Welcome to our best acoustic guitars for beginners guide. In it, we review the latest models from various popular brands, such as Fender, Taylor, Martin, and Gibson. But more importantly, we help you whittle down the massive choice into what’s right for you.
So read on to learn more about the different acoustic guitars available, and with our help, you’ll be strumming away in no time!
Our Beginner Acoustic Guitar Recommendations
Here comes the part you’ve been waiting for, our top picks for best beginner acoustic guitars.
These beginner guitars are great for musicians who are just starting, offering excellent playability and sound quality. Let’s take a look at what each of these guitars have to offer:
1- Tanglewood TWIDN Inscription Series Dreadnought Acoustic
The first acoustic guitar on our list is the Tanglewood TWIDN Inscription Series Dreadnought Acoustic. This model features a mahogany body and an American ebonite fingerboard, providing plenty of sustain and resonance.
The strings are phosphor bronze, which gives them a bright tone that stands out when playing single notes or chords. Its classic dreadnought shape and comfortable neck make it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals.
The TWIDN Inscription Series Dreadnought Acoustic is the perfect blend of A-grade Tibetan spruce and Mahogany to get you that classic acoustic sound. The spacious dreadnought body shape gives you plenty of room for reverberation, resulting in a full-bodied tone rich in the low end and glistening on the top. This exquisite combination of tonewoods allows you to explore numerous genres, techniques, and finesse quickly.
Enjoy a soundscape with warmth and versatility, perfect for those who crave a traditional acoustic experience!
It is designed for maximum playability. Its comfortable neck is perfect for those hard-to-reach chords, while the ebonite fingerboard ensures smoothness and durability. Not only that, but its natural density also prevents warping over time, keeping it stable and reliable.
Additionally, the TWIDN offers vibrant and dynamic sound responses no matter how you play it, gently fingerpick or strum aggressively! All these features combine to make this instrument a true delight to play.
It’s a beautiful guitar that will surely capture your peers’ admiration. Whether you’re playing around the campfire or singing in a small, intimate setting, its balanced tone and loud projection will work well.
PROS
Amazing quality
Great value for money
The sound quality is great.
Cons
You’ll outgrow the instrument
2- Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar
The Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar is a great option for beginners and experienced players, with its solid construction and comfortable shape. Fender CD-60S acoustic guitar, despite its small size, packs many features and a full-bodied sound.
This Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar bundle is the perfect starter kit for any aspiring musician! Everything you need to help start your musical journey has been included: a quality chromatic tuner to make tuning easy, a sturdy gigbag to carry your guitar in, and even a capo for higher tunings. Along with a set of picks to strum and pluck, you also receive a guitar stand, an extra set of strings, polishing cloth, steel slide, strap, and more! All these great accessories come together in one convenient package.
The Fender CD-60S acoustic features a solid spruce top, which allows it to age gracefully and mature in sound. This tonewood is perfect for players who enjoy a wide range of genres and playing styles, providing strong, clear tones with an expansive dynamic range. The top is joined by laminated Mahogany back and side panels for added warmth and resonance, making the guitar resistant to warping from changing climates. This acoustic is the perfect companion whether you enjoy a beach day, camping, or simply playing outdoors.
Pros
Superior sound and durability
Comfortable playing guitar
Enormous acoustic voice with balanced sound
Full acoustic guitar starter pack
Cons
No choice on color
3- Luna Safari Muse Mahogany Travel Guitar
This beginner guitar is a dream come true for acoustic guitarists. Its mahogany body has been carefully chosen to produce a trove of sonic delights, delivering dynamic sound with exceptional resonance and sustain. Each note is vibrant, carrying its unique character as it resonates throughout the room.
Its “C”-shaped profile fits comfortably into your hand, allowing you to play for hours without cramping. You’ll be able to fly up and down the fretboard thanks to the smooth walnut fingerboard, perfect for those blisteringly fast chord progressions.
It’s a great choice for guitarists on the go. The distinct combination of full dreadnought sound and portability makes it an excellent all-in-one instrument. Its compact size makes it ideal for beginners and professionals who need something they can take wherever they go!
