Acoustic Guitars for Beginners: The-Buck-Stops-Here Guide
Everyone remembers their first guitar. Maybe it was a gift. Maybe it was a long-awaited purchase. But one thing is certain: choosing your first acoustic guitar is an eternal moment that stays on forever. It’s not just about buying an instrument, it’s about choosing a new way of life.
This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about acoustic guitars for beginners, from how to choose the right one to the best models for every budget.
Best Overall Starter Acoustic Guitars
When you're just starting out, you don’t need a guitar that’s flashy or complicated. You need one that feels like a friendly hug. The best overall starter acoustic guitars strike that perfect balance between comfort, quality, and sound. They're easy on the fingers, reliable in tune, and inspiring enough to keep you coming back for one more strum (and then another). This section features guitars that are beginner-friendly without feeling like a beginner's compromise. These are models you’ll love now and still respect later.
Fender CD-60S Acoustic
Fender CD-60S Acoustic (front)
Fender CD-60S Acoustic (back)
A solid spruce top, rolled fingerboard edges, and mahogany back and sides make the CD-60S a top pick for beginners. It offers great tone, easy playability, and iconic Fender build quality—at a price that’s just right.
Yamaha F370 Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha F370 Acoustic Guitar (front)
Yamaha F370 Acoustic Guitar (back)
The Yamaha F370 has a crisp tone, classic looks, and dependable build. A spruce top and nato back/sides provide a balanced, articulate sound. A great fit for learners who want long-term quality.
Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought
Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought (front)
Hartwood Artiste Dreadnought (back)
This dreadnought beauty features a mahogany top, back and sides for a warm, full sound. With great projection and a sturdy build, it's perfect for beginners who want a guitar they can grow into.
Best Budget Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Starting your guitar journey doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Some of the most dependable and inspiring instruments come at surprisingly wallet-friendly prices. The guitars in this section prove that “cheap” doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means smart, accessible choices for those eager to play without overspending. Whether you’re testing the waters or buying your first guitar on a budget, these picks deliver big on value, tone, and playability.
Tanglewood TWCR O Crossroads Orchestra
Tanglewood TWCR O Crossroads Orchestra (front)
Tanglewood TWCR O Crossroads Orchestra (back)
Small-bodied and comfortable, this mahogany guitar is ideal for new players. It offers surprisingly strong projection and a distinctive vintage look, all at a great price.
Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett Dreadnought
Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett Dreadnought (front)
Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett Dreadnought (back)
Designed with blues legend Paul Brett, this model boasts a big sound and a cool aged finish. It’s great for strumming or fingerpicking and is budget-friendly, too.
Ibanez V40-OPN
Ibanez V40-OPN (front)
Ibanez V40-OPN (back)
A great all-rounder, the Ibanez V40-OPN offers strong projection, warm tone, and a sleek, natural finish. It’s a dependable option for players who want Ibanez quality without the price tag.
Best Acoustic Starter Packs for Beginners
Sometimes, the easiest way to start something new is to get everything you need in one go. And that’s exactly what starter packs are for. These all-in-one bundles take the guesswork out of getting started, combining a reliable acoustic guitar with essential accessories like tuners, straps, gig bags, and more. Ideal for first-time players, these packs are designed to set you up for success from day one. No extra shopping, no surprises, just music-ready simplicity.
Fender CD-60SCE Electro Acoustic Starter Pack
Fender CD-60SCE Electro Acoustic Starter Pack
Fender CD-60SCE Electro Acoustic Guitar
This pack has everything you need to get started: a full-size electro-acoustic guitar, padded gig bag, strap, picks, strings, tuner, and instructional materials. Bonus: you can plug it in when you're ready to perform!
Yamaha F310 Acoustic Accessory Pack
Yamaha F310 Acoustic Accessory Pack
Yamaha F310 Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha’s F310 is known for its ease of play and reliability. This pack includes a gig bag, tuner, strap, picks, strings, and everything a beginner needs to dive in.
Ibanez V54NJP Jam Pack
Ibanez V54NJP Jam Pack
Ibanez V54NJP Guitar
A perfect choice for jam-ready beginners, this pack features a great-sounding dreadnought guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, and picks. Affordable and well-equipped.
