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10 Best Guitars For Beginners 2025 in Canada

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Donner DST-100 39 Inch Electric Guitar Beginner Kit Full-Size Solid Body Package HSS Pick Up with All Accessories Amplifier Online Lesson Bag Digital Tuner Capo Strap Extra String Amp Cable Picks

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Neck Profile and Width
String Type and Gauge
Action (String Height)
Neck Profile and Width
The fretwork may require some smoothing as the frets can feel sharp out of the box, but this is a minor fix that improves playability.
String Type and Gauge
Setup adjustments like lowering the action and replacing the stock strings are recommended for optimal comfort and tuning stability.
Action (String Height)
Setup adjustments like lowering the action and replacing the stock strings are recommended for optimal comfort and tuning stability.
Tuning Stability
Setup adjustments like lowering the action and replacing the stock strings are recommended for optimal comfort and tuning stability.

The Donner DST-100 is a solid choice for beginners looking for an electric guitar kit that includes everything to get started. Its poplar body and maple neck with a comfortable 'C' shape make it manageable for smaller hands and long practice sessions. The 39-inch scale and 22 frets offer enough range for learning basic to intermediate chords and solos. The H-S-S pickup setup (two single-coils and one humbucker) is versatile, allowing you to explore a variety of sounds from blues and rock to more modern tones, which is great for beginners wanting to experiment. The included single swing bridge and one-way tremolo add expressive options without being too complex.

The string gauge (.009-.042) is fairly light, making it easier to press down, an important factor for new players. The guitar weighs about 7 kg, which is a bit on the heavier side, so younger players might find it tiring after long sessions. A big plus is the all-in-one package that comes with a portable mini amplifier, tuner, capo, strap, cable, picks, extra strings, and a quality bag, so beginners won’t need to buy extra gear separately. The amp’s headphone output supports silent practice, which is convenient for home use. Some beginners might find the tuning stability a little challenging initially, but the quality tuner included helps with this.

The Donner DST-100 kit delivers a user-friendly experience with good build quality, sound versatility, and valuable accessories, making it well-suited for beginners who want a ready-to-play electric guitar set.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Neck Profile and Width
String Type and Gauge
Action (String Height)
Neck Profile and Width
The fretwork may require some smoothing as the frets can feel sharp out of the box, but this is a minor fix that improves playability.
String Type and Gauge
Setup adjustments like lowering the action and replacing the stock strings are recommended for optimal comfort and tuning stability.
Action (String Height)
Setup adjustments like lowering the action and replacing the stock strings are recommended for optimal comfort and tuning stability.
Tuning Stability
Setup adjustments like lowering the action and replacing the stock strings are recommended for optimal comfort and tuning stability.
#2

Donner Black Acoustic Guitar for Beginner Adults, 41'' 4/4 Steel-String Dreadnought Acoustique Guitare Starter Bundle Set Right Hand, DAG-1B/DAD-160D

Rating
10.0
Neck Profile and Width
String Type and Gauge
Tuning Stability
Neck Profile and Width
The guitar feels comfortable to hold and play, with clear fret markings aiding learning.
String Type and Gauge
Some users experienced string buzzing early on but found customer support responsive and helpful with replacements.
Tuning Stability
Reliable tuning stability thanks to quality strings and hardware enhances the playing experience.

The Donner Black Acoustic Guitar is a great starting point for adult beginners who want a full-size, easy-to-play instrument. It’s a 41-inch steel-string acoustic with a dreadnought body and a cutaway design, making it comfortable to hold and easier to reach higher frets. The spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides produces a warm, clear tone that’s balanced across different notes, which suits various music styles well.

The neck is also mahogany with a fretboard that has 20 frets marked clearly, helping new players learn finger positions more easily. The strings are phosphor bronze, known for a bright yet mellow sound, and the guitar holds its tuning reliably thanks to quality components like the steel hex core strings and well-made nut and saddle. It weighs about 4.36 kg, which is manageable for most adults.

One big plus is the starter kit it comes with—a gig bag, tuner, capo, extra strings, and picks—so you get everything needed without extra purchases. The body material is agathis, commonly used in budget guitars and offering adequate resonance and durability for beginners. Also, some beginner guitars may require string height adjustments to ensure easier playability. This Donner model provides good value and quality for new players looking to learn and enjoy a versatile acoustic guitar with helpful extras included.

