The Best Guitar

Playing guitar is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up. Whether you dream of strumming campfire songs, shredding electric solos, or writing your own music, the right instrument makes all the difference.

But with hundreds of models on the market, from budget acoustic kits to feature-packed electrics, finding the best guitar for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

By analyzing specifications, expert consensus, and verified buyer feedback, we score each product on our 0, 10 BP Score to bring you a curated list of top contenders. Keep reading to discover our top picks.

Best Guitar Buying Guide

Acoustic vs. Electric

The first decision is whether you want an acoustic or electric guitar. Acoustics produce sound naturally through a hollow body, making them ideal for unplugged practice and portability.

Electrics rely on pickups and an amplifier, offering a wider range of tones and easier playability due to lighter strings. Many starter kits bundle an amplifier, which can be more affordable upfront.

If you’re unsure, a quality acoustic is often the most versatile choice for beginners. For a deeper dive into high-end options, see our roundup of the best professional acoustic guitars.

Body Shape and Size

Guitar bodies come in various shapes, dreadnought, concert, parlor, and more. Dreadnoughts are loud and full-bodied, great for strumming. Concert and parlor sizes are smaller, offering a more comfortable fit for players with smaller hands.

For children or those with shorter arms, a ¾‑size guitar like the Fender FA-25N can be much easier to handle. Always check dimensions and consider your own physique.

Our guide to intermediate acoustic guitars covers body styles in more detail.

Tonewoods and Build

The wood species used for the top, back, and sides significantly influence sound. Spruce tops provide bright, dynamic tone, while mahogany offers a warmer, more focused sound.

Laminated woods are common on budget guitars and are more durable; solid woods resonate better but cost more. Look for a well-constructed neck joint and quality finishing.

If you love the sound of mahogany, our best mahogany acoustic guitar feature can help you narrow down choices.

Electronics and Pickups

For electric guitars, the type of pickups, single-coil, humbucker, or P‑90, determines your sound. Single-coils are bright and clear, humbuckers are thicker and quieter. Many beginner electrics come with versatile HSS or HSH configurations.

Acoustic‑electric models include a preamp and pickup for amplification, which is useful for performing. Don’t forget the amplifier: a small practice amp like the Fender Frontman 10G is perfect for starters.

For more on amps, check out the best guitar amps for gigging.

Playability and Comfort

A guitar that feels good in your hands encourages practice. Key factors include neck shape and width, fret edge smoothness, and overall weight. Rounded “C” necks are comfortable for most hands, while thin “Slim D” shapes suit faster playing.

Check the action (string height), high action can be painful for beginners. Many kits include a tuner and extra strings, helping you maintain playability. For a curated selection of versatile instruments, see our best crossover guitar recommendations.

What to Look for in a Starter Kit

Starter kits bundle everything you need: guitar, gig bag, tuner, picks, strap, and often online lessons. This can save money and simplify the buying process.

However, the quality of included accessories varies, some kits include a sturdy gig bag and tuner, while others may feel flimsy.

Pay attention to the guitar itself: a playable instrument with decent tone is more important than a full accessory set. If you prefer classical nylon strings for a gentler feel, the best Cordoba classical guitars offer excellent options.

Why You Should Trust Us

At BestProducts, we understand that buying a guitar is a personal and sometimes costly decision. That’s why we evaluate each product thoroughly using a consistent set of criteria and assign a BP Score from 0 to 10.

Our evaluations are based on official specifications, consensus from professional reviews, verified buyer feedback, and published data from trusted sources.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. Every recommendation is independent, we don’t accept payment from manufacturers for favorable reviews.

For more on how we approach all types of gear, visit our hobbies and crafts hub.

Final Thoughts

After months of research and analysis, we’ve selected these standouts that deliver the best value, playability, and performance across different styles and budgets. Here are our top recommendations:

Best Overall: Ashthorpe 38‑inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar (Blue) Starter Kit, This complete kit offers an impressive combination of playability, included accessories, and an unbeatable price, earning it the highest BP Score in our lineup.

Best for Beginners: Fender FA‑25N ¾‑Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, With a comfortable smaller body and gentle nylon strings, this guitar is perfect for kids and adults with smaller hands, backed by Fender’s 2‑year warranty.

Best Value Acoustic: Best Choice Products 41‑inch All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Set, A full‑size dreadnought at a budget price, this set includes every essential accessory and delivers solid sound for the money.

Best Electric Starter: Fender Squier Stratocaster Beginner Electric Guitar, Matte Black, A legendary design at an accessible price, this Stratocaster offers versatile single‑coil tone and an easy‑playing neck, ideal for new electric players.

For a broader look at what’s available, see our best guitar of all time collection featuring tools and learning resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best guitar for a complete beginner?

For most beginners, a quality acoustic guitar like the Fender FA‑25 Dreadnought or a starter kit such as the Ashthorpe 38‑inch provides a solid foundation. Acoustics don’t require an amplifier and are easier to maintain.

If you prefer electric, the Squier Stratocaster starter bundle (with amp) is an excellent choice. Always choose a guitar that feels comfortable to hold and has a good setup out of the box.

How much should I spend on my first guitar?

You can find a playable beginner guitar in the budget‑friendly range. Most of our picks fall into that category, offering decent construction and tone without breaking the bank.

Spending a bit more often gets you better materials, setup, and included accessories. For a more focused list, see our guitar humidifier guide to protect your investment.

Should I buy an acoustic or electric guitar as a beginner?

It depends on your musical goals. Acoustic guitars are highly portable and let you play anywhere without extra gear. Electrics require an amp but are often easier on the fingers due to lighter strings and lower action.

If you plan to play rock, blues, or metal, start with an electric. For folk, pop, or singer‑songwriter styles, an acoustic is a natural fit.

Are starter kits worth buying?

Yes, starter kits can save time and money, especially if you’re just beginning. They usually include everything needed to start playing: guitar, bag, tuner, picks, and sometimes online lessons.

However, we recommend checking the quality of the guitar itself before buying. Some kits include a low‑quality instrument that may hinder progress. Our picks above all have solid reputations.

For amp advice, check out best boutique guitar amps if you decide to upgrade later.

How do I care for my new guitar?

Store your guitar in a stable environment away from extreme temperature and humidity. Wipe down strings after playing, and use a soft cloth on the body. For acoustic guitars, a humidifier can prevent cracking in dry climates. See our best guitar humidifier guide for recommendations.

Can I learn guitar online?

Absolutely. Many of the kits we recommend include free online lessons for the first few months. Platforms like Fender Play, YouTube tutorials, and apps make learning accessible. Pairing a good instrument with consistent practice is the key to progress.

For further reading, explore our guitar amplifiers category to find gear that enhances your learning.

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