The Time to Start Playing Guitar is Now!
Searching for the best beginner guitar in 2025? Whether you're strumming your first chord or plugging into an amp for the first time, choosing the right guitar can make or break the experience. At Musicmaker Dublin, we’ve helped thousands of players find the perfect first instrument — and we’ve seen what sticks.
This guide is packed with staff-approved, play-tested, confidence-boosting guitars for beginners. No filler. No fluff. Just great instruments that sound good, feel right, and make you want to play more.
We’ve split it into acoustic and electric picks, with something here for every hand size, budget, and musical style.
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars in 2025
The Musicmaker 4/4 Nylon String guitar
1. Musicmaker MM Linden 4/4 Size Classical Guitar Pack
The all-in-one starter pack.
Perfect for absolute beginners, the MM Classical Pack gives you a nylon-string guitar that’s gentle on the fingers, a bag to carry it, and all the essentials you need to get going. With a comfortable neck and classic body shape, it’s ideal for younger players or anyone new to fretted instruments.
Why we love it: Great value, easy playability, and everything included.
Test the Vintage V440WK Statesboro' Dreadnought at Musicmaker today.
2. Vintage V440WK Statesboro' Dreadnought – Whisky Sour
Bluesy tones. Big body. Bold look.
This dreadnought acoustic has that rich, boxy resonance perfect for strummers, singer-songwriters, and anyone wanting a full, warm tone. The open pore Whisky Sour finish looks as good as it sounds.
Why we love it: A big-sounding guitar at a down-to-earth price, with serious vintage character.
Classic, comfortable, the Crafter HT-200/FS.N Auditorium
3. Crafter HT-200/FS.N Auditorium Acoustic – Natural
Balanced, comfortable, and built to last.
Slightly smaller than a dreadnought, this auditorium-sized acoustic is easier to hold without sacrificing tone. Clear highs, tight lows, and gorgeous build quality — perfect for those wanting a guitar that’ll grow with them.
Why we love it: Feels like a “real” instrument right from day one.
Come check out the Manuel Rodriguez E-62 7/8 Classical at Musicmaker immediately!
4. Manuel Rodriguez E-62 7/8 Classical – Ecología Series
Smaller size, big heart, eco-friendly.
Crafted in Spain, this 7/8-size classical guitar is ideal for smaller players or anyone looking for a compact, sustainable option. Comfortable, lightweight, and beautifully resonant — without hurting the planet.
Why we love it: Ethical, great-sounding, and easier to handle for younger learners.
5. Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor Acoustic
Tiny body, legendary sound.
The Baby Taylor is one of the most loved starter guitars around — and with good reason. Its compact 3/4 size is perfect for travel or younger hands, but the solid spruce top gives it real tonal depth.
Why we love it: Inspires confidence from the first note. Plus, it’s a Taylor.
Best Beginner Electric Guitars in 2025
Oooh yeah, the Jet Guitars JS-300 BL Roasted Maple - Sonic Blue
1. Jet Guitars JS-300 BL Roasted Maple – Sonic Blue
Vintage looks, modern feel.
With its roasted maple neck, vintage-style single coils, and retro Sonic Blue finish, this Jet Strat-style guitar is all about smooth playability and tone variety. Great for indie, pop, funk, and rock.
Why we love it: Roasted neck at this price?! Unreal. Plays like a dream.
The Squier Sonic Stratocaster, Laurel Fingerboard, Ultraviolet
2. Squier Sonic Stratocaster – Ultraviolet
Iconic shape, futuristic finish.
The Squier Sonic Strat keeps it simple — three single coils, comfy neck, and that unmistakable Strat sound. The bold Ultraviolet finish makes it stand out from the crowd while still nailing the essentials.
Why we love it: It’s a Strat. It’s purple. It’s pure fun to play.
Don't miss out on the Epiphone Power Players 3/4 Les Paul at Musicmaker.
3. Epiphone Power Players 3/4 Les Paul – Ice Blue
Short scale. Full style. Legendary shape.
