Best Jazz Guitars for Beginner 2025

Perfect jazz guitars for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Blues For Fusion For R&B For Soul For Smooth Jazz

BRANDS: Ibanez Stanford Godin DAngelico Harley Benton

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red

by Larry Carlton

R&B Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Larry Carlton H7F See Through RedElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 589231

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

by DAngelico

Fusion Soul Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• Often more expensive

DAngelico Excel EXL1 AmberElectric GuitarType: Hollow body with single cutTop: Laminated spruceBack and sides: Flamed...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621799

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst

by DAngelico

Fusion Blues Soul

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea BurstElectric GuitarType: Hollow body with single cutTop: Laminated spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621797

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60

by Stanford

R&B Fusion Smooth Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• Often more expensive

Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 614704

$1,595

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy 75 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Stanford CR Fatboy 75

by Stanford

Fusion R&B Blues

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• May lack brightness for rock

Stanford Fatboy 75Electric GuitarCrossroad seriesBuild: 80 mm full bodyBody: Maple laminatedNeck: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 420762

$1,297

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95

by Stanford

Soul Fusion R&B

Key Feature:

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614695

$1,418

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case

by Harley Benton

Jazz Soul Fusion

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BigTone Trem Vintage...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 404972

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60

by Stanford

Jazz Soul R&B

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614698

$1,595

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Vanguard AV - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Stanford CR Vanguard AV

by Stanford

Fusion Blues R&B

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Warm, smooth humbucker tone

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than solid-body guitars
• Often more expensive

Stanford CR Vanguard AVSemi-Acoustic Guitar with PickupCrossroads SeriesBack & Sides: Maple veneerTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 485104

$1,315

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AF75-JBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez AF75-JBB

by Ibanez

Jazz Smooth Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Feedback prone at high volumes

Ibanez AF75-JBBElectric GuitarType: Hollow bodyBody depth: 70 mmBody: BasswoodNeck: NyatohFingerboard: WalnutAcrylic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 569702

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC

by Godin

Soul Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Warm, smooth humbucker tone
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Less versatile than solid-body guitars

Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OCHollow Body Electric GuitarBody: Canadian wild cherryGlued-in neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588803

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Larry Carlton H7F Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Larry Carlton H7F Black

by Larry Carlton

Fusion Soul R&B

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Great sustain and resonance

✗ CONS

• Often more expensive
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Larry Carlton H7F BlackElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with cutawayBody: MapleTop: MapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 589235

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea

by DAngelico

Fusion Smooth Jazz Soul

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Feedback prone at high volumes
• May lack brightness for rock

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced TeaElectric GuitarStyle: Hollowbody with single cutTop: Spruce laminatedBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585299

$1,744

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95

by Stanford

Soul Blues R&B

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Excellent for clean tones
• Great sustain and resonance

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for rock
• Limited high-gain capabilities

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95Electric GuitarType: ES 175-styleBody: Maple laminatedSet-in neck: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614692

$1,418

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case

by Harley Benton

Smooth Jazz R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for clean tones

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Excellent for clean tones

✗ CONS

• Limited high-gain capabilities
• May lack brightness for rock

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 543751

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced jazz guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Jazz Guitars for Beginner 2025

Larry Carlton H7F See Through Red

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Amber

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea Burst

Stanford CR Fatboy GE 95 Bigsby B60

Stanford CR Fatboy 75

Stanford CR Fatboy Candy Apple Red 95

Harley Benton BigTone Vintage Orange w/Case

Stanford CR Fatboy CAR 95 Bigsby B60

Stanford CR Vanguard AV

Ibanez AF75-JBB

Godin 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC

Larry Carlton H7F Black

DAngelico Excel EXL1 Dark Iced Tea

Stanford CR Fatboy Pelham Blue 95

Harley Benton Custom Line Manhattan-S w/Case

How to Choose the Best Jazz Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying jazz guitars?

How much should I spend on jazz guitars?

Are expensive jazz guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for jazz guitars?

Should I buy jazz guitars online or in-store?

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