Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar in All 3 Categories – 2024

acoustic guitar beginner
Acoustic guitar beginner

In the age of Youtube and Tiktok, students are bombarded with generic guitar recommendations. But it’s important to remember that the best beginner acoustic guitar for each student can vary based on factors like age, comfort, finger length, experience, and more. That’s why the recommendations of guitar teachers like myself, can be really helpful.

The Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
The Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
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Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars for Beginners
Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars for Beginners
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Best Classical / Nylon String Guitars for Beginners
Best Classical / Nylon String Guitars for Beginners
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Having the right starting acoustic guitar to learn on makes for a great foundation for students to build their skills on. For this reason, beginners need a guitar that is fun and inviting to play, nice to look at and last but not the least, it has to sound good.

This is the reason why guitar teachers meddle with their students’ guitar choice – we don’t want our students to struggle with quality problems like tuning issues, high string setup, dull sound and more.

If I have time, I even go out of my way to be with my students when they buy guitars. This way, I can help minimize any quality-related frustration. To this day, many of my former students still ask me for guitar-buying advice, along with their friends.

The same principle is applied in this guide. My goal is to utilize my years of playing and teaching experience to help you buy a really good first acoustic guitar. One that is enjoyable and inspiring to play.

Below are my recommendations – nothing less than the top-rated acoustic, acoustic-electric, and classical guitars – all of which I personally consider the best for beginners.

Each guitar I recommend is readily available from major music gear retailers in the US. This way, your first acoustic guitar is literally one click away.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar – Acoustic Guitars

yamaha fg830 6-string acoustic guitar best-acoustic-guitar-for-beginners

Yamaha FG800

Street Price:
$230.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

When Yamaha says it’s designed for students, they mean it, and the FS800 is all about making the learning process easier and more enjoyable.

GEARANK
Incorporating 650+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Excellent value for a beginner guitar
  • Good response, sustain, and projection
  • Beginner-friendly size and neck shape
Cons:
  • Less depth than dreadnoughts
  • Low treble zing

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Yamaha has a well-earned reputation for crafting student-friendly instruments, and the FS800 is a standout example of why they continue to set the standard.

This beginner-friendly acoustic guitar is part of Yamaha’s acclaimed FG/FS series, and it’s a solid choice for anyone who’s starting to learn guitar.

For the price, you get a lot of value, thanks to its premium features like a solid spruce top that allows the top to resonate freely and enhance response. A traditional scalloped X-bracing that improves sustain, and projection.

The FS800’s smaller concert body makes it especially comfortable for younger players or those with a smaller build.

Its slightly shorter scale length also reduces string tension, making it easier on the fingers—ideal for beginners who are still building up their strength and dexterity.

This combination of comfort, quality, and affordability makes the FS800 a popular go-to for new guitarists.

Sound-wise, the FS800’s compact size and shorter scale bring a pleasant emphasis on the mids while maintaining a balanced tone across the spectrum.

This tonal character helps individual notes stand out, making it easier for beginners to hear the nuances in their playing. As your skills grow, you’ll appreciate how the guitar’s tone develops as it ages, revealing more of its tonal depth and complexity.

While it may not deliver the deep low-end thump or shimmering highs of a larger dreadnought, it more than makes up for it with a clear, articulate voice that’s perfect for learning and practice.

Yamaha’s attention to build quality is evident in this guitar, as the FS800 feels sturdy, with a neck profile that’s smooth to the touch and comfortable to play.

It’s the kind of guitar that doesn’t just look and feel good—it’s built to last, making it a dependable choice for years of learning and growth.

For anyone starting out, or even more experienced players looking for a comfortable, affordable acoustic, the FS800 is a solid investment.

