Best Baritone Guitars for Beginner 2026
So, you're thinking about a baritone guitar? Excellent choice. They're criminally underrated, offering a seriously different vibe from your standard Fender or Gibson. But diving into baritone territory as a beginner can feel overwhelming - longer scale lengths, heavier builds, and a unique tonal landscape. Let's break down what you need to know to find a baritone that'll be inspiring, not frustrating.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best baritone guitars in 2026 are Harley Benton JA-Baritone BK Bundle (top pick), Harley Benton JA-Baritone BK for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton Baritone-7 SBK w/Bag for pros — selected from 15 options across 4 brands, priced $218–$4,013, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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10/10
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9/10
Harley Benton JA-Baritone BK Bundle
Post-Rock
Alternative
Heavy Rock
Key Feature:
The JA-Baritone BK Bundle is a surprisingly capable instrument for the price. It’s a great entry point into the baritone world, offering a raw, vintage P90 tone that’s perfect for heavier blues, rock, and even some stoner rock styles. If you’re looking for a unique, affordable baritone with a distinct voice, this bundle is worth a serious look.
PROS
- • Purpleheart fretboard offers a unique feel and snappy response.
- • P90 pickups deliver thick, gritty tone ideal for blues/rock.
- • Bolt-on neck provides a tight, responsive feel for aggressive playing.
- • Accessory pack adds immediate playability and value.
CONS
- • Poplar body can be resonant, but lacks the sustain of mahogany.
- • Bolt-on neck might not appeal to players preferring set necks.
- • Limited pickup versatility; P90s are a specific tonal flavor.
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3.5/5
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8/10
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10/10
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9/10
Art. 561131
$244
#2
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton JA-Baritone BK
Alternative
Ambient
Metal
Key Feature:
This JA-Baritone BK is a surprisingly capable baritone guitar offering a vintage P90 vibe at a very affordable price. The shorter scale makes it easier to handle than some longer baritones, and the overall build quality is solid for the money. It's a fantastic option for players exploring heavier tones or wanting a unique, growling sound without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • The P90 pickups deliver a raw, gritty tone perfect for blues and rock.
- • Purpleheart fretboard offers a unique feel and a subtle warmth to the tone.
- • Bolt-on neck construction provides a snappy response and easy playability.
- • Kluson-style tuners offer reliable tuning stability, a nice touch for the price.
CONS
- • Poplar body can be a bit plain sonically, lacking some resonance.
- • Bolt-on neck can feel less 'integrated' compared to set-neck designs.
- • The .014-.068 string gauge might require adjustments for some players.
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
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7/10
Detail:
6/10
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9/10
Art. 528005
$219
#3
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Baritone-7 SBK w/Bag
Alternative
Heavy Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Baritone-7 is a seriously impressive value. The neck-through design and those humbuckers give it a surprisingly powerful and modern voice, perfect for metalheads and progressive players looking for extended range without the premium price tag. It’s a solid platform for experimentation and customization, too.
PROS
- • Canadian maple neck-through construction offers excellent sustain and stability
- • HBZ humbuckers deliver a surprisingly thick, high-output tone
- • Graphite nut minimizes tuning instability and friction
- • Well-executed arched poplar body looks and feels more premium than the price suggests
CONS
- • The matt black finish can show fingerprints easily and require frequent cleaning
- • While versatile, the pickup configuration leans toward heavier rock and metal genres
- • The included gig bag, while functional, lacks the robust protection of a hard case
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3.5/5
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8/10
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10/10
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9/10
Art. 568291
$296
#4
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Baritone-7 SBK
Heavy Rock
Post-Rock
Alternative
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Baritone-7 is a seriously impressive value for the money. It’s built for players exploring extended-range and heavier genres, offering a neck-through design and surprisingly powerful pickups. If you need a baritone 7-string on a budget and appreciate a modern feel, this is a fantastic starting point.
PROS
- • Graphite nut minimizes fret buzz and improves tuning stability significantly.
- • Canadian maple neck-through design offers exceptional sustain and comfortable access.
- • HBZ humbuckers deliver a surprisingly thick, high-output sound suitable for metal.
- • Die-cast locking tuners enable rapid string changes and precise tuning.
