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10 Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Yamaha FG800 the iconic beginner's acoustic guitar with an authentic sound for adults and teenagers, 4/4 wooden guitar in natural

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Action
Action
A clear ringing tone with no dull frequencies, harmonics are beautiful, and the action is good.

The Yamaha FG800 stands out as an excellent choice for beginners who are exploring the world of acoustic guitars. Its full-size dreadnought body shape provides a robust sound that is ideal for a variety of musical styles, from folk to pop. The solid spruce top is a notable feature, offering enhanced resonance and a richer tone, which is especially valuable for learners who want their music to sound vibrant. The combination of Nato and Okoume wood for the back and sides contributes to the guitar’s balanced sound, a crucial aspect for beginners who are developing their ear for music.

One of the FG800's main strengths is its recently developed scalloped bracing, which improves sound projection and tonal balance. Though it lacks built-in electronics, this might not be a drawback for those who are purely focusing on acoustic play without the need for amplification. The neck width and scale length are standard, providing comfortable playability, which is essential for those new to guitar playing.

However, the guitar's lack of pickup configuration might limit its versatility for those who want to experiment with amplified sound or recording setups. The Nato wood used for the neck and body offers durability, but may not deliver the premium feel of higher-end models. Weighing in at just under 3 kg, the Yamaha FG800 is quite manageable for teenagers and adults alike, making it easy to transport to lessons or casual play sessions. With its classic natural finish and solid construction, it appeals aesthetically to those who appreciate traditional design. The Yamaha FG800 is an iconic choice for beginners due to its quality craftsmanship, excellent playability, and rich sound, despite lacking advanced electronics. It’s a reliable first guitar that will serve as a solid foundation for any aspiring musician.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Action
Action
A clear ringing tone with no dull frequencies, harmonics are beautiful, and the action is good.
#2

Yamaha F310 – Full Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar – Traditional Western Body – Tobacco Brown Sunburst

Rating
9.7
Tonewood
Neck Width
Action
Tonewood
The Yamaha F310 delivers a warm, mellow sound that's both comfortable and impressive for beginners.
Neck Width
Lightweight design combined with a slim neck makes it easier to handle, especially for those just starting out.
Action
Playability is smooth and comfortable, with an action that allows for hours of finger-friendly practice without fatigue.

The Yamaha F310 is a solid choice for beginners looking for a full-size acoustic guitar. It features a traditional Western body shape made from Meranti wood with a spruce top, giving it a warm and balanced sound that's easy on the ears without being overwhelming. The rosewood fretboard and Nato wood neck provide durability and a comfortable feel. Its slim neck and slightly shorter scale length (634mm) make it easier to press the strings, which helps new players build finger strength without discomfort. The guitar uses medium gauge bronze strings, which offer a good balance between tone and playability for beginners.

It doesn't come with built-in electronics, so it's best suited for those who want a purely acoustic experience or don't plan to plug in and amplify their sound right away. The action (string height) is designed to be beginner-friendly, reducing finger fatigue. Yamaha’s reputation for quality tuning machines ensures the guitar stays in tune longer, which is great when you're just starting out. While it lacks some extra features like onboard electronics or a cutaway body shape, the F310’s strong build, clear tone, and comfortable playability make it a trustworthy, affordable option for beginners who want to learn and enjoy acoustic guitar without complications.

Rating
9.7
Tonewood
Neck Width
Action
Tonewood
The Yamaha F310 delivers a warm, mellow sound that's both comfortable and impressive for beginners.
Neck Width
Lightweight design combined with a slim neck makes it easier to handle, especially for those just starting out.
Action
Playability is smooth and comfortable, with an action that allows for hours of finger-friendly practice without fatigue.
#3

Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 DS Acoustic Guitar - Walnut Fretboard - Sunburst, Comes with Free Virtual Lessons

Rating
8.8
Neck Width
Neck Width
The neck is comfortable and fretting is easy, making it a great choice for beginners transitioning from nylon strings.

The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 is an excellent choice for beginners exploring the world of acoustic guitars. Its dreadnought body shape provides a full and balanced sound, which is great for a range of musical styles. The spruce top coupled with mahogany back and sides ensures durability alongside a pleasant tone, a combination often appreciated by both newcomers and seasoned players. This model features a walnut fingerboard, which offers a smooth playing experience, and its slim neck design with rolled fingerboard edges is particularly beginner-friendly, making it easier for newcomers to learn chords and strumming techniques.

Although it doesn’t host built-in electronics, which could be a drawback for those wanting to perform amplified, the CD-60 remains a strong contender for home and casual play. The fixed bridge system and die-cast tuning machines contribute to reliable tuning and stability, essential for those just starting out. The guitar’s action (the height of the strings from the fretboard) is generally set at a level that suits beginners, aiding in playability.

The sunburst finish offers a classic aesthetic appeal, and its relatively lightweight design makes it manageable for extended practice sessions. Additionally, the inclusion of free virtual lessons is a thoughtful touch, providing new players with resources to kick-start their guitar-learning journey. In terms of construction, while the birch top material may not resonate as richly as higher-end tonewoods, it still delivers a decent sound quality for its price range. The combination of quality materials and thoughtful design elements makes the Fender CD-60 a well-rounded choice for anyone at the beginning of their musical path, prioritizing ease of play and comfort above all.

Rating
8.8
Neck Width
Neck Width
The neck is comfortable and fretting is easy, making it a great choice for beginners transitioning from nylon strings.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners

Choosing the right acoustic guitar as a beginner can greatly influence your learning experience and enjoyment. It's important to find a guitar that feels comfortable, sounds good to your ears, and suits your musical interests. Start by considering the type of music you want to play, your physical comfort with the instrument, and the sound quality you desire. Remember, the best guitar for you is one that you will enjoy playing and practicing with regularly.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects both the sound and the comfort of playing. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and parlor. Dreadnoughts are larger and produce a louder, bass-heavy sound, making them great for strumming and playing in groups. Concert and parlor guitars are smaller, offering a more balanced tone and are easier to handle, especially for smaller players or those who prefer fingerpicking. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to hold and suits the style of music you want to play.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences the sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and cedar. Spruce is known for its bright and clear sound, making it versatile for various music styles. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mellow tone, ideal for blues and folk. Cedar provides a softer, warmer sound, often preferred for fingerstyle playing. Consider the sound characteristics you prefer and choose a tonewood that aligns with your musical taste.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a guitar affects playability, especially for beginners. A narrower neck is easier for small hands to navigate, making it suitable for younger players or those with smaller hands. A wider neck provides more space between strings, which can be beneficial for fingerstyle playing. Try different neck widths to see which feels most comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge of the guitar and affects string tension and playability. A shorter scale length results in less string tension, making it easier to press down the strings, which is helpful for beginners. A longer scale length offers more tension, which can produce a brighter sound but may be harder to play. Consider your hand strength and comfort when choosing a scale length.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings down, which is beneficial for beginners as it reduces finger fatigue. However, if the action is too low, it can cause buzzing. Higher action can produce a clearer sound but requires more finger strength. Test different guitars to find an action height that feels comfortable and produces a clean sound without buzzing.
Built-in ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify the sound. This feature is useful if you plan to perform or record music. If you are just starting and focusing on learning, built-in electronics may not be necessary. However, if you foresee needing amplification in the future, consider a guitar with this feature. Decide based on your current and future playing needs.