Specifications:
  • String Type: Steel
  • Body Shape: Concert
  • Top: Solid Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Nato/Okume
  • Finish: Gloss (Body) Matte (Neck)
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Neck: Nato
  • Neck Profile: Not Specified
  • Fingerboard: Walnut
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.75″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25″
  • Nut Width: 1.69″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

FNDGuitar

*Rating Value

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

fender cd-60s v2 dreadnought acoustic guitar bundle best-acoustic-guitar-for-beginners

Fender CD-60S V2

Street Price:
$230.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Fender CD-60S V2 Starter Pack hits the mark with its blend of quality, playability, and value.

GEARANK
Incorporating 125+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Complete bundle for beginners
  • Warm tone with beautiful balance and projection
  • Overall well-built guitar
Cons:
  • Fender Play has short trial and lacks essential info

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The Fender CD-60S V2 has everything you need to get started and progress with confidence.

At the heart of the pack is the CD-60S dreadnought guitar, featuring a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

The combination of these tonewoods delivers a rich, resonant sound that projects beautifully—perfect for strumming along to your favorite songs and playing solos.

Its dreadnought body shape contributes to the guitar’s bold, full-bodied tone with excellent volume and sustain, qualities that really bring your playing to life.

The comfortable nato neck and smooth walnut fingerboard make fretting chords and notes easy, offering a playing experience that helps beginners build confidence and technique without struggling with the instrument.

What makes this starter pack particularly attractive is the inclusion of some essential accessories: a strap, extra strings, a gig bag, picks, and—importantly—a 3-month subscription to Fender Play.

Fender Play is Fender’s own online learning platform, offering step-by-step video lessons, personalized learning paths, and a supportive community to keep you motivated.

The lessons cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, making it a fantastic resource for players of all levels.

While the included subscription is only a trial, it’s a great way to kickstart your journey, and the platform’s structured approach is ideal for building a solid foundation.

The Fender CD-60S V2 is more than just a beginner guitar. The thoughtfully selected accessories and supportive learning tools bundled with it make it a smart choice for newcomers who want to start learning guitar on the right foot.

Specifications:
  • String Type: Steel
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Laminated Mahogany
  • Finish: Gloss Gloss (Body) Matte (Neck)
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Neck: Nato
  • Neck Profile: Fender® ‘Easy-to-Play’ shape with rolled fretboard edges
  • Fingerboard: Walnut
  • Fingerboard Radius: 12″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 25.3″
  • Scale Length: 25″
  • Nut Width: 1.69″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Haworth Guitars

*Rating Value

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar – Acoustic-Electric Guitars

guild d-240e 6 string acoustic-electric guitar best-acoustic-guitar-for-beginners

Guild D-240E

Gearank Opinion

The Guild D-240E stands out as an exceptional acoustic-electric guitar that masterfully fuses classic dreadnought aesthetics with modern enhancements.

GEARANK
Incorporating 200+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Deep bass and brassy highs
  • Traditional aesthetics and feel
  • Discrete active pickups with good plugged-in tone
  • Excellent value for the price
Cons:
  • Plastic bridge pins
  • Plain in terms of looks and tone

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As soon as you pick the Guild D-240E up, you’ll notice the solid spruce top, complemented by mahogany back and sides, which together create a warm, resonant sound.

This dreadnought’s generous body size means it delivers deep bass tones and bright, brassy highs, making it perfect for everything from soft fingerpicking to powerful strumming.

What I particularly appreciate about the D-240E is how well it handles aggressive playing. It truly excels at projecting sound, a hallmark of traditional dreadnoughts.

Unlike many entry-level guitars that skimp on materials, Guild has opted for mahogany for the body, elevating the overall tonal quality and ensuring you’re not just getting a pretty face but a guitar that can hold its own on stage.

Equipped with the Fishman-designed AP-1 Sonicore pickup system, the D-240E delivers an impressively natural amplified tone.

The discreet soundhole-mounted controls are a thoughtful touch, allowing for easy adjustments without compromising the guitar’s aesthetic with body modifications.

The fast, slim C-shaped mahogany neck provides a modern feel that contrasts beautifully with the guitar’s vintage-inspired design.

