Best Guitar Brands for Beginners!
Guitars That Don’t Suck or Break the Bank!
Buying the best guitar brands for beginners is actually quite easy! Lets ensure your buying your first guitar is a big moment to remember. It’s the start of a journey that might take you from your bedroom to a garage band, open mics, or even bigger stages. But let’s be real—most beginners don’t have the cash to drop on a Gibson Les Paul or a high-end Fender Strat.
That’s okay. You don’t need to spend thousands to get a guitar that sounds great, feels good, and won’t fall apart after a few months. Here are some of the most popular choices for you to consider on your guitar journey!
Here’s a breakdown of the best guitar brands for beginners—ones that balance price, build quality, and reputation—so you can start strong without wasting money.
What to Look for in Best Guitar Brands for Beginners!
Before naming names, here’s what matters most when considering best guitar brands for beginners:
- Playability: Is the neck comfortable? Can you fret notes easily? Does it stay in tune?
- Build Quality: Does it feel solid or like a plastic toy? Can it handle some travel, a few drops, or regular practice?
- Price Point: Most solid beginner guitars fall between $150 and $400. Below that, you risk poor quality. Above that, you might be overpaying.
- Reputation: Go with a brand known for consistency. You want something that’s been tested by thousands, not just marketed well.
Epiphone Les Paul – Amazon.com
Guitar Picks – Amazon.com
Guitar Cables – Amazon.com
Guitar Effects Pedals – Amazon.com
The Best Beginner Guitar Brands (2025 Edition)
🎸 Yamaha
A Brief History of Yamaha Guitars
Yamaha began building guitars in the 1940s in Japan, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the company gained serious recognition in the global guitar market. With a focus on precision craftsmanship and affordability, Yamaha quickly earned a reputation for making reliable instruments that appealed to both beginners and pros.
One of their early successes, the FG180 acoustic, launched in 1966, became a hit worldwide for its rich tone and solid build—setting the standard for Yamaha’s acoustic line. By the late ’80s and ’90s, Yamaha expanded its electric offerings with the Pacifica series, originally designed in collaboration with custom luthiers in California.
These guitars became known for their playability and versatility, especially for beginners and intermediate players. A good friend played one of these in bands when I was playing and it was really good.
Today, Yamaha remains one of the most trusted names in the guitar world, offering everything from entry-level acoustics to high-end electrics used by touring musicians. Their mix of innovation, quality control, and fair pricing keeps them a top choice for players at any level. All of the above is a great reason to consider Yamaha as one of best guitar brands for beginners of all time.
Why it rocks: Yamaha has built a reputation for making reliable, no-nonsense guitars that sound way better than their price tag suggests.
- Best pick: Yamaha Pacifica 012 or 112V (electric), Yamaha FG800 (acoustic)
- Price range: $200–$350
- Good for: Anyone who wants something solid, playable, and versatile
Bottom line: Yamaha might not be flashy, but it’s the Toyota of guitars—built to last, easy to maintain, and dependable.
YAMAHA PACIFICA GUITARS – AMAZON.com
🎸 Squier (by Fender)
A Brief History of Squier (by Fender)
Squier started out in the late 1800s as a string manufacturer, but its name became part of guitar history when Fender acquired it in 1965. In the early 1980s, facing stiff competition from cheaper Japanese-made guitars, Fender revived the Squier brand—not as a string maker, but as a budget-friendly line of Fender-style instruments.
These Squier guitars were built overseas but based on classic Fender designs like the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Jazz Bass. The move worked. Squier gave beginners and budget-conscious players access to Fender’s iconic look, feel, and sound—without the premium price tag.
Over the years, quality has steadily improved, especially with standout lines like the Classic Vibe and Affinity Series, which offer impressive value. Today, Squier is known as the gateway to the Fender family, offering some of the best beginner and intermediate guitars on the market there is no question these fall into the best guitar brands for beginners list we have here on DreamingGuitar.com.
Why it rocks: Squier is Fender’s affordable line, offering that classic Strat or Tele look and sound without the boutique price.
