Buying your first acoustic guitar can be a daunting task, but it does not have to be if you do your homework and you know what you should look out for. It is much easier to do this once you have experience and an idea of the kind of guitars you’re into, but that isn’t the case with beginners. Fortunately, in this Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners Guide, I’ll walk you through the main features and aspects you should consider to before pulling the trigger on your next musical companion.
Purchasing the right guitar as a beginner is crucial. It can be the defining factor between losing interest in the first few months, being motivated and inspired to grow as a musician, and most importantly, having fun throughout the journey. A low-quality instrument will be uncomfortable to play, it will struggle to maintain good tuning stability, and it won’t sound as good as one that is built with a higher quality standard.
Important Aspects to Consider Before Buying a Guitar
Even though we are specifically discussing acoustic guitars, most of what will be discussed here can also be applied to an electric guitar, just in case you aren’t planning to stick exclusively to acoustics.
Whenever I am looking for a new guitar, there are a few aspects that I always weigh carefully. As a beginner guitarist, it isn’t as easy to consider them meticulously because you’re less experienced, but you should try it to the best of your possibilities.
As you try more guitars, you’ll start realizing what strikes a chord with you. What might be a dream guitar for you might be dreadful to play in the eyes of another musician, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that one of you is wrong, it is just a matter of personal taste.
Here are a few things I strongly believe you should consider when prospecting for a beginner’s acoustic guitar.
Price – Not Too Expensive, Not Too Cheap
As a professional musician, I am happier about spending more than $1000 on a guitar than I am about spending $200 on a piece of clothing I don’t care too much about. However, if I were starting a new hobby, I wouldn’t feel amazing about spending that money because it isn’t in my budget.
As a beginner, I’d suggest spending an amount of money you’re comfortable with, and not trying to save as much as possible. It might seem sensible to purchase the cheapest instrument you find while you’re not entirely sure you’ll stick with the guitar long-term, but you might be sealing your fate with that decision.
An extremely cheap acoustic guitar (think around $100 or less) is surely going to be low-quality, in terms of woods, construction methods, quality control, tuning stability, finish, frets, and they tend to leave the factory without being properly set up.
If you invest a bit more (around $250) you can already find decent instruments that won’t be as challenging to play. The finish quality will also be higher, and it will make for a much better experience which might lead you into wanting an even better instrument further down the road.
I wouldn’t say it’s a great decision to spend much more on a premium beginner’s instrument (around $550-$650) unless you can afford it comfortably. In any case, if you do it, you’ll start your musical journey with an instrument that will deliver impressive value, not to mention that it will last you for much longer as you progress as a guitarist.
Comfort – A Guitar Should Feel Easy to Hold
I prioritize comfort above almost anything else when buying a new guitar. If it doesn’t feel good in my lap when I sit down to play, or when I am standing with a strap, I have no real reason to buy it. I have instruments that I can play for hours without feeling discomfort or pain, and you don’t have to invest a huge amount of money to get that kind of comfort.
In the acoustic guitar realm, there are many popular body shapes that have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of looks, sound projection, and comfort. For beginners, I would suggest looking into the Dreadnought shape, and probably steering away from bigger and wider shapes such as the Jumbo.
The Dreadnought sits comfortably in your lap, you can rest your right arm in a way that feels natural for strumming and fingerpicking. It is also one of the most popular guitar body shapes out there. Many world-renowned artists have used it extensively in the studio and on stage, meaning that even though you’re getting a beginner’s guitar, it will still have a similar sound profile to others you’ve already listened to countless times.
Looks – Your Perfect Guitar Will Put a Smile on Your Face
While looks don’t play a part in how your guitar sounds and feels, it is still an important factor to think about. Would you feel inspired to play something you don’t enjoy looking at? My advice is to walk into a guitar shop, glance at the instruments, and see if something catches your eye, then try it. If it doesn’t feel right, go for the next one, and repeat until you find one that you can see yourself playing and owning for a long time.
I’ve entered many music shops with an idea in my mind, and after playing a couple of guitars, I left with a different opinion, or with a different instrument than what I was expecting to buy. The bottom line is that looks aren’t everything, but it is a pleasure to wake up, look at your favorite guitar, and immediately start grinning at how beautiful it is. If you can have both looks and sound, why not?
Overall Tone and Projection – Big Sound, Bigger Inspiration
The tone of your acoustic guitar will be largely influenced by aspects such as the body shape and the tonewoods used in its construction. You should choose an instrument that is suitable for the music genres you like to play or one that has the sonic properties that you’re into. As a beginner, this may be difficult, but you can use the following characteristics as a small guide.
Body Shapes
- Dreadnought: suitable for rock, country, bluegrass, pop, and others. It has a good volume and projection that make it a good choice for people who like strumming and flatpicking. It is widely considered one of the most comfortable body shapes.
- Concert: Slightly smaller than the Dreadnought, a good choice for folk and fingerstyle playing. Players with smaller arms and hands will feel at ease with a Concert guitar, which is also known for its articulate and focused sound. It doesn’t have overwhelming bass, which might be good to sit well in a mix.
