When people ask me about the best acoustic guitars for beginners, I think back to all the students I’ve seen go from frustrated to completely hooked, just by picking up a guitar with smooth action and rich tone. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn daily practice from a chore into something they actually look forward to. And honestly, choosing the right guitar at the start can make or break that spark.
The Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners | The Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 650+ | |||
 | 94 | 125+ |
Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars for Beginners | Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars for Beginners Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 200+ | |||
 | 92 | 40+ |
Best Classical / Nylon String Guitars for Beginners | Best Classical / Nylon String Guitars for Beginners Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 75+ | |||
 | 92 | 2200+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
These days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by flashy gear videos and influencer roundups on YouTube or TikTok. But in my experience as a guitar teacher and music director, the best acoustic guitar for beginners isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one player might totally discourage another. Things like body size, string feel, tone, even how it looks, all of that matters, especially for someone just getting started.
That’s why I pay close attention to what my students play. If their guitar buzzes, feels stiff, or won’t stay in tune, they’re not going to want to pick it up tomorrow. I’ve even tagged along to music stores just to make sure they walk out with something playable and inspiring. And over the years, I’ve noticed a clear trend: students who start with one of the best beginner acoustic guitars tend to stick with it longer, and have way more fun doing it.
So in this guide, I’ve pulled together my top picks for the best acoustic guitar for beginner players. These include top-rated options in three key categories: acoustic, acoustic-electric, and classical guitars. All are easy to find from major music retailers in the US, so your first guitar is just a few clicks away.
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar – Acoustic Guitars
Yamaha FG800
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.
Pros:
- Excellent value for a beginner guitar
- Good response, sustain, and projection
- Beginner-friendly size and neck shape
- 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.
- 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″
Fender CD-60S V2
The Fender CD-60S V2 Starter Pack hits the mark with its blend of quality, playability, and value.
Pros:
- Complete bundle for beginners
- Warm tone with beautiful balance and projection
- Overall well-built guitar
- 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.
- 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″
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar – Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Guild D-240E
The Guild D-240E stands out as an exceptional acoustic-electric guitar that masterfully fuses classic dreadnought aesthetics with modern enhancements.
Pros:
- Deep bass and brassy highs
- Traditional aesthetics and feel
- Discrete active pickups with good plugged-in tone
- Excellent value for the price
- 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.
- 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
Takamine GY11ME
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.
Pros:
- Your List Here, Paste in Bulk
- 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
- 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
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar – Classical / Nylon String Acoustic Guitars
Kremona Soloist S65C
The Kremona Soloist S65C’s craftsmanship and tonal excellence set it apart, making it a fantastic choice for both aspiring musicians and seasoned players.
Pros:
- Solid red cedar top
- Warm and resonant tone
- Ceramic saddle and nut
- Excellent build quality in its price point
- 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.
- 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″
Yamaha C40II
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.
Pros:
- Tested build quality and reliability
- Good clarity and balanced sound
- Student-friendly playability
- No solid wood component
- Not ideal for non-classical players
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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.
- 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″
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar
Finding the Right Fit
No two players are exactly alike, which is why there’s no such thing as a “perfect” beginner guitar for everyone. Acoustic guitars come in all shapes and styles, and ideally, your first one should feel comfortable in your hands and match the kind of music you want to play. Some folks are drawn to guitars similar to what their favorite artists use, and that’s totally fine, it makes the whole experience feel familiar. Others might want to branch out and start with something like a nylon string classical guitar, which is a great way to expand your technique and ear early on.
I’ve had students start on both steel and nylon string guitars, and the biggest factor in their progress was comfort. If the guitar plays well and sounds good, they’re way more likely to keep picking it up.
What Makes a Beginner Acoustic Easy (or Hard) to Play
Playability is a big deal when it comes to choosing a beginner-friendly guitar. If it feels like a chore to press down the strings or if the neck feels awkward, it’s going to be tough to stay motivated. Here are a few key things I always look out for when helping someone choose their first acoustic.
Action
Action is basically how high the strings sit above the fretboard. If the strings are too high, you’ll need to use more pressure to press them down, which can be painful for new players. Too low, and the strings might buzz. A well-set-up guitar usually has string height around 3/32″ on the low E and 1/16″ on the high E near the nut, with a slight increase around the 12th fret. If it’s much higher than that, like a quarter inch, you’ll either need a setup or a different guitar altogether.
Nut Width
The nut is that little strip at the end of the fretboard near the tuning pegs, and its width affects string spacing. A standard nut width is around 1.69″, which is what most beginner guitars have. It’s a good all-around size, even for smaller hands. Some models, like the Takamine GY11ME, go slightly narrower at 1.67″, which can make chord shapes a bit easier for younger players or folks with shorter fingers.