- Best pick: Squier Affinity Series or Classic Vibe Series
- Price range: $250–$450
- Good for: Players who want a real “Fender feel” without spending four figures
Bottom line: Great starter if you’re into blues, rock, funk, or anything that wants a Stratocaster or Telecaster vibe.
SQUIRE FENDER GUITARS – AMAZON.com
🎸 Epiphone (by Gibson)
A Brief History of Epiphone (by Gibson)
Epiphone’s roots go back to 1873 in what is now modern-day Turkey, originally making lutes and fiddles. The company moved to the U.S. in the early 1900s and became one of Gibson’s top rivals in the archtop guitar market.
In fact, Epiphone and Gibson were direct competitors until 1957, when Gibson acquired Epiphone and brought the brand under its wing. From that point on, Epiphone became Gibson’s more affordable sibling brand.
Today, Epiphone produces budget-friendly versions of iconic Gibson models like the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335. Built overseas but designed to Gibson specs, these guitars offer a legit way to get that classic rock tone without paying Gibson prices.
In recent years, Epiphone has seriously upped its game, with better hardware, finishes, and quality control—making it a solid choice for beginners who want a pro-looking instrument with real stage potential. Its all here in a great Epiphone guitar and yet another reason its included in best guitar brands for beginners we have compiled here on DreamingGuitar.
Why it rocks: Epiphone gives you the Gibson shapes and sounds—Les Pauls, SGs—at beginner-friendly prices.
- Best pick: Epiphone Les Paul Studio or SG Special
- Price range: $250–$450
- Good for: Rock and heavier genres; fans of classic Gibson tones
Bottom line: Epiphone bridges the gap between beginner and gig-ready. It’s often the last stop before stepping into pro-level territory.
EPIPHONE (by GIBSON) GUITAR – AMAZON.com
Acoustic Guitar – Amazon.com
Electric Guitar – Amazon.com
Practice Amplifier – Amazon.com
Guitar Strings – Amazon.com
🎸 Ibanez
Why it rocks: Ibanez is sleek, fast, and great for rock, metal, and shredding—but not just that. Their lower-end guitars are surprisingly good for the price.
A Brief History of Ibanez
Ibanez is a Japanese guitar brand that started gaining traction internationally in the 1960s and ’70s. Originally a distributor of Spanish-style guitars, the company began making its own electric models and quickly earned a reputation for bold design and quality craftsmanship.
In the early days, Ibanez made affordable copies of classic American guitars, which led to a famous lawsuit from Gibson. After that, Ibanez shifted gears and began focusing on original designs—and that’s when things really took off.
By the 1980s, Ibanez had become the go-to brand for rock and metal players. With fast necks, aggressive styling, and high-output pickups, guitars like the RG and S Series became staples for shredders.
Signature models for legends like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Paul Gilbert helped cement the brand’s reputation. Today, Ibanez continues to dominate in the world of hard rock, prog, and metal—but they also make beginner-friendly models like the GRX and GIO series that are affordable, sleek, and built for speed.
Nearly got an RG as my choice of best guitar brands for beginners years ago. It felt great and played amazingly but in the end I was destined for something else from my childhood. That’s another story.
- Best pick: Ibanez GRX70QA or RG Series
- Price range: $200–$350
- Good for: Fast players, metalheads, or anyone who likes a thinner neck
Bottom line: If you want a modern guitar that looks sharp and plays fast, Ibanez delivers at every level.
🎸 Donner / Harley Benton
Donner Guitars and Harley Benton Guitars are both modern brands that have gained popularity among musicians for offering affordable, quality instruments, particularly suited to beginner and intermediate players.
Donner Guitars
History and Origins: Donner is a relatively new name in the world of guitars, founded in 2012. Originally focusing on guitar accessories, Donner quickly expanded to manufacturing complete instruments, particularly electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and basses. The brand is headquartered in China, and like many Chinese-made brands, Donner aims to provide affordable yet quality guitars.
The company’s guitars are known for being budget-friendly, making them a popular choice for beginners looking to purchase their first instrument without breaking the bank.
