Ever dreamed of strumming your favorite songs around a campfire or sharing your music with friends? That dream can start with an acoustic-electric guitar! It’s a super cool instrument that lets you play unplugged like a regular acoustic, but also plug into an amp to make your sound bigger and bolder. But stepping into the world of guitars can feel a little overwhelming, right? You see so many guitars, and you just want to find one that sounds good, feels good in your hands, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Choosing your very first acoustic-electric guitar can be a bit tricky. There are tons of brands and models, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually good for beginners. You don’t want to end up with a guitar that’s hard to play or doesn’t sound great. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re here to make that decision much easier for you.
By reading on, you’ll discover what makes a great entry-level acoustic-electric guitar. We’ll talk about what to look for, some popular choices, and tips to help you pick the perfect one to start your musical journey. Get ready to find the guitar that will help you make some awesome music!
Our Top 5 Entry Level Acoustic Electric Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Entry Level Acoustic Electric Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package – Premium Tonewoods – Black
Rating: 9.2/10
The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package in Black is a fantastic option for anyone looking to start their musical journey or for experienced players seeking a versatile instrument. It offers a great sound and comfortable feel, all bundled into a convenient package.
What We Like:
- Amazing sound: This guitar produces a clear, strong tone that’s perfect for all kinds of music. You’ll love how it sounds!
- Quality wood: It’s made from strong Spruce and warm Basswood, which means it sounds great whether you play softly or loudly.
- Easy to play: The thinline cutaway design makes it simple to reach all the frets. Plus, it’s lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Lots of extras: You get a built-in tuner and EQ, extra strings, picks, a strap, and a case. It’s a complete set!
- Sleek look: The glossy black finish and chrome tuning pegs give it a stylish appearance.
What Could Be Improved:
- For beginners, the sheer number of included accessories might feel a little overwhelming at first.
- While the tone is impressive, dedicated audiophiles might eventually want to explore guitars with even more specialized tonewoods.
This Ashthorpe guitar package is an excellent value, providing everything you need to start playing right away. It’s a great way to explore your musical talents.
2. Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Gig Bag
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to make some music? The Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Natural is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start their guitar journey. This guitar sounds great and feels comfortable to play, making it perfect for beginners of all ages. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started right away!
What We Like:
- It has a big, bold sound that’s great for many music styles like country, folk, and bluegrass.
- Fender has been making quality instruments for a long time, and this guitar carries on that tradition.
- The neck is shaped for easy playing, and the whole guitar is lightweight, so you can play for a long time without getting tired.
- It stays in tune well thanks to its good tuning machines.
- You can easily plug it in and play through an amplifier, with simple volume and tone controls.
- The bundle includes a gig bag, strap, extra strings and picks, and a helpful instructional DVD, so you’re ready to play from the moment you open the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the all-laminate body is lightweight and good for beginners, some more experienced players might prefer a solid wood top for a richer, more complex tone.
- The included instructional DVD is a great starting point, but for advanced techniques, additional learning resources might be necessary.
This Fender FA Series guitar bundle is an excellent value, providing a quality instrument and all the essential accessories for a beginner. It’s a guitar that will inspire you to practice and grow as a musician.
3. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Black
Rating: 9.4/10
The Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Black is a fantastic choice for players looking for a smaller, more manageable instrument without sacrificing sound quality. Its compact size makes it super comfortable to hold and play, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned musician who wants a travel-friendly guitar. This guitar is built with quality materials, giving you a great sound and a smooth playing experience. Plus, it comes with everything you need to start playing right away!
What We Like:
- Its 3/4 size is perfect for smaller hands or for easy travel.
- The spruce top produces a bright and clear sound.
- The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add a warm tone and feel great under your fingers.
- The System 68 pickup lets you plug in and play with amplification, making it versatile.
- A gig bag is included, so you can protect your guitar and take it anywhere.
- The black ABS bridge pins are a nice touch that complement the guitar’s finish.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some beginners might find the action (string height) a little high initially, but it can usually be adjusted.
- While the sound is good, more experienced players might eventually crave a richer, more complex tone found on larger, more expensive guitars.
This Yamaha APXT2 is a super fun and capable guitar that offers a lot of value. It’s an excellent instrument for learning, practicing, or simply enjoying music on the go.
4. Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to strum your first chords or take your playing to the next level? The Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar in Natural is a fantastic choice for aspiring musicians of all ages. It brings Fender’s legendary sound and style to a guitar built with beginners in mind. You get a rich, bold tone perfect for country, folk, and bluegrass music, all wrapped up in a comfortable and easy-to-play package.
What We Like:
- The dreadnought body shape delivers a powerful and full bass sound that really fills out your music.
- You get a smooth and comfortable playing experience thanks to the easy-to-play “C”-shaped neck, walnut fingerboard, and lightweight all-laminate body.
- Tuning up is a snap with the convenient built-in tuner, so you’re always ready to play.
- On-board volume and tone controls let you easily adjust your sound, whether you’re practicing at home or performing.
- A free subscription to Fender Play, packed with thousands of video lessons, helps you learn your favorite songs and build your skills quickly.
- Fender’s 75-year legacy means you’re getting a guitar built with quality and craftsmanship, backed by a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, more experienced players might eventually seek a guitar with a solid wood top for even richer tonal complexity.
- The all-laminate body, while contributing to its lightness, might not offer the same depth of resonance as a solid wood instrument for some ears.
This Fender FA-25CE is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of acoustic-electric guitar playing. It combines great sound, comfortable playability, and valuable learning resources to help you succeed.