Pros
Rich and natural tones
Includes a Luna travel bag at no additional cost
A magnificent all-round guitar at an affordable price point
Cons
It’s available in 3/4 size only
4- Fender FA-115 Acoustic Dreadnought
The Fender FA-115 Acoustic Dreadnought is the perfect choice for those who are looking for classic acoustic sound and durable construction. This instrument features a laminated spruce top and a laminated mahogany body which delivers an unmistakable tone that can be heard on many of our favorite old-school recordings.
It’s an excellent choice for guitarists and music fans, delivering a broad range of dynamics that make it perfect for any style.
With its classic pairing of tonewoods, you can achieve almost any sound to find your unique persona. Its laminated build makes it highly responsive and resilient to different climates, so you can take it wherever your music takes you!
A Fender gig bag, guitar picks, strap, an additional set of strings, and a complimentary 90-day subscription to Fender Play, along with access to hundreds of online lessons, are all included in the package.
Plus, you can trust that Fender’s build won’t warp, so for those who crave a traditional look combined with a big, bold sound, this Fender model has you covered.
Pros
Traditional tone with a responsive nature
Affordable starter pack
Cons
None
5- Martin LX1 Little Martin Guitar
The Martin LX1 Little Martin Guitar is a remarkable combination of portability and tone. This high-quality, beautifully crafted instrument is lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for those who travel frequently or don’t have the space for a full-size guitar.
The high-pressure laminate body offers impressive durability, perfect for gigs and excessive playing. With the incredible tonal qualities of Mahogany at its core, your audience will be stunned by the warmth and richness streaming from this small-scale instrument. On top of the mahogany body, a Sitka spruce top graces this guitar to ensure accuracy and clarity in every chord. This combination creates an expansive dynamic range that captivates your audience with each note.
The Martin LX1 Little Martin Guitar is an exquisite piece of art crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. As you can tell, we love it! From its graceful rosette inlays to its beautiful hand-rubbed finish, this instrument will make a lasting impression on any stage.
Its modified low oval neck allows for comfortable playing while the chrome machine heads ensure a precise tuning experience every time. And with the included padded gig bag, your instrument is sure to stay safe and sound when you’re on the go.
Pros
Durable and high-quality construction
Includes a padded gig bag
Cons
The most expensive guitar on this list
6- Yamaha F310 Acoustic
The Yamaha F310 is an excellent choice for the new guitar player. It has an attractive design, solid construction, and good playability, making it perfect for beginners. The sound of the instrument is warm and rich, the neck is comfortable, and the tuners and intonation are excellent.
This guitar has an ultra-thin lacquer finish, which helps preserve the wood’s natural resonance and vibration. It’s designed to deliver a well-rounded tone, and it has excellent projection and sustain.
The Yamaha F310 Acoustic has a dreadnought body shape, giving it a traditional look. It also helps to produce a loud, commanding acoustic voice. The guitar is perfect for playing solo as well as in an ensemble.
It’s definitely an instrument that packs a punch but won’t break the bank. Featuring time-honored spruce and meranti construction, this guitar produces a low-end that blooms with richness, while the high-end has subtle brightness, perfect for any genre of music or playing style.
It is the perfect tool for budding guitarists, set up and ready to help you find your perfect sound. The Yamaha F310 is big and curvaceous, with a traditional look but modern feel, providing an easy playing action for those just starting.
Pros
Slim and comfortable neck
Superb value for money
Versatile
Cons
Doesn’t sound as dynamic as the F370 below
7- Yamaha F370 Acoustic
The Yamaha F370 Acoustic is a versatile instrument that will stand the test of time. Its classic and distinctive sound is instantly recognizable, with the spruce and nato construction offering a responsive and classy sound. It is loud, defined, and uniformly balanced with a crisp, articulate manner that adds plenty of dynamics. The nato body adds a punchy and warm mid-range, making it perfect for unleashing creativity. It could be the ultimate choice if you’re looking for an instrument with plenty of tonal oomph.
