We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Guitars 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, NaturalFender

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is designed specifically for beginners, making it a solid choice for anyone just starting out, whether they are kids or adults. Its dreadnought body shape produces a bold and rich bass tone, ideal for genres like country, folk, and bluegrass, which is a strength for newcomers wanting to explore these styles. The lightweight, all-laminate construction enhances playability, and the 'C' shaped neck along with the walnut fingerboard ensures a comfortable grip, making it easier for beginners to practice for longer periods.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of a free subscription to Fender Play, which offers thousands of instructional videos. This is a fantastic resource for beginners, as it allows them to learn at their own pace and play songs they love from the start.

The materials used—like laminated basswood for the back and sides and spruce for the top—are adequate for a beginner guitar but may not provide the same depth of sound as higher-end solid wood guitars. This guitar is best suited for right-handed players, which could limit accessibility for left-handed individuals. The 2-year warranty is a comforting assurance of quality, although some players might find it a bit short compared to others offering longer coverage.

View on Amazon
#2

Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)

Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)Yamaha

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a solid choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of acoustic guitars. Its dreadnought body shape offers a robust sound, with the solid spruce top delivering a bright and balanced tone, perfect for strumming chords or fingerpicking. The use of nato and mahogany for the back and sides contributes to a warm, resonant sound, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. With a comfortable rosewood fingerboard, players will find it easy to navigate the frets, enhancing playability and comfort—a crucial aspect for new players.

However, while the FG800J excels in many areas, there are some potential drawbacks. The larger dreadnought body can be a bit cumbersome for smaller players or children, which might hinder their comfort during long practice sessions. Additionally, while the materials used are of good quality, the guitar's construction is primarily aimed at beginners; more advanced players might find it lacking in certain tonal complexities and features that higher-end models offer.

For new guitarists seeking a reliable and well-crafted instrument to facilitate their learning journey, the Yamaha FG800J NT stands out as a commendable option.

View on Amazon
#3

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVDFender

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, combining solid features with ease of use. Its all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures durability, which is crucial for new players who might not handle their instruments with utmost care. The dreadnought body shape provides a rich, full sound that resonates well, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. The scalloped 'X'-bracing adds to the guitar's strength and tonal quality, which is a nice touch at this price point.

The slim neck profile designed for easy playability makes it comfortable for those just starting out. With a scale length of 25.6 inches, it strikes a balance between being manageable for smaller hands while still suitable for larger ones. The dark-stained maple fingerboard not only enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a smooth playing experience.

Included in the bundle are practical accessories like a gig bag for protection during transport, a tuner for staying in tune, a strap for comfortable playing, and various tools like extra strings and picks. These bonuses provide great value and encourage beginners to dive into their musical journey more confidently. Additionally, the Fender Play online lessons and the Austin Bazaar instructional DVD are perfect for self-learners, making the learning process more structured.

While the all-laminate construction is durable, it may not produce the same rich tonal quality as solid-wood guitars, which could be a concern for more advanced players. Also, at 8.5 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially if they plan to play for extended periods. However, given its pricing and targeted audience, these drawbacks are relatively minor and do not overshadow its primary strengths. This guitar bundle is a solid investment for beginner players looking to start their musical journey.

View on Amazon

Buying Guide for the Best Guitars

Choosing the right guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming given the variety of options available. The key to finding the perfect guitar is understanding your own needs and preferences, and then matching those with the right specifications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, knowing what to look for in a guitar will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best instrument for your playing style and goals.
Type of GuitarThe type of guitar is one of the first decisions you'll need to make. There are three main types: acoustic, electric, and classical. Acoustic guitars are great for singer-songwriters and those who enjoy playing unplugged. Electric guitars are ideal for rock, blues, and jazz players who want to use amplifiers and effects. Classical guitars, with their nylon strings, are perfect for classical and flamenco music. Choose the type that aligns with the genre of music you want to play.
Body Shape and SizeThe body shape and size of a guitar affect its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo for acoustics, and solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body for electrics. Larger bodies like dreadnoughts produce a louder, fuller sound, while smaller bodies like concert guitars are more comfortable to hold and play. For electric guitars, solid bodies are versatile and great for various genres, while hollow and semi-hollow bodies offer a warmer tone suitable for jazz and blues. Consider your comfort and the sound you prefer when choosing the body shape and size.
Wood TypeThe type of wood used in a guitar's construction significantly influences its tone. Common woods for acoustic guitars include spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce offers a bright, clear tone, while cedar provides a warmer, mellower sound. Mahogany and rosewood are known for their rich, resonant tones. For electric guitars, woods like alder, ash, mahogany, and maple are popular. Alder and ash produce a balanced tone, while mahogany offers warmth and depth, and maple provides brightness and sustain. Choose the wood type based on the tonal qualities you prefer.
Neck Profile and Scale LengthThe neck profile and scale length affect the playability and feel of the guitar. Neck profiles can be C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped, with C-shaped being the most common and comfortable for most players. Scale length, the distance from the nut to the bridge, influences string tension and tone. Shorter scale lengths (24.75 inches) are easier to play and produce a warmer tone, while longer scale lengths (25.5 inches) offer more string tension and a brighter sound. Consider your hand size and playing style when choosing the neck profile and scale length.
PickupsPickups are crucial for electric guitars as they convert string vibrations into electrical signals. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone and are great for genres like rock, blues, and country. Humbuckers offer a thicker, warmer sound with less noise, making them ideal for heavier music styles like metal and hard rock. Some guitars come with a combination of both, providing versatility. Choose pickups based on the sound you want and the music you play.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and playability. Acoustic guitars typically have fixed bridges, which are simple and reliable. Electric guitars can have fixed bridges or tremolo bridges. Fixed bridges offer better tuning stability and sustain, while tremolo bridges allow for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to keep in tune. Consider whether you need the ability to perform pitch bends and how important tuning stability is for your playing style.
Playability and ComfortPlayability and comfort are subjective but crucial factors. The guitar should feel good in your hands and be easy to play. Factors like neck shape, action (string height), and weight all contribute to playability. Try out different guitars to see which one feels the most comfortable. If you're a beginner, look for a guitar with a lower action, as it will be easier to press down the strings. Experienced players might have specific preferences based on their playing style.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now