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So, you’re interested in learning about what qualifies as the best acoustic guitars for beginners… You just saw your favorite band in concert and want to be that guitar player. You’re motivated and have made the decision… You want to learn how to play the guitar, or possibly your child has been bugging you to get them a guitar so they can learn. After all, learning to play an instrument – such as the guitar – can have an incredible impact on your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. It engages your body and mind in ways that other activities simply can’t match. So then, how do you go about finding the best acoustic guitars for beginners that will fit your needs?
Where To Begin?
Obviously, you’ll need a guitar. I know, you’re thinking DUH, Captain Obvious! Good, I’m glad we got that out of the way… 😉
Seriously, considering which guitar is right for you is a rather important first step. It is my intention to guide you through this process. What follows are some of the important criteria to consider when looking for the best acoustic guitars for beginning guitar players.
An Investment: Considerations
I know, you want that groovy, Martin D-45 because it’s just so beautiful and your favorite guitar player plays one. First, are you willing to take out a second mortgage on your house to buy that Martin? Well, it may not be quite a second mortgage, but we are talking serious cash. Second, ask yourself… when Joe/Jo Shredder began playing, whether or not s/he started with a top of the line guitar. I’d venture to say not.
For example, when I first started playing guitar at age eleven – back in the dark ages – a few decades ago, I began with a thirty-five dollar, Sears Silvertone acoustic – straight out of the old Sears catalog. At that time it just may have been one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners… Hah!
The point I’m making here is to realistically, as possible, gauge your investment – money and time – in your learning the instrument, based on your interest and motivation. There is a rather steep learning curve involved in learning the guitar that requires discipline and not giving up when your fingers hurt, or you just don’t feel like practicing, or you find that lick is harder to master than it sounds. Now, I’m not trying to discourage you from pursuing the guitar, I’m just keeping it real. Life will get in the way!
Level Up
There’s plenty of time later to level up to a better quality guitar, as your chops improve.
With that said, there is also something to be said about having skin in the game… In other words, if you’ve made an investment in a nice guitar – upfront – it may provide additional motivation for you to keep at it knowing you have a stake in reaching your goal.
As an example, at the $300 price point, you can purchase a guitar that you will not outgrow. Plus, because it is a quality guitar, it will be easier to tune. If it’s easy to tune, chances are it will stay in tune, and therefore, sound a whole lot better than a cheap guitar. The bottom line is that if the guitar is comfortable to hold, plays well, and has a nice sound, the greater the chances you will stay with the instrument, and stay motivated in your learning.
How I Choose And Rate The Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners
There are numerous beginner guitars to choose from and it’s my goal to narrow down the list so you can make the best-informed decision when you take that step and purchase your new guitar. My list of criteria includes the items that should be most important when deciding which guitar to buy:
Playability
Is the guitar easy to play? Is it easy to tune? Does it stay in tune? Does your fingering hand easily wrap around the neck? Is the action – the distance the strings sit above the fretboard – low enough that you can easily press your fingers on the strings without hurting your fingers? Does the body of the guitar feel comfortable as you hold it against you?
Sound
This item is subjective and depends on your taste. Do you like a bright sound or do you like a warmer, deeper sound? Brands vary as does the size of the guitar. A dreadnought body tends to have a deeper, warmer sound than a concert or parlor guitar, which tends to be brighter sounding because of its smaller sized body.
Durability
Does the guitar feel solid when you hold it or does it feel fragile? Some guitars come with a case and some don’t. I’d suggest getting a hardshell case to protect your investment.
Overall Quality
This is all of the above plus the reputation of the manufacturer. For example, companies such as Martin and Yamaha have been in business for a long time. They have reputations to uphold and therefore have perfected the quality and consistency of their guitars.
Affordability
This also can be subjective. Basically, based on your budget have all of the previous criteria been met? Ideally, you want the most guitar for the least amount of money. Also, as I talked about above, keep in mind whether you are investing for the long term, i.e. purchasing a guitar that may seem above your pay grade now, but once you’ve mastered some of those killer riffs, you won’t have outgrown the instrument.
