The 4 Best Guitars for Beginners: Easy Playing and Affordable

When you start looking for a guitar, you will find numerous options. Some will suggest going for an acoustic, or some will advise that an electric guitar is the best option. 

However, it can be confusing and overwhelming for a beginner.

See, every musician starts their musical journey with a humble guitar, taking baby steps at a time. The first guitar is there for you to play comfortably. It will encourage you to practice more and develop your skills faster—nothing more than that.

Let’s see what your fellow guitarist has to say about the instrument. 

[Source: Half of beginner guitarists in US and UK are female, survey says | Music | The Guardian]

Do these claims match with your inner thoughts about your very first guitar? 

If yes, then let’s move on to our main topic: the best guitar for beginners.

Take A Quick Look At The Options

Best Overall Acoustic	The Zager ZAD900 guitar has a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. It offers balanced sound and comfortable playability at an affordable price. Ideal for beginners seeking a versatile acoustic guitar.	Check Reviews
Best Budget Acoustic	Yamaha FG800 is renowned for its exceptional quality, durability, and affordability, making it ideal for beginners who want a reliable and long-lasting instrument.	Check Reviews
Best Beginner Electric	Fender Player II Stratocaster has a classic sound and feel, perfect for beginners who are into rock, blues, and pop music.	Check Reviews
Best Beginner Classical	Cordoba C3M is Specifically designed for classical guitarists, offering a warm, rich tone and comfortable playability.	Check Reviews

What to Consider When Choosing a Guitar for Beginners?

Okay, so you entered the guitar market; what will you choose? If you don’t have a clear idea, then how can you even buy one? Bring your notebook and write these things down before choosing a guitar.

1. Guitar body type
2. Guitar size and weight
3. Material and build quality
4. Price range 
5. And the ultimate showdown between acoustic guitar and electric guitar

Now you have the list of things to look into. But wait, there are many things that fall under these factors.

Body Type

The body type of the guitar is the first thing to consider because it will decide the sound and comfort for you.

Dreadnought

The most common body type in a guitar you see on the market. You can recognize it at first glance. Why? Because of their large, boxy shape. They are the standard size in the industry and perhaps the most demanded one.

Dreadnought-shaped guitar has:

• A larger body with 20 inches length
• Broad physic to give a strong presence and volume
• Bold, rich, strong bass and low-mid tone
• Both fingerpicking and strumming techniques
• Performance well in genres like country, rock, and folk
• Difficulty fitting into smaller hands due to the bulky body shape 
• Played by famous rock musicians like Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen

[Source: what is a dreadnought acoustic guitar]

Concert

The smaller version of a dreadnought. It does not quietly move like a dreadnought, but its sleek, rounded shape makes it easier to hold and play with. You will see many little details on their features. It will make a beginner buyer push their boundaries to learn more. 

Concert guitar has to offer:

•  A comfortable body length measures around 18 inches
• Mellow, more subtle, and focused on the midrange
• Fingerpicking or arpeggios for sound clarity
• Versatility in classical music, Flamenco, and folk music genres
• Its rounder bottom shape is perfectly placed on the lap and the smaller hand 
• It can’t be played in larger venues for lower volume
• Legendary artists like Andrés Segovia and Paco De Lucia have played and composed numerous pieces with concert guitars

Cutaway

You have seen this guitar but might not know its name. The scooped-out section you see on the upper bout of the guitar near the neck is what a cutaway looks like. This scooped part or the cutaways is there to give easy access to higher frets, that’s all. This guitar shape is beneficial to those who change chords frequently.

Cutaway-shaped guitars are best for:

• Reaching higher notes without shifting your position
• Warm, mellow, and more precise sounds
• Guitarists who are looking for a distinctive design
• Genres that require high-fret access (Rock and pop)
• Fingerpicking style to reach every chord
• Not best for players who don’t want to play above 12-14 frets

Zager Guitar Options Based on Different Sizes –

Guitar Sizes	Models
41″ Full-Size Dreadnought	– ZAD20 – ZAD20E – ZAD50CE – ZAD80 – ZAD80CE Aura – ZAD900 – ZAD900CE
40″ Orchestra Model (OM size)	– ZAD50 OM – ZAD50CE OM – ZAD80 OM – ZAD80CE OM – ZAD900 OM – ZAD900CE OM
38″ Parlor Size	– Parlor Size Mahogany – Parlor Size Mahogany Electric
36″ Travel Size	– Travel Size Mahogany – Travel Size Mahogany Electric

Size and Weight: Finding the Perfect Fit

When talking about guitar body type, we mentioned how body structure can affect comfort, especially for people with smaller hands or left-handed individuals. The same applies to guitar size and weight. A size that is comfortable for an adult may not be suitable for a child.

Smaller guitars are preferable for children. Adults or larger players look for a full-sized instrument. There is a difference. 

We have created this size chart based on the player’s age. It will at least help you determine the perfect sizes for yourself or the person you are buying for.

