Find the perfect first guitar — without wasting money or buying the wrong thing.
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Starting guitar as an adult is one of the best decisions you can make and is one of life’s great joys — but choosing your first guitar is surprisingly easy to mess up. Too many beginners end up with cheap, uncomfortable guitars that hold them back from learning. Guitar is a journey, and you do not want to face any unnecessary roadblocks. It is never too late to start learning at ANY age. If it is something that you truly want to do, there is no better time to start than today.
This guide breaks down the best guitars for adult beginners in 2025, focusing on options that:
- Feel great instantly
- Stay in tune
- Work for many genres. We love practicality!
- Don’t require a big upfront investment. If you decide you want to
eat crayonslearn bass a few weeks in, you won’t be out tons of money. Additionally, you can also always recoup some of that money by selling it.
Whether you want to strum campfire songs, learn blues, or dive into rock and metal, you’ll find your perfect starter here.
Best Overall Electric Guitar for Adult Beginners
Yamaha PAC112V Pacifica
No, it isn’t a motorcycle, it is a comfortable, reliable, “can’t-go-wrong” first guitar.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Sleek, easy-playing neck
- HSS pickup setup = clean + rock + blues + punk
- Excellent tuning stability
- Better quality control than most other guitars else at this price
Best for: Adults who want a quality instrument that won’t need upgrading for a long time.
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Best Budget Electric Guitar
Squier Affinity Stratocaster
Classic looks and tones without the classic price tag.
Why it’s great:
- Light weight = comfortable for long practice sessions
- Modern “C” neck is beginner-friendly
- Widely supported (parts, upgrades, tutorials everywhere)
Best for: Absolute beginners who want the Fender vibe at the lowest possible cost.
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Best Guitar for Adult Beginners Who Want Rock & Metal
Ibanez GRX70QA
Fast neck + versatile pickups + eye-catching looks.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Slim Ibanez neck = easier fretting and faster progress
- HSH pickup layout handles clean to high-gain
- Lightweight and comfortable
Best for: Adults who want to shred, riff, or learn heavier styles.
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Best Acoustic Guitar for Adult Beginners
Yamaha FG800
The gold standard for beginner acoustics.
Why it’s great:
- Superb build quality
- Solid spruce top = richer tone than most beginners’ guitars
- Easy playable neck
- Industry reputation for long-term reliability
Best for: Adults who want a warm, balanced acoustic tone for chords or fingerstyle.
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Best Acoustic-Electric for Beginners
Fender FA-125CE
Plug in or play unplugged — flexible and affordable.
Why it’s ideal:
- Cutaway design = easier access to higher frets
- Built-in tuner
- Comfortable profile
Best for: Beginners who want to perform, record, or play with others.
⭐ Best “Small Body” Acoustic for Comfort
Yamaha APX600
Slim body = easier to hold for brand-new players.
Why beginners love it:
- Super comfortable
- Sounds great plugged in
- Ideal for pop, worship, and singer-songwriter styles
Best for: Adults with smaller hands or anyone who wants a lightweight acoustic.
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⭐ Best Left-Handed Guitar for Beginners
Squier Affinity Telecaster LH
A reliable, great-feeling lefty-friendly choice.
Why it’s great:
- Simple controls
- Comfortable body shape
- Versatile for rock, alternative, indie, country
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⭐ Best Travel/Compact Option
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric
Practice anywhere without sacrificing playability.
Why it works for adults learning guitar:
- Extremely portable
- Full-scale neck (important for real practice)
- Surprisingly solid tone
What Adults Should Look for in Their First Guitar
Here’s the quick, no-nonsense checklist:
✔ Comfort over “fancy features”
If it feels good in your hands, you’ll actually practice.
✔ A slim, beginner-friendly neck
Adults progress faster when the guitar doesn’t fight them.
✔ Good tuning stability
Cheap tuners ruin learning.
✔ A shape that fits your body
Large dreadnought acoustics may feel too bulky — try concert or slim body shapes.
✔ A price that motivates practice
$200–400 is the sweet spot for adults.
Below $150 = often frustrating.
Above $500 = not necessary for beginners.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the absolute cheapest guitar on Amazon
- Choosing a guitar only because it looks cool
- Buying a dreadnought acoustic without trying other sizes
- Ignoring setup (string height, intonation)
- Not considering musical goals (acoustic vs electric matters!)
FAQ:
Is electric or acoustic better for adult beginners?
Electric is generally easier to learn on due to lower string tension and slimmer necks. However, if you want to play folk, country, singer-songwriter, or unplugged music — acoustic is perfect.
How much should an adult beginner spend on their first guitar?
$200–400 is the ideal range. Below that, quality drops fast. Spending more isn’t necessary unless you want a “buy once, cry once” option.
Do adults learn guitar slower than kids?
No. Adults often learn faster because they’re better at focused practice, understanding patterns, and setting goals.
Do I need an amp on day one if I buy an electric guitar?
Yes — but you can start with a tiny practice amp or even a headphone amp like the Vox amPlug.
What guitar size should an adult beginner get?
Electric guitars are one standard size. For acoustics, smaller-bodied models (OM/Concert) are usually more comfortable than large dreadnoughts.
Do I need to get my new guitar professionally set up?
Highly recommended. A $40–70 setup massively improves playability and prevents frustration.
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