Skip to content

Beginner Friendly DIY Guitar Kits

If you have never built a guitar before, start here. Our beginner guitar kits are selected for straightforward construction, simple wiring, and forgiving assembly that does not require prior woodworking experience.

Every beginner kit uses bolt-on neck construction, which is the easiest joint type to get right. You align the neck in the pocket, drill pilot holes, and drive four screws. The body and neck come pre-shaped, so there is no carving or major woodwork involved. Your main tasks are sanding, finishing, and wiring the electronics.

These kits include everything: body, neck, tuners, bridge, pickups, pots, switch, jack, strings, and all the mounting hardware. The only things you need to supply are basic tools (screwdrivers, soldering iron, sandpaper) and your choice of finish.

Building your first guitar kit typically takes a weekend for the assembly and wiring, plus additional time for finishing depending on the method you choose. Oil finishes can be done in a day. Spray finishes take longer with drying and sanding between coats. Either way, you end up with a playable instrument and a solid understanding of how guitars work.

Filters

ST Zebrawood Guitar Kit with Bolt-on neck, White Pickguard
ST Zebrawood Guitar Kit with Bolt-on neck, White Pickguard - Guitar Kit World ✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

ST Zebrawood Guitar Kit with Bolt-on neck, White Pickguard

$259.99 USD
$259.99 USD - $259.99 USD
$259.99 USD
$179.99 USD
$179.99 USD - $179.99 USD
$179.99 USD
Build Skill 2/10 — Beginner

Beginner-friendly ST-style solid zebrawood body guitar kit with a bolt-on neck and white pickguard. Specifications Hand Orientation: Righ...

View full details
ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, 21-Fret Maple Neck - Guitar Kit World
ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, 21-Fret Maple Neck - Guitar Kit World ✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, 21-Fret Maple Neck

$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$179.99 USD
$179.99 USD - $179.99 USD
$179.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own ST-style electric guitar with this high-quality DIY guitar kit, designed for smooth playability and classic tone. Featuring a solid ...

View full details
Basswood ST style guitar kit with Maple Neck and Fretboard, Chrome Hardware
Basswood ST style guitar kit with Maple Neck and Fretboard, Chrome Hardware ⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Basswood ST style guitar kit with Maple Neck and Fretboard, Chrome Hardware

$249.99 USD
$249.99 USD - $249.99 USD
$249.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 2/10 — Beginner

Build your own Basswood ST style guitar with Maple Neck and Fretboard, Chrome Hardware. You can find ST-style guitar building instructions here: ...

View full details
Basswood TE Guitar Kit w/ Maple Neck, Chrome Hardware
Basswood Te Guitar Kit W/ Maple Neck Chrome Hardware ⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Basswood TE Guitar Kit w/ Maple Neck, Chrome Hardware

$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 2/10 — Beginner

The TE Style DIY Guitar Kit with a basswood body is one of the most recommended kits for beginners and seasoned builders alike. Known for its class...

View full details
Doublecut Junior Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body and Neck - Guitar Kit World
Doublecut Junior Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body and Neck - Guitar Kit World
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Doublecut Junior Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body and Neck

$219.99 USD
$219.99 USD - $219.99 USD
$219.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Designed for easy construction, this solid mahogany body guitar kit features a double-cutaway design, bolt-on mahogany neck, and blues-style headst...

View full details
Mahogany TE Style Guitar Kit with Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard - Guitar Kit World
Mahogany TE Style Guitar Kit with Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard - Guitar Kit World
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany TE Style Guitar Kit with Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard

$249.99 USD
$249.99 USD - $249.99 USD
$249.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own classic TE style electric guitar with this DIY Mahogany Guitar Kit, featuring a solid mahogany body for rich sustain, a smooth Maple...

View full details
Junior Single Cut Guitar Kit with Bolt-On Neck, Black Hardware - Guitar Kit World
Junior Single Cut Guitar Kit with Bolt-On Neck, Black Hardware - Guitar Kit World
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Junior Single Cut Guitar Kit with Bolt-On Neck, Black Hardware

$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

If you are building your first electric guitar, this Junior style guitar kit is an ideal starting point. Its bolt on neck construction, uncomplicat...

