Choosing the best guitar for a beginner can be difficult but the most important things to look at are price, dependability and versatility. In my experience, the Squier Stratocaster is easily the best guitar for beginners.

Manufactured by Fender, the Squier Stratocaster is great value for the money and it can be easily found in a local music store or online for under $230. A new guitar learner doesn’t require an expensive guitar to start with and you can always purchase a another guitar once your skills require it.

One of the things I like most about the Squier is how durable it is. The Fender name means that that your guitar should last as long as you take care of it with few problems. For instance, I have heard that the strap buttons can become loose after a couple of months but this is easily solved and the fact that this is the biggest problem the guitar faces with wear is a testament to its durability.

Of course, cost and reliability mean little if the guitar isn’t versatile enough. Beginning guitar players should have a solid guitar on which to try all different genres of music. The Squier Strat gives the beginner all of these options and although it is unable to match the thrills of more advanced guitars, it gives beginners a solid foundation from which to improve their skills.

When shopping for this guitar, don’t mix up the Squier Stratocaster with the Squier Affinity Strat or the Fender Stratocaster. The Affinity is a much cheaper guitar and it shows while the Fender Stratocaster is the more expensive model ($350). The Squier Stratocaster sits right in the middle and is the best buy for the a new guitarist.

On balance, the Squier Stratocaster is a great guitar for beginners. Its cost, durability and versatility make it the best choice for anyone just starting to learn the guitar. Go to your local music store and try to pick one up. Pair it up with a good guitar course and you will definitely like it.