The F370 will stand out in any setting with its traditional dreadnought body shape and full-bodied sound. Its deep and robust tone makes for effortless jamming with fellow musicians or captivating solo performances. The wide range of dynamics allows for great versatility, allowing you to explore your musical creativity.
Whether you prefer a mellow tone or something with more punch, the F370 is guaranteed to give you an impressive and unforgettable sound. If you’re looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar, this one from Yamaha is worth checking out.
PROS
Perfect for new players
Brilliant tone
Cons
None
8- Epiphone DR-212 12-String Acoustic
The Epiphone DR-212 guitar boasts an impressive sound. It has been crafted for a perfect sound. The Mahogany back and sides offer rich, warm tones with plenty of resonance, while the select spruce top gives extra depth and expression. Enjoy thick mids, deep lows, and plenty of bites from its mahogany construction, sparkling highs, wide dynamic range, and a focused sound from its spruce top. Together they create a versatile guitar with an incredible range of tonal possibilities.
The DR-212’s impressive tonewood construction of mahogany neck and body gives it an astounding warmth, resonance, and clarity that responds easily to various playing styles. The smooth pau Ferro fingerboard on the neck provides a vibrant playing experience while offering extra warmth and clarity to the sound.
For guitarists looking for a versatile yet full-bodied sound on a 12 string instrument, the DR-212 is a great choice.
Pros
Comfortable playability
Increased tonal possibilities
Cons
Expensive compared to other 12-string acoustics
9- Yamaha FG800 Acoustic
Experience a full-bodied sound with the Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar. Featuring a nato body and spruce top construction, this guitar generates warm tones that blend perfectly. Scalloped X bracing ensures stability and enhances the punch of each note so that you can easily play any genre. This stunning guitar captivates your ears and gives you a great sound.
Its nato neck, back, and sides offer a smooth feel for your hands, allowing you to reach every fret on the board easily. Walnut fretboard provides added tonal brightness that sustains each note longer for a better-sounding quality.
It’s got die-cast tuners that keep your strings stable, a walnut bridge that keeps your tuning solid, and a strong nut that provides plenty of resonance. Its turtle pickguard and a natural finish make it as beautiful to look at as it is to play. With the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar, you’ll get the confidence-inspiring sound that makes music truly enjoyable.
Pros
Powerful resonance
Exceptional projection and stability
Superbly comfortable
Cons
Strings are not pre-waxed for longevity
10 – Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
This Taylor GS Mini packs a punch! It has a tropical mahogany top and Sapele laminate body, and he more you play this guitar, the richer your tone will become. You can expect a warm, focused sound with plenty of shimmers and sustain.
This compact yet powerful piece is perfect for smaller players, travelers, and anyone who wants to take their sound to the next level. With a scaled-down body size of almost 7/8th of a full-scale guitar, you can enjoy unparalleled comfort, making string bends, fast-paced picking, and chunky chords a breeze. It delivers an expansive, rich acoustic voice that is versatile enough for any genre or style.
The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar includes a gig bag for extra peace of mind. No more worrying about scratching or scraping; enjoy the peace of mind of having your Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar well-protected.
Pros
Climate resilient build
Lightweight
Experience a responsive and classic sound
Specially varnished and finished
Cons
Really quite expensive (but worth it!)
11 – Ibanez V50NJP Dreadnought
Explore the joys of music and bring out your true potential with the Ibanez V50NJP Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar. This quality, affordable guitar allows you to discover classic acoustic sounds full of sweet melodies.
As an adult learner or a parent looking for a great instrument for their teenager, this Ibanez guitar is a great choice. With renowned Ibanez quality and rich tones that belie the price tag, you can explore your musicality in a way that speaks to who you are and what you want to express.
The Ibanez V50NJP Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is the perfect instrument bundle for any aspiring guitarist. This rich-sounding, affordable guitar offers unbeatable playability and comfort. Plus, it has all the essential accessories to start your musical journey! Protect your new pride and joy in the included gig bag, and always stay in tune with the included tuner.
