Best Electro Acoustic Guitar for Beginners (Without the Jargon-Induced Headache)
Whether you're a total newbie who just picked up your first guitar pick yesterday or someone looking to upgrade from your uncle’s dusty hand-me-down guitar, choosing the right guitar can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options and so many specs out there.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the exciting (and sometimes crammed) world of electro-acoustic guitars. No gatekeeping. No musical snobbery. Just solid options that make sense, sound great and are actually fun to play.
Top Beginner & Budget Electro Acoustic Guitars
We know what you're thinking! “Just tell me which one to buy already.” We got you covered. Here are five beginner-friendly guitars that won’t break the bank or your spirit.
Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett Orchestra Electro
Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett Orchestra Electro (front)
Vintage Statesboro Paul Brett Orchestra Electro (back)
Designed by Paul Brett (yes, that Paul Brett), this vintage-inspired beauty looks like it wandered in from a 1930s blues club and brought back memorabilia.
Review: With its compact size and comforting whiskey sour finish (sadly, not drinkable), this guitar is perfect for beginners who want style and substance. The onboard preamp and tuner make sure your sound stays sharp. Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or on the back porch, this one's a looker and a player.
Bonus: It’s light enough that you can carry it without dislocating your shoulder. Even your jealous sibling who played violin in high school will approve.
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic (front)
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Electro Acoustic (back)
Fender is basically the godfather of guitars. This model brings the drama with a full-sized dreadnought body and a fancy cutaway for those high-note acrobatics.
Review: It’s got a spruce top and basswood back that combine for a smooth, rich sound. The Fishman preamp is like your reliable sidekick—always there to make you sound better than you are. Great for the beginner who’s got big-stage dreams (and medium-sized fingers).
It also has that classic Fender logo, which practically screams, “I know what I’m doing,” even if you’re still figuring out which way to hold the pick.
Tanglewood TWCR DE Crossroads Electro Acoustic
Tanglewood took inspiration from vintage blues and served up a guitar that looks like it’s seen some things in life.
Review: All mahogany, all mood. This guitar is perfect if you want warm tones and soulful strumming without forking over your entire savings. It plays like butter and looks like it could tell you a story by a campfire.
It’s low-key, rugged, and kind of mysterious—like the Ryan Gosling of beginner guitars. Plug it in, and boom, you’re halfway to your own indie EP.
Cort AD810-E Electro-Acoustic
Cort AD810-E Electro-Acoustic
Cort AD810-E Electro-Acoustic (Satin Sunburst)
The Cort AD810-E is the all-rounder of guitars: dependable, versatile, and surprisingly good with just about everything.
Review: With a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar serves a crisp, balanced tone like a pro. The 3-band EQ and built-in tuner are great for tweaking your sound without needing a PhD in sound engineering. It’s a no-nonsense guitar for beginners who want to skip the drama and start strumming. It’s also budget-friendly enough to leave you with money for that amp.
Yamaha FX310A II Electro Acoustic
Yamaha FX310A II Electro Acoustic
If guitars had a “most likely to succeed” yearbook, this Yamaha would’ve won hands down. Reliable, easygoing, and just plain good.
Review: Spruce top? Check. Piezo pickup? Check. Playability that makes your fingers go “ahhh”? Double check. The FX310A II is for the beginner who wants consistency, comfort, and a little extra sound-quality sparkle. It’s the kind of guitar you could bring to a jam session or a bonfire, and it’ll hold its own. Your friends will ask to borrow it. You’ll probably say no.
Electro Acoustic Guitar FAQs
What is an electro-acoustic guitar?
An electro-acoustic guitar is an acoustic guitar fitted with a built-in pickup or microphone and preamp, allowing it to be connected to an amplifier or sound system. Unlike electric guitars, electro-acoustic models do not rely on amplification to produce sound - they still resonate acoustically, just like standard acoustic guitars.
How does an electro-acoustic guitar work?
It’s an acoustic guitar with a secret identity—it plugs in and gets loud. Built-in pickups or mics send your strums to an amp.
Is an electro-acoustic guitar good for beginners?
Totally! You can play it unplugged or plug it in and pretend you're headlining Glastonbury. Versatility = win. Also: fewer gadgets to buy upfront.
How much is an electro-acoustic guitar?
Beginner-friendly models usually cost between £90 and £200. That’s less than a PlayStation and way more fulfilling in the long run. Plus, it doubles as wall decor if you give up (but you won’t).
Do electro acoustic guitars sound different?
Unplugged, they sound like acoustic guitars. Plugged in, the world’s your oyster.
Want More Guitar Goodness?
Ready to dive deeper into the six-string life? These articles are a great next step for further knowledge and understanding:
Still confused or just want to geek out over gear? Contact us - we're all ears (and frets).
Ready to Learn for Real?
Having a great guitar is only half the story. Knowing how to play it is where the real magic happens. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first song, jamming with friends, or just strumming stress away after a long day, proper lessons can make all the difference.
At Bryan Guitar, we make learning easy, approachable, (and dare we say, fun). Our instructors are as passionate about music as they are about helping beginners fall in love with playing. So if you’re looking for a little extra guidance (or just someone to tell you what all those knobs actually do), we’ve got your back.
Check out our lessons and start your journey with the support you deserve.
Final Strum
Whether you’re busking on a street corner or noodling in your bedroom, choosing the right guitar is all about finding the one that makes you want to play more. These best acoustic electric guitars for beginners are budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and just waiting for your first chord. So go ahead, plug in and tune up, and let the power of music flow through you.
