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10 Best Guitars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
YAMAHA FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Natural, Concert
The Yamaha FS800 is a solid top acoustic guitar with a concert-sized body, making it smaller and easier to handle than a dreadnought, which is ideal for players seeking comfort during long sessions or those with smaller hands. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, known for delivering clear, bright tones that improve with time. The back and sides are made from Nato wood, a budget-friendly alternative to mahogany, providing decent warmth to the sound.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,429
Body Shape and Size
Wood Type
Neck Profile and Scale Length
Most important from
2308 reviews
#2
Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, combining solid features with ease of use. Its all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures durability, which is crucial for new players who might not handle their instruments with utmost care. The dreadnought body shape provides a rich, full sound that resonates well, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. The scalloped 'X'-bracing adds to the guitar's strength and tonal quality, which is a nice touch at this price point.
Rating
8.2
Playability and Comfort
Most important from
3177 reviews
#3
YAMAHA FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
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
8.2
Body Shape and Size
Wood Type
Playability and Comfort
Most important from
2308 reviews
Top 10 Best Guitars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
YAMAHA FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Natural, Concert
YAMAHA FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Natural, Concert
Type of Guitar: acoustic guitar
Body Shape and Size: concert-sized body
Wood Type: Sitka spruce top, Nato back/sides
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Nato neck, rosewood fingerboard
Pickups: none
Bridge Type: fixed bridge
Playability and Comfort: smaller, 5.75 lbs, adjustable truss rod
Chosen by 1429 this week
Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
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
YAMAHA FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
YAMAHA FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
Type of Guitar: Acoustic
Body Shape and Size: Dreadnought
Wood Type: Top: Spruce, Back: Mahogany
Bridge Type: Fixed
Playability and Comfort: Comfortable fingerboard
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Dakota Red with Matte Finish
Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Dakota Red with Matte Finish
Type of Guitar: electric guitar
Body Shape and Size: Stratocaster, full-size
Wood Type: poplar wood
Neck Profile and Scale Length: 'C' shape, 25.5" scale
Pickups: three single-coil pickups
Bridge Type: tremolo bridge
Playability and Comfort: 'C' neck, laurel fingerboard, light
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Packs Electric Guitar, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Laurel Fingerboard
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Packs Electric Guitar, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Laurel Fingerboard
Type of Guitar: Electric
Body Shape and Size: Full
Wood Type: Poplar
Neck Profile and Scale Length: C shaped, 25.5 inches
Pickups: H-S-S
Bridge Type: Tremolo
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Up to 30% off
Fender FA-125 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Fender FA-125 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Type of Guitar: Acoustic Guitar
Body Shape and Size: Dreadnought, 41.7x20.3x6.8 inches
Wood Type: Spruce top, Basswood back, Nato neck
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Nato neck, 25.3 inches scale
Bridge Type: Fixed Viking bridge
Playability and Comfort: Decent playability and comfort
Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Type of Guitar: Acoustic
Body Shape and Size: Dreadnought
Wood Type: Spruce top, Basswood back
Neck Profile and Scale Length: Slim neck, 25.5 inches
Bridge Type: Fixed
Playability and Comfort: Slim neck, walnut fingerboard
Martin Guitar 000-15M with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar for the Working Musician, Mahogany Construction, Satin Finish, 000-14 Fret, and Low Oval Neck Shape
Martin Guitar 000-15M with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar for the Working Musician, Mahogany Construction, Satin Finish, 000-14 Fret, and Low Oval Neck Shape
Type of Guitar: acoustic
Body Shape and Size: 000-14 fret body size
Wood Type: mahogany body, neck, top
Neck Profile and Scale Length: low oval neck, medium scale
Pickups: none
Bridge Type: fixed
Playability and Comfort: low oval neck, satin finish, rosewood
Gibson Electric Guitar Les Paul Studio - Blueberry Burst
Gibson Electric Guitar Les Paul Studio - Blueberry Burst
Type of Guitar: solid-body electric guitar
Body Shape and Size: Les Paul, 15.75 x 7.87 x 47.24 in
Wood Type: Mahogany body/neck, rosewood fretboard, maple
Neck Profile and Scale Length: 24.75-inch scale, 22 medium jumbo frets
Pickups: Burstbucker Pro humbuckers, coil-tap
Bridge Type: Tune-O-Matic
Playability and Comfort: Smooth playability, approx. 16 pounds weight
#10
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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.