[Source: guitar-sizes]

Material and Build Quality

When you search for a guitar, you encounter many renowned brands, right? Why are they famous? What made them number one?

Obviously, the material.

Now, the thing is, the material isn’t here to represent the brand’s quality. It is actually about how good the guitar is. The material that goes behind the guitar’s craftsmanship is what makes it unique. 

Name tone, durability, and overall quality are all because of the tonewoods and build quality.

Tonewoods	Tone	Type	Appearance	Used In
Mahagony	Mahagony is the reason you hear the warm, balanced sound with a focus on midrange frequency.	African mahogany is known for its balanced sound, whereas Honduran mahogany is known for its aggressive tone.	It looks more reddish-brown with a straight-grain pattern.	It is mostly used on the back, sides, and necks of the guitar.
Spruce	Spruce is all about bright, articulate sound with a strong bass response.	It is not actually spruce but the Sitka Spruce. The Adirondack Spruce provides focused tone projection.	You can identify it by its light-colored, visible grain pattern.	The common use of Spruce is on tops of acoustic and electric guitars.
Rosewood	This tonewood is behind the rich, complex, and strong bass response.	Both the Brazilian rosewood and Indian rosewoods are top-tier for their rich, complex tone.	It comes in a dark brown to black color with a distinctive grain pattern.	Mostly used in the back, sides, and fingerboards of the guitar.
Solid	It gives that resonate and complex tone that other tonewoods can’t offer.	Other Solid tonewoods are Maple, Walnut, and cedar, which are also used for their tone quality in different guitar parts.	Solid tonewoods are made out of single woods without any layering or lamination.	Typically used for the top, back, and sides of an acoustic guitar.

Related Article: Best Wood for Guitar Body.

Price Range: Investing in Your Future

It’s time to spend some money. We don’t know your budget, but as a beginner buyer, we can guess you are a bit skeptical about the cost. This is why we have laid down all the price ranges. It will be your call to which one matches your wallet.

1. Budget-friendly Options

Start with something light on the budget. If your search topic is affordable guitars for beginners, it’s possible to find quality guitars for under $300. You can get yourself a decent sound-quality guitar; you just have to be smart while choosing a brand. That’s all.

2. Mid-range guitars

The mid-range of guitars starts at $500 and continues to $1000. These options can give you an improved tone, quality build, and comfortable playability; it’s everything in one. It’s a good option for balancing features and performance.

3. Premium Guitars

High-end guitars can cost you thousands of dollars. But it will offer the ultimate sound, craftsmanship, and materials. In comparison, it may be beyond the budget of most beginners. Then again, there is no harm in considering them if you have the means.

Zager Guitar Options Based on Your Budgets –

By Budget	Best Guitar Options
Under $1,000	– ZAD20
Under $1,500	– ZAD50CE Smaller “OM” – ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric Natural – ZAD50CE Solid African – ZAD50CE Vintage Sunburst
Under $2,000	– ZAD900 Full Size – ZAD900 “OM” Size

Acoustic Vs. Electric Guitar for Beginners

One of the famous and old debates between the two true nemesis is whether to play acoustic or electric guitar. Acoustic and electric guitars have always been the top priorities for beginners and seasoned players. And it can be in your mind as well. Let’s see what these two are up to.

Types of Guitars for Beginners

The three main characters of the guitar world are the acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. You will hear them often because of their unique characteristics for different playing styles.

1. Acoustic Guitar

The most basic one on the list, yet players’ favorite. They are crafted from wood. Their sounds come from the vibration of the strings. You see them get played in genres like folk, country, and blues.

The best Beginner-friendly models are the Zager ZAD900, Yamaha FG800, and Fender CD-60.

Acoustic Guitar gives:

• Ease of play
• Comfortable neck profile
• Straightforward strumming style
• Zero maintenance. No amplification or tuning
• Wide range of music genres to explore

2. Electric Guitar

Electric guitars need amplifiers to make sound. Their tone is more on the powerful sound. The neck is relatively smooth and has three pickups to explore a wide range of sound. Since the electric guitar has a strong bass tone, it is commonly used in rock, metal, and jazz music.

The best beginner electric guitar models are the Squier Stratocaster and Epiphone Les Paul Special II.

Electric Guitars Are Best For:

• Variety of tones, from clean to distorted, based on how the amplifier affect
• Learning solos and lead playing
• Easy to play because of thinner neck and lighter weight
• Need to do regular tuning and string changes
• Electric amplifier and cable to produce sound

3. Classical Guitar

The one with the nylon strings designed for classical music is the classical guitar. Their other name is Spanish guitar. You can identify them with their strings, flat back, and wide neck.

The best beginner classical guitar models are the Cordoba C3M and Yamaha C40.

Classical Guitar offers:

• Softer nylon strings to go easy on the fingers
• Fingerpicking is the best technique to produce intricate melodies
• A wider neck gives space for fingerpicking
• Designed for playing classical and flamenco music

Here’re The 4 Best Guitar For Beginners

Now, coming to the main that you all waited for. Here are some of the best guitar brands for beginners. We’ve compiled a list of acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. Choose one that fits your style. These are entry-level guitars, so don’t worry about the complications.