View full details
Junior Single Cut Guitar Kit with Bolt-On Neck, Chrome Hardware - Guitar Kit World
Junior Single Cut Guitar Kit with Bolt-On Neck, Chrome Hardware - Guitar Kit World
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Junior Single Cut Guitar Kit with Bolt-On Neck, Chrome Hardware

$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Perfect for beginners, this Junior single cut DIY guitar kit offers a straightforward build process with minimal complexity. The bolt on mahogany n...

View full details
Mahogany T-Style Kit With Roasted Maple Fretboard
Mahogany T-Style Kit With Roasted Maple Fretboard
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany T-style Guitar Kit with Roasted Maple Neck and Fretboard

$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Connect with your love for music on a deeper level with our Mahogany T-style Guitar Kit. Handcraft your masterpiece, featuring a Roasted Maple Neck...

View full details
Mahogany ST style guitar kit w/ Mahogany Neck, Chrome Hardware
Mahogany ST style guitar kit w/ Mahogany Neck, Chrome Hardware
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany ST-style guitar kit w/ Mahogany Neck, Chrome Hardware

$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$189.99 USD
$189.99 USD - $189.99 USD
$189.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Do-it-yourself Mahogany body ST-style guitar kit with mahogany neck, chrome hardware and shaped headstock. A perfect kit project for first-time ...

View full details
Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Rosewood Fretboard, Pre-wired Electronics
Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Rosewood Fretboard, Pre-wired Electronics
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Rosewood Fretboard, Pre-wired Electronics

$249.99 USD
$249.99 USD - $249.99 USD
$249.99 USD
$199.99 USD
$199.99 USD - $199.99 USD
$199.99 USD
Build Skill 1/10 — Beginner

Build your own classic single-cutaway guitar with this TE-style DIY kit. The warm mahogany body pairs with a maple neck and engineered rosewood fre...

View full details
Guitar Kit World - ST Style DIY Guitar Kit - Guitar body back view showing wood grain
Guitar Kit World - ST Style DIY Guitar Kit - Complete kit flat lay with body, neck, hardware, and electronics
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany ST Guitar Kit w/ Maple Fretboard, Pre-wired Electronics

$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$199.99 USD
$199.99 USD - $199.99 USD
$199.99 USD
Build Skill 1/10 — Beginner

ST-style DIY guitar kit featuring a warm mahogany body, a maple neck, and a maple fretboard with black dot inlays. This kit includes fully pre-wire...

View full details
Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Mahogany Neck, Ebony Fretboard
Mahogany Te Guitar Kit W/ Neck Ebony Fretboard
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Mahogany Neck, Ebony Fretboard

$249.99 USD
$249.99 USD - $249.99 USD
$249.99 USD
$199.99 USD
$199.99 USD - $199.99 USD
$199.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own guitar with TE style unfinished Guitar Kit, Mahogany Body and Neck engineered Ebony Fretboard, and Chrome Hardware. You can find TE-...

View full details
Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard
Mahogany Te Guitar Kit W/ Maple Neck Rosewood Fretboard
Sold out

Mahogany TE Guitar Kit w/ Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard

$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$199.99 USD
$199.99 USD - $199.99 USD
$199.99 USD
Build Skill 2/10 — Beginner

Right-handed Mahogany body TE guitar kit with Maple Neck and engineered Rosewood Fretboard. Build your own DIY guitar. Specifications Hand O...

View full details
ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, 22-Fret Maple Neck - Guitar Kit World
ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, 22-Fret Maple Neck - Guitar Kit World
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, 22-Fret Maple Neck

$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$199.99 USD
$199.99 USD - $199.99 USD
$199.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own ST-style electric guitar with this high-quality DIY guitar kit, designed for smooth playability and classic tone. Featuring a solid ...

View full details
Left-Hand ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Maple Neck - Guitar Kit World
Left-Hand ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Maple Neck - Guitar Kit World
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🇺🇸 US Only

Left-Hand ST-Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Maple Neck

$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$199.99 USD
$199.99 USD - $199.99 USD
$199.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own left-handed ST-style electric guitar with this high-quality DIY guitar kit, designed for smooth playability and classic tone. Featur...