Pros
Affordable acoustic with a classic tone
Spruce build offers a responsive character
Includes must-have accessories
Cons
At some point you’ll probably want to upgrade
12 – PRS SE Parlor 20
Experience the world-class sound of PRS SE Parlor 20; its mahogany body and neck provide a beautiful depth and warmth that amplifies your natural guitar tone. With its Fishman GT1 preamp system, you can shape your sound with dedicated volume and tone controls for an articulate performance full of punch, smooth voicings, and classic sound.
It is the perfect blend of modern and classic looks. The neck is carefully crafted for a wide, fat neck profile that will provide hours of comfortable playing due to its natural shape and feel. On top of the sleek mahogany neck lies a luxurious ebony fretboard which not only enhances the warm nature of the Mahogany but also gives you a smooth sensation as you glide your fingers between the frets. This vintage style is carried through to the headstock with its classic tuners and butterbean buttons.
It comes with a convenient and protective gig bag, making it easy to transport the instrument and its accessories. The PRS SE Gig Bag features a carry handle on the side and two padded shoulder straps on the back to allow you to take other gear with you wherever you go. It will also protect your guitar from scratches and dirt while in transit. Not only that, but the bag has an exterior pocket so you can store all of your accessories like straps, picks, and cables.
Pros
Loads of different, fun colors
Hours of comfortable playing
Keep your guitar protected with a PRS SE gig bag
Cons
It is a bit pricey for some budget players
13 – Roundback Acoustic Guitar
Yes, yes, yes – so we’ve been a little naughty on this one. It’s not strictly an acoustic guitar – it’s an electro-acoustic. But we still think it’s worth adding into the list as a fun instrument to play, that’s really very good value for money.
The Roundback Electro Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music is the perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, delivering top-notch sound quality with minimal effort, featuring a K-2T pickup, two-band EQ, integrated tuner, and an ABS body.
The two-band equalizer lets you fine-tune your tone exactly how you want it, so you can feel confident that you’ll sound great in any environment. A low and high pass cut can boost the mid-frequency, giving you that extra edge when performing through an amplifier.
Plus, the integrated tuner means no more tuning pedals or clip-on tuners, just pure, perfect pitch. Lastly, with the ABS body of this guitar reducing feedback risk, you can play close to your amplifier or monitor and have confidence that your professional performance won’t be interrupted.
The cutaway design provides easy access to the upper frets for those tricky solos, while the spruce top, mahogany neck, and ABS body construction ensure a bright, vibrant tone guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.
The cream 3ply binding complements the black finish for an undeniably stylish look. With this guitar in your bag, you’ll be ready to take on any gig or session.
Pros
Great value for money
Lightweight and feedback resistant
Cons
As it’s so cheap, at some point you’ll want to upgrade
14 – Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar
I know it’s also not strictly an acoustic guitar, but I thought it would be worth adding a nylon string instrument to the list, in the form of a classical guitar.
This Yamaha is designed to be the perfect starter guitar for aspiring musicians. Whether you’re a beginner at the guitar or just looking to upgrade your current instrument, the C40 classical guitar is an ideal choice. It is easier to play due to its softer strings and flatter fretboard, and it also produces a beautiful sound you’ll want to keep playing.
This student Classical Guitar is built tough with laminate tonewoods, so it’s perfect for students who need to commute from lessons. It’s also ideal for young learners who want a guitar to take their classroom adventures in stride. Plus, this instrument delivers the excellent sound quality you’d expect from a classical guitar.
It’s crafted with spruce and merantits, and with reliable construction and smooth sound, it’s no wonder that beginners often choose this classical guitar as their go-to instrument.
Pros
Ultimate blend of affordability and renowned Yamaha quality – fuel your ambition
Play with comfort thanks to finger-friendly nylon strings
Cons
None
Beginner Acoustic Guitar Buyer’s Guide
Hopefully, you’ve seen a guitar above that suits you down to the ground. B ut if you’d like a little more advice about buying guitars, then continue reading:
What size guitar should a beginner use?
Different sizes of guitars can have a significant impact on the player’s comfort and sound. A beginner should look for models with a body size that fits their body type, playing style, and budget.
