If you’re new to the world of guitar playing, it might seem overwhelming with so many options and types of guitars to choose from.
It’s crucial to select a beginner guitar that matches your budget and learning style to make your musical journey smooth and enjoyable.
Therefore, I have put together a list of the 20 best beginner guitars for easy learning in 2024.
Choosing the right guitar can lay the foundations for a lifelong love of playing music. As someone starting this journey myself, I aim to simplify this process and guide you through some fantastic choices assembled especially for beginners.
Remember, an excellent beginner guitar motivates you—it makes you want to pick it up and play anytime you see it.
And that’s what this list embodies—affordability, comfort, sound quality, and most importantly—the potential to inspire.
The 20 Best Beginner Guitars For Easy Learning in 2024
If you’re looking to embark on a musical journey and learn to play the guitar, you’ll need a reliable instrument that is both easy to learn and offers great sound quality. In this article, I will highlight options that excel in these areas.
Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar – Ebony
The Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar in Ebony is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to learn the guitar.
With its sleek black finish and high-quality construction, this guitar not only looks great but delivers exceptional sound and playability.
- Body Material: The DR-100 features a select spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing a warm and resonant sound.
- Neck Design: The mahogany neck with a slim taper profile offers comfortable playability, perfect for beginners to develop their skills.
- Fingerboard: With a rosewood fingerboard and 20 medium frets, this guitar allows for smooth finger movement and easy chord transitions.
- Sound Quality: The DR-100 produces rich tones, thanks to its well-balanced sound projection and excellent note clarity.
- Affordability: This guitar offers incredible value for money, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious beginners.
Seagull Original S6
Another top-notch option is the Seagull Original S6 acoustic guitar. This Canadian-made instrument is renowned for its excellent craftsmanship and rich tonal qualities, making it perfect for novices looking to delve into the world of guitar playing.
- Solid Cedar Top: The S6 features a solid cedar top that imparts warmth and depth to each note played.
- Wild Cherry Back & Sides: This unique tonewood combination provides clear articulation and a balanced tone.
- Silver Leaf Maple Neck: The sturdy maple neck enhances stability and durability while ensuring smooth playability.
- Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge: The rich dark color of the fingerboard adds elegance while enhancing playability.
- Tapered Headstock Design: The tapered headstock design improves tuning stability, allowing beginners to keep their guitar in tune more easily.
Epiphone Les Paul Special II
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a highly popular electric guitar model that offers excellent value for beginners. It pays homage to the legendary Gibson Les Paul and provides a comfortable playing experience with impressive versatility.
- Body: The guitar features a solid mahogany body with a high-gloss finish, giving it a classy and iconic look.
- Neck: The maple neck has a slim-tapered profile, making it easy to play and navigate across the fretboard.
- Fingerboard: The rosewood fingerboard has 22 medium jumbo frets, offering smooth playability and precise intonation.
- Pickups: Equipped with two open-coil humbucker pickups, the guitar delivers a broad range of tones ideal for various music genres.
- Hardware: The hardware includes a Tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece, ensuring accurate tuning stability and sustain.
Also Read: Chords In B Major [Step By Step Guide For Guitarists]
Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
The Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar is perfect for traveling musicians or beginners seeking a compact instrument without compromising on sound quality. It’s known for its portability and excellent craftsmanship.
- Body: The LX1 features a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing rich tones and resonance.
- Neck & Fingerboard: The modified low oval neck shape offers comfortable playability. It has 20 frets on the richlite fingerboard for precise note expression.
- Construction & Design: This guitar uses mortise-and-tenon neck construction, ensuring stability while delivering excellent tone.
- Size & Portability: With its smaller size, the LX1 is highly portable while still offering remarkable projection and volume.
- Playability: Despite its small stature, this guitar offers great action and an enjoyable playing experience suitable for beginners.
Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro Electric Guitar
The Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro Electric Guitar is perfect for young aspiring guitarists or those with smaller hands who want a powerful instrument built to withstand the test of time.
- Size & Design: With its reduced scale length and compact body, this guitar is ideal for beginners or players with smaller physiques.
- Body & Neck: The GRGM21 features a comfortable maple neck and a poplar body, providing excellent resonance and sustain.
- Pickups & Electronics: Equipped with two Ibanez Infinity R humbucking pickups, this guitar offers a wide range of versatile sounds suitable for various music styles.
- Hardware: The hardware includes a fixed bridge and die-cast tuners, ensuring stability while keeping the instrument in tune even with heavy use.
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster is an affordable yet high-quality electric guitar that pays tribute to the iconic Fender Stratocaster. It combines vintage aesthetics and modern playability, making it suitable for beginners looking for a classic sound.
- Body & Finish: The ’50s Stratocaster features an alder body with a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, giving it an authentic vintage appearance.