This is particularly nice for beginners or those who value playability, making the D-240E easy to navigate.

Every detail has been carefully considered, from the elegant herringbone rosette to the smooth satin finish, reflecting Guild’s commitment to quality craftsmanship.

If you’re in the market for a straightforward, reliable acoustic-electric guitar that’s not only ideal for learning but also ready to hit the stage, the Guild D-240E is a fantastic choice.

It’s a superb option for budget-conscious musicians who don’t want to compromise on sound or quality in their acoustics.

Specifications:
  • String Type: Steel
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Mahogany
  • Finish: Satin Polyurethane
  • Bridge: Pau Ferro
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: C Shape, 20mm (1st Fret), 24mm (9th Fret)
  • Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25.5″
  • Nut Width: 1.69″
  • Electronics: Guild/Fishman GT-1 with Volume and Tone controls

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Ben Coombs

*Rating Value

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

takamine-gy11me-acoustic-electric-parlor-guitar-best-travel-guitar best-acoustic-guitar-for-beginners

Takamine GY11ME

Street Price:
$450.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Takamine GY11ME scratched my parlor guitar itch with its classic appeal, smooth action and bluesy tone, highly recommended if you’re into similar musical styles and guitar aesthetics.

GEARANK
Incorporating 40+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Your List Here, Paste in Bulk
Cons:
  • Your List Here, Paste in Bulk

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I was initially drawn to the GY11ME’s classic aesthetics and its “New Yorker” parlor-style body nicely. After finding out that it doesn’t have a solid top, I became hesitant. But I still gave it a try because, at that time, I had been hunting for a good parlor guitar.

What made me ultimately decide to take it home was its easy playability. It has beginner-friendly neck specs, including a flat fretboard radius, short scale length, and narrow nut width. This makes it ideal for my son, who plays on a short-scale nylon string guitar. So it made perfect sense to get the GY11ME. My son gets a student-friendly acoustic-electric, and I can finally get a nice looking parlor guitar as a beater instrument at home.

Playability is the main edge of the Takamine GY11ME, and it was way easier on the hands than regular-sized acoustics. So much so that I ended up spending more time with it than my other acoustics, which included a dreadnought and an OM Martin. Being compact also makes it more convenient to play; it is easier to pick up and store back on a guitar stand or case.

Its all mahogany construction makes the guitar look more premium than it actually is. I never had any problem with its tuning and intonation; it remains reliable and solid even after getting dings and scratches from years of regular use. More importantly, the GY11ME is much cheaper than similarly sized guitars like the Taylor Academy 10.

While it may not have the fullness and clear sound of bigger acoustics, the GY11ME’s warm tone works nicely for old-school musical styles like blues, gospel, rock, and the like

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: New Yorker Parlor
  • Top: Sapele
  • Back and Sides: Sapele
  • Finish: Natural Satin
  • Bridge: Laurel
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: Soft-C
  • Fingerboard: Laurel
  • Fingerboard Radius: 12″
  • Number of Frets: 21
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 24.8”
  • Nut Width: 1.67″
  • Electronics: Takamine TP-4T

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Gearank

Source

Alexander Briones

*Rating Value

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar – Classical / Nylon String Acoustic Guitars

kremona soloist s65c classical guitar best-acoustic-guitar-for-beginners

Kremona Soloist S65C

Gearank Opinion

The Kremona Soloist S65C’s craftsmanship and tonal excellence set it apart, making it a fantastic choice for both aspiring musicians and seasoned players.

GEARANK
Incorporating 75+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Solid red cedar top
  • Warm and resonant tone
  • Ceramic saddle and nut
  • Excellent build quality in its price point
Cons:
  • Pricy compared to other beginner acoustic guitars
  • Lacks low end depth

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This classical guitar features a solid red cedar top paired with rosewood back and sides. Together this produce a warm, balanced sound that beautifully embodies the classical guitar’s spirit.

