Best Budget Guitars for Beginners 2024
Finding the Perfect Starter Guitar Without Breaking the Bank
When you're just starting out as a guitarist, picking the right instrument can be a daunting task. There are so many options, features, and price points to consider. While it’s tempting to go for a top-of-the-line model, many beginners can find great value in affordable guitars. Fortunately, 2024 offers a range of budget-friendly guitars that are high-quality and perfect for new players.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best budget guitars for beginners, considering playability, build quality, and sound—ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Key Considerations When Buying a Budget Guitar
Before diving into our top picks, here are some factors to consider when selecting a guitar as a beginner:
Price: For beginners, it's wise to invest in a guitar that provides value without going overboard. Guitars under $300 tend to offer good quality without unnecessary features.
Playability: A guitar should feel comfortable to hold and play. Look for a model with a slim neck, low action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), and manageable size.
Durability: Budget guitars can sometimes be hit or miss when it comes to construction. You'll want a guitar that’s made of solid woods and materials that will stand the test of time.
Sound Quality: While the top-tier guitars are made from premium woods, many budget guitars can still produce a rich, pleasant tone suitable for beginners.
Aesthetics: A guitar that looks good can inspire more frequent practice! While aesthetics shouldn’t be your first priority, it’s still worth considering the overall appearance of your guitar.
1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V - ($299)
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Yamaha Pacifica series has long been recognized as one of the best budget-friendly guitar lines, and the Pacifica 112V is no exception. It’s a versatile electric guitar that works well for a variety of genres. The sleek design, solid build quality, and great sound make it perfect for beginners.
Key Features:
Alder body, maple neck
HSS pickup configuration (humbucker in the bridge, single coils in middle and neck)
Smooth and responsive tremolo system
Great tone for rock, blues, and pop
Pros:
Affordable price for excellent quality
Versatile pickups for different sounds
Easy playability with a comfortable neck
Cons:
The tremolo system might require frequent tuning adjustments
Ideal For: Rock, blues, pop, and beginners who want a reliable, versatile electric guitar.
2. Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - ($199)
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Fender’s FA-115 is one of the best acoustic guitars you can get for under $200. It offers excellent sound and durability for the price. The dreadnought body shape delivers a powerful, full tone, perfect for those who want to learn strumming patterns, fingerpicking, or even some basic folk songs.
Key Features:
Spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides
Classic dreadnought body shape for full sound
Die-cast tuning machines for stable tuning
Pros:
Excellent value for money
Strong build quality and great sound for an entry-level acoustic
Ideal for multiple genres from folk to rock
Cons:
Action may be slightly higher than preferred for beginners (can be adjusted)
Doesn't include a gig bag or accessories
Ideal For: Acoustic music lovers, folk, country, and rock genres.
3. Squier Affinity Telecaster - ($279)
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Squier Affinity Telecaster gives beginners the chance to experience the iconic feel and sound of a Fender Telecaster at a fraction of the cost. Known for its bright and crisp tone, this guitar excels in genres like country, indie, and alternative rock. It's a great choice for players who want a distinct tone while sticking to a budget.
Key Features:
Poplar body, maple neck
Classic Telecaster single-coil pickups
Bright and twangy sound characteristic of the Telecaster model
Pros:
Classic design and sound
Lightweight and easy to handle
Versatile enough for various genres
Cons:
Limited tonal range compared to models with more versatile pickup configurations
Some reports of minor tuning instability
Ideal For: Indie, rock, alternative, country, and blues enthusiasts.
4. Ibanez GRG121DX - ($249)
Why It’s Great for Beginners: For aspiring metal and rock guitarists, the Ibanez GRG121DX is a killer option at an affordable price. With its sleek, aggressive design and high-output pickups, this guitar is built for fast riffs, shredding, and heavy distortion. The smooth neck and jumbo frets make it easy to play fast solos.
Key Features:
Poplar body, maple neck
Dual humbucking pickups for heavy, fat tones
Slim, fast neck profile
Pros:
Perfect for metal and rock genres
Comfortable, fast-playing neck
Affordable for a metal-focused guitar
Cons:
Limited versatility outside rock and metal genres
The finish can wear over time
Ideal For: Metal, rock, and hard rock players.
5. Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar - ($169)
Why It’s Great for Beginners: The Epiphone DR-100 is one of the most affordable and popular beginner acoustic guitars. Known for its warm tone and solid construction, it’s a fantastic entry-level guitar for any player. It may not have the bells and whistles of higher-end guitars, but it gets the job done for someone learning the ropes.
Key Features:
Select spruce top, mahogany body and neck
Classic dreadnought body shape
SlimTaper neck profile for easy playability
Pros:
Solid construction for its price
Rich, warm tone
Great for learning basic chords and fingerpicking
Cons:
Lacks some of the nuance and resonance of more expensive models
May need professional setup for optimal playability
Ideal For: Beginners who want a reliable, affordable acoustic guitar.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beginner guitar is an important first step on your musical journey. With these budget-friendly options, you won’t have to sacrifice quality for price. Whether you're into acoustic or electric, metal or folk, there’s a guitar on this list that can help you start your journey as a guitarist with confidence. Happy playing!