Finding the Best Starter Guitar For Adults is easier than you think.
Here’s a look at our favorites, including our top pick the – Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II
Learning to play the guitar as a young person is one thing, but picking it up as an adult is something else entirely. Adults often have less time to practice their new craft, and less disposable income to buy their first instrument and all the other things they will need.
Simply put, if you are learning to play the guitar as an adult, you need to find the best bang for your buck, an instrument that includes everything you need to get started and one that will not break the bank. Each of the five starter guitars on our list is perfect for the first-time adult player, and each has the must-have features every new guitar player needs, including:
- An affordable price
- The right accessories
- A comfortable design
- Sturdy construction
- A rich, resonant sound
Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst
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First up on our list is the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst, arguably one of the best starter guitars on the market today. Every guitar fan knows the name Les Paul, and this exceptional instrument comes with an extensive list of features new players are sure to appreciate.
Among the benefits of bringing the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst home to your studio or practice space are:
- Stunning vintage starburst color
- 700T Humbucker pickups
- Genuine rosewood fretboard
- 24.75 scale
If you are looking for a great starter guitar at an affordable price, you are sure to appreciate the style and beauty of the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar, Vintage Sunburst. With the classic Les Paul name and its long list of features, this one is worthy of consideration.
Jackson JS22-7 Dinky – Satin Black
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The Jackson JS22-7 Dinky – Satin Black is another worthy contender on our list. Easy to play but built to last, this is one guitar that can take you from the practice room to the stage in style.
When you choose the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky – Satin Black, you can enjoy some features typically found on higher-priced instruments. Among this great beginner-friendly guitar’s attributes are:
- Stylish satin black finish
- 16″ radius rosewood fingerboard
- 24 jumbo frets
- 26.5″ scale
- Dual high-output Jackson humbucking pickups
- Seven-string arch-top basswood body
- Easy volume and tone controls
Whether you are new to music or just to the guitar, you will find plenty to love in the Jackson JS22-7 Dinky – Satin Black. With its excellent reviews and its professional-quality features, this instrument undoubtedly should be on your shortlist.
Squier by Fender Affinity Strat HSS Pack
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Next up on the list is the Squier by Fender Affinity Strat HSS Pack, another excellent choice for the new adult guitar player. What sets this guitar apart is its generous list of accessories, and when you buy it, you will have everything you need to start playing.
The Squier by Fender Affinity Strat HSS Pac is also distinguished by its high praises online. It is rare for an instrument to achieve such a high score, but this outstanding guitar does.
In addition to its perfect Amazon.com rating, the Squier by Fender Affinity Strat HSS Pac comes with plenty of accessories, giving the new player everything he or she needs to get started. Just look at this fantastic accessory list.
- Includes Frontman 15G amplifier
- Comes with gig bag
- Includes cable, tuner, strap and extra picks
- Includes instructional DVD and even a polishing cloth
If you are looking for a great instrument you can play right out of the box, the Squier by Fender Affinity Strat HSS Pac could be your perfect learning partner. Whether you are taking formal lessons or learning on your own, you will find a lot to love in the Squier by Fender Affinity Strat HSS Pack.
Fender FA-100 Limited Edition Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pack
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Next up is the Fender FA-100 Limited Edition Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pack, another good choice for the beginning adult player. This exceptional value includes everything you need to get started; just open the box and start playing.
The Fender FA-100 Limited Edition Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pac is also one of the best reviewed on our list. This instrument comes complete with a gig bag, extra strings, tuner, strap and extra picks so that you can start your guitar playing career right away.
In addition to the long list of extras, the Fender FA-100 Limited Edition Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pack also comes with:
- Natural high-gloss finish
- Spruce top with X bracing
- Basswood back and sides
- Maple neck
- 20-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Dreadnought body style
- Natural tone
If you are new to the guitar, you need an instrument that comes with everything you need to get started, and the Fender FA-100 Limited Edition Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pack is such an instrument. With its affordable price and a long list of extras, it is easy to see how this great guitar made our list.
Yamaha Gigmaker Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Package
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Last but certainly not least is the Yamaha Gigmaker Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Package, another package deal that delivers excellent value for the money. Due to the high volume of online praise, it is clear that current players love this instrument.
The Yamaha Gigmaker Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Package comes with an impressive list of extras that you would otherwise have to pay extra for, including a sturdy gig bag, an instructional DVD, guitar strap, tuner, strings and picks. In addition to those extras, you get:
- Spruce top
- Qwik Tune QT-11 tuner w/pitch pipe functionality
- Quality construction
- Rich, resonant sound
- Includes everything you need to start playing; just unbox and go
If you are looking for a great guitar package at a great price, this is one to consider. With a lengthy list of extras and plenty of professional-quality features, it is easy to see why this one made our list of best values.
Takeaways
Finding the perfect guitar is never easy, especially if you are taking up playing later in life. Each of the guitars on our list is a worthy contender for best value, so feel free to pick the one that best meets your needs and budget.

I started Music Store Central with one simple goal, to help answer all the questions that I know other musicians have. I wanted to make buying new instruments and gear for your passion completely effortless.