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So you've decided to dive into the world of acoustic guitar playing, huh? Congratulations!
The acoustic guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world, and for a good reason. Its versatility allows it to be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of musical genres.
Moreover, its accessibility makes it perfect for beginner players who can easily get started with just a few basic chord shapes. And let's not forget its timeless sound, which has graced popular music for over a century.
But with so many acoustic guitar options on the market today, where can a beginner find a good starting point? With this list of best acoustic guitars for beginners, that's where.
And we're kicking off the list with our top pick for the best acoustic guitar for beginners: the Alvarez AD-30 Dreadnought guitar.
So, let's get you started on your new musical journey.
Quick Summary of the Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners
- Alvarez AD-30 Dreadnought Guitar (Best Overall Beginner Acoustic)
- Yamaha FS800 Concert Acoustic Guitar (Best Concert Acoustic)
- Recording King Dirty 30s Series 7 Single 0 Acoustic (Best Parlor Acoustic)
- Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top (Best Smaller Scale Acoustic)
- Epiphone Dove Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Most Versatile Option)
- Epiphone DR-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (Best Bargain Acoustic)
- Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar (Best Budget Acoustic Guitar)
Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners
1. Best Overall Beginner Acoustic – Alvarez AD-30 Dreadnought Guitar
SPECS
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Sapele
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Techwood
Alvarez has long made excellent quality instruments at entry-level price points, and the AD-30 dreadnought acoustic guitar is no exception.
The durable and long-lasting techwood fingerboard complements its sturdy mahogany slim neck, offering smooth and comfortable playing. The AD-30's mahogany body and solid Sitka spruce top ensure sonic warmth and resonance.
For its build quality, playability, and cost, the AD-30 tops our list as the best beginner acoustic guitar.
2. Best Concert Acoustic – Yamaha FS800 Concert Acoustic Guitar
SPECS
- Body Shape: Concert
- Top Wood: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Nato/Okoume
- Neck Wood: Nato
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or walnut
Not many guitar manufacturers can also boast of making pianos, drums, brass and woodwind instruments, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and jet skis...I dunno...probably toaster ovens? Then again, there aren't many manufacturers like Yamaha.
For decades now, Yamaha has carried a strange musical reputation that sometimes borders on skepticism, but make no mistake–their acoustic guitars are often sought after by players looking for a reliable, bargain-priced instrument.
The FS800 is a beautifully shaped concert acoustic guitar, offering a warm and sweet tone thanks to its nato neck and body and solid spruce top wood. Matched with its entry-level price point, the FS800 is an ideal beginner acoustic guitar.
3. Best Parlor Acoustic – Recording King Dirty 30s Series 7 Single 0 Acoustic
SPECS
- Body Shape: 0
- Top Wood: Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Whitewood
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Ovangkol
The Recording King brand has been making waves in the acoustic market since reviving itself from extinction in 2007, with fantastic acoustic guitars that are as playable as they are beautiful. Their Dirty 30 parlor guitars (also available in a dreadnought option) offer a slim, trim, unique, and vintage vibe. Highly playable and affordable, with a surprisingly rich sound quality unmatched by many beginner guitars on the market, the Recording King is a must-have for aspiring troubadours.
4. Best Smaller Scale Acoustic – Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top
SPECS
- Body Shape: "Jim Dandy"
- Top Wood: Basswood
- Back & Sides Wood: Basswood
- Neck Wood: Nato
- Fingerboard Material: Walnut
Sticking in the land of smaller guitars, we find the Gretsch G9500 acoustic guitar, better known around these parts as Mr. Jim Dandy.
Like the Recording King, this guitar is based on the style of the 1930s, and its smaller body design could lend itself to younger players.
By joining the body at the 12th fret, as opposed to the 14th, luthiers of yesteryear were able to produce small guitars with surprising projection abilities.
The G9500's basswood back, sides, and top provide rich tones and a warm, mellow sound. The Jim Dandy is a great beginner guitar for the road-worn traveler or the casual couch strummer.
5. Most Versatile Option – Epiphone Dove Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar
SPECS
- Body Shape: Square Shoulder Dreadnought
- Top Wood: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Laminated Maple
- Neck Wood: Hard Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel
Epiphone's unofficial motto should be "If it's good enough for The Beatles, it's good enough for you!" While its Hummingbird cousin may get more attention, the Epiphone Dove somehow manages to fly under the radar.
Solid spruce top, laminated maple back and sides, beautiful pickguard, and unique bridge, the Dove is a sunburst (well...technically, violin burst) beauty serving up a rich and classic tone.
The Dove is also the first acoustic electric guitar on our list, as it features a Fishman Sonitone pickup, so you'll be able to plug in and play any gig in need of a little amplification.
The tonewoods used in the build of this guitar will "break in" the more you play it, so you'll be seeing a sonic return on investment for years to come. This acoustic guitar would be more than adequate for beginner, intermediate, and pro players alike.
6. Best Bargain Acoustic – Epiphone DR-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
SPECS
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Wood: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Looking for an entry-level Epiphone acoustic guitar but not quite ready to drop the dough required for a Dove? Look no further than the Epiphone DR-100.