I’ve found its tonal clarity and sustain to be remarkable—it’s the kind of instrument that can easily compete with higher-priced, professional-grade guitars.

While I would have liked a bit more low-end punch, the S65C’s focused tone gives it a unique character that I genuinely appreciate.

One of the S65C’s standout features is the intricately designed wooden rosette, which adds an elegant touch to the guitar’s overall aesthetic.

When it comes to playability, the S65C stays true to traditional classical guitar specifications. The neck is wide and flat. This might take some getting used to for younger players or those accustomed to slimmer necks.

However, this design is perfect for classical guitar students, ensuring they start their journey with a proper instrument that enhances their technique.

All in all, the Kremona Soloist S65C is an impressive nylon-string guitar that will surely delight serious students and enthusiasts of classical music.

Specifications:
  • String Type: Nylon String
  • Body Shape: Classical
  • Top: Solid American Red Cedar
  • Back and Sides: Sapele back & sides
  • Finish: Polyurethane
  • Bridge: Indian rosewood
  • Neck: African Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: Not Specified
  • Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Radius: Not Specified
  • Number of Frets: 19
  • Frets to Body: 12
  • Scale Length: 25.6″
  • Nut Width: 2.04″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Reddit

Source

truemeliorist

*Rating Value

90/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

yamaha c40ii classical nylon string guitar best-acoustic-guitar-for-beginners

Yamaha C40II

Street Price:
$170.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Yamaha C40 MkII is a nylon-string guitar that has carved out a special place in the hearts of beginner and classical guitar students alike.

GEARANK
Incorporating 2200+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Tested build quality and reliability
  • Good clarity and balanced sound
  • Student-friendly playability
Cons:
  • No solid wood component
  • Not ideal for non-classical players

We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

On paper, the C40 might not seem particularly remarkable—no solid top and basic aesthetics—but don’t let that fool you.

Its reputation for reliability and longevity is what sets it apart. I’ve personally played my Yamaha C40 for over two decades, and despite some battle scars, it still looks and plays beautifully.

Throughout my classical guitar lessons, it was my trusty companion, easily portable, and never giving me any significant trouble.

With its soft, easy-to-fret nylon strings, the Yamaha C40 MkII is perfect for those just starting their musical journey.

If you’re transitioning from a steel-string acoustic, you’ll notice how much easier it is to play, although the traditional wide nut width might feel a bit spacious if you’re accustomed to slimmer necks.

One of the most striking features of the C40 is its tonal clarity. This is especially valuable for learning various classical guitar techniques, as it offers a balanced mix of bass and treble that can enhance your practice sessions.

Personally, I chose the C40 for my own classical guitar lessons, and it never disappointed me. The clarity it provides makes it an excellent tool for mastering everything from fingerpicking to strumming.

That said, if your musical taste leans toward modern or rock music, you might find the C40 less suitable.

While it can technically handle non-classical pieces, they often don’t translate well. So it’s worth considering your style before making a purchase.

If you’re searching for an authentic classical guitar tone and playability without breaking the bank, the Yamaha C40 MkII is a fantastic choice.

Its legacy is undeniable, making it a favorite among countless guitarists who have started their journey with this reliable instrument.

Specifications:
  • String Type: Nylon String
  • Body Shape: Yamaha CG Shape Classical – a little smaller than a Grand Orchestra
  • Top: Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Locally Sourced Tonewood
  • Finish: Gloss (Body) Matte (Neck)
  • Bridge: Rosewood
  • Neck: Locally Sourced Tonewood
  • Neck Profile: Not Specified
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Radius: Flat
  • Number of Frets: 19
  • Frets to Body: 12
  • Scale Length: 25.56″
  • Nut Width: 2.06″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

YouTube

Source

Mike Paradiso

5 Minute Music

*Rating Value

94/100

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Things to Consider When Buying The Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar

Perfect Fit

Acoustic guitars, like all musical instruments, are meant to bring out the musician’s distinct style. This is the reason why there really is no one guitar to fit everyone perfectly. Rather, there are many different guitar designs to cater to personal styles and expressions.