- Jumbo: One of the largest body types, it sets itself apart from the other shapes due to its notably loud sound, great projection, and an emphasis on the bass frequencies. It has been widely used in rock and country, especially in a strumming context.
- Parlor: One of the smallest guitar body types (excluding travel guitars), the Parlor has been a favorite of many session players who appreciate its mellow tone with a slight bump in the mid frequencies, allowing it to cut better through a band mix.
Tonewoods
- Mahogany: Known for sounding warm and punchy, mahogany is widely used for the back and sides of many acoustic guitars. Some are built exclusively from this wood, which gives them a very characteristic sound.
- Rosewood: It is used more often on the fingerboard rather than on the body, but some guitars still feature rosewood, which has a rich and complex sound.
- Maple: Maple is one of the most used woods in the guitar industry. It is used for the top very frequently, both on acoustic and electric guitars. It has a bright and focused tone that can balance an otherwise dark-sounding instrument.
- Spruce: Spruce shares many characteristics with maple, due to its bright sound. It is also the choice of many manufacturers for tops, but also for back and sides.
Other Features – Preamp, Tuner, EQ, Etc
Acoustic guitars can sometimes be plugged directly into an amplifier or a PA system. These are called “electro-acoustic guitars”. Even though I largely prefer using a good microphone to get a more accurate and warmer sound from an acoustic, plugging it in can be convenient sometimes.
Most guitars that can be plugged in also feature other useful things such as a built-in tuner, an EQ (generally 3-band with bass, middle, and treble), and a phase inverter, among others. Some manufacturers build the same guitars in acoustic and electro-acoustic versions, so you can save a little money when you know you won’t use the preamp.
Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners – My Favorite Picks to Kickstart Your Musical Journey
The guitars mentioned in this list are aimed at beginner players who aren’t keen on investing a lot of money on their first instrument, but they’re still capable of producing a decent sound, they are comfortable to hold and play for extended periods, and the overall price/quality ratio is better than many other options within a similar price range.
In any case, my advice is to always try the guitar before you buy, as you might be pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised by something you weren’t expecting. Comparing a few of your options side by side with a moderate amount of time is the best way to ensure that you’re going home with the best choice you could make.
Takamine GD20
Main Features
- Dreadnought Body Shape
- Solid Cedar Top, Okoume Back and Sides
- Ovangkol Fingerboard
- Pearloid Dot Inlays
- Mahogany Neck With Satin Finish
- Quartersawn X-Bracing
- 20 Frets
- Synthetic Bone Nut
- Gloss Finish
Pros
- The Dreadnought body shape provides a timeless look and comfort when playing.
- Quartersawn X-bracing allows for more meticulously created braces, optimizing the instrument’s acoustic and structural capabilities.
- Good sound projection and a balanced tone with no overwhelming frequencies.
- Takamine offers consistent quality control and ships its guitars in good condition.
Cons
- No gigbag is included with the guitar.
- The split bridge wouldn’t allow for an easy installation of a piezo pickup.
Taylor Academy 10
Main Features
- Dreadnought Body Shape
- Torrefied Spruce Top
- Layered Walnut Back and Sides
- Maple Neck
- Ebony Fingerboard
- Nubone Nut
- Chrome Closed-Back Taylor Tuners
- Italian Acrylic Dots
- 20 Frets
Pros
- Torrefied wood gives the guitar a more natural and touch-sensitive feel, which will also age better.
- One of the best beginner guitars available on the market today.
- Excellent combination of woods provides a high-quality sound and feel.
- The built-in armrest improves comfort when playing.
- Included softshell case.
Cons
- Expensive for an entry-level guitar
Martin LX1 Little Martin
Main Features
- Modified O-Style Body
- Solid Spruce Top
- Mahogany Pattern HPL Back and Sides
- 23″ Scale
- Durable Rust Birch Laminate Neck
- Modified Low Oval Neck Shape
- Hand-Rubbed Satin Finish
- Modified X Series Crowned Cross Bracing
Pros
- The modified O-style body makes this guitar an excellent choice for beginners, people with small hands, or anyone who wants a smaller guitar for traveling.
- A combination of quality woods and expert craftsmanship produces one of the best beginner guitars in the market.
- The hand-rubbed satin finish looks great, feels smooth, and doesn’t require much maintenance.
- Included gigbag.
Cons
- A little bit pricey for an entry-level guitar, albeit not as expensive as the Taylor Academy.
- Tuning stability isn’t as notable as you’d expect from a guitar in this price range.
Fender Sonoran Mini
Main Features
- Reduced Body Size (perfect for traveling)
- Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back and Sides
- “C”-shaped Nato Neck
- Walnut Fingerboard
- Short Scale Length (24.1″)
- Satin Finish
- Scalloped X-bracing
- NuBone Nut
- Walnut Bridge
Pros
- The small body is comfortable to hold and play, and it fits in many different compartments, making it an excellent traveling companion.