CONS
- • Poplar body, while resonant, might lack the premium feel of mahogany or basswood.
- • The 'C' neck profile could be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
- • Limited pickup switching options restrict tonal versatility compared to more expensive guitars.
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 394451
$274
#5
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Squier Tele Custom Baritone BK
by
Squier
Experimental
Post-Rock
Ambient
Key Feature:
This Squier Baritone Tele is a seriously cool option for players wanting extended range without the premium price tag. The neck feels great, and those single-coils deliver that classic Tele bite, just deeper and heavier. It's a fantastic platform for heavier rock, blues, or even some modern genres where a low-tuned growl is needed.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- • C-shaped neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.
- • Fender-designed AlNiCo single coils deliver classic Tele twang with surprising output.
- • Strings-through-body design enhances sustain and tuning stability.
CONS
- • Nyatoh body, while good, isn't as tonally refined as Ash or Alder.
- • Limited pickup options restrict tonal versatility beyond classic Tele sounds.
- • The stock string gauge (.014-.068) might feel a bit heavy for some players.
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 536123
$461
#6
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3.8/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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8/10
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9/10
Harley Benton Agufish Standard STD BT BK
Alternative
Post-Rock
Heavy Rock
Key Feature:
This Agufish Standard BT is a seriously impressive baritone guitar for the price. The roasted neck and Roswell pickups are the real standouts, offering a surprisingly refined and powerful tone. It's perfect for players exploring lower tunings and heavier genres, or anyone wanting a unique and well-built instrument without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Roasted Canadian maple neck provides exceptional stability and smooth playability.
- • Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone, surprisingly versatile.
- • Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a luxurious feel and excellent note definition.
- • The push/pull coil split adds significant tonal flexibility for varied playing styles.
CONS
- • Nyatoh body, while lightweight, lacks the premium resonance of mahogany or alder.
- • The 'Smooth U' neck profile may not suit players preferring a thinner or more vintage C shape.
- • Factory tuning to Standard A requires immediate retuning to more common tunings.
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3.8/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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8/10
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9/10
Art. 556839
$549
#7
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4.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
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8/10
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8/10
Harley Benton Agufish Custom Signature BT PB
Ambient
Experimental
Post-Rock
Key Feature:
This Agufish Custom Signature BT PB is a serious contender for players seeking a baritone with a modern edge. Hunter Engel’s signature touches, combined with the roasted maple neck and Roswell pickups, create a surprisingly refined and powerful instrument. It's ideal for rock, metal, and progressive players wanting a unique voice and extended range without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, comfortable feel.
- • Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and powerful tone, versatile for many genres.
- • Macassar ebony fingerboard provides a luxurious feel and excellent note definition.
- • The push/pull coil split dramatically expands tonal options, offering single-coil versatility.
CONS
- • Nyatoh body, while weight-reduced, isn’t as tonally resonant as mahogany.
- • The extended scale length (28in) requires adjustment for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Hardware, while functional, might be an upgrade point for serious players seeking premium feel.
⭐
4.0/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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8/10
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8/10
Art. 563381
$604
#8
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
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9/10
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8/10
Harley Benton Amarok-BT EGNT Quilted Burst
Experimental
Post-Rock
Ambient
Key Feature:
This Amarok-BT is a seriously impressive baritone guitar for the price. The neck-through design and EMG pickups give it a modern, powerful voice while retaining a surprising amount of warmth from the mahogany body. It's perfect for players exploring heavier genres or those wanting a unique, extended-range tonal palette.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides warm, resonant low-end tones.
- • Neck-through construction enhances sustain and upper fret access.
- • EMG Retro Active pickups deliver a powerful, modern high-output sound.
- • Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience.
CONS
- • The extended scale length demands a looser string gauge or adjusted playing style.
- • Mahogany body may make it somewhat heavier than other guitars.
- • Quilted maple veneer, while beautiful, might be a thin layer.
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 479382
$604
#9
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
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9/10
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8/10
Harley Benton Amarok-BT BKRD Quilted Burst
Heavy Rock
Metal
Alternative
Key Feature:
This Amarok-BT is a serious baritone guitar offering a lot of bang for the buck. The neck-through design and EMG pickups give it a modern edge while retaining a warm, classic feel. It's perfect for players exploring heavier genres or wanting a unique, low-tuned voice without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant low-end frequencies.
