The 10 Best Guitars For Beginners

Those who are on a tight budget, but still want to get their hands on a complete package will appreciate the Yamaha Gigmaker Deluxe (around $200). The included DVD teaches students the basic tenets of tuning and maintaining their instruments.

Fans of Clapton and Hendrix will want to start off their careers on a model similar to that used by their heroes, and the Fender Squier Stratocaster Pack (appx. $220) is one of the least expensive options. It includes everything from a solid, portable amplifier to a strap and picks.

The Yamaha FS800 (appx. $200) is a reliable mid-range acoustic that's suitable for new players who are serious about their studies. It doesn't have any pickups or other fancy add-ons, but it's one of the better-sounding options for its price point.

The Fender Acoustic Bundle (around $160) comes with an effective electronic tuner that clips easily onto the headstock, where it reads your strings' vibrations. The comprehensive package is designed to get you playing as quickly as possible.

Those who know they want to start out with an electric that they won't have to replace as soon as they get halfway decent at their craft should look to the Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster (appx. $199). Its pair of pickups provides a wide array of tones.

Many teachers believe that new students should start out on as traditional an instrument as possible, and the Cordoba C3M Classical (appx. $199) is just that. It's a nylon-stringed option with a large body and a thick neck, so mastering it will make playing anything else seem easier.

A full-size instrument can be too much for a young student to handle, making the Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4-Size (about $169) an option to consider. It's aesthetically pleasing, too, with moon phase fret markers and handsome pearloid knobs.

The Jameson Thinline Acoustic Electric (around $100) should work well for those who can't decide whether they want to play plugged in or not. It boasts a convenient cutout to make reaching the top frets much easier, as well as die-cast tuning gears that help prevent slippage.

For children who are still developing their interests, the Best Choice Products Full 41-Inch Acoustic (about $65) is a smart choice. It's cheap enough not to hurt you if they decide to take up martial arts instead, and it offers just enough quality to last if they stick it out.

If you already have a selection of picks, straps, and other accessories, then all you need is the Jasmine S35 Acoustic (around $100), which, although it does not come as a fancy package, is as cost-effective an option as you're likely to find.