- Neck & Fingerboard: The maple neck has a comfortable “C”-shaped profile, allowing for effortless playing. The fingerboard is made of Indian laurel, providing smooth fretting.
- Pickups & Electronics: Equipped with three vintage-style single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers that famous bright and twangy Stratocaster sound. It also has standard Stratocaster controls for versatile tone shaping.
- Hardware: The hardware includes a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge and die-cast tuning machines for reliable tuning stability.
Also Read: 15 Richest Guitarists In The World [Rock Stars Making Bank]
Squier FSR Competition Bullet Mustang HH
The Squier FSR Competition Bullet Mustang HH is a unique and eye-catching electric guitar that offers a great playing experience for beginners. Its compact size and distinctive design make it an attractive choice for those seeking something different.
- Body & Finish: The Bullet Mustang features a basswood body and comes in vibrant competition finishes, such as Surf Green and Torino Red, giving it a retro aesthetic.
- Neck & Fingerboard: The “C”-shaped maple neck has a comfortable feel and supports easy playability. The Indian laurel fingerboard enhances the overall smoothness of the instrument.
- Pickups & Electronics: Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers a powerful and versatile range of tones suitable for various genres.
- Scale Length: With its shorter scale length (24″), the Bullet Mustang allows for easier string bending and chord transitioning, perfect for beginners.
- Hardware: The guitar features a vintage-style hardtail bridge and standard die-cast tuning machines, ensuring tuning stability during extended playing sessions.
Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar
The Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar is a popular choice among beginner guitarists due to its excellent sound quality and playability. With its solid construction and affordable price range, this guitar is perfect for those looking to start their musical journey.
- Sound Quality: The FG800 boasts a solid spruce top with scalloped bracing, which enhances resonance and projection. This results in a warm and well-balanced tone that is pleasing to the ears.
- Durable Build: The dreadnought body design of the FG800 is crafted with mahogany back and sides, providing durability for long-lasting use.
- Easy Playability: The slim-profiled nato neck offers smooth playability, making it comfortable for beginners to fret chords and navigate along the fingerboard.
- Enhanced Stability: The rosewood bridge adds stability while transmitting vibrations from the strings to the body effectively. This contributes to improved sustain and overall tonal quality.
- Finishing Touches: The gloss finish on the body gives it an appealing look while protecting it from scratches or damage.
Also Read: A Diminished Triad [Unlock Hidden Chords On Your Guitar]
Martin LX1E Little Martin
The Martin LX1E Little Martin is a compact yet powerful acoustic-electric guitar designed for easy handling and portability. Don’t let its small size fool you; this instrument packs a punch when it comes to sound quality.
- Compact Design: The 3/4-sized dreadnought body makes it portable while maintaining tonal clarity and resonance.
- Solid Construction: Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, this guitar offers durability without sacrificing sound quality.
- Rich Sound Projection: Despite its smaller size, the LX1E produces impressive volume and projection, making it suitable for both practice sessions at home and live performances.
- Electronics: Equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup system, this guitar allows for easy amplification and enhanced versatility.
- Comfortable Playability: With its low oval-shaped neck profile and 23.5-inch scale length, the LX1E provides a comfortable playing experience for beginners or those with smaller hands.
Fender CD-60 Dreadnought
The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought is a well-rounded acoustic guitar that offers excellent sound quality, playability, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, this instrument is sure to impress.
- Solid Construction: The CD-60 features a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced tonal range with warmth and resonance.
- Dreadnought Body Shape: The large body shape contributes to a fuller sound projection and increased volume.
- Easy Fretting: The rolled fingerboard edges allow for smoother movement along the fingerboard while avoiding any discomfort during extended playing sessions.
- Sturdy Neck: Designed with a mahogany neck and walnut fingerboard, the CD-60 ensures stability while offering excellent playability.
- Attractive Look: With its elegant rosette design, black pickguard, and natural finish options, this guitar looks just as good as it sounds.
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO is an iconic acoustic guitar known for its distinctive design and rich tone. This beginner-friendly instrument combines style with versatility, making it suitable for various genres of music.
- Classic Design: The Hummingbird PRO features the iconic square shoulder dreadnought body shape with the well-known hummingbird artwork on the pickguard. It’s an attention-grabbing instrument that exudes vintage charm.
- Solid Sound: With its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces a warm, balanced tone with rich low-end and smooth highs.
- Onboard Electronics: Equipped with the Fishman Sonitone pickup system, the Hummingbird PRO allows for easy amplification and offers controls for tuning and volume adjustment.
- Slim Taper Neck: The slim taper D-profile neck makes it comfortable for players of all skill levels to navigate the fretboard smoothly.
