straps.
- Quality: Balance affordability with quality to ensure a good learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of guitar should a beginner start with?
It depends on your musical preference. Acoustic guitars are great for folk, country, and indie music, while electric guitars are perfect for rock and metal enthusiasts. Bass guitars are ideal for those drawn to rhythm and groove.
How much should I spend on my first guitar?
A good beginner guitar can range from $150 to $400. It’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability to ensure a good learning experience.
Do I need any accessories with my guitar?
For acoustic guitars, a pick and strap are essential. For electric and bass guitars, you’ll also need cables and a practice amp. Beginner bundles are a great way to get everything you need in one purchase.