String Type
Steel strings are common on most acoustics, and they have that bright, punchy tone you hear in folk, pop, and rock. But they can be tough on younger fingers. Nylon strings are much easier to press and have a warmer, softer tone. Classical guitars use nylon strings and are often more forgiving to play, especially for beginners. If you’re unsure which way to go, I always say: try both in a store if you can and see what feels right.
Body Type
Size really matters here. Larger bodies like dreadnoughts or jumbos give you more low-end and volume, but they can be unwieldy for smaller players. On the flip side, compact bodies like parlor or 00-style guitars are super comfy and great for fingerpicking. I tend to recommend smaller body types for beginners because they’re easier to hold and less fatiguing. Personally, I like the feel of a satin finish, it plays fast and smooth, but it won’t protect the wood as well as gloss.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common acoustic body styles from biggest to smallest:
- Jumbo
- Dreadnought
- Slope-Shoulder Dreadnought
- Grand Orchestra
- 000 (Triple-O)
- Classical
- 00
- Parlor
Best Guitars for Players with Small Hands
If you’re dealing with short fingers or smaller hands, the nut width is the first thing to check. As mentioned, most beginner guitars land around 1.69″, which works for most players. But for extra comfort, something closer to 1.67″, like the Takamine GY11ME, can make a noticeable difference.
Also, guitars with a flatter fingerboard radius and compact body styles, like 3/4 size and parlor guitars, can feel easier to manage. Classical guitars do have wider nuts (around 2″), which can be a stretch at first. But that spacing also encourages good technique, and it helps build finger strength and reach in the long run. That’s why I often start students on classical guitars, they’re challenging in a good way.
Acoustic-Electric Guitars for Beginners
Here’s where things get fun: acoustic-electric guitars. These come with built-in pickups and preamps, so you can plug into an amp or sound system when you’re ready to perform. You’ll find plenty of affordable beginner models that already have this feature straight out of the box, and I highly recommend them for fast learners or anyone planning to gig eventually.
Brands like Takamine, Fender, and Martin (like the LX1E) offer solid acoustic-electrics at entry-level prices. They’re great value because they grow with you, you won’t need to buy a second guitar just to play on stage.
What to Expect in Your First Few Weeks
Let’s be real: the first few weeks can feel rough. Your fingers aren’t used to the pressure yet, and without calluses, you’ll probably tap out after 20 minutes. That’s totally normal. Don’t overdo it, play for 30 minutes, then rest 15. Overplaying before your muscles catch up can actually cause strain, so be kind to your hands.
Once you push through that first month, things start to feel easier. Chords make more sense. Your tone improves. And you start building real muscle memory. That’s when it starts to get addictive, in a good way.
Acoustic or Electric Guitar: Which Is Better for Beginners?
This one comes up a lot. Acoustic guitars are more affordable and don’t need an amp, which makes them easier to pick up and play anytime. They’re also great for learning rhythm, strumming, and plucking.
Electric guitars are easier on the fingers, and they’re perfect for lead techniques like bends, slides, and hammer-ons. I’ll often recommend electric if a student already has one at home or if that’s where their musical taste leans. But in most cases, a well-set-up acoustic is the best place to start.
Practicing: What Actually Works
Everyone learns differently, but the key is consistency. Even 15 minutes a day beats a 2-hour cram session once a week. You won’t sound amazing right away, nobody does, but if you keep at it, the progress sneaks up on you.
If you’re teaching yourself, check out beginner books from Hal Leonard or search “Beginner Guitar Lessons” on YouTube. There’s a ton of free, high-quality content out there. The main thing is to stay curious and keep playing.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re curious about tonewoods, scale lengths, or other specs, we’ve got you covered. Head over to our Tips for Acoustic Guitar Buyers guide for a deeper dive into what makes guitars sound and feel the way they do.
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017.
We compiled a list of beginner acoustic guitars with good ratings from US-based retailers within the $500 price range. 83 guitars from various brands were shortlisted, these guitars are 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.
Relevant reviews, ratings, recommendations, and forum discussions were collated. And these data were processed via 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.
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Comments:
21 responses
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An informative and easy-to-follow guide. It covers all the basics that beginners need to know when choosing their first acoustic guitar.
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These guitars dropped off the list in this Dec 2023 Update:
Ibanez AW54
Yamaha FGX800C
Takamine GY11ME – Long Form Expert Review
Cordoba C5 -
We removed the following guitars from the recommended list above when we published the September 2022 Edition:
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The following guitar came off our recommended list above when we published our March 2022 Edition:
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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:
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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 ???
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Epiphone DR 100 – Click here to read more
- Epiphone EL-00 PRO – Click here to read more
- Jasmine S-34C
- Rogue RA-090
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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.
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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.
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I recently purchased an Ibanez SGT130 for my husband for his birthday. How does that compare to the Ibanez AW54 listed above?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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Update: We did rate and rank the Yamaha FS800 in September last year – click here for the details.
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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.
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars
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