View full details
Guitar Kit World - LP-style DIY Guitar Kit - Guitar body back view showing control cavity and wood grain
Guitar Kit World - LP-style DIY Guitar Kit - Complete kit flat lay with body, neck, hardware, and electronics
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany LP-style Guitar Kit w/ Maple Fretboard, Pre-wired Electronics

$259.99 USD
$259.99 USD - $259.99 USD
$259.99 USD
$219.99 USD
$219.99 USD - $219.99 USD
$219.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

A beginner-friendly LP-style DIY guitar kit with a mahogany body and classic single-cutaway design. Unlike most LP-style kits, this one features a ...

View full details
F3 Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Rosewood Fretboard, Dot Inlays - Guitar Kit World
F3 Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Rosewood Fretboard, Dot Inlays - Guitar Kit World
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

F3 Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body, Rosewood Fretboard, Dot Inlays

$269.99 USD
$269.99 USD - $269.99 USD
$269.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own offset set-neck guitar with a mahogany body, engineered rosewood fretboard with dot inlays, and dual mini-humbuckers. Features chrom...

View full details
Mahogany TE style body Guitar Kit with Rosewood Fretboard - Guitar Kit World
Mahogany Te Style Body Guitar Kit With Rosewood Fretboard
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany TE style body Guitar Kit with Rosewood Fretboard

$249.99 USD
$249.99 USD - $249.99 USD
$249.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own Mahogany TE-style Guitar kit with Rosewood Fretboard using our DIY Guitar Kits. Specifications Hand Orientation: Righty ...

View full details
Basswood Headless Guitar Kit
Basswood Headless Guitar Kit
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🇺🇸 US Only

Basswood Headless Guitar Kit with Maple Neck

$269.99 USD
$269.99 USD - $269.99 USD
$269.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own Basswood Headless Guitar Kit with Maple Neck using our DIY Guitar Kit. Specifications: Hand Orientation: Righty Neck Joint: Bolt...

View full details
Guitar Kit World - G1-style DIY Guitar Kit - Guitar body back view showing wood grain
Guitar Kit World - G1-style DIY Guitar Kit - Complete kit flat lay with body, neck, hardware, and electronics
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany G1 Guitar Kit w/ Rosewood Fretboard, Pre-wired Electronics

$259.99 USD
$259.99 USD - $259.99 USD
$259.99 USD
$229.99 USD
$229.99 USD - $229.99 USD
$229.99 USD
Build Skill 2/10 — Beginner

G1 DIY guitar kit featuring a mahogany body with a classic double-cutaway design, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard with trapezoid inlays. ...

View full details
Lefty Basswood body KR-style Guitar Kit - Guitar Kit World
Lefty Basswood body KR-style Guitar Kit - Guitar Kit World
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🇺🇸 US Only

Lefty Basswood body KR-style Guitar Kit

$269.99 USD
$269.99 USD - $269.99 USD
$269.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Build your own Lefty Basswood body K-style Guitar Kit with Maple Fretboard using our DIY Guitar Kits. Specifications Hand Orientation: Left-Hand ...

View full details
Mahogany TR Guitar Kit with Bolt On Neck, SSS Pickups, Rosewood Fretboard - Guitar Kit World
Mahogany TR Guitar Kit with Bolt On Neck, SSS Pickups, Rosewood Fretboard - Guitar Kit World
⏲ Pre-Order
Pre-Order
🌍 Worldwide

Mahogany TR Guitar Kit with Bolt On Neck, SSS Pickups, Rosewood Fretboard

$259.99 USD
$259.99 USD - $259.99 USD
$259.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

Built to make your first guitar build achievable, this kit features a bolt on neck, pre mounted electronics, and a solid mahogany body shaped for c...

