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10 Best Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,233
Body Shape and Size

Most important from
512 reviews

Body Shape and Size
An ideal choice for young players, the guitar's size and weight make it manageable even for an 8-year-old.
#2
9.7 score

Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)

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.

Rating
9.7
Body Shape and Size
Wood Type
Playability and Comfort

Most important from
2111 reviews

Body Shape and Size
The guitar's smaller size is appreciated for its comfort and ease of handling.
Wood Type
The solid spruce top is a huge plus, especially at this price point.
Playability and Comfort
The built-in tuner and tone controls are fantastic additions, especially when plugging in.
#3
9.4 score

Martin Guitar D-15M with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar for the Working Musician, Mahogany Construction, Satin Finish, D-14 Fret, and Low Oval Neck Shape

The Martin D-15M is an acoustic guitar that's well-suited for the working musician looking for a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern craftsmanship. With a body made entirely from solid mahogany, this guitar offers a warm and resonant tone that's highly regarded in the music community. The mahogany material gives the instrument a rich, full-bodied sound, ideal for those who appreciate depth in their music. Its satin finish adds a touch of elegance and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

Rating
9.4
Type of Guitar
Playability and Comfort

Most important from
60 reviews

Type of Guitar
Exceptional tone and terrific feel make this guitar a top recommendation for those seeking a high-quality dreadnought at a reasonable price.
Playability and Comfort
The Martin D-15M is truly a high-quality instrument with outstanding action on the fretboard, making it a delight to play.

Top 10 Best Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

Type of Guitar: Electric
Body Shape and Size: Stratocaster, Full-size
Wood Type: Poplar, Maple, Laurel
Neck Profile and Scale Length: 'C'-shaped, 25.5" scale
Pickups: Three single-coil
Bridge Type: Tremolo
Playability and Comfort: Comfortable 'C'-shaped neck

Chosen by 1233 this week

Martin Guitar D-15M with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar for the Working Musician, Mahogany Construction, Satin Finish, D-14 Fret, and Low Oval Neck Shape

Type of Guitar: Acoustic
Body Shape and Size: D-14 fret size
Wood Type: Mahogany
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Low oval neck, 25.4 inches
Bridge Type: Hardtail
Playability and Comfort: Designed for comfort and playability

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

Type of Guitar: Acoustic
Body Shape and Size: Dreadnought, Full
Wood Type: Spruce, Laminated Basswood, Nato, Walnut
Neck Profile and Scale Length: 'C' shaped neck, 25.6"
Pickups: S
Bridge Type: Fixed
Playability and Comfort: Lightweight, 'C' neck, Walnut fingerboard

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Type of Guitar: Acoustic
Body Shape and Size: Dreadnought
Wood Type: Lindenwood top, Mahogany back and sides
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Slim neck, 25.6 inches
Bridge Type: Fixed
Playability and Comfort: Slim neck, maple fingerboard

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus

Type of Guitar: acoustic-electric
Body Shape and Size: compact, smaller body
Wood Type: solid koa top, layered koa sides
Neck Profile and Scale Length: mahogany neck, 23.5-inch scale
Pickups: combination pickup system
Bridge Type: fixed bridge
Playability and Comfort: small body, 23.5-inch scale, comfy

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Grand Auditorium Acoustic-electric Guitar - Tobacco

Type of Guitar: 6-string acoustic-electric
Body Shape and Size: Grand Auditorium, 46.7 inches length
Wood Type: Solid koa top, layered koa back
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard
Pickups: ES2
Bridge Type: Fixed
Playability and Comfort: Grand Auditorium shape, smooth playability

Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Surf Green Bundle with Amplifier, Gig Bag, Cable, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video

Type of Guitar: Electric
Body Shape and Size: Stratocaster, slim, lightweight, 41.1x14.2x4.3 in
Wood Type: Body: Poplar, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Laurel
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Slim C-shaped profile
Pickups: Three single-coil pickups (S-S-S)
Bridge Type: Tremolo
Playability and Comfort: Slim, lightweight body, smooth fretboard, comfortable neck

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

Type of Guitar: Electric Guitar
Body Shape and Size: Stratocaster, Full
Wood Type: Poplar
Neck Profile and Scale Length: 'C' shaped neck, 25.5"
Pickups: Three single-coil pickups
Bridge Type: Tremolo
Playability and Comfort: 'C' neck, laurel fingerboard
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Buying Guide for the Best Guitars

Choosing the right guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming given the variety of options available. The key to finding the perfect guitar is understanding your own needs and preferences, and then matching those with the right specifications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, knowing what to look for in a guitar will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best instrument for your playing style and goals.
Type of GuitarThe type of guitar is one of the first decisions you'll need to make. There are three main types: acoustic, electric, and classical. Acoustic guitars are great for singer-songwriters and those who enjoy playing unplugged. Electric guitars are ideal for rock, blues, and jazz players who want to use amplifiers and effects. Classical guitars, with their nylon strings, are perfect for classical and flamenco music. Choose the type that aligns with the genre of music you want to play.
Body Shape and SizeThe body shape and size of a guitar affect its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo for acoustics, and solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body for electrics. Larger bodies like dreadnoughts produce a louder, fuller sound, while smaller bodies like concert guitars are more comfortable to hold and play. For electric guitars, solid bodies are versatile and great for various genres, while hollow and semi-hollow bodies offer a warmer tone suitable for jazz and blues. Consider your comfort and the sound you prefer when choosing the body shape and size.
Wood TypeThe type of wood used in a guitar's construction significantly influences its tone. Common woods for acoustic guitars include spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce offers a bright, clear tone, while cedar provides a warmer, mellower sound. Mahogany and rosewood are known for their rich, resonant tones. For electric guitars, woods like alder, ash, mahogany, and maple are popular. Alder and ash produce a balanced tone, while mahogany offers warmth and depth, and maple provides brightness and sustain. Choose the wood type based on the tonal qualities you prefer.
Neck Profile and Scale LengthThe neck profile and scale length affect the playability and feel of the guitar. Neck profiles can be C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped, with C-shaped being the most common and comfortable for most players. Scale length, the distance from the nut to the bridge, influences string tension and tone. Shorter scale lengths (24.75 inches) are easier to play and produce a warmer tone, while longer scale lengths (25.5 inches) offer more string tension and a brighter sound. Consider your hand size and playing style when choosing the neck profile and scale length.
PickupsPickups are crucial for electric guitars as they convert string vibrations into electrical signals. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone and are great for genres like rock, blues, and country. Humbuckers offer a thicker, warmer sound with less noise, making them ideal for heavier music styles like metal and hard rock. Some guitars come with a combination of both, providing versatility. Choose pickups based on the sound you want and the music you play.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and playability. Acoustic guitars typically have fixed bridges, which are simple and reliable. Electric guitars can have fixed bridges or tremolo bridges. Fixed bridges offer better tuning stability and sustain, while tremolo bridges allow for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to keep in tune. Consider whether you need the ability to perform pitch bends and how important tuning stability is for your playing style.
Playability and ComfortPlayability and comfort are subjective but crucial factors. The guitar should feel good in your hands and be easy to play. Factors like neck shape, action (string height), and weight all contribute to playability. Try out different guitars to see which one feels the most comfortable. If you're a beginner, look for a guitar with a lower action, as it will be easier to press down the strings. Experienced players might have specific preferences based on their playing style.

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