Product Range: Donner offers a wide variety of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, and ukuleles. Their electric guitar designs often resemble popular models, like the Stratocaster or Les Paul, with a focus on providing solid construction and decent sound for the price. In addition to guitars, Donner is also known for its range of pedals, amps, and accessories.
While they aren’t known for high-end, professional-grade instruments, Donner guitars have earned a reputation for being solid and reliable at a lower price point. The brand’s instruments are often praised for offering good playability, especially for beginners.
Harley Benton Guitars
History and Origins: Harley Benton is a brand owned by Thomann, a major music retailer based in Germany. The brand was established in the early 1990s and has since grown into one of the most well-known names in affordable guitars and musical instruments.
Harley Benton guitars are manufactured in Asia, with a focus on providing high-quality instruments at prices far lower than many mainstream brands. The brand is particularly popular in Europe but has gained recognition globally due to the wide availability of Thomann products.
Product Range: Harley Benton offers a wide variety of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, and ukuleles. Their electric guitars are often inspired by classic designs, including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Les Paul styles, and they have a reputation for being surprisingly well-made for the price.
They offer guitars for every budget, with models that range from entry-level instruments to higher-end options for more experienced players.
One of Harley Benton’s notable features is its ability to deliver guitars that are often compared to much more expensive models in terms of playability and tone. The brand also offers a range of customization options, including different finishes, pickups, and hardware upgrades.
Reputation: Both Donner and Harley Benton have earned strong reputations for providing great value for money. They are especially popular among beginners, intermediate players, and those looking for an affordable instrument that doesn’t compromise on quality.
With positive reviews for their build quality, tone, and playability, both brands continue to grow in popularity within the guitar community.
In short, Donner Guitars is known for offering budget-friendly instruments with solid craftsmanship, while Harley Benton Guitars is widely appreciated for providing high-quality, affordable options and a variety of models for every level of player. Both brands have succeeded by appealing to guitarists looking for value and quality without breaking the bank. THese guitars have stormed the budget market providing incredible quality and playability from all reports I’ve seen on YouTube etc. Not always impressing but the volume and the aggressive marketing has made these certainly one of the best guitar brands for beginners hence it appears on our DreamingGuitar.com list.
Why they rock (surprisingly): These budget brands have exploded thanks to online sales and aggressive pricing. Are they as consistent as Yamaha or Squier? Not quite. But they’ve raised the bar for what $150 can get you.
- Best pick: Donner DST-100 (starter kits), Harley Benton ST or TE Series
- Price range: $120–$250
- Good for: Ultra-budget players or parents not sure their kid will stick with it
Bottom line: If you’re dipping your toes in or want a second “beater” guitar to travel with, these brands punch above their price point.
HARLEY BENTON GUITARS – NOT AFFILIATE LINK
So… How Much Should You Spend?
If you’re serious about learning and want something that won’t frustrate you (or fall apart), aim for $200 to $400. Below that, you’re rolling the dice. Above that, you’re getting into intermediate territory, which can be great—but not necessary at the start.
Final Thoughts on Best Guitar Brands for Beginners.
Your first guitar doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be playable, reliable, and inspiring. The brands above have proven they can deliver that. Once you’ve got one in your hands, the real work (and fun) begins.
Oh—and don’t forget: a good setup from a local tech can make even a budget guitar feel like a much more expensive one. If you buy a guitar from any shop or online please take it to a guitar Tech and have them set it up. You wont believe the difference it makes in playability and enjoyment when you don’t have to fight it.
String heights can be terribly high making the guitar very difficult and painful for a beginner and this is acoustic or electric guitar. Then it may keep falling out of tune and that’s embarrassing during a gig so get it checked!
Personal experience speaking NOW!
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The Author.
Brendon McAliece is a multi lingual expatriate Australian living in Thailand who speaks Thai, a number of its dialects and Lao. He has been playing guitar since he was 12 and continues to do so to this day.
He has performing in bands across the Middle East while contracting as a Aircraft Weapons Instructor with his 10 years of RAAF Armament Fitter experience and his maintained his love for playing guitar it continues to thrive today.
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