7 Best Guitars for Beginners: Top Picks for Easy Learning

If you are thinking of learning how to play the guitar, you might be wondering what kind of guitar to buy, what accessories you need, and how to choose the best guitar for beginners. There are many factors to consider when picking your new guitar, such as the size, shape, sound, style, and budget.

This guide shares some of the best guitar for beginners and essential guitar accessories to make your learning experience more enjoyable and effective. We will also give you some tips on how to find the right guitar for you.

Best guitar for beginners

Squier Bullet Mustang

The Squier Bullet Mustang is an extremely affordable entry-level guitar, offering easy playability, good pickups, and a classic look. It is designed for novice players seeking a well-made dual-humbucker model. This guitar is perfect for the raucous sound of indie music and is just plain fun to play.

• Cost: Around $200.
• Colors: Imperial Blue, Sonic Gray, and standard Black gloss finishes.
• Features: Dual Humbuckers, Comfortable “C”-Shaped Neck, Modern 12″-Radius Fingerboard, and Modern Six-Saddle Hardtail Bridge.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V

The Yamaha Pacifica 112V offers a solid foundation for players seeking an affordable yet capable electric guitar. Its broad tonal base, straightforward design, and comfortable playability make it the best guitar for beginners or those starting their musical journey.

• Cost: $329.99
• Colors: Imperial Blue, Sonic Gray, and the standard Black gloss finish.
• Features: Alder Body, Bolt-On Maple Neck, Alnico V Pickups, H/S/S Pickup Configuration, Push-Pull Coil-Split Switch, and Vintage-Style Vibrato Bridge.

Epiphone Les Paul Special

The Epiphone Les Paul Special can be the best guitar for beginners and intermediate players. The Epiphone Les Paul Special is part of Epiphone’s new Inspired by Gibson Collection. Its vintage-inspired design, quality components, and affordability make it a solid companion for practice sessions and live performances.

• Cost: $269
• Colors: Iconic TV Yellow finish.
• Features: Bolt-on Mahogany neck, Mahogany body, CTS electronics, Pearloid “Dot” inlays, and P-90 PRO™ soap bar single-coil pickups.

Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster

The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is a guitar that pays homage to the iconic single-cutaway 1950s-era Gibson Les Paul Special. It delivers incredible tone and features player-friendly elements like the slim neck profile and vintage-style tremolo system.

• Cost: $429
• Colors: 2-Color Sunburst, White Blonde, Black, and Fiesta Red.
• Features: “C” shape, Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups, nickel-plated hardware, a 9.5″ radius, and 21 narrow-tall frets.

Gretsch G5425 Jet Club

The Gretsch G5425 Electromatic Jet Club combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Although its pickups lean toward a Les Paul sound, they deliver surprisingly lovely tones.

• Cost: $399
• Colors: Black and Silver top with Walnut-stained back and sides.
• Features: Gretsch dual-coil humbucking pickups, Neo-Classic™ thumbnail fingerboard, Anchored Adjusto-Matic™ bridge, and G-arrow knobs.

Epiphone Pro-1

The Epiphone PRO-1 is a fantastic choice for beginners and intermediate players. Designed to make the guitar learning process as easy as possible, this guitar features extra light strings, a comfortable neck, and a dual-action truss rod for superb intonation. There are online lessons via the Gibson App that further enhance the learning experience.

• Cost: $189
• Colors: Natural, Vintage Sunburst, and Ebony.
• Features: SlimTaper C profile, 24.75-inch scale length, 1.68-inch nut width, Shadow Performer preamp system, Easy Action™ and JumboPRO™ frets.

Ibanez PC12MHCE

The Ibanez PC12MHCE is a grand concert-style acoustic/electric guitar that balances affordability and quality. This guitar is designed for players seeking a comfortable and versatile acoustic guitar. Its warm tone, easy playability, and built-in tuner make it suitable for practice sessions and live performances.

• Cost: $289
• Colors: Open Pore Natural (OPN)
• Features: Ibanez Undersaddle preamp with Onboard tuner, Ibanez Advantage™ strings and bridge pins, and cutaway grand concert body.

How to choose the best guitar for beginners?

Determine your budget

Land on a budget for your purchase. While it is tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a quality instrument can enhance your learning experience. Keep in mind that your budget should also cover essential accessories like a tuner, a gig bag, and possibly a guitar stand.

Consider the type of guitar

Acoustic guitars are popular among beginners due to their simplicity and portability. They don’t require an amplifier and are suitable for various musical genres. Electric guitars, on the other hand, require an amplifier but offer more versatility in terms of sound. Consider the type of music you want to play before deciding on acoustic or electric.

Playability

Playability means how comfortable and easy the guitar is to play. Check for factors like the neck shape, string action (distance between the strings and fretboard), and the overall feel of the instrument in your hands. You should go for a guitar with a comfortable neck profile and low action, as this will make it easier for a beginner to press down on the strings and form chords.

Sound quality

The sound of a guitar is subjective, but you can generally assess the tone and projection. Play a few chords and listen to the resonance and clarity of the sound. Typically, acoustic guitars with solid wood tops produce a richer, resonant sound. For electric guitars, consider the type of pickups and how they influence the tone.

Brand reputation

Established brands often have a reputation for producing reliable and high-quality instruments. Research and read reviews to understand which brands are well-known in the beginner guitar market.

Size and body style

Guitars come in various sizes and body styles. For beginners, a mid-sized guitar with a comfortable body shape is usually a good choice. Dreadnought and concert shapes are popular for acoustic guitars, while solid-body shapes are common for electric guitars.

Try before you buy

Whenever possible, try out different guitars before making a decision. Visit a local music store and play a variety of guitars within your budget. Pay attention to how the guitar feels in your hands, how easily you can press down on the strings, and how comfortable it is to reach different frets.

Basic guitar accessories

Guitar amps

If you have an electric guitar, a guitar amplifier is essential to amplify and shape your sound. Before buying one, consider the wattage based on your needs – lower for home practice and higher for performances. You can also look for features like built-in effects, tone controls, and multiple channels for versatility in your sound.

Instrument cable

A reliable instrument cable is necessary to connect your electric guitar to an amplifier. Choose a cable with good shielding to minimize interference and ensure a clean signal. Remember the length based on your setup because you need longer cables for larger stages or practice spaces.

Headphones

Headphones help you practice silently with an electric guitar, especially in a shared living space. Some amplifiers have a headphone output, allowing you to practice without disturbing others.

Guitar tuner

A guitar tuner is crucial for keeping your instrument in tune. There are various types, including clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and smartphone apps. Clip-on tuners are convenient for quick tuning, while pedal tuners can be integrated into your pedalboard for live performances.

Guitar picks

Picks come in various thicknesses and materials, affecting your playing style and tone. Thicker picks generally produce a brighter sound, while thinner picks offer more flexibility. You should experiment with different picks to find the one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.

Guitar straps

A guitar strap is essential for playing while standing. Check for the material, length, and width of straps for comfort and style. Go for adjustable straps to find the right playing height, whether sitting or standing.

Extra strings for your guitar

You should always keep a set of spare guitar strings. Strings can break, and having extras ensures you can quickly replace them. Keep different string gauges to experiment with your guitar’s tone and feel.

Guitar case

A guitar case protects your instrument from dust, scratches, and damage during transport. There are hard cases and gig bags, each offering different levels of protection. If you plan to travel frequently, a hard case provides better protection against impact.