What to Look for in a Beginner’s Acoustic Guitar
Choosing your first acoustic guitar can feel a bit like stepping into a music shop with a blindfold on. There are so many shapes, sizes, and specs, it's hard to know where to begin. But here's the good news: you don’t need to know everything to make the right choice. You just need to focus on what matters most to beginners: comfort, simplicity, and inspiration. The best guitar for a new player isn’t necessarily the most expensive one, but the one that makes you want to play every day.
It should be easy on your fingers, responsive to your touch, and feel natural to hold, whether you're sitting on your bed practicing your first chord or nervously playing for a friend. A guitar that sounds good and feels right can turn practice into play and effort into enjoyment. This section breaks down the key things to keep in mind when shopping for your first acoustic guitar, helping you avoid common beginner pitfalls and zero in on features that truly matter. Things to particularly look out for are:
Body size: Smaller bodies like orchestra or concert styles are easier for new players to handle.
Low action: Less distance between the strings and fretboard makes playing easier.
Tonewoods: Spruce and mahogany are common, beginner-friendly choices.
Starter packs: These include accessories you’d otherwise need to buy separately.
Acoustic Guitar Beginner FAQs
Starting out with an acoustic guitar can come with a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. From choosing the right strings to understanding guitar sizes and whether you really need lessons, this section is here to clear up the confusion. These beginner FAQs cover the most common questions new players ask, helping you feel more confident and informed as you strum into your musical journey.
Are there different acoustic guitar sizes?
Yes, acoustic guitars come in a range of sizes, from small parlor guitars to large jumbo dreadnoughts. Each size offers a different tone and feel. Smaller guitars, like concert or parlor models, are great for beginners, children, or those with smaller frames, as they’re easier to hold and play. Larger guitars like dreadnoughts have a bolder sound and more volume but might feel a bit bulky at first.
Do I need guitar lessons?
Many people start by teaching themselves using online tutorials and videos. But having a teacher (either in-person or virtually) can fast-track your progress. They’ll help you build good habits from the start, spot mistakes you might not notice on your own, and keep you motivated with structured learning.
How do I know which strings to buy?
As a beginner, go for light gauge strings as they’re easier on the fingers and require less pressure to play. Most starter guitars come with these, but when it’s time to replace them, brands like D’Addario and Ernie Ball are known for their reliability and tone. Check whether your guitar uses steel or nylon strings before buying replacements.
Should I get an expensive acoustic guitar to begin with?
It’s tempting to go all out, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to start your guitar journey. Many affordable models offer excellent sound and playability. What matters most is comfort, tone, and how much you enjoy playing it. Once you develop your skills and preferences, you can always invest in a higher-end guitar down the road.
Is it worth getting a used acoustic guitar?
It can be a smart way to get a quality instrument at a lower price, but only if it's in good condition. Always check the neck (for warping), the frets (for excessive wear), and the body (for cracks or separation). If possible, play it before buying or ask someone experienced to test it for you.
Should I start on a classical guitar?
Classical guitars are a popular choice for beginners because their nylon strings are softer and more forgiving on the fingers. They’re especially good for younger players or anyone nervous about finger pain. However, they also have wider necks, which can be harder to get used to if you have smaller hands. If you're aiming to play pop, folk, or rock, a steel-string acoustic might be a better fit.
Learn Acoustic Guitar with Bryan
At Bryan Guitar, we believe that everyone has music in them. Yes, even if you’ve never held a guitar before or can’t tell a fret from a fingerboard. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the very first time or returning to a dream you’ve put on hold for years, we’re here to help you reconnect with that musical spark.
Our beginner-friendly lessons are designed to meet you where you are with clear guidance, friendly encouragement, and an approach that makes learning feel like pleasure instead of pressure. From your first chord to your first full song, we’ll be there to guide you with expert instruction and patient support.
Because learning guitar isn't just about playing notes, it's about gaining confidence, expressing yourself, and finding joy in the little wins along the way. So why wait? Start learning with us and take the first step toward making music one of the most meaningful parts of your life.