- Reliable Tuning Stability: The Grover tuners ensure precise tuning accuracy, keeping your guitar in tune during extended playing sessions or on-the-go performances.
Also Read: 24 Best Chorus Pedals In 2024 [Deliver A Rich & Wide Guitar Sound]
Gretsch
Gretsch guitars are known for their unique vintage-inspired designs and distinctive sound. While they may be pricier than some beginner models, they offer an unparalleled playing experience that is well worth the investment.
- Distinctive Sound: The combination of maple bodies, spruce tops, and chambered body designs give Gretsch guitars their signature lively and resonant tone that is ideal for rockabilly, blues, country, and more.
- Artistic Designs: Gretsch guitars are recognized for their eye-catching aesthetics. From the classic orange finish of the “Gretsch Orange” to features like Bigsby vibrato tailpieces and gold hardware, these guitars truly stand out.
- Playability: Many Gretsch models feature comfortably shaped neck profiles and smooth-playing rosewood fingerboards that make them a joy to play for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Gretsch has a longstanding reputation for building high-quality instruments. With attention to detail in every aspect of construction, these guitars are built to last.
- Versatility: For playing clean jazz tones or driving rock rhythms, Gretsch guitars excel in delivering a wide range of sounds suitable for various genres.
Also Read: G Sharp Diminished Triad [Explore Unique Guitar Chords]
Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA
The Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA electric guitar is a powerful and versatile instrument perfect for beginner guitarists looking to explore the world of rock and metal. With its sleek design and high-quality construction, this guitar delivers exceptional playability and a wide range of tones.
- Body Material: The JS32 Dinky features a poplar body that provides a balanced tone with excellent sustain.
- Neck Design: The graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck offers stability and durability, allowing for comfortable playing for hours on end.
- Fingerboard: With a 12″-16″ compound radius Indian laurel fingerboard and 24 jumbo frets, this guitar allows for lightning-fast playing and effortless string bending.
- Pickups: The two high-output Jackson humbucking pickups deliver punchy tones with plenty of clarity, making them well-suited for heavier styles of music.
- Floyd Rose Licensed Double-Locking Tremolo System: The double-locking tremolo system enables smooth pitch bends, dive bombs, and other exciting techniques while maintaining tuning stability.
Yamaha Pacifica 112J Electric Guitar
The Yamaha Pacifica 112J electric guitar is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a versatile instrument capable of handling various musical styles.
This guitar offers exceptional build quality, comfort, and sound at an affordable price point.
- Body Material: The Pacifica 112J features an alder body that provides resonance and a balanced tone suitable for different genres.
- Neck Design: The bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard ensures excellent playability and smooth transitions between chords.
- Pickups: Equipped with three single-coil pickups (SSS configuration), the Pacifica 112J offers bright, clear tones that are perfect for various playing styles.
- Vintage Tremolo Bridge: The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch bending and subtle vibrato effects.
- Coil Tap Function: The push-pull tone knob activates the coil tap function, providing additional tonal options and allowing players to achieve single-coil sounds similar to a Stratocaster.
Taylor GS Mini-e
The Taylor GS Mini-e acoustic-electric guitar is a compact yet powerful instrument that offers incredible sound quality and versatility.
This guitar is perfect for beginners looking for a portable and comfortable instrument without compromising on tone or playability.
- Body Shape: The GS Mini-e features a scaled-down Grand Symphony body shape, offering a balanced tone with enhanced projection.
- Sitka Spruce Top: The solid Sitka spruce top provides clarity, dynamic range, and strong projection, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.
- Layered Sapele Back & Sides: The layered sapele back and sides enhance the overall resonance while adding visual appeal.
- ES2 Electronics: Equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics, this guitar offers natural-sounding amplified tones when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.
- Compact Size: With its smaller size, the GS Mini-e is incredibly portable, making it ideal for travel or impromptu jam sessions.
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster electric guitar is a classic instrument that delivers iconic Stratocaster sound and style at an affordable price.
This beginner-friendly guitar offers great playability and excellent versatility for various musical genres.
- Body Material: The Affinity Series Stratocaster features an alder body that delivers a well-balanced tonal response with emphasis on midrange frequencies.
- Neck Design: The “C”-shaped maple neck offers comfortable playability, allowing beginners to adapt to different playing styles quickly.
- Fingerboard: With a maple or rosewood fingerboard (depending on the model), this guitar provides a smooth playing experience with bright tones and excellent sustain.
- Pickups: The three standard single-coil Stratocaster pickups deliver that iconic Strat sound, allowing for a wide range of tones from clean and shimmering to fat and crunchy.
- Vintage-Style Tremolo Bridge: The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows players to add expressive pitch bends and subtle vibrato effects to their playing.