1. Zager ZAD900

• Known For: The Zager ZAD900 is a complete package for beginners. It is an acoustic guitar known for its overall performance.
• Why Choose Zager: ZAD900 offers a good balance of affordability and quality. You get a hand-crafted custom guitar with accessible pricing. Their guitars are also easy to play and can be played for a longer period without giving finger bites. The tones are perfect, and the design is reliable. What more do you need?
• Best Suited For: Players who want a well-rounded guitar without compromising the sound or build quality. 

2. Fender Player II Stratocaster

• Known For: Stratocaster is one of the iconic beginner-friendly electric guitars from the Fender Treasure.
• Why Choose Fender Stratocaster: We all know Fender is the legendary name in the guitar world. Their Stratocaster offers the taste of classic Fender sound and feel at a more affordable price point. They even offer multiple Stratocaster colors for you to choose from.
• Best Suited For: Players who opt for the sound of a Fender guitar and have on budget.

3. Yamaha FG800

• Known For: Yamaha FG800 is all about quality, durability, and affordability.
• Why Choose Yamaha FG800: If you want to buy a reliable and affordable guitar, then the Yamaha FG800 should be on your list. Its versatility in playing style and comfortable neck profile ensures a balance between quality and playability.
• Best Suited For: Players who are more driven to versatile, long-lasting instruments. 

4. Cordoba C3M

• Known For: Cordoba C3M is popular among classical music lovers and is a perfect choice for a beginner classical guitarist. It has an accurate, warm, and resonant tone for classical genres.
• Why Choose Cordoba C3M: Cordoba C3M is a great classical guitar choice. If you want a lightweight, comfortable-to-play guitar with softer nylon strings, then C3M is the best choice. It’s also an excellent choice for beginners on a budget.
• Best Suited For: Players who are into classical music and want something easy to play without stressing the fingers. 

Guitar Accessories Every Beginner Needs

Since this is a beginner guitar-buying guide, we will also discuss guitar accessories. These accessories will help you learn songs or improve your skills from the start. 

Here are five essential guitar accessories that you should consider buying.

1. Capos
2. Guitar Picks
3. Extra Strings 
4. Strap
5. Tuner

Capos
How it can simplify playing	Capos is a device that clamps onto the neck of your guitar. Basically, it raises the pitch of all the strings so that you can play songs using different keys. For example, if you are struggling to play a chord in a certain key, you can simply use the capo to make the chord progression easier.

Relatable reads: What Does a Capo Do?

Guitar Picks
Types of picks	You can pick from three categories. ➜ Triangular: The most common one ➜ Teardrop: Pointed tip for precise playing ➜ Rounded: To create a smooth and mellow tone.
Best picks for beginners	The triangular picks are best for beginners as they are easy to hold. However, you can also try teardrop picks to see how they feel—is it comforting or not?

Extra Strings
Why having spare strings is essential?	It is good practice to keep spare strings on hand in case of unwanted breakage or wear out. Replacing the broken strings quickly will save time and stress.
Types of strings recommended for beginners	It depends on the type of guitar you are playing. However, beginners should choose coated strings, as they are more durable. Thin gauge and low-tension strings are also the best for new guitars.

Guitar Strap
Importance of Comfort	Comfort comes first. When you’re jamming for a longer session, the strap gives support to the neck and shoulder. It prevents neck pain or fatigue from poor-fitting straps.
How to choose the right strap	Consider your height and the guitar you are playing. You should go for one made of quality materials with adjustable padding.

Relatable Reads: 8 Best Guitar Straps.

Tuner
Importance of tuning	If you don’t want your guitar to go out of tune, buy a tuner right away. It keeps the chords in tune and produces a pleasant sound. Now, you are free from frustration.
Recommended beginner-friendly tuners	Snark and Korg clip-on tuners are the recommended tuners for beginners. They are easy to use and affordable. To use them, just clip them onto the headstock of your guitar.

Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid When Choosing a Guitar

There is nothing wrong with making mistakes. But when buying your first guitar, why not keep a few things in mind so that you can choose the best guitar? We don’t want to bore you with a long paragraph or list of common mistakes; let’s just take a glance at the picture. 

Final Tips for Buying a Beginner Guitar

Now that you know what type of mistakes you will have to avoid, how about we give you some tips? These tips are basically to help you out with the decision before the final purchase. 

Let’s see what our guitar enthusiast crocodile has to say about:

Frequently Asked Questions

Did You Find Your Guitar?

We hope you found the guitar-buying guide helpful and not too boring! Just keep your budget, playing style, and preferred guitar in mind, and you’ll be all set. We’ve covered everything you need to find the perfect guitar. Zager Guitars is here to help you out. Their guitars are famous for being easy to play. As a beginner, what more could you ask for than an easy way to learn the guitar?