- • Neck-through construction enhances sustain and upper fret access.
- • EMG Retro Active pickups provide a powerful, articulate, modern tone.
- • Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
CONS
- • The longer scale length may feel unwieldy for players used to shorter scales.
- • Mahogany body can make it a heavier instrument, potentially uncomfortable for some.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to guitars with more complex switching options.
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 479380
$604
#10
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Amarok BT LH BKNT Flame Burst
Alternative
Post-Rock
Metal
Key Feature:
This Amarok BT is a seriously cool baritone – the neck-through design and EMG pickups give it a modern edge while the mahogany body keeps things warm and full. It’s a fantastic option for left-handed players wanting a unique, versatile instrument for heavier styles and dropped tunings, all at a very accessible price point.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant low-end tones.
- • Neck-through construction enhances sustain and upper fret access.
- • EMG Retro Active pickups provide a powerful, modern high-output sound.
- • Macassar ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
CONS
- • The extended scale length demands a looser string gauge and longer fingers.
- • Flame maple veneer can be prone to finish checking with heavy use.
- • Mahogany body may contribute to a slightly heavier overall feel.
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 496248
$615
#11
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3.8/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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9/10
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8/10
Harley Benton Amarok-BT BKNT Flame Burst
Post-Rock
Metal
Experimental
Key Feature:
This Amarok-BT is a serious baritone guitar, built to deliver thick, powerful tones. The neck-through design and EMG pickups really make it shine for heavier genres. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly instrument with a modern feel and a deep, growling voice, this is a compelling option.
PROS
- • Mahogany body and flamed maple top deliver a warm, resonant, and visually striking tone.
- • EMG Retro Active pickups offer high-output, articulate tones suitable for rock and metal.
- • Neck-through construction enhances sustain and provides exceptional upper fret access.
- • Graphite nut resists wear and maintains tuning stability, a premium touch at this price point.
CONS
- • The 27 in scale might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scale lengths.
- • Limited tonal versatility; not ideal for clean, delicate genres like jazz or country.
- • Mahogany bodies can be prone to finish checking with temperature fluctuations.
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3.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
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9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 479377
$604
#12
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Amarok-BT BKNT Flame Bu w/Bag
Heavy Rock
Ambient
Experimental
Key Feature:
This Amarok-BT is a serious baritone guitar offering a surprising amount of quality for the price. The neck-through design and EMG pickups give it a modern edge while the mahogany body provides warmth. It’s a great option for players exploring heavier genres, low-tuned riffing, or needing a unique, extended-range voice.
PROS
- • Mahogany body and flamed maple top deliver a rich, resonant tone with sustain.
- • EMG Retro Active pickups provide a powerful, articulate, and versatile sound.
- • Neck-through construction enhances sustain and offers excellent upper fret access.
- • Graphite nut minimizes friction and improves tuning stability, a premium touch.
CONS
- • The 27” scale might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Mahogany body could make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- • Limited pickup switching options restrict tonal versatility somewhat.
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 558210
$624
#13
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Amarok-BT BKRD Quilted w/Bag
Alternative
Ambient
Heavy Rock
Key Feature:
This Amarok-BT is a seriously cool baritone – the neck-through design and those EMG pickups give it a really solid foundation for heavier genres or just a big, full sound. The quilted maple top looks fantastic, and the build quality is surprisingly good for the price point. It's perfect for players looking for a distinctive, powerful baritone without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany/Quilted maple combo delivers warm, resonant, and articulate tones.
- • EMG Retro Active pickups offer high-output, modern versatility with vintage character.
- • Neck-through construction provides exceptional sustain and comfortable access across the fretboard.
- • Graphite nut resists wear and maintains tuning stability remarkably well.
CONS
- • The 27” scale can feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Mahogany body may contribute to a heavier overall instrument feel.
- • Limited pickup switching options restrict tonal flexibility beyond humbucker sounds.