People will usually gravitate towards beginner guitars that are similar to what their favorite musicians use. So the safest choice is to start out on an instrument that looks and sounds familiar. But this is not a strict rule because some experts will advise beginners to learn non-familiar instruments like a nylon string guitar to expand their sonic and playing palette right at the start.

Things That Make Beginner Acoustic Guitars Easy (Or Hard) To Play

Playability is a very important factor to consider when getting beginner acoustic guitars. Below are the main factors that make a guitar easy or hard to play.

Action

Action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If it’s too high (above the fretboard), the strings are hard to press down. If it’s too low (close to the fretboard), the strings will buzz when you play them. So guitar manufacturers aim to set it at just the right height.

Generally, the thickest string on a guitar should be 3/32 inches away from the fretboard, and the thinnest string should be 1/16 inches away at the nut (the part of the guitar closest to the tuning pegs). The height of the strings at the twelfth fret (which is in the middle of the neck) should be roughly double the height they are at the nut. As long as the string height is somewhat close to the measurements above, you shouldn’t have too many issues. If it’s significantly higher (like ¼”), you’re either going to want to get a set-up or buy a different guitar.

Nut Width

As previously mentioned, a guitar’s nut is what the strings pass through before the fretboard starts. It’s on the end closest to the tuning pegs and has six grooves for the strings to sit in.

Nuts come in different widths. Guitars with wider nuts have the strings spaced farther apart, and the opposite is true for guitars with thinner nuts. The two most common nut widths are 1.69″ and 1.75″. Younger musicians, or those of you with smaller hands, may prefer something even thinner (though they won’t necessarily need it!). Note that classical guitars usually have a wider nut width of about 2″.

String Type

There are two main types of acoustic guitars: steel string and nylon string. Steel strings, which are steel-plated with a bronze alloy, are harder to press down. Younger children (generally under 7) often find it difficult to push these strings down. This is the most familiar configuration and is widely used in a majority of music styles.

Nylon strings are obviously made from nylon, a material that gives them a different sound and makes them significantly easier to push down than steel strings. This is the most common choice for students who want to learn classical guitar music but is in no way limited to that, especially popular artists like Jason Mraz using them. Younger players find these strings much easier to press down.

Body Type

Acoustic guitars come in a variety of body shapes and sizes, and the general idea is that bigger-bodied guitars have more volume and bottom end, making them sound fuller. Smaller-bodied guitars lack low end, which emphasizes the mid and high frequencies, which works great with fingerstyle playing and other similar styles. Big-bodied guitars like the dreadnought can be too big for smaller players, so guitars with compact bodies will be ideal. The type of finish on the body and neck also impacts playing feel and comfort. Personally, I prefer satin finish, but it’s not very good at protecting the wood. Speaking of protection, the body style and size of your guitar will also dictate the gig bag or guitar case you’ll need.

Here we’ve ordered the most commonly found body styles in order of biggest to smallest:

  • Jumbo
  • Dreadnought
  • Slope-Shoulder Dreadnought
  • Grand Orchestra
  • 000
  • Classical
  • 00
  • Parlor

What is the Best Guitar for Short Fingers?

Most of the guitars featured here have 1.69″ nut width, which is a standard specification used by many guitar manufacturers and is known to be good enough even for young players. Still, we have to mention that at 1.67″, the Takamine GY11ME has the narrowest nut width in this list, although it only wins by a tiny fraction.

Guitars with narrow nut widths and flat fingerboard radius are easier for those with short fingers. 3/4 size guitars and parlor guitars usually fall into this category, but not always. Classical guitars (and nylon string guitars in general) usually have wide nut widths at around 2″, which may make fretting some chords harder for those with short fingers. But this does not mean that classical guitars are impossible because while it may be hard at first, the wider string spacing opens up the fretting hand better, improving stretching ability and strength. This is the reason why, as a guitar player, I prefer the classical guitar for teaching, and other guitar teachers do the same.

