Have you ever dreamed of strumming your favorite songs or maybe even writing your own? The guitar is a magical instrument that can bring so much joy and creativity into your life. But taking that first step and picking out your very first guitar can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which one is right for you.
Many beginners worry about choosing a guitar that’s too hard to play, sounds bad, or costs too much. It’s easy to get lost in all the jargon and confusing choices. You want a guitar that feels good in your hands, sounds nice, and helps you learn without getting frustrated. We understand that feeling, and we’re here to help make it simple.
By reading on, you’ll discover exactly what makes a great beginner guitar. We’ll break down the most important things to look for, like comfort, sound, and price. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and find a guitar that will inspire you to keep practicing. Let’s get you ready to make some beautiful music!
Our Top 5 Beginner Guitars Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Guitars Detailed Reviews
1. Joymusic 38 inch sunburst beginner acoustic guitar kit
Rating: 9.2/10
The Joymusic 38 inch sunburst beginner acoustic guitar kit (JG-38C, 3TS) is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to learn guitar. Its beautiful sunburst finish looks great, and it comes with everything a new player needs to get started right away.
What We Like:
- It’s designed for beginners, with a smaller size and lighter weight that makes it easy and comfortable to hold and play, especially for those with smaller hands.
- This guitar is portable, offering a good balance between a full-sized guitar and a small travel guitar, so you can practice at home or take it with you on adventures.
- The folk guitar sound is warm and rich, perfect for playing many kinds of music like folk, country, and pop.
- The kit comes with a complete bundle of accessories, including a strap with a picks holder, a digital tuner, extra strings, a capo, a cleaning cloth, six picks, and a gig bag for easy transport and storage.
- It’s a highly cost-effective option, offering great value for money compared to more expensive full-size guitars, making it ideal for those on a budget.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, more experienced players might find the sound quality and playability less sophisticated than on higher-end instruments.
- The included accessories, while plentiful, might not be of the highest professional quality and may need upgrading as a player progresses.
This Joymusic guitar kit provides an excellent and affordable way to begin your musical journey. You get a well-rounded package that makes learning fun and accessible.
2. Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue)
Rating: 9.3/10
Kickstart your musical journey with the Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package in vibrant blue. This guitar is made for new players, especially students and teens. It comes with everything you need to start playing right away, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of music.
What We Like:
- It’s a perfect beginner guitar, designed with 18 smooth frets and 6 steel strings that are easy to play.
- The complete starter kit includes the guitar, a gig bag, picks, a strap, a digital tuner, a pitch pipe, and an extra set of strings.
- It’s crafted from superior-grade laminated basswood for a warm and versatile sound that sounds great no matter how you play.
- The guitar delivers an incredible sound with bright tones and excellent projection, making it a joy to hear.
- It’s a full-size but lightweight guitar, measuring 38 inches, making it comfortable for learners to hold and manage.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, more advanced players might desire higher-end materials for a richer tone.
- The included instructional sheet is basic; some might want more comprehensive learning resources.
This Ashthorpe guitar package offers fantastic value and makes learning fun. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to pick up a guitar for the first time.
3. Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to rock and roll? The Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit in Matte Black is your ticket to musical adventure. This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a complete package designed to get you strumming right out of the box. With its classic look and comfortable feel, it’s perfect for anyone looking to start their guitar journey, whether you’re a teenager or an adult.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one kit with everything you need: gig bag, strap with a pick holder, extra nylon strings, picks, a capo, and a cleaning cloth.
- You get 4 months of free lessons from Fret Zealot, which includes a helpful app with a digital tuner.
- The guitar is designed for easy playing, with nylon strings that are gentle on your fingers and help you stay in tune.
- The fretboard is closer to the strings, making it less tiring to play for longer periods.
- It has a classic acoustic guitar shape that feels good in your hands.
- The matte black finish looks really cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the nylon strings are easy to play, some advanced players might prefer steel strings for a different sound.
- The included gig bag is great for protection, but it might not be as padded as a hard case for long-term storage or travel.
This starter kit makes learning the guitar simple and fun. It’s a fantastic way to begin making music without needing to buy extra gear.
4. Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Black)
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to rock your first chords? The Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package in sleek black is your all-in-one ticket to musical adventure. This guitar is built specifically for new players, especially students and teens. It comes with everything you need to start making music right away, so you can focus on learning and having fun.
What We Like:
- This guitar is perfect for beginners. It’s designed for students and teens starting out.
- The neck is easy to hold, and it has 18 smooth frets.
- You get a complete starter kit! It includes the guitar, a gig bag, picks, a strap, a digital tuner, a pitch pipe, and extra strings.
- The guitar sounds great. It has a bright tone and projects well, making it enjoyable to play.
- It’s made from good quality wood (laminated basswood) that gives it a warm sound.
- The guitar is full-size but lightweight, making it comfortable for learners.
- It’s built to last, so you can practice without worry.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great starter, more advanced players might want a guitar with richer tonal complexity.
- The instructional sheet is helpful for absolute beginners, but it might not cover more complex techniques.
This Ashthorpe guitar package offers fantastic value for anyone eager to learn. It provides all the essentials in one convenient bundle, making the journey into music accessible and enjoyable.
5. Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue)
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to strum your first song? The Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package in a cool blue is designed just for you. This guitar is perfect for students and teens starting their musical journey. It comes with everything a new musician needs to begin playing right away.
What We Like:
- It’s a perfect first guitar for beginners, especially students and teens.
- The guitar is a comfortable 30 inches long, making it easy to hold and play.
- It comes as a complete starter kit with a gig bag, strap, tuner, picks, and even an extra set of strings.
- The guitar is made from good quality wood (laminated basswood) that gives it a warm and clear sound.
- It sounds great, with a bright tone and good projection, so your music can be heard.
- The guitar is lightweight, which makes it easier for beginners to handle.
- It has smooth frets and steel strings that are good for learning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for beginners, more advanced players might want a guitar with a richer sound.
- The instructional sheet is basic; some might prefer more in-depth learning resources.
This Ashthorpe guitar package is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to learn guitar. You get a quality instrument and all the essential accessories to begin making music.
Your First Strum: A Beginner Guitar Buying Guide
So, you want to learn guitar? That’s awesome! Picking your first instrument is an exciting step. We’re here to help you find a guitar that makes learning fun and easy. This guide will tell you what to look for.
Key Features for Beginners
1. Playability is King
This means how easy the guitar is to hold and play. A guitar that’s hard to play will make you want to quit. Look for guitars with:
- Comfortable Neck: The neck is the long part you hold with your fretting hand. It should feel good in your hand. Not too thick, not too thin.
- Low Action: This is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Lower action means you don’t have to press as hard to make a note. This is super important for beginners!
- Good Intonation: This means the notes sound right all over the fretboard. A guitar with bad intonation will sound out of tune, even if you tune it perfectly.
2. Size Matters
Guitars come in different sizes. For most adults, a full-size guitar is good. But if you’re smaller, or buying for a child, consider a:
- 3/4 Size Guitar: These are smaller and easier for younger players or smaller adults to handle.
- Parlor Guitar: These are also smaller and have a more intimate sound.
3. Type of Guitar
There are two main types of guitars for beginners:
- Acoustic Guitars: These make sound without electricity. They are great for strumming chords and folk music. They can be a bit harder on the fingers at first.
- Electric Guitars: These need an amplifier to be heard. They often have thinner strings and lower action, making them easier to press down. They are good for rock, blues, and pop.
Important Materials
1. Wood Choices
The wood used in a guitar affects its sound and how it feels. Don’t worry too much about fancy woods when you’re starting. Good beginner guitars often use:
- Spruce: Often used for the top (soundboard) of acoustic guitars. It gives a bright, clear sound.
- Mahogany: Good for the back and sides of acoustic guitars, and for the neck. It adds warmth to the sound.
- Maple: Often used for electric guitar bodies and necks. It gives a bright, snappy tone.
- Rosewood or Walnut: Used for the fretboard (where you press the strings). They feel smooth.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Construction Quality
How the guitar is put together is key. A well-made guitar will stay in tune and feel solid. Look for:
- Solid Construction: No loose parts or gaps.
- Smooth Finish: No rough spots or uneven paint.
- Good Frets: The metal strips on the fretboard. They should be smooth and not stick out.
2. Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making great beginner instruments. Brands like Yamaha, Fender (Squier for electrics), Ibanez, and Epiphone often have good options that are affordable and well-made.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. What Will You Play?
Think about the kind of music you want to play. If you love pop and rock, an electric guitar might be more exciting. If you want to play campfire songs or folk tunes, an acoustic is perfect.
2. Learning Curve
Acoustic guitars can be a bit tougher on fingertips at first due to thicker strings. Electric guitars are often easier to start with because of lighter strings and lower action. But don’t let that stop you! Both are great for learning.
Remember, the best beginner guitar is one that you enjoy playing. Try to hold a few if you can. A guitar that feels good will make you want to pick it up every day!
Beginner Guitar FAQs
Q: What is the most important thing for a beginner guitar?
A: Playability is the most important thing. This means it should be comfortable to hold and easy to press the strings down.
Q: Should I get an acoustic or electric guitar first?
A: It depends on the music you like! Electric guitars are often easier to play at first. Acoustic guitars are great for strumming and don’t need extra equipment.
Q: How much should I spend on a beginner guitar?
A: You can find good beginner guitars for around $150-$300. You don’t need to spend a lot to get a great starter instrument.
Q: Do I need an amplifier for an electric guitar?
A: Yes, you absolutely need an amplifier to hear an electric guitar. You’ll also need a cable to connect them.
Q: What are “strings” and “frets” on a guitar?
A: Strings are the metal or nylon wires you pluck or strum. Frets are the metal strips on the neck that you press the strings against to make different notes.
Q: Can a small person play a full-size guitar?
A: Yes, but it might be uncomfortable. Smaller guitars like 3/4 size are made for people with smaller bodies.
Q: How do I know if a guitar is “in tune”?
A: You can use a tuner, either a clip-on one or an app on your phone. It tells you if each string is at the correct pitch.
Q: What does “action” mean on a guitar?
A: Action is how high the strings are off the fretboard. Lower action means you press down less, which is easier for beginners.
Q: Does the wood of the guitar matter a lot for beginners?
A: Not as much as playability. Good beginner guitars use decent woods, but the way it’s built is more important when you’re starting.
Q: Where can I try out beginner guitars?
A: Local music stores are the best place. You can hold them, feel the neck, and see how they look and feel to you.
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.