My Top Rated Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners:
Yamaha FG830 (Acoustic)
Yamaha’s FG series is one of the oldest and most popular acoustic guitar series ever produced. When initially brought to market in 1966, the FG’s proved that a good guitar didn’t have to cost a fortune. Easy to play, with a good sound, and lasting durability, the FG830 is great for beginners. Plus, for the experienced player, based on its affordable price, you won’t be afraid to take this guitar camping, for example. The rosewood back and sides deliver rich overtones and improved sustain. The appearance, with abalone inlay around the soundhole, makes it look like a much more expensive instrument. MSRP: $495
Features:
- Dreadnought Body
- Solid Spruce Top
- Rosewood Back & Sides
- Newly Developed Scalloped Bracing
- Rich Overtones
Bottom Line
Playability: Easy to play, solid feel, comfortable neck and action
Sound: Surprisingly good, warm sound for an entry-level guitar, sounds like a higher-end guitar
Durability: Very durable, you won’t be afraid to take it out of the house
Affordability: This guitar will not break the bank, and will last for years
Overall Quality: Well built, good sound, affordable, and as your playing improves, this guitar will be up to the task, reflecting your improvements
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
See Amazon’s price for the Yamaha FG830
Epiphone Hummingbird Pro (Acoustic/Electric)
The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is the entry-level version of the famous Gibson Hummingbird. It is a good acoustic guitar for beginners and intermediate players, and has fairly good playability, with more of a midrange tone. For the most part, this acoustic is mostly ready to play right out of the box but could be improved with pro setup. The neck, while mostly comfortable, may feel a bit big for folks with smaller hands, yet the action is quite comfortable. MSRP: $615
Features:
- Dreadnought Body
- Solid Spruce Top
- Laminated Mahogany Back & Sides
- Mahogany Neck
- Shadow™ ePerformer™ preamp and Shadow NanoFlex™ pickup system
Bottom Line
Playability: Easy to play, Good action, Neck is comfortable, but a bit big for those with smaller hands
Sound: Midrange tone
Durability: Very durable, well built
Affordability: Quite affordable based on its quality
Overall Quality: Well built, good sound, as an acoustic, better sound when played through an amp, pro setup will make this an even better guitar
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
See Amazon’s price for the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro
Taylor Academy 10E (Acoustic/Electric)
The Academy 10E guitar from Taylor is a great acoustic guitar for beginners, as well as veterans. Although it’s an entry-level offering from Taylor, it’s comparable to higher-end guitars from other manufacturers. It produces very good sound quality and is easy to play – especially for those with smaller hands. The guitar is not ornate but is very durable. MSRP: $649
Features:
- Dreadnought Body
- Solid Spruce Top
- Sapele Back & Sides
- Built-in Arm Rest
- ES-B Electronics w/ Built-in Tuner
Bottom Line
Playability: Plays and feels great, good action, Neck is comfortable and good for smaller hands
Sound: Taylor is known for being highly rated, yet I find the sound to be a bit thin when un-amplified
Durability: Well made and feels quite sturdy
Affordability: One of the more expensive guitars on this list, yet it holds its value, plus you may not need to upgrade as your skill level improves
Overall Quality: More expensive, yet good value, plays great, comfortable, sounds great through an amplifier
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
See Amazon’s price for the Taylor Academy 10E
Martin DX1AE (Acoustic/Electric)
Martin has probably the best reputation for quality built acoustic guitars – on a commercial scale. While the DX1AE is an entry-level Martin, it is still a Martin, and a solid, durable, easy to play guitar for both beginners and pros. Plus it has great Fishman electronics. MSRP: $779
Features:
- Dreadnought Body
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Mahogany-Grained High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Back & Sides
- Modified Low-Oval Neck Profile Plays Fast and Smooth
- Fishman Electronics
Bottom Line
Playability: Good feel, comfortable neck, good action, pro setup would make this good guitar even better
Sound: Sounds like a Martin
Durability: Well built, durable
Affordability: One of the more expensive guitars on the list, but you are getting Martin quality and value
Overall Quality: Nice, solid, comfortable, easy to play guitar with very good sound quality, but you are paying more for quality
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
See Amazon’s price for the Martin DX1AE
Martin LX1E Little Martin (Acoustic/Electric)
The LX1E ‘Little Martin’ is Martin‘s smallest guitar, but it still has very good tone, quality, and versatility. Because it’s a 3/4 size guitar, Martin promotes it as a travel guitar – great for small spaces. More importantly, I believe this is an excellent guitar for kids, and of course, folks with smaller hands. MSRP: $559
Features:
- Modified O Body (slightly smaller than a Parlor body)
- Sitka Spruce Top
- Mahogany High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Back and Sides
- Rust Birch Laminate Neck
- 1.69″ nut width is great for players with smaller hands
- Fishman Sonitone Electronics
Bottom Line
Playability: This is a fun guitar to play, smaller size makes it easy to play and comfortable to hold, almost like a larger ukulele, ideal for beginners, kids and those with smaller hands
Sound: The sound is surprisingly full
Durability: It’s a well-built guitar designed for travel and outdoor use
Affordability: It’s not the lowest priced guitar, but it is a Martin, so it should last
Overall Quality: Well built, easy to play, good sound, and you can amplify the guitar, because of its small size, might be less suited to the average player
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
See Amazon’s price for the Martin LX1E Little Martin
Yamaha CSF1M (Acoustic/Electric)
Like its bigger, full-size cousin, the Yamaha FG830, the CSF1M is a smaller compact version that has a nice, full sound for a smaller body, parlor-style guitar. Because of its smaller size, this guitar is great for beginners, kids and/or pros who want to travel with a guitar that doesn’t take up as much space as a full-size instrument. It’s easy to play and comfortable to hold. It has a passive pickup that allows one to plug into an amp. MSRP: $645
Features:
- Parlor Body
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back & Sides
- Nato Neck
- Narrower neck makes it easier to play for people who have smaller hands
- Passive SRT Zero-Impact piezo pickup for amplified acoustic tone
Bottom Line
Playability: Fun and easy to play, comfortable neck and smaller body
Sound: Rich, full sound for a smaller body
Durability: Well built and durable
Affordability: This guitar is more expensive than its larger cousin, the FG830, yet it does contain electronics for amplification which the FG830 doesn’t.
Overall Quality: A well built, good sounding, easy to play guitar that is well suited for adults with smaller hands and kids, great for traveling and can be amplified
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
See Amazon’s price for the Yamaha CSF1M
Mitchell T313CE (Acoustic/Electric)
Mitchell Guitars is owned and developed by Guitar Center and is their house brand. The T313CE is an acoustic/electric model that is auditorium sized, and therefore smaller than a dreadnought. The cutout makes for easier access to the highest frets. The quality of this guitar far exceeds its price. The MSRP: $279.99
Features:
- Auditorium Cutout Body
- Solid Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back & Sides
- Mahogany Neck
- Comfortable neck makes it easy to play for people who have smaller hands