Buying Advice on Acoustic-Electric Guitars

The simple addition of a compact piezo pickup and preamp system can turn your acoustic guitar into a stage-ready instrument. And this added function makes them the best deals to get for serious students of the instrument.

These days, there are many beginner acoustics that come with pickups right out of the box. This is the reason why we added a section that features the best beginner acoustic-electric guitars, so you can take your starter guitar with you on stage. Acoustic-electric guitars are highly recommended for fast learners and serious guitar students, so they won’t have to buy another guitar for their performances when amplification is needed.

Big-name brands are aware of this and have been offering student-friendly guitars with built-in pickups, like the Martin LX1E.

What To Expect During Your First Few Weeks of Playing the Guitar

The first month of guitar playing is going to be the hardest. The reason for this is that when you start playing, you don’t have any calluses, so playing your guitar for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a stretch is going to hurt the tips of your fingers. However, if you stick with it, by the time you’ve been playing for three or four months, you’ll have a few good calluses built up.

Your main concern should be overplaying. We know it’s tempting, especially when you first get your guitar, to play for long periods of time. However, if you do this before you’ve built up the proper musculature, you can actually cause permanent damage to your body. So when you’re just starting, take a 15-minute break for every 30 minutes you play. You can extend these times when you’ve been playing for a longer period of time, though make an effort not to exceed two hours in one sitting.

Which is better for beginners, Acoustic or Electric Guitar?

Both have their merits. The electric guitar has thinner strings that make it easier on the fretting hand. It is ideal for learning bending, slides, hammer-on, and other intermediate to advanced-level techniques. On the other hand, an acoustic guitar is perfect for learning basics like strumming and plucking.

The main reason I normally recommend acoustics is its affordable price. Acoustic guitars are usually cheaper and do not require extra expense for an amp. This also makes it easier to just grab and play.

There are times when I do recommend electric guitar, like when a student has already learned the basics on a borrowed instrument or when he has a strong preference for electric guitar.

Tips on Practicing

Everyone learns differently, so it’s hard to suggest a one-size-fits-all approach to practicing the guitar. With that being said, the most important thing to remember is that learning the guitar is a process. No one is awesome at playing an instrument when they first start. In fact, most musicians struggle for a while before they really start learning. So, even though it may be difficult, just keep working at it.

Also, if you’re not going to invest in guitar lessons, most musicians have a pretty good experience with Hal Leonard books. The company also publishes books on different styles for more advanced musicians. There are also a ton of great YouTubers creating lessons. Literally, all you have to do to find them is type “Beginner Guitar Lessons” in YouTube’s search bar, and you’ll find what you need to get started.

Advanced Topics

We didn’t want to include a lot of additional information that could be confusing for beginners and which isn’t necessary for anyone just starting out. However, if you’d like to read more advanced information about things such as Tonewoods, Scale Lengths, or Acoustic-Electric Guitars, then please read Tips for Acoustic Guitar Buyers.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Selection Methodology

The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on October 16, 2024.

We compiled a list of beginner acoustic guitars with good ratings from US-based retailers within the $500 price range. We ended up with 83 guitars from various brands, ensuring they were available from major online retailers in the USA. We focused on models with suitable nut widths, scale lengths, body types, and string types to provide a nice playability for beginners.

We then collated reviews, ratings, recommendations, and forum discussions about each guitar and processed the data with the Gearank algorithm to produce a rating score out of 100 for each model. We analyzed over 35,000 sources during this process. Finally, we selected the highest-rated options in each category: regular acoustic, acoustic-electric, nylon/classical guitars. For more information about our methods, please read “How Gearank Works“.

About the Author and Contributors

Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.

Lead Author & Researcher

My first acoustic guitar was an Ovation knock-off that had ridiculously high unplayable action. It was not until a few years later, when I was given a Yamaha C40, that I actually started enjoying playing. After having gone through this frustration, I’ve made it my personal mission to prevent other students from suffering the same fate.