5. Yamaha APX600M Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.8/10
The Yamaha APX600M Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Matte Finish is a cool guitar for players who want a comfortable feel and a great sound. It has a thin body, which makes it easy to hold and play for long periods. The matte finish looks really sleek, and it comes in a smoky black color that stands out. This guitar is designed to sound good both when you play it unplugged and when you plug it into an amp.
What We Like:
- The thinline body is very comfortable for players of all sizes.
- It has a beautiful matte finish that looks modern and stylish.
- The spruce top gives it a nice, natural acoustic sound.
- The System65 preamp with a tuner makes it easy to get a good plugged-in tone.
- It offers superb playability, meaning it’s easy to fret notes and chords.
- The die-cast chrome tuners keep the guitar in tune reliably.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might prefer a thicker body for a louder unplugged sound.
- The ABS bridge pins are functional but could be upgraded for a different look.
This Yamaha APX600M is a solid choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists. It provides a great balance of comfort, sound, and features for its price point.
Your First Strum: A Guide to Entry-Level Acoustic-Electric Guitars
So, you want to play guitar? That’s awesome! An acoustic-electric guitar is a fantastic choice for beginners. It lets you play it like a regular acoustic guitar, but you can also plug it into an amp to make it louder. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re starting out, you want a guitar that’s easy to play and sounds good.
- **Playability:** This means how easy it is to press down the strings and move your fingers around. A comfortable neck and low action (how close the strings are to the fretboard) make a big difference.
- **Electronics:** This is what lets you plug in. Most entry-level guitars have a simple pickup and volume knob. Some might have a basic tuner built-in, which is super handy.
- **Size and Shape:** Guitars come in different sizes. A smaller body might feel more comfortable for younger players or those with smaller frames.
- **Sound:** Even at an entry level, you want a guitar that sounds nice. Listen to it unplugged. Does it have a pleasant tone?
Important Materials
The wood used in a guitar affects its sound and durability.
- **Body Wood:**
- **Spruce:** This is a common and good choice for the top of the guitar. It’s bright and clear.
- **Mahogany:** Often used for the back and sides, mahogany gives a warmer, richer sound.
- **Linden/Basswood:** These are less expensive woods. They can sound okay, but might not have as much depth as spruce or mahogany.
- **Neck Wood:** Maple and mahogany are common. They are strong and help the guitar stay in tune.
- **Fretboard:** Rosewood and maple are typical. They feel smooth under your fingers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good construction makes a guitar sound better and last longer.
- **Solid Top vs. Laminate Top:** A solid wood top (like solid spruce) sounds much better than a laminate top (made of layers of wood pressed together). Solid tops age and sound richer over time.
- **Hardware:** The tuning machines (the knobs you turn to tune) should be smooth and hold the tune well. Cheap tuning machines can be frustrating.
- **Finish:** A smooth, even finish looks nice and protects the wood.
- **Setup:** How the guitar is set up from the factory is important. A guitar that’s properly set up will be easier to play. Sometimes, a new guitar needs a little adjustment.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this guitar for, and what will they do with it?
- **Beginners:** This is the main audience. The guitar should be forgiving and encourage practice.
- **Strumming Chords:** Learning your first songs and singing along.
- **Practicing at Home:** Playing quietly on its own or plugging into a small practice amp.
- **Open Mic Nights:** If you want to perform, the “electric” part lets you be heard easily.
- **Songwriting:** Capturing musical ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
An acoustic-electric guitar is a versatile tool for any budding musician. It offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to explore your musical journey with ease and style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes an acoustic-electric guitar good for beginners?
A: An acoustic-electric guitar is good for beginners because it’s versatile. You can play it unplugged like a regular acoustic, or plug it into an amp to be louder. This makes it easier to practice and play with others.
Q: Do I need to plug in an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: No, you don’t have to. It works perfectly fine as a regular acoustic guitar without being plugged in. The electronics are an added option.
Q: What is “action” on a guitar?
A: Action refers to how high the strings are from the fretboard. Lower action makes it easier to press down the strings, which is better for beginners.
Q: Is a solid wood top better than a laminate wood top?
A: Yes, a solid wood top usually sounds better and richer than a laminate top. It also improves in sound as the guitar ages.
Q: What kind of wood is best for the body of an entry-level guitar?
A: Spruce is a common and good choice for the top. Mahogany is good for the back and sides, giving a warmer sound. Linden is often used in very affordable guitars.
Q: How important are the tuning machines?
A: The tuning machines are very important. Good ones keep the guitar in tune better, which makes playing much more enjoyable. Cheap ones can be frustrating.
Q: Can I use any amplifier with an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: It’s best to use an acoustic amplifier. They are designed to make the natural sound of an acoustic guitar come through clearly. Electric guitar amps can sound different.
Q: What size guitar should I get if I’m small or young?
A: Smaller body sizes, like concert or parlor sizes, are often more comfortable for smaller players. They are lighter and easier to hold.
Q: How do I know if a guitar is easy to play?
A: You can often tell by how easily the strings press down. If your fingers don’t hurt too much and you can move them around the fretboard, it’s likely easy to play. Reading reviews also helps.
Q: What else should I consider besides the guitar itself?
A: You might also need a guitar strap, picks, a tuner (if it’s not built-in), and possibly a gig bag or case to protect your guitar.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Rob Young, and I’m the voice and passion behind gardenerhow.com. This website is my outlet to share my journey, expertise, and enthusiasm for sports. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your athletic adventures, I aim to inspire, educate, and connect with people who share the same love for sports. Join me as we dive into techniques, tips, and stories that make the world of sports even more exciting!