10 Best Beginner Guitars 2026 in the United States

The Fender FA-125 is a well-rounded acoustic guitar designed especially for beginners. It features a dreadnought body, which gives it a bold, rich sound with deep tones and warm mids—great for learning different styles. Its size and 25.3-inch scale length make it comfortable for new players, though absolute smaller kids might find it a bit large. The guitar’s build uses durable laminate woods like spruce for the top and basswood for the back, which keeps costs down while still producing decent sound quality. It has a modern 3+3 headstock that helps with tuning and playability. Fender is a trusted brand, known for reliable instruments, which adds confidence for first-time buyers.

The included bundle with a gig bag, tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and an instructional DVD is a big plus for someone just starting out, offering everything needed to begin playing right away. Because of its laminate construction, the tone won’t be as rich or nuanced as more expensive solid-wood guitars, and it’s only available for right-handed players. Considering its price and package, the FA-125 is a solid choice for anyone looking to get started on acoustic guitar without a big upfront investment.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a solid choice for beginner guitarists. As a dreadnought acoustic guitar, it has a larger body, which is known for producing a louder and richer sound. The solid spruce top contributes to a bright, balanced tone with good low-end projection, making it versatile for various music styles. The use of mahogany and nato wood for the body and neck adds to the instrument's warm, full-bodied sound and durability.

The rosewood fingerboard is smooth and comfortable, enhancing playability for beginners who are still developing their finger strength and dexterity. Yamaha is a reputable brand, known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is reflected in this guitar's construction and reliable hardware. The fixed bridge system might limit some advanced playing techniques, and the larger size of the dreadnought body could be a bit cumbersome for younger or smaller players.

Despite these considerations, the Yamaha FG800J NT stands out for its sound quality and build, making it an excellent starting point for those new to playing the guitar.

The Yamaha FS800J is a concert-sized acoustic guitar that suits beginners well, especially those interested in fingerpicking styles thanks to its smaller body shape. Its solid spruce top and scalloped bracing produce a warm, balanced sound, which is impressive for an entry-level guitar. The 25-inch scale length provides a comfortable playing experience, making it easier to reach chords and reducing finger fatigue for new players. Yamaha’s reputation for quality craftsmanship ensures this guitar is durable and reliable, which is important for learners who need a dependable instrument.

The use of rosewood for the fretboard and nato/mahogany for the back and sides adds a nice touch to the build quality without making it too heavy, weighing about 7.7 pounds. While the FS800J is right-handed only and has a fixed bridge, these are standard features for most beginner acoustics. The phosphor bronze strings offer a bright, clear tone, and the guitar’s natural finish is simple and classic.

Its concert size, while great for fingerstyle, might feel small for players who prefer a full dreadnought body sound. Considering ease of play and sound quality, this guitar stands out as a solid choice for beginners looking for a quality instrument that can grow with their skills.