Contributors

Jerome Arcon: Product research.
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.

Media / Image Credit

Main/Top Image: based on a stock photograph in the public domain.

The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.

Image Credit: The individual product images were sourced from their respective manufacturers’ websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation.

Comments:

20 responses

  1. Alexander Briones

    These guitars dropped off the list in this Dec 2023 Update:
    Ibanez AW54
    Yamaha FGX800C
    Takamine GY11ME – Long Form Expert Review
    Cordoba C5

  2. Jason Horton

    We removed the following guitars from the recommended list above when we published the September 2022 Edition:

  3. Jason Horton

    The following guitar came off our recommended list above when we published our March 2022 Edition:

  4. Jason Horton

    Publication of our July 2021 Edition resulted in the following guitars coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:

  5. Sam

    Thank you, this really helped a lot. My son wants to start playing and I had no idea where to start. I now feel Confident that I will be making the right purchase for him. Now all I need is ear plugs ???

  6. Steven Dorman

    I am learning to play guitar and the only chord I am having trouble with is C. Having short large fingers means that the G string does not ring clear. Should I look for a guitar with a larger nut or switch to Nylon. Both have been recommended to me by guitar players.

    1. Jason Horton

      Larger nut widths, which is what nylon string guitars tend to have, are easier to play with thicker fingers, so I agree with the advice you have received.

      Maybe you could go into a large guitar shop and try a few different options to see what feels best for you.

  7. Jason Horton

    As a result of our September 2020 update the following came off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:

  8. Dan

    I am also a senior person considering learning how to play the guitar for the first time. There is a small music store in my neighborhood that I am planning on purchasing my guitar. The store only carries two companies and Teton Guitars is the larger of the two. My question is do you recommend Teton Guitars? How do they compare to the companies/models you recommend for beginners. The model suggested by the store is STS10NT. What do you think of this model? Thanks for any recommendations you may have.

    1. Jason Horton

      Teton is a brand that isn’t sold by any of the major online music gear stores so they don’t feature very prominently in our research.

      The handful of ratings and reviews I’ve seen for the brand are good, but we have no rating data on the model you asked about.

      Our recommendations are the ones you see listed above for beginner guitars.

  9. Bri

    I recently purchased an Ibanez SGT130 for my husband for his birthday. How does that compare to the Ibanez AW54 listed above?

  10. dee

    I am a singer and want to learn guitar. I want to sing solos with my guitar do you suggest the Yamaha FS830 or FS800. i know there’s a cost difference, but i prefer to have the better sound for solo. R&B, Soul, Gospel.

    1. Alexander Briones

      The main difference between the two models you mentioned is the wood used for the back and sides, which is laminate okoume for the FS800, and laminate rosewood for the FS830.

      While laminate rosewood will definitely look better, the difference in tone between these two laminate wood is not going to be enough to justify the price increase. And with the FS800 having substantially higher ratings, market response seems to agree with my opinion.

      So, if forced to choose between the two, I’d go for the FS800.

      1. Jason Horton

        In case anyone is interested, here’s a link to the ratings of both the FS800 and FS830.

        The FS800 was also the Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Under $200 as of September 2019 – You can see it here.

  11. Sjguy

    Is there a list of guitars by nut width size available?

    1. Jason Horton

      Interesting question!

      We haven’t created one, but we do list the nut widths of all the guitars above under Specifications in their individual descriptions.

  12. Matt

    Hi. A senior beginner here. I appreciate your advice on guitars for beginners. I am considering some steel-string acoustics from Yamaha, specifically the FS800 series(Concert body type) and The Yamaha FG800 series (Dreadnought body type). I have also come across the Epiphone Hummingbird Artist acoustic, and am interested in that as well. Just wondering if you would have any thoughts on any or all of the above. Thanks very much for your time. Matt

    1. Alexander Briones

      The Yamaha FG800‘s edge is its solid spruce top, while the Epiphone Hummingbird‘s advantage is its aesthetic appeal. Note that we don’t have data for the FS800, but being from Yamaha, I wouldn’t be surprised to find it doing just as well.

