Your first guitar should be easy to play, stay in tune, and sound good enough to keep you motivated. The good news: you do not need to spend much. A used beginner guitar for $100-$250 can be just as good as a $500 new one — it has already been broken in.
For electric, the Squier Stratocaster and Yamaha Pacifica are the go-to recommendations. They have slim, comfortable necks, reliable tuning, and versatile sounds. Under $150 used, either is an excellent choice. The Epiphone Les Paul Special and SG Special are great alternatives if you prefer thicker tones.
For acoustic, the Yamaha FG series wins. The FG800 and FG830 are inexpensive, well-built, and forgiving on beginner fingertips. If you want a smaller body, the Yamaha FS800 or Taylor Academy 10 are more comfortable for smaller hands.
One crucial tip: take the guitar to a music store for a professional setup ($40-$60). A setup lowers the string height (action), making the guitar dramatically easier to play. This is the single most important thing you can do for a beginner guitar.
