Choosing your first acoustic guitar is an exciting milestone for any aspiring musician. With so many brands, body types, and features on the market, it's important to find a model that balances comfort, sound quality, and affordability, especially if you're new to the instrument.
Whether you're strumming your first chord or taking your first music class, the right acoustic guitar can inspire confidence and creativity. If you're shopping locally, Guitarlicious offers a variety of beginner-friendly models suitable for all ages and musical styles. In this guide, we’ve narrowed down the top 5 acoustic guitars perfect for beginners and explored how to pick the one that suits you best.
What Should You Look for in a Beginner Acoustic Guitar?
Before jumping into specific models, it's helpful to understand what makes a guitar beginner-friendly. Here are key aspects to consider when purchasing your first instrument:
1. Comfort and Playability
A beginner guitar should be easy to hold and fret. Smaller body types like concert or parlour sizes are great for younger players or those with smaller hands, while dreadnoughts offer a fuller tone.
2. Action and Neck Profile
The action refers to how high the strings sit from the fretboard. A guitar with low action makes fretting easier and less painful for beginners. Neck shape and size also influence comfort, look for slim profiles if you're just starting out.
3. Material Quality
Laminate wood guitars are more affordable and durable, whereas solid tops (usually spruce or mahogany) offer better resonance and tone. A solid top is ideal if you're serious about sound, but not a must for casual learners.
4. Tuning Stability
Reliable tuning machines and a good bridge help maintain consistent tuning, so you're not constantly adjusting your strings mid-practice.
Need help understanding which guitars meet these standards? Browse reviews and comparison guides on the Guitarlicious blog to dive deeper.
Which Are the Top 5 Acoustic Guitars for Beginners?
Based on playability, price point, and feedback from students and instructors, these five models stand out for 2025:
1. Cort AD810
A staple in beginner setups, the Cort AD810 offers a dreadnought body with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It delivers balanced tone and volume at an unbeatable price point.
2. Yamaha F310
Trusted by music schools worldwide, the F310 is a classic entry-level guitar. Its smaller body and consistent build quality make it one of the easiest guitars to learn on.
3. Fender FA-115
With a laminated spruce top and dreadnought shape, this guitar provides powerful sound and classic looks. It’s perfect for students who want something with a little brand prestige.
4. Ibanez AW54
A great choice if you want a warmer tone, thanks to its all-mahogany construction. It has a slightly wider neck, which is good for fingerstyle learners.
5. Squier SA-150
An affordable and reliable acoustic guitar for those just starting out. The SA-150 is lightweight, easy to tune, and designed for comfort.
To compare these models by brand, check the Shop by Brands page for availability at Guitarlicious.
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Acoustic Guitar?
When budgeting for your first guitar, it's important to strike the right balance between affordability and quality.
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Under RM500: You’ll find reliable laminate wood models that are perfect for casual learners. Brands like Squier and local models fall here.
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RM500–RM1000: A wider range becomes available, including guitars with better hardware and solid tops. This is ideal for serious beginners who plan to practise regularly.
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RM1000 and above: Premium beginner models with upgraded electronics and better tonewoods. These are great if you want a long-lasting investment.
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing slightly more upfront often leads to better tone, feel, and durability, which helps sustain your motivation to practise.
Remember to factor in the cost of accessories. Guitarlicious offers a curated accessories collection with everything from tuners and straps to gig bags and capos.
What Else Do You Need When Starting Out?
Getting the guitar is just the beginning. Having the right gear will make your learning experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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Tuner: Essential for keeping your guitar in tune. Clip-on tuners are affordable and accurate.
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Capo: Allows you to change key without adjusting tuning or learning new chord shapes.
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Gig Bag: Protects your guitar when travelling. Look for padded bags with backpack straps.
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Picks: Start with medium-gauge picks to get used to strumming and picking.
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Spare Strings: Always have an extra set on hand, breaks can happen at any time!
You can purchase beginner bundles or assemble your own kit through a trusted local retailer like Guitarlicious. To manage orders and wishlists easily, sign in through their login portal.
FAQs
1. Is a dreadnought body suitable for beginners?
Yes, dreadnought guitars offer strong projection and full tone. However, some beginners may find the size bulky. Try a concert-sized model if comfort is a concern.
2. Should I choose a solid top or laminate guitar?
Solid tops produce better tone and improve with age, while laminate guitars are more durable and affordable. Beginners often start with laminate and upgrade later.
3. Are acoustic-electric guitars good for beginners?
Yes, if you plan to perform or record. Otherwise, a regular acoustic guitar is simpler and more affordable. Cort and Ibanez offer quality entry-level acoustic-electric models.
4. How often should I change strings?
For beginners, changing strings every 2–3 months is a good rule. Frequent players or those in humid environments may need to replace them sooner.
5. Where can I buy beginner guitars in Malaysia?
You can find quality beginner acoustic guitars at Guitarlicious, a reputable Malaysian retailer offering reliable brands, accessories, and local shipping.
Final Thoughts: Start Strong with the Right Acoustic
Learning guitar is a rewarding journey, and it starts with choosing an instrument that keeps you inspired. From budget-friendly classics like the Cort AD810 to classroom staples like the Yamaha F310, the market has plenty of beginner models to help you build strong foundations in music.
For a smooth and reliable buying experience in Malaysia, trust Guitarlicious. Explore the best models via the Shop by Brands section, find guitar tips on the blog, or complete your starter kit with essential accessories.
With the right acoustic guitar in hand, you're ready to start your musical story, one chord at a time.