      Although outside the scope of this guide, the guitars you mentioned are reasonably priced and similarly rated. So it’ll mostly boil down to your preference: either you want to go for a solid top with conventional appearance, or a premium looking guitar with laminate top.

      1. Jason Horton

        Update: We did rate and rank the Yamaha FS800 in September last year – click here for the details.

  13. Jason Horton

    We have removed one of the guitars from our recommendations due to a lack of availability but you can still read about it – Fender CD 60 All Mahogany. Another version called the Fender CD 60s is available.

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Acoustic guitar beginner

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20 thoughts on “Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar in All 3 Categories – 2024”

  1. Thank you, this really helped a lot. My son wants to start playing and I had no idea where to start. I now feel Confident that I will be making the right purchase for him. Now all I need is ear plugs ???

  2. I am learning to play guitar and the only chord I am having trouble with is C. Having short large fingers means that the G string does not ring clear. Should I look for a guitar with a larger nut or switch to Nylon. Both have been recommended to me by guitar players.

    1. Larger nut widths, which is what nylon string guitars tend to have, are easier to play with thicker fingers, so I agree with the advice you have received.

      Maybe you could go into a large guitar shop and try a few different options to see what feels best for you.

  3. I am also a senior person considering learning how to play the guitar for the first time. There is a small music store in my neighborhood that I am planning on purchasing my guitar. The store only carries two companies and Teton Guitars is the larger of the two. My question is do you recommend Teton Guitars? How do they compare to the companies/models you recommend for beginners. The model suggested by the store is STS10NT. What do you think of this model? Thanks for any recommendations you may have.

    1. Teton is a brand that isn’t sold by any of the major online music gear stores so they don’t feature very prominently in our research.

      The handful of ratings and reviews I’ve seen for the brand are good, but we have no rating data on the model you asked about.

      Our recommendations are the ones you see listed above for beginner guitars.

  4. I recently purchased an Ibanez SGT130 for my husband for his birthday. How does that compare to the Ibanez AW54 listed above?

  5. I am a singer and want to learn guitar. I want to sing solos with my guitar do you suggest the Yamaha FS830 or FS800. i know there’s a cost difference, but i prefer to have the better sound for solo. R&B, Soul, Gospel.

    1. Alexander Briones

      The main difference between the two models you mentioned is the wood used for the back and sides, which is laminate okoume for the FS800, and laminate rosewood for the FS830.

      While laminate rosewood will definitely look better, the difference in tone between these two laminate wood is not going to be enough to justify the price increase. And with the FS800 having substantially higher ratings, market response seems to agree with my opinion.

      So, if forced to choose between the two, I’d go for the FS800.

    1. Interesting question!

      We haven’t created one, but we do list the nut widths of all the guitars above under Specifications in their individual descriptions.

  6. Hi. A senior beginner here. I appreciate your advice on guitars for beginners. I am considering some steel-string acoustics from Yamaha, specifically the FS800 series(Concert body type) and The Yamaha FG800 series (Dreadnought body type). I have also come across the Epiphone Hummingbird Artist acoustic, and am interested in that as well. Just wondering if you would have any thoughts on any or all of the above. Thanks very much for your time. Matt

    1. Alexander Briones

      The Yamaha FG800‘s edge is its solid spruce top, while the Epiphone Hummingbird‘s advantage is its aesthetic appeal. Note that we don’t have data for the FS800, but being from Yamaha, I wouldn’t be surprised to find it doing just as well.

      Although outside the scope of this guide, the guitars you mentioned are reasonably priced and similarly rated. So it’ll mostly boil down to your preference: either you want to go for a solid top with conventional appearance, or a premium looking guitar with laminate top.

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