- Vintage looks inspired by Fender acoustic guitars from the ’60s are sure to catch people’s attention.
- The short scale length results in a lower string tension, softening the overall feel of the guitar.
- Included gigbag.
Cons
- The included strings might not be the most adequate choice for a short-scale guitar, but that is easily solvable by replacing them with a lighter set.
Yamaha FG830
Features: The FG series that Yamaha produces is one of the oldest and most popular acoustic guitar lines that was ever made. At one point in time, the FG830 was the most popular guitar in the world
- Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Rosewood back and sides
- Standard dreadnought body
- Die-cast tuners
- Rich overtones
- Improved sustain
- Consistent quality
- Stays in tune
- Comfortable
- Easy and fun to play
- Rosewood bridge
Pros
- Affordable
- Quality projections
- Great guitar for both beginners and intermediate players
- Excellent intonation
- Quality sound with or without pick
- Deep tone
Cons
- Due to setup and intonation being completed by luthiers, you may have to take a trip to your local guitar shop to get hardware tuning
- Questionable sustain
Rich overtones and improved sustain thanks to the rosewood back and sides deliver improved sound through greater ‘depth’.
Seagull S6 Original
Features: The Seagull S6 Original is best known to be the guitar that is one of the best models to learn guitar on.
- Solid cedar top
- Wild cherry back
- Neck is made from silver maple leaf
- Mid-range sound projection
- Standard dreadnought body
- Premium tonewoods
- Semi-gloss finish
- Clean, bright, and warm tone
Pros
- Saddle and nut are from GraphTech
- Has excellent dynamic contrast
- Great for live performances
- Machine pegs ensure that the guitar stays in tune for a good period of time
- Has won a whole list of awards throughout the years
Cons
- This guitar is one of the higher priced
beginner ’s level guitars out on the market
Features: Solid cedar top Wild cherry back and sides Rosewood fingerboard and bridge Tusq nut and compensated saddle Semi-gloss lacquer finish. Winner of several awards, the S6 is perhaps the instrument that best represents the Seagull philosophy.
Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat
Features: The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is actually based on Tim Armstrong’s vintage 60’s acoustic. This is an acoustic-electric guitar, which means that the sound of the acoustic guitar can be projected even more, with the use of an amp. However, it still plays and sounds the same way as a regular acoustic guitar.
- Solid mahogany top
- 4-ply tortoise shell pickguard
- Sides and back are laminated mahogany
- Satin finish
- Scalloped X bracing system strengthens the body
- Maple neck
- Rosewood finger board
- Warm, mellow tone
- Fishman Isys III System
- While the body shape is classified as a dreadnought, the body of the guitar is smaller, which makes it feel more like a classic guitar
Pros
- Tim Armstrong’s signature is on the tuss rod
- Has several unique markings on the guitar
- Still has quality sound projection, even when the guitar is not plugged in
- Comfortable to play
- Balanced tone
- Bass lines have distinction
- Lightweight
Cons
- Very expensive
- Is better for people who plan on performing
- The amp is an extra cost that does not come with the guitar
- You can only use steel strings
- On some guitars, there is a slight buzzing on the G and B string
Armstrong has given his acoustic some modern mojo with pearl acrylic "Hellcat" logos on the third, fifth and seventh frets, with a pair of skulls adorning the twelfth fret.
Bristol by Blueridge BD-16
Features: Named after the city in Tennessee, the Bristol by Blueridge BR-16 is a competitively priced guitar that plays like an intermediate-level acoustic. This guitar is still made and produced in the United States of America, with Blueridge known for producing consistent quality in their guitars.
- Laminated spruce top with a mahogany body and neck
- Offers standards dreadnought body
- Natural high-gloss finish
- Seven-layer pickguard
- Die-cast chrome plated tuning pegs
- Rosewood peghead overlay
- High quality craftsmanship
- Decorative silkscreen design
- Warm tones
- Bright, rich sound
- Plays best with steel strings
- 6-ply body binding
Pros
- Blueridge guitars are still made in America!
- Great to use for country or bluegrass music
- Quality craftsmanship
- Affordable
- Excellent sustain, in comparison to other guitars at same price
Cons
- Dreadnought size makes it difficult for younger children or small people to play on
- It no a pro-quality guitar
- Sound projection does not make this a good guitar to perform with
My Overall Notes
When you’re looking to purchase your first acoustic guitar, make sure that you really take your time and consider all of the options that the guitar offers. After all, choosing the right guitar can be a painstaking process. Today’s guitar market is flooded with quality
Read our articles, watch videos, and speak with a few experienced players! Playing acoustic guitar is a wonderful experience and it certainly can be one that is life changing.
Before going out and investing in a guitar, make sure that you are passionate about playing. If you end up hating the instrument from the first day you pick it up, you will just turn out to be incredibly frustrated, and end up never picking it up again!
Once you finally have your guitar, all of the fun that comes with learning the instrument can start! Make sure that you check out our page for tips and tricks on playing!
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