10 Best Guitars 2026 in the United States

The Fender FA-125 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners or casual players looking for an affordable, all-in-one package. It features a dreadnought body shape, which is known for producing a bold and rich sound, offering deep bass tones and warm mids that work well for many playing styles. The guitar uses a laminate construction with a spruce top and basswood back, making it durable but less resonant than solid wood guitars preferred by advanced players. Its nato neck with a walnut fretboard provides decent playability and comfort, and the 25.3-inch scale length is standard for easy fretting. The fixed Viking bridge adds to tuning stability, although this guitar does not come with pickups, so it’s mainly suited for unplugged acoustic playing. The modern 3+3 headstock design balances classic looks with functional tuning.

A big plus is the bundle’s extras—a gig bag, tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and an instructional DVD—making it very beginner-friendly. Some may notice the laminate woods limit tonal richness compared to higher-end models, and more experienced players might outgrow it quickly. However, for those new to guitar or on a budget, the FA-125 provides solid build quality, good sound for its price, and everything needed to start playing right away.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit is a comprehensive package tailored for beginners, making it a great entry point into the world of electric guitars. This kit includes a full-size Stratocaster guitar, which is known for its classic design and versatility. The guitar's body is made from poplar wood, and it features a maple neck with a comfortable 'C'-shaped profile, making it easy to handle and play, especially for new learners. The laurel wood fingerboard adds a nice touch to its overall playability.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of three single-coil pickups with a 5-way switch, allowing for a variety of tones. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who want to explore different sounds. The tremolo bridge system is another classic feature that adds to the guitar's capabilities, although it might be a bit challenging for brand-new players to master.

The kit comes with a Frontman 10G amplifier, padded gig bag, strap, stand, picks, a cable, and extra strings, which is incredibly convenient as it provides all the essentials needed to start playing immediately. The added bonus of free Fender Play lessons is a valuable resource for beginners aiming to improve their skills.

However, while the package is rich in features, the overall quality is more suited for budding musicians rather than seasoned players. The poplar wood might not provide as deep a resonance as more expensive wood types. Additionally, while the Frontman 10G amp is sufficient for practice, it might not deliver the fullest sound for more advanced playing scenarios.

This guitar kit is perfect for those just starting their musical journey, offering good value and a solid foundation for learning and experimenting with electric guitar music.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a solid choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of acoustic guitars. Its dreadnought body shape offers a robust sound, with the solid spruce top delivering a bright and balanced tone, perfect for strumming chords or fingerpicking. The use of nato and mahogany for the back and sides contributes to a warm, resonant sound, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. With a comfortable rosewood fingerboard, players will find it easy to navigate the frets, enhancing playability and comfort—a crucial aspect for new players.

However, while the FG800J excels in many areas, there are some potential drawbacks. The larger dreadnought body can be a bit cumbersome for smaller players or children, which might hinder their comfort during long practice sessions. Additionally, while the materials used are of good quality, the guitar's construction is primarily aimed at beginners; more advanced players might find it lacking in certain tonal complexities and features that higher-end models offer.

For new guitarists seeking a reliable and well-crafted instrument to facilitate their learning journey, the Yamaha FG800J NT stands out as a commendable option.