Dreaming of strumming your favorite songs, maybe even plugging in for a bigger sound? The acoustic-electric guitar is your ticket to both worlds! It lets you play unplugged like a regular acoustic, but also connect to an amplifier or speaker to be heard loud and clear. It’s a fantastic way to start your musical journey.
But when you’re just starting out, picking your first acoustic-electric guitar can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands, models, and features to consider. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder, “How do I know which one is right for me without breaking the bank?” You want a guitar that sounds good, feels comfortable to play, and won’t cost a fortune.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re here to make choosing your first acoustic-electric guitar simple and fun. We’ll walk you through what to look for, what’s important, and how to find a great instrument that will inspire you to play more. Get ready to discover the perfect guitar to kickstart your music-making adventures!
Our Top 5 Entry Level Acoustic Electric Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Entry Level Acoustic Electric Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Gig Bag
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to strum your way to musical stardom? The Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle is your perfect starting point. This guitar packs a powerful, rich sound thanks to its classic dreadnought shape, making it ideal for country, folk, and bluegrass tunes. Whether you’re just beginning your guitar journey or looking for a reliable instrument, this Fender is built for you. It’s designed for comfort and ease, so you can focus on learning and playing your favorite songs.
What We Like:
- This guitar sounds great and is perfect for lots of music styles.
- It feels good to play with its smooth neck and comfy body.
- You can easily plug it in and play through an amp with its built-in controls.
- The bundle includes everything you need to get started right away: a gig bag, strap, extra strings, picks, and even a helpful instructional DVD.
- Fender has a long history of making quality instruments, so you know this guitar is well-made.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the all-laminate body is lightweight, some players might prefer a solid wood top for a richer tone as they advance.
- The included instructional DVD is a nice touch for beginners, but more advanced players might want online video resources.
This Fender bundle offers fantastic value for anyone looking to start playing acoustic-electric guitar. It’s a complete package that makes learning fun and accessible.
2. Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner Intermediate with Amplifier Capo Pick Tuner Strings Strap – 41 Inch
Rating: 8.6/10
The Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit is a fantastic option for anyone looking to start playing guitar or take their skills to the next level. This 41-inch guitar is designed for both beginners and intermediate players, offering a complete package to get you strumming right away.
What We Like:
- It’s an acoustic-electric guitar, so you can play it unplugged or plug it into an amplifier to be heard louder.
- It has a built-in pickup with volume and tone controls, letting you change your sound.
- The slim body and spruce top give it a great, bright sound that’s easy to play.
- The cutaway design makes it easy to reach the higher notes on the fretboard.
- It comes with everything you need: an amplifier, tuner, capo, picks, strings, strap, and cable.
- The gloss finish and delicate wood grain look really nice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color and wood grain might look a little different depending on the light because of the special polishing process.
This all-in-one kit makes learning and performing easy and fun. It’s a great way to start your musical journey without needing to buy extra gear.
3. Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package – Premium Tonewoods – Black
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to make some music? The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package in Black is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to play. It offers amazing sound and a comfortable feel, making it perfect for beginners and experienced musicians alike. This guitar is designed to sound great and look good while you play.
What We Like:
- Incredible Sound: It has a rich tone and projects well, so your music will be heard clearly.
- Quality Wood: Made with Spruce and Basswood, it sounds warm and stays true to its tone no matter how you play.
- Comfortable Design: The thinline cutaway body makes it easy to reach all the frets and is lightweight for easy carrying.
- Ready to Play: It comes with everything you need: a case, picks, cable, strap, extra strings, and an owner’s manual.
- Built-in Controls: The on-board 4-band pickup/EQ lets you easily adjust your sound.
- Stylish Finish: The glossy black finish looks great and is very durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- String Quality: While upgraded strings are included, serious players might want to swap them for their preferred brand.
- Gig Bag Durability: The included gig bag is good for light travel, but a more robust case might be needed for frequent touring.
This Ashthorpe guitar package offers excellent value and a great playing experience for its price. It’s a complete kit that lets you start playing right away.
4. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Black
Rating: 8.8/10
The Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Black is a fantastic choice for young musicians or anyone looking for a comfortable, portable guitar. This guitar offers the playability of a full-size instrument in a smaller package. Its beautiful spruce top provides a bright, clear sound, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge add warmth and sustain. You can easily plug it into an amplifier or sound system thanks to the built-in System 68 pickup. Plus, it comes with a gig bag, making it ready for practice or performances on the go.
What We Like:
- The 3/4 size makes it super easy to handle, especially for beginners or smaller players.
- It sounds surprisingly good for its size, with a nice bright tone from the spruce top.
- The System 68 pickup lets you plug in and play out loud, which is awesome for practice or shows.
- It includes a gig bag, so you can protect it and take it anywhere.
- The black finish looks really cool and stylish.
- The rosewood fingerboard feels smooth and comfortable under your fingers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good, the sound might not satisfy experienced players seeking a deep, rich acoustic tone.
- The ABS bridge pins are functional but could be upgraded for a slightly better look or feel.
This Yamaha APXT2 is a wonderful guitar for learning and having fun. It’s a great way to start your musical journey or add a versatile instrument to your collection.
5. Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Saphire Blue
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to make some music with the stunning Fender FA Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar in a beautiful Sapphire Blue finish. This guitar is designed for players who want a great sound both unplugged and plugged in, and it looks amazing too!
What We Like:
- The dreadnought body with a cutaway gives you a big, full sound and makes it easy to play all the notes on the fretboard.