Can a Guitar be Too Big?
When selecting an acoustic guitar, the size of the instrument is important. Many experts recommend that beginners purchase a ‘full-sized’ guitar. However, some players may find full-size guitars too large and uncomfortable. In this case, smaller-bodied (3/4 or 7/8) guitars may be more suitable for smaller players.
Guitar Type Matters Too
The type of guitar you choose is essential, as some acoustic guitars are better suited for particular musical styles. For example, classical guitars have nylon strings and therefore have a softer sound and are great for playing folk music or mellow jazz.
Steel-string acoustics are more versatile and can handle everything from rock and blues to country and bluegrass. These guitars usually have a brighter sound with more volume and sustain.
Consider getting an archtop guitar if you’re looking for an even brighter tone guitar. These guitars have acoustic characteristics and greater projection and resonance thanks to their unique construction. They also look cool!
Reasons To Go With a 38-Inch Guitar
A 38-inch guitar is a perfect choice for beginners; here are a few reasons why:
- It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle for smaller hands.
- The body of a 38-inch guitar is small enough that you don’t have to stretch your arms too much when playing chords and notes. It makes it ideal for new and still learning how to play.
- It is also great for those who travel a lot, as it can easily fit into any bag or luggage.
- The sound of this guitar is bigger than its size suggests and provides plenty of resonance when playing.
- This guitar is also relatively affordable compared to other acoustic guitars, making it more accessible for beginners.
Reasons To Go With A 41-inch Guitar
A 41-inch guitar is perfect for those looking to get more out of their instrument. Here are a few reasons why:
- The larger size gives it more volume and resonance, making it better suited for live performances.
- The enormous body also provides more sustain when playing chords or notes.
- This guitar is excellent for learning new techniques since it is easier to handle than a smaller guitar and has a wider variety of tones.
- The 41-inch size also allows for greater comfort while playing, making it ideal for those who are just starting or want to improve their skills faster.
- Finally, the larger size gives more space between the strings, making it easier to pick and strum them accurately.
How Do I Know What Guitar Size to Get?
When purchasing an acoustic guitar, size is an important factor to consider. The below sizing is guidance only – your best bet is to simply try out a size and see if it feels comfortable!
4 Year-Olds and Younger
A 1/4 size guitar is ideal for children four or younger. This size guitar will make it easier for smaller hands to manoeuvre the fretboard and reach chords.
5-7-Year-Olds
A 1/2 size guitar is suitable for children 5-7 years old. The smaller size makes it easier to reach the frets while still producing a full sound.
8-12-Year-Olds
8-12 years old will be comfortable with a 3/4 size guitar. This size balances playability and sound while still being suitable for smaller hands.
13 Years and Upwards
For teenagers 13 and above, a full-size guitar (or near full-size) is probably the best option. This size offers the most comfort while playing and producing the fullest sound.
Beginner Adults
In general, adults should choose a full-size guitar. If you are an adult with smaller hands, you may opt for a 3/4 size instead. Generally, Dreadnought-style guitars offer the most volume and projection, while Concert-style guitars produce a warmer, more intimate sound.
How much should you spend on a beginner acoustic?
A good beginner acoustic guitar can range from under £/$100 over 1,000. Of course, the more you spend, the better quality and sound you get out of your guitar. However, if you’re starting, there is no need to break the bank. Many budget guitars offer surprisingly good sound with excellent playability at a much lower cost.
It’s important to remember that acoustic guitars require regular maintenance over their lifetime, so try not to go too cheap if you want your guitar to last for the long haul.
What kind of wood is best for a beginner acoustic guitar?
Wood is one of the most important factors in determining sound quality. We recommend laminated woods such as mahogany, spruce, and maple for beginner instruments. These materials offer a great balance between budget-friendliness and sound quality.
Rosewood
Rosewood is also popular for acoustic guitars and produces a warm, rounded sound. While rosewood is usually more expensive than other woods used to make guitars, it tends to hold up better over time.