Also Read: A Flat Minor Triad [Guide to Unusual Guitar Chords]
Ibanez GIO GRG121DX
The Ibanez GIO GRG121DX electric guitar is a budget-friendly option for beginners seeking a versatile instrument capable of handling various musical styles.
This guitar offers outstanding playability and durability, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore different genres.
- Body Material: The GIO GRG121DX features a poplar body that offers good sustain and a balanced tone that suits various styles of music.
- Neck Design: The GRX maple neck with a 15.75″ radius Jatoba fingerboard provides a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for both rhythm playing and lead solos.
- Pickups: Equipped with two Infinity R humbucking pickups in the neck and bridge positions, this guitar delivers punchy, high-output tones suitable for rock, metal, blues, and more.
- Double-Locking Tremolo System: The double-locking tremolo system allows for expressive pitch bends and dive bombs while maintaining tuning stability.
- Durable Construction: With its solid construction and attention to detail, the GIO GRG121DX is built to withstand the rigors of practicing, gigging, or recording sessions.
Schecter SGR C-1
For those interested in exploring the world of electric guitars, the Schecter SGR C-1 is an excellent option. This guitar combines sleek design and powerful sound to create a versatile instrument that is perfect for beginners.
- Body: The SGR C-1 features a solid basswood body with beveled edges for added comfort during long playing sessions.
- Neck Construction: It boasts a maple neck with a comfortable thin “C” shape profile, allowing for easy playability and navigation across the fretboard.
- Fingerboard: The rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability, while the 24 jumbo frets provide ample room for bending and soloing.
- Pickups: Equipped with high-output Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers, this guitar delivers powerful tones suitable for various music genres.
- Bridge: The Tune-O-Matic bridge provides excellent sustain and allows for precise intonation adjustments.
Fender FA-100
The Fender FA-100 is a budget-friendly acoustic guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality. With its iconic Fender design and solid construction, it’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience the classic Fender sound.
- Body Material: This dreadnought-style guitar features a laminated spruce top with agathis back and sides, providing a balanced tone and resonance.
- Neck Design: The FA-100 has a comfortable C-shaped neck profile made from maple, allowing for effortless chord changes and smooth playing.
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Made of rosewood, both the fingerboard and bridge contribute to enhanced sustain and clarity of each note played.
- Sound Quality: With its full-bodied sound projection and bright tones, the FA-100 offers an impressive acoustic experience at an affordable price point.
- Value for Money: This guitar is an excellent entry-level choice for beginners looking to invest in a reliable and well-known brand.
Jasmine S35
The Jasmine S35 is a highly affordable acoustic guitar that offers remarkable value for new players.
Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers impressive sound quality and playability, making it a popular choice among beginners.
- Body Construction: The S35 features a laminated spruce top with nato back and sides, producing a balanced tone with warm lows and bright highs.
- Neck & Fingerboard: The slim nato neck and rosewood fingerboard allow for comfortable playability, making it easier to form chords and play melodies.
- Bracing System: A unique Jasmine Advanced X bracing system enhances the guitar’s resonance, projection, and overall tonal output.
- Affordability: The Jasmine S35 provides exceptional value for those on a tight budget or who are unsure if they will commit to playing the guitar long-term.
- Perfect for Beginners: This guitar’s accessible price point, comfortable playability, and solid construction make it an ideal choice for those just starting their musical journey.
FAQ About beginner guitar
What factors should I consider when choosing a beginner guitar?
When choosing a beginner guitar, consider factors such as playability, sound quality, affordability, and durability.
Should I start with an acoustic or electric guitar as a beginner?
It ultimately depends on your personal preference and musical goals. Acoustic guitars are great for learning basic techniques, while electric guitars offer versatility in terms of styles and effects.
What is the difference between a solid top and a laminate top on an acoustic guitar?
A solid top produces a richer and more resonant sound compared to a laminate top. Solid tops are made from one piece of wood, while laminate tops have layers of wood pressed together.
Do I need to buy additional accessories along with the guitar?
It’s recommended to invest in essential accessories like a tuner, picks, strap, and gig bag/case for protection and maintenance of your instrument.
Can I upgrade my beginner guitar in the future?
Absolutely! As you progress and improve your skills, you may want to upgrade certain components, like the pickups or strings, to enhance your sound further.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beginner guitar is crucial for anyone starting their musical journey. In this article, we have explored some of the best options available in 2024.
The Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar – Ebony offers a sleek design, excellent sound quality, and affordability, making it perfect for beginners.
The Seagull Original S6 stands out with its solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides, delivering rich tones and balanced sound.
Whether you prefer an acoustic or electric guitar, there are plenty of options to suit your style and budget.
Remember to prioritize factors like playability, sound quality, and durability when making your decision.
Finally, investing in a high-quality instrument will ensure an enjoyable learning experience as you embark on your guitar-playing journey.