View full details
Guitar Kit World - TE Semi-Hollow Style DIY Guitar Kit - Guitar body back view showing wood grain
Guitar Kit World - TE Semi-Hollow Style DIY Guitar Kit - Complete kit flat lay with body, neck, hardware, and electronics
✓ In Stock
Ready to Ship
🌍 Worldwide

Basswood TE Semi-Hollow Guitar Kit w/ Maple Fretboard, F-Hole, Black Hardware

$279.99 USD
$279.99 USD - $279.99 USD
$279.99 USD
$239.99 USD
$239.99 USD - $239.99 USD
$239.99 USD
Build Skill 3/10 — Beginner

TE Semi-Hollow DIY guitar kit featuring a basswood body with an f-hole for resonant, airy tone. Paired with a maple neck and maple fretboard with b...

View full details
Neck Joint Type

Bolt-on necks are the easiest to assemble and align, making them ideal for your first build.

Pickup Configuration

Single-pickup or dual-humbucker setups have the simplest wiring, which means fewer chances for mistakes.

Body Shape

S-style and T-style double cutaway bodies are easiest to sand and finish due to their smooth, flowing contours.

Build Guide

Every kit comes with step-by-step instructions covering assembly, wiring, finishing, and setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need woodworking experience to build a guitar kit?

No. Beginner guitar kits come with pre-shaped bodies and necks. You will do sanding, finishing, and assembly, but no cutting, routing, or carving. If you can use a screwdriver and a soldering iron, you can build a guitar kit.

What tools do I need for a beginner guitar kit?

The essentials are sandpaper (220 and 400 grit), a soldering iron with solder, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a set of Allen keys, wire cutters, and your chosen finish. A digital tuner and a set of feeler gauges help with the final setup.

How long does it take to build a beginner guitar kit?

Assembly and wiring take about a weekend (8 to 12 hours spread across two days). Finishing time varies: an oil finish can be done in a day, while a spray lacquer finish may need a week or more for coats and curing. Most beginners complete their first build in one to two weekends.

Related Collections

Helpful Guides

Customer Reviews

5,000+ guitarists served since 2013.

View Reviews →

370+ Video Tutorials

Instructions to DIY your own guitar.

Follow Tutorials →

Inspiring DIY Guitars

Beautiful DIY guitars from the Guitar Kit World community.

Get Inspired →

Have Questions?

Ask our Builder Success Team.


Contact Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to build a kit guitar?

Depending on the type of guitar you buy you may only require tools and materials for finishing the guitar (painting) and soldering.

Screwdrivers, sandpaper and sanding block. Finishing supplies e.g. paint, stain, and clear gloss, ventilation mask, coping saw or jigsaw if shaping the headstock.

With this small list of inexpensive tools, you will be up and running and ready to build your electric guitar in no time.

Recommended reading: Luthier Tools for DIY Guitar Kits.

Does the kit include everything to build a working guitar?

Our stock kits contain all necessary parts (unless stated otherwise on the product page).

How long does it take to complete a guitar kit?

It depends on the choice of finish. For instance, when you paint or stain a guitar you will need the surface to dry and harden (cure). This can take anywhere from 1 week to 3 months depending on your choice of finishing product.

You will find the guitar dries to approximately 90% very quickly but the final 10% takes some time. If you can't wait that long you could try tung oil or wax finish but bear in mind the finish won't be as durable and protect the guitar as effectively.

Do I have to solder the electronics?

Most of our kits require basic soldering. If you're new to it, check out our wiring guide here.

If you don't want to solder, or don't have the tools, our solderless guitar kits use plug-and-play wiring. No iron required.

What finishing options can I use on my guitar?

You can use stain, paint, or oil-based finishes. Learn more about finishing techniques here.

Our advice: use a reference. In most cases, this will be a guitar you particularly like the look of and want to create something similar.

To view the latest DIY guitars from our community follow us on Instagram and visit our Customer Reviews page.

How good will my finished kit guitar sound?

It's defined firstly by the components you use and secondly the workmanship that goes into putting it all together.

Watch the community section of our YouTube channel to learn how kit guitars sound.

More Frequently Asked Questions →

Looking for a Specific Guitar Kit?

Type in a model or style to see what’s available.