One of the most affordable beginner acoustic guitars on the market, particularly for the build quality and brand reputation, the DR-100 is a fantastic beginner acoustic.
Its rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck and body, and solid spruce top provide a timeless touch to this entry-level guitar.
7. Best Budget Acoustic Guitar – Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar
SPECS
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Wood: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Walnut
No guitar list is complete without the inclusion of a Fender, and for a list of best acoustic guitars for beginners, the Fender CD-60s certainly deserves a spot.
Generally known for their electric guitars, Fender Acoustics has come a long way over the years.
The CD-60s features the company's proprietary "easy-to-play" neck shape and comes with its patented (and free) Fender Play lessons, making it an ideal first guitar for players looking to pick up some basic guitar techniques along with their new axe.
The Fender CD-60s is the right guitar for a beginner guitarist looking for value, comfort, and name recognition.
Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Buyer's Guide
When buying your first acoustic guitar, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure you make the right choice for you.
Budget
You'll want to know how much money to set aside for your new guitar. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for, but that doesn't mean there aren't great bargains out there.
Today, there are plenty of high-quality, lower-priced guitars available to prospective players.
Sound Quality/Personal Preference
It may sound obvious, but one of the most crucial aspects of any guitar-buying search is the guitar's sound. The fun thing about music is that it's so subjective, and individual tastes vary. Try out different acoustics and find one that sounds rich, full, and inspiring to you.
Then there's the matter of aesthetics. In other words, you wanna look good. It's important to choose a guitar that resonates with your personal style and preference.
Playability
The playability of a guitar refers to how comfortable it is to play. Factors like the neck shape, string action (height of strings above the fretboard), and overall ergonomics should be considered. A guitar that is easy to hold and play encourages practice and learning.
Body And Build
Acoustic guitars come in various body styles, such as dreadnought, concert, auditorium, and parlor. Each style has its own tonal characteristics and size.
Beginners often choose an acoustic guitar size that feels comfortable and suits their preferred playing style. Smaller-bodied guitars, such as 3/4 acoustic guitars, parlors or concert-sized instruments, may be easier to handle for small people or younger players.
Overall, build quality is also important. This means searching for instruments with a solid construction made from durable materials with attention to detail to help ensure a guitar's longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the difference between an acoustic and an electric guitar?
The acoustic guitar produces its sound acoustically without the need for amplification, while an electric guitar requires an amplifier to be heard. Acoustic guitars have a hollow body and typically produce a warmer, more natural tone.
Acoustic-electric guitars are acoustic guitars that include a pickup so that you can plug into a PA system or amp for additional volume.
How much should I spend on my first acoustic guitar?
Today, there are countless acoustic guitar options available at various price points. As a beginner, it's recommended to set a budget that you're comfortable with.
You can find good quality entry-level acoustic guitars ranging from $100 to $500. Investing a little more can often result in a better-playing and better-sounding instrument.
Should I choose a steel-string or nylon-string guitar?
Steel-string acoustic guitars are more common and versatile, suitable for various music genres like pop, rock, folk, and country. They produce a brighter, louder sound.
Nylon-string guitars, also known as classical guitars, have a mellower and softer sound and are commonly used for classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle playing.
Choose based on your preferred playing style and the genre of music you intend to play. This list looks exclusively at steel-stringed acoustics.
Which body style should I choose?
Acoustic guitars come in different body styles, including dreadnought, concert, auditorium, and parlor, each with its own sound and size characteristics.
Dreadnought guitars are popular for their balanced tone and versatility, making them a common choice for beginners. However, it's best to try out different body styles and select the one that feels comfortable to you.
Do I need any additional accessories?
Along with the guitar, you may need some essential accessories, such as a gig bag or case for protection, a tuner for keeping your guitar in tune, picks, a guitar strap, and an extra set of strings. These accessories can enhance your playing experience and make it more convenient.
Should I consider taking lessons or learning on my own?
Lessons are often recommended, whether from a private instructor or through various online resources. A teacher can guide you in proper technique, help you learn faster, and avoid developing bad habits.
However, if taking lessons isn't feasible for you, many free online tutorials can assist you in learning to play the guitar. Then course, there's also the tried and true method of putting on your favorite record and attempting to play along.
Conclusion
Learning to play guitar is often a gateway to a new world of music appreciation, and it can also be an incredibly rewarding, creative experience.
Whether you're looking for a cheap starter guitar or one you can grow into, there are plenty of options available. With this list of best beginner acoustic guitars at your disposal, you're in good shape to set out on this new musical journal.
The Alvarez AD-30 Dreadnought Guitar is the perfect guitar for a beginner acoustic player, while the Fender CD-60S offers a great alternative to those looking to dip their toe into the pool without breaking the bank.
Ready to start playing? Discover the world of music with the best beginner guitars. Check out our curated collection and find the one that suits your style and budget. Begin your musical adventure now!
It's time to start working on those calluses. Happy playing!