Spruce
Spruce is one of the most common woods used in acoustic guitars and offers players a bright, clear sound. Spruce is relatively affordable and pairs well with other tonewoods, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Cedar
Cedarwood provides a warm sound with more resonance, whereas Mahogany gives a brighter tone and is known for its strength and stability. These tonewoods may be worth considering if you want to create a unique sound.
Mahogany
Mahogany is known for its warm and full-bodied sound. It is a popular material for acoustic guitars and has been used for centuries. Mahogany is also known to be a dense and heavy wood, which helps the guitar resonate better and gives it the full-bodied sound people like.
Maple
Maplewood provides a bright and articulate sound and a smooth and warm feel. It is often used for the fretboard, fingerboards, bridges, and headstock veneers of acoustic guitars. Maplewood has excellent durability and can be used to create various handcrafted details on the guitar. Its bright tone projects clearly across a wide range of frequencies, making it an excellent choice for recording. It also has great resonance and sustains, making it a popular choice for solo acoustic performances.
Synthetics
Synthetic guitars are made from composite materials, such as nylon or graphite. In all honesty, as a beginner, I’d advise staying away from these.
Laminated woods are often less expensive than all-wood guitars and offer better durability; however, they may not sound as good.
Do I need a pickup on my beginner acoustic guitar?
It’s a common question for anyone just starting. The short answer is that you don’t need one, but installing one down the line can be helpful. A pickup will allow you to amplify your sound so others can hear it more clearly and project better, which makes practicing with friends or performing live far easier.
Unless you’re talking about acoustic-electric guitars, where you won’t need a pickup as you can just plug it in! If you’d like to see some acoustic-electric guitar options, read our buying guide here.
What else should I know about buying a beginner acoustic guitar?
Some acoustic guitars come with a cutaway in the body, which may make it easier to reach higher notes. This is a personal preference.
Is a dreadnought guitar good for beginners?
Dreadnought acoustic guitars are famous for beginners thanks to their powerful sound and comfortable shape. They’re also usually more affordable than other styles of acoustic guitar. However, they may be too large and heavy for some people’s hands, so it’s essential to try out different types before deciding which one to buy.
Are guitars tuned when you buy them?
Most guitars come tuned to standard tuning (EADGBE). However, checking the tuning before you start playing is a good idea. If necessary, use a digital tuner or an app on your smartphone to tune the strings. It will ensure you get the best sound out of your guitar and make learning easier.
Tuning your beginner acoustic guitar
You need to know how to tune your guitar accurately, otherwise, you won’t be able to play in key with other instruments. Fortunately, there are several good options for tuners available for beginners.
Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from electronic metronomes and clip-on tuners to specialized tuning forks and pitch pipes. Find the one that best suits your needs and practice until you are confident in tuning your guitar quickly and accurately.
If you’re looking for a guitar tuner, then there is nothing better than the Kilq Ubertuner. Simple, small and stylish – it’s totally worth getting.
SUITABLE FOR ALL GUITARS
DESIGNED FOR: All Guitar Players
COMES WITH: Super Bright Display
FEATURES: Fast And Accurate
PROS
Ergonomic shape and easy to attach
Small & Compact
Stylish design
CONS
None!
How we test beginner acoustic guitars
We play them! This is the only real way to test a guitar and write an honest acoustic guitar review. We are a specialist music website, so our job is to be impartial and give you the advice you need to get the best instrument. It does take a while to test every guitar, but it’s hardly a chore!
So what is the best guitar for beginners?
The best beginner acoustic guitar will depend on your playing style and preferences. Consider the size and type of wood used, the sound quality, and how comfortable the guitar is to play. Try out different models at stores or online to find which works best for you.
The above models are all great choices for new players looking to try their first acoustic guitar.
Summary – Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners
The Beginner Acoustic Guitar For Beginners Guide is a resource to help you purchase your first guitar. From body styles and sizes to strings and pickups, the guide provides all of the necessary information for you to make an informed decision when choosing your perfect instrument.
While there are more expensive models available on the market, we feel this guide gives you the basics you need to get started without spending a small fortune.
Good luck in your quest, and remember to drop a comment below, letting us know which choice you went for in the end!