⭐
3.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 558211
$624
#14
⭐
4.4/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
3/10
LSL Baribone 22 Ice Blue Metallic
by
LSL
Metal
Heavy Rock
Post-Rock
Key Feature:
This LSL Baribone 22 is a seriously well-made instrument, built with quality materials and a fantastic feel. The unique pickup configuration offers a wide range of tones, from thick, warm lows to bright, articulate highs – ideal for modern rock, alternative, and even some funk styles. It’s a premium-priced baritone that delivers serious performance for the discerning player.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • LSL humbucker/single coil combo provides surprising tonal flexibility.
- • Nitrocellulose finish allows for excellent resonance and aging.
- • USA build quality ensures precision and long-term reliability.
CONS
- • The 12” radius fretboard may feel less familiar to modern players.
- • Alder body can be prone to slight resonance issues without proper dampening.
- • The Ice Blue Metallic finish might not appeal to everyone's aesthetic.
⭐
4.4/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 543003
$4,014
#15
⭐
4.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
5/10
Duesenberg Julietta Baritone Catalina Red
by
Duesenberg
Ambient
Metal
Heavy Rock
Key Feature:
This Julietta Baritone is a seriously cool instrument—a real statement piece. The extended scale gives it a unique, deep voice perfect for stoner rock, blues, or anything needing a little extra low-end thump. It’s a premium-priced option, but the build quality and distinctive sound make it worthwhile for players seeking something special.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and warmth.
- • Grand Vintage humbucker provides thick, articulate high-gain tones.
- • Diamond Deluxe tremolo allows for expressive vibrato and subtle pitch bending.
CONS
- • The 28” scale can feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to guitars with more complex control sets.
- • Catalina Red finish, while striking, might not appeal to all tastes.
⭐
4.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 586221
$2,309
How to Choose the Best Baritone Guitars
1
Playability
A longer scale (typically 27" or longer) can make bending a challenge for smaller hands. We're prioritizing guitars with comfortable neck profiles and manageable action - a high fretboard can be brutal. A thinner 'C' shape or a modern 'D' profile are generally more forgiving.
2
Scale Length & Tuning
27" is standard, but some go longer. Lower tunings (B Standard, A Standard, Drop A) are common, and a longer scale helps avoid muddiness. Beginners should stick with 27" and B Standard to start.
3
Body Weight & Balance
Baritones are often built heavier to handle the lower frequencies. This can be fatiguing for extended gigs. We're looking for guitars that are relatively well-balanced and don't feel like you're wrestling with a brick.
4
Pickup Voicing
The low-end thump of a baritone can get boomy quickly. We're favoring pickups with a clear midrange and decent articulation-avoiding overly thick, muddy voicings that obscure the note definition. A single-coil in the bridge can cut through a mix nicely.
5
Hardware Quality
Cheaper baritones often skimp on tuners and bridges. Poor tuning stability makes lower tunings even worse. Decent locking tuners and a solid bridge are non-negotiable for keeping things in tune on stage.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the 'cool factor' first. Focus on playability. A baritone is already a bigger commitment, so don't end up with something that's a pain to hold and play. Solid hardware is key - cheap tuners will fight you at lower tunings, and a flimsy bridge will buzz. Be prepared to spend a little more; baritone guitars are often built with compromises on the budget end.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page ranks 15 baritone guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category.
Position is computed, not curated. Four signals, in order of weight: how completely the manufacturer documents the instrument (number of published specifications), where it sits in the price range, how specific the model designation is — which filters out generic accessories — and whether a product image exists. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
They present a different set of challenges than standard guitars, primarily due to the longer scale length and lower tuning. Bending strings requires more strength, and intonation can be trickier to dial in. But with patience and practice, it's totally manageable.
Everything! Doom metal, stoner rock, blues, jazz, even pop. The low-end rumble adds a unique depth and texture to any genre. Think of it as a sonic foundation.
A baritone guitar is still a guitar - it's tuned lower, but it's still played with a pick or fingers. Bass guitars are typically lower in pitch and have thicker strings, designed for a different role in the band.
Not necessarily, but a full-range amp with good low-end response will help you get the most out of it. A smaller practice amp might struggle to reproduce the low frequencies cleanly; you'll get a muddy mess. A 1x12 or larger combo is a good starting point.
B Standard is the most common and a good starting point. It's low enough to get that baritone vibe without being too extreme. Drop A is even lower, but it's harder to manage as a beginner.
