We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Autumn Burst

Body Shape: Dreadnought
Tonewood: Solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood sides
Electronics: None
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners looking to dive into playing. Its all-laminate construction, combining a lindenwood top with mahogany back and sides, offers durability, which is great for those just starting out. The dreadnought shape ensures a full, rich sound, making it versatile for various styles. One of its key strengths is the scalloped 'X'-bracing that enhances tone and projection, providing a satisfying playing experience.

The slim neck profile is particularly beginner-friendly, allowing for easier fret access and playability. Additionally, the package includes a gig bag for protection during transport, a tuner for keeping your guitar in tune, and a strap for comfortable playing, all of which add significant value. The inclusion of Fender Play online lessons and an instructional DVD is especially beneficial for novice players, offering guidance as they learn.

Some aspects might be less appealing. While the all-laminate design is durable, it may not produce the same depth of sound as solid wood guitars, which more experienced players might prefer. Also, the use of a dark-stained maple fingerboard, while visually appealing, might not offer the same warmth as other materials like rosewood. The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar bundle is well-suited for beginners who value ease of use and solid construction. It’s a great starter package, but those seeking more advanced features or sound quality may need to explore higher-end models as they progress.

#2

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a budget-friendly option that stands out for beginners who are looking to start their musical journey without breaking the bank. The all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for novice musicians. Its scalloped 'X'-bracing and mahogany neck contribute to a full-bodied tone, offering decent sound quality for its price range.

The slim neck and dark-stained maple fingerboard enhance playability, making it comfortable for learners. Additionally, the natural finish gives it a classic and appealing look. The bundle provides great value, including essential accessories such as a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and access to Fender Play Online Lessons, along with an Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD to facilitate learning.

Some might find the laminate construction less resonant compared to solid wood guitars. The absence of electronics limits its versatility for those looking to perform amplified. Despite these drawbacks, the Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar remains a solid choice for budget-conscious beginners seeking a complete starter kit.

#3

Fender FA-125 Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
9.7
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2947 reviews

Body Shape
The guitar fits well for younger players, combining comfort with a stunning look.
Tonewood
The guitar delivers a consistently good sound quality that matches its affordable price point.
Neck Profile
The guitar fits well for younger players, combining comfort with a stunning look.
Electronics
While the tuner could be improved, the guitar’s stable tuning and ease of restringing make it user-friendly.

The Fender FA-125 is designed with beginners in mind, offering a user-friendly playing experience at a budget-friendly price. Its dreadnought body shape, combined with a spruce top and basswood back, delivers a lively and balanced tone that suits many musical styles without being overwhelming. The nato neck and walnut fretboard provide a smooth feel, making it comfortable for new players to practice and build finger strength. The 25.3-inch scale length is typical for full-size guitars, offering a familiar stretch for most hands.

While the laminate wood construction keeps the guitar sturdy and affordable, it won’t resonate as richly as solid wood guitars, which might be noticeable as skills improve. The guitar doesn’t include built-in electronics, but the bundle offers great value with accessories like a gig bag, tuner, extra strings, strap, picks, and an instructional DVD, supporting beginners’ learning journey. Its hard-tail Viking bridge and 3+3 headstock design contribute to stable tuning and ease of restringing.

Experienced players might look for more advanced tonewoods or built-in pickups, but the FA-125 serves as a solid choice for new guitarists needing a reliable, good-sounding acoustic with everything they need to get started.

Rating
9.7
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2947 reviews

Body Shape
The guitar fits well for younger players, combining comfort with a stunning look.
Tonewood
The guitar delivers a consistently good sound quality that matches its affordable price point.
Neck Profile
The guitar fits well for younger players, combining comfort with a stunning look.
Electronics
While the tuner could be improved, the guitar’s stable tuning and ease of restringing make it user-friendly.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars

Choosing the right acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one guitar from another. The right guitar for you will depend on your playing style, musical preferences, and physical comfort. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an acoustic guitar.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful, balanced sound and are great for strumming and flat-picking. Concert guitars are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them ideal for fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. Jumbo guitars have a larger body, producing a louder and bass-heavy sound, suitable for players who want a big, bold tone. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to hold and suits your playing style.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is a popular choice for the top (soundboard) due to its bright and clear tone. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mid-range focused sound, while rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass and treble. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the tonewood.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile describes the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. A C-shape neck is rounded and comfortable for most players, making it a versatile choice. V-shape necks have a more pronounced ridge, which some players find easier for thumb-over playing styles. U-shape necks are thicker and can provide a more substantial feel, preferred by players with larger hands. Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing technique.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall playability. Common scale lengths are 24.75 inches and 25.5 inches. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches) results in lower string tension, making the guitar easier to play and bend notes. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides more tension, which can result in a brighter tone and better note definition. Consider your playing style and hand strength when choosing a scale length.
Nut WidthNut width is the width of the guitar's neck at the nut, which affects the spacing of the strings. Common nut widths range from 1.65 inches to 1.75 inches. A narrower nut width (around 1.65 inches) is easier for players with smaller hands or those who prefer closer string spacing for faster playing. A wider nut width (around 1.75 inches) provides more space between the strings, which can be beneficial for fingerstyle playing and players with larger hands. Choose a nut width that feels comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify the sound for live performances or recording. These electronics typically include a pickup and a preamp with controls for volume and tone. If you plan to perform live or record your music, an acoustic-electric guitar with built-in electronics can be very convenient. If you primarily play at home or in small settings, a purely acoustic guitar without electronics may be sufficient. Consider your performance needs when deciding on electronics.

FAQ