Rating
10.0
Neck Profile and Width
String Type and Gauge
Tuning Stability
Neck Profile and Width
The guitar feels comfortable to hold and play, with clear fret markings aiding learning.
String Type and Gauge
Some users experienced string buzzing early on but found customer support responsive and helpful with replacements.
Tuning Stability
Reliable tuning stability thanks to quality strings and hardware enhances the playing experience.
#3

Donner Electric Guitar, DST-152R 39" Electric Guitar Kit HSS Pickup Coil Split, Beginner Set with Amp, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Cable, Picks, Metallic Ice Blue

The Donner DST-152R is a full-size electric guitar designed with beginners in mind, featuring a versatile H-S-S pickup configuration that enables a range of tones from warm humbucker sounds to crisp single-coil styles through its coil-split feature. This tonal variety supports new players in exploring different music styles. The guitar’s body is constructed from poplar wood with a maple top, paired with a comfortable C-shaped maple neck and a laurel fingerboard, which accommodates players with smaller hands. The satin finish and 22 frets enhance playability, while vintage-style tuning machines provide stable tuning, essential for consistent practice sessions.

With a 25.5-inch scale length and nickel-plated strings, the guitar balances playability and tone quality effectively. The included accessories—such as an amplifier, tuner, strap, capo, and picks—make the DST-152R a convenient all-in-one starter kit. Weighing around 6.26 kg (13.8 lbs), it is somewhat heavier than many beginner guitars, which might affect comfort during extended practice, especially for younger players. The tremolo bridge adds playing versatility but may require some setup knowledge, which could present a learning curve for absolute beginners.

This guitar kit suits beginners looking for a quality electric guitar offering tonal variety and useful accessories, while those prioritizing a lighter or simpler instrument might explore other options.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitars For Beginners

Choosing your first guitar is an exciting step in your musical journey. The right guitar can make learning easier and more enjoyable, while the wrong one might make it harder to progress. When picking a beginner guitar, it's important to focus on comfort, playability, and suitability for the style of music you want to play. Understanding the key features will help you make a choice that keeps you motivated and helps you develop good playing habits.
Type (Acoustic vs. Electric)The type of guitar you choose—acoustic or electric—will shape your learning experience. Acoustic guitars produce sound naturally and are great for learning chords and finger strength, while electric guitars are easier to press and can be quieter with headphones. If you love rock or blues, an electric might inspire you more, but if you prefer folk or singer-songwriter styles, an acoustic is a classic choice. Think about the music you want to play and where you'll practice most often to guide your decision.
Body Size and ShapeGuitars come in various body sizes and shapes, which affect comfort and sound. Smaller bodies are easier to hold, especially for younger players or those with smaller hands, while larger bodies produce a fuller sound but can be bulky. Try holding different sizes to see what feels comfortable, as a guitar that fits your body will make practicing much more enjoyable and less tiring.
Neck Profile and WidthThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck, while the width is how wide the neck is at the nut (the top of the fretboard). Thinner necks are easier for small hands, while wider necks can give more space between strings, which some beginners find helpful. If possible, try a few guitars to see which neck feels easiest for your hand to wrap around and move along.
String Type and GaugeGuitars use either steel or nylon strings, and the thickness (gauge) of the strings can vary. Nylon strings are softer and easier on the fingers, making them a good choice for classical or flamenco styles and for those with sensitive fingertips. Steel strings are brighter and louder, common on most acoustic and electric guitars, but can be tougher on new fingers. Lighter gauge strings are easier to press but may sound less full, while heavier gauges are harder to play but offer richer tone. Beginners often start with lighter strings for comfort.
Action (String Height)Action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, as you don't have to press as hard, but if it's too low, you might get buzzing sounds. Higher action can be harder on your fingers but may produce a cleaner sound. For beginners, a guitar with medium to low action is usually best, as it balances comfort and sound quality.
Tuning StabilityTuning stability refers to how well a guitar stays in tune after playing or adjusting the strings. Beginners benefit from a guitar that holds its tuning well, as constant retuning can be frustrating and slow down learning. Look for guitars with good quality tuning pegs and a well-made nut and bridge, as these parts help keep the guitar in tune longer.
WeightThe weight of a guitar can affect how long you can comfortably play, especially for younger players or those with smaller frames. Lighter guitars are easier to hold and practice with for extended periods, while heavier guitars may offer a different sound but can be tiring. Pick a guitar that feels manageable for your body size and strength.

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