A true Les Paul, scaled down for smaller players or those with little hands. This 3/4-sized electric is more than just cute — it’s got proper pickups, smooth frets, and that iconic Les Paul feel. Even better? It comes with a gig bag, cable, and picks, so you're ready to plug in and rock straight out of the box.
Why we love it: Finally, a smaller electric that doesn’t feel like a toy — and it comes fully equipped to get started.
The Sire Guitars T3 Series Larry Carlton Electric T-style - Dakota Red
4. Sire T3 Larry Carlton Electric – Dakota Red
T-style tone with a pro touch.
Designed with the legendary Larry Carlton, this T-style electric blends smooth playability with killer tone. The rolled edges and satin neck make it beginner-friendly, but don’t be surprised if you keep it for life.
Why we love it: Looks boutique, feels effortless. Serious upgrade potential.
It's like a top end shredder but affordable! The Spira Guitars S-400 MWH Satin White
5. Spira S-400 MWH – Satin White
Modern, minimal, and made to rip.
Spira’s entry-level S-400 is a sleek, satin-finished shredder with high-output pickups and serious attitude. Roasted maple neck, solid build, and a killer tone make this ideal for players diving into rock and metal.
Why we love it: Clean design, big tone, and built to make beginners feel like pros.
Why Buy Your First Guitar at Musicmaker?
We’ve been helping Dublin’s musicians get started since the early ‘80s, and we know what a difference the right first guitar can make. Our staff don’t work on commission. They just care about getting the best instrument into your hands — whether it’s for your first lesson or your first headline slot.
Try them in-store, get expert setup advice, and leave with everything you need to get playing immediately.
Beginner Guitar Buying FAQ – Answered by Musicmaker
Q: What’s the best type of guitar for a beginner – acoustic or electric?
A: It depends on your style and goals. Acoustic guitars are great for singer-songwriters or learning chord shapes, while electrics are easier on the fingers and better for rock, pop or metal. We recommend starting with the style of music you’re most excited to play.
Q: Are 3/4 guitars only for kids?
A: Not at all! 3/4 guitars like the Epiphone Power Players Les Paul or Taylor BT1 are perfect for smaller players, younger learners, or even adults who want a compact, travel-friendly instrument. They offer full sound and comfort — just in a smaller package.
Q: What size guitar should I get as a beginner?
A: Most adults and older teens will do great with a full-size (4/4) guitar. Players under 12 or with smaller hands may prefer a 3/4 or 7/8 size. Our team at Musicmaker can help you try different sizes to see what fits best.
Q: Do beginner guitars need to be set up before playing?
A: Yep — and we take care of that for you. Every guitar sold at Musicmaker is professionally set up so it plays great right out of the box. We adjust the action, check tuning stability, and make sure everything’s ready to go.
Q: What’s included with a beginner guitar?
A: Some options, like the MM Classical Pack, include a gig bag, tuner, strap, and picks. Others are just the guitar, so we’ll help you put together everything you need: amp, cables, gig bag, tuner, and more — all based on your budget.
Q: How much should I spend on a first guitar?
A: Great beginner guitars usually fall in the €150–€500 range. That’s enough to get a reliable instrument that stays in tune, sounds great, and keeps you inspired. Go too cheap, and you’ll often fight against poor playability — and lose motivation.
Q: Can I upgrade later?
A: Definitely. Most of our beginner guitars — especially from brands like Jet, Spira, and Sire — are good enough to carry you well into intermediate playing. But if you ever want to upgrade, trade in, or build a second rig, we’ve got you covered.
TL;DR – Best Beginner Guitars 2025 at Musicmaker
Acoustic Picks:
MM Classical Pack – budget hero
Vintage V440WK – rich dreadnought tone
Crafter HT-200 – comfy, classy, clear
Rodriguez E-62 – eco-conscious classical
Taylor BT1 – compact and inspiring
Electric Picks:
Jet JS-300 – roasted neck goodness
Squier Sonic – Strat shape, bold colour
Epiphone PP Les Paul – short scale, full tone
Sire T3 – premium feel at starter price
Spira S-400 – for rockers ready to roll
Start now, and never look back.