- Fender’s FE-A2 electronics with a built-in tuner mean you can easily tune up anytime, anywhere, and get a fantastic sound when you plug it into an amplifier.
- Its all-laminate construction makes it tough and ready for any adventure, so you don’t have to worry as much about changes in weather.
- Sealed-gear tuning machines keep your guitar in tune for a long time, so you can focus on playing instead of constant retuning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the all-laminate construction is durable, some experienced players might prefer the richer tone of solid wood for the top.
- The FE-A2 electronics are great for beginners and intermediate players, but advanced musicians might want more complex EQ options.
This Fender guitar is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable instrument that sounds as good as it looks. It’s ready to accompany you on your musical journey.
Your First Strum: An Entry-Level Acoustic-Electric Guitar Buying Guide
So, you want to play guitar? That’s awesome! An acoustic-electric guitar is a fantastic choice for beginners. It sounds great when you play it unplugged, like a regular acoustic guitar. But it also has a pickup inside, so you can plug it into an amplifier and play it loud! This guide will help you find the perfect first guitar.
Why Choose an Acoustic-Electric Guitar?
An acoustic-electric guitar gives you the best of both worlds. You can practice quietly at home without an amp. Then, when you’re ready, you can plug it in for jam sessions or even small performances. It’s a super versatile instrument for new players.
Key Features to Look For
Body Shape and Size
- Concert/Orchestra Model (OM): These guitars are comfortable to hold and play. They have a balanced sound that works well for many music styles.
- Dreadnought: This is the most common guitar shape. It’s bigger and louder than an OM. It’s great for strumming chords and has a powerful sound.
- Parlor: These are smaller guitars. They are very easy to hold, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands. They have a sweet, focused tone.
Neck and Fretboard
- Neck Profile: Look for a neck that feels comfortable in your hand. Some are thinner, some are thicker. Try holding a few to see what feels best.
- Fretboard Radius: This is how curved the fretboard is. A flatter radius is easier for bending strings. A more curved radius can be good for fingerpicking. For beginners, a medium radius is usually a good balance.
Electronics
- Pickup Type: Most entry-level guitars have a piezo pickup. This is a simple and reliable type.
- Preamp Controls: Some guitars have controls on the side of the body. These let you adjust the volume and tone when plugged in.
Important Materials
Tonewoods
- Spruce Top: This is a popular wood for the guitar’s top. It gives the guitar a bright and clear sound.
- Mahogany Back and Sides: Mahogany gives the guitar a warm and rich tone.
- Rosewood or Walnut Fretboard: These woods are strong and smooth. They feel nice under your fingers.
Don’t worry too much about exotic woods for your first guitar. Good quality spruce and mahogany are excellent choices.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Guitar Great
- Good Setup: A guitar that is properly set up will be easier to play. The strings will be at a good height, and the guitar will stay in tune.
- Solid Construction: Look for a guitar that feels sturdy. The wood pieces should fit together well.
- Smooth Frets: The metal strips on the fretboard are called frets. They should be smooth. If they are rough, they can hurt your fingers.
What Can Make a Guitar Less Ideal
- Poorly Finished Wood: Rough edges or uneven paint can be a sign of lower quality.
- Cheap Electronics: If the pickup or preamp sounds buzzy or weak, it might be a lower-quality component.
- Neck Issues: A warped or twisted neck makes the guitar very hard to play.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this guitar for?
This guitar is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to play music. You can use it to practice songs at home. You can play along with your favorite artists. You can even start writing your own songs!
Where can you use it?
- At Home: Practice your chords and melodies without disturbing anyone.
- With Friends: Plug it into a small amp for a campfire jam session or a casual get-together.
- Open Mic Nights: Once you feel confident, you can even perform your music for others.
The ease of use and versatility make it a great companion for your musical journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much should I expect to spend on an entry-level acoustic-electric guitar?
A: You can find great entry-level acoustic-electric guitars for around $200 to $400. Some might be a little less, and some a bit more, but this range offers good value.
Q: Do I need an amplifier right away?
A: No, you don’t need an amplifier right away. You can play it like a regular acoustic guitar to practice. You’ll only need an amp when you want to play it louder or plug it in.
Q: Are smaller guitars easier to play?
A: Yes, smaller guitars like parlor or concert-sized guitars can be easier to hold and reach the frets, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands.
Q: What’s the difference between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: An acoustic guitar only produces sound through its body. An acoustic-electric guitar has a pickup inside, allowing you to plug it into an amplifier for louder sound.
Q: How often should I tune my guitar?
A: You should tune your guitar every time you play it. Strings can stretch and go out of tune easily, especially when they are new.
Q: Can I play this guitar with a pick or my fingers?
A: You can play it with either a pick or your fingers! Many people start with a pick for strumming, and then explore fingerstyle playing later.
Q: What kind of strings come on entry-level guitars?
A: Most entry-level guitars come with steel strings. These produce a bright sound and are good for strumming.
Q: How do I maintain my acoustic-electric guitar?
A: Keep it clean and dry. Wipe it down after playing. Store it in a case when you’re not using it. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Q: Will I outgrow an entry-level guitar quickly?
A: Not necessarily! Many players start with a good entry-level guitar and play it for a long time. It’s a great tool for learning and developing your skills.
Q: Is it okay to buy a used entry-level acoustic-electric guitar?
A: Yes, buying used can be a great way to save money. Just make sure to inspect it carefully for any damage or issues before buying.
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.