Quick answer: The best guitar for beginners is the Yamaha FG820, a solid-top acoustic that’s affordable, reliable and easy to play. For electric, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V and Squier Sonic Stratocaster are great starters. Kids and nylon-string fans should look at the Cordoba C5, and the Taylor GS Mini is the premium choice.
Your first guitar matters more than you might think. A guitar that’s hard to play or won’t stay in tune can make you quit before you get to the fun part. A good beginner guitar is comfortable, stays in tune and sounds good enough that you want to keep picking it up. Shopping for a younger or smaller player? Our best mini guitars guide covers compact options that are easy to hold.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune. Here are seven proven beginner guitars that are currently sold, across acoustic, electric and classical styles.
New to this? Start with our guide on how to buy a guitar.
New to this? You may also like my guides to beginner guitar chords and 25 guitar tips for beginners.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha FG820 | Most beginners | Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, dreadnought | Check current price |
| Fender CD-60S | Budget acoustic | Solid spruce top, rolled fingerboard edges, dreadnought | Check current price |
| Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V | Best beginner electric | Two single-coils plus a humbucker, five-way switch, tremolo | Check current price |
| Squier Sonic Stratocaster | Cheapest good electric | Light body, slim C neck, three single-coils | Check current price |
| Epiphone Les Paul Classic (Ebony) | Beginners who love rock | Mahogany body with maple cap, Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers with coil-splits, ’60s SlimTaper neck | Check current price |
| Cordoba C5 Classical (Solid Cedar Top) | Nylon-string beginners and kids | Solid cedar top, nylon strings, mahogany back and sides | Check current price |
| Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | Premium beginner acoustic | Solid mahogany top, short scale, compact body | Check current price |
Best Beginner Guitars: reviews
1. Yamaha FG820 — best for most beginners
Key features: Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, dreadnought
The Yamaha FG series has been a go-to beginner recommendation for decades, and the FG820 continues that tradition. It has a solid spruce top for a rich, full tone and Yamaha’s consistent build quality, so it usually plays well out of the box.
It’s ideal for strumming chords and singing along, including worship songs. It’s affordable, but it won’t feel like a toy, so you can keep playing it for years.
Pros:
- Solid top at a beginner price
- Reliable build
- Full, warm sound
Cons:
- No electronics
- Full-size body may feel big for kids
2. Fender CD-60S — best for budget acoustic
Key features: Solid spruce top, rolled fingerboard edges, dreadnought
The CD-60S is Fender’s budget acoustic with a solid spruce top. Its rolled fingerboard edges make the neck comfortable for beginners.
It’s a strong alternative to the Yamaha, often at a similar price.
Pros:
- Solid top
- Comfortable neck
- Affordable
Cons:
- Basic tuners
- No electronics
3. Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V — best for best beginner electric
Key features: Two single-coils plus a humbucker, five-way switch, tremolo
The Pacifica 112V has long been considered one of the best beginner electrics. It has two single-coils and a humbucker, so it handles clean worship tones, blues and rock.
Yamaha’s quality control is excellent at this price, so it plays well and stays in tune.
Pros:
- Very versatile pickups
- Great build quality
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Needs an amp
- Plain looks for some
4. Squier Sonic Stratocaster — best for cheapest good electric
Key features: Light body, slim C neck, three single-coils
The Squier Sonic Strat is a classic Strat design at a very low price. It’s light and has a slim neck, which suits beginners and younger players.
It leaves room in the budget for an amp and lessons.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Comfortable
- Iconic look
Cons:
- Basic hardware
- Needs a setup
5. Epiphone Les Paul Classic (Ebony) — best for beginners who love rock
Key features: Mahogany body with maple cap, Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers with coil-splits, ’60s SlimTaper neck
The Les Paul Classic gives you the real Les Paul shape and humbucker sound at a lower price than Epiphone’s Standard models. It has a mahogany body with a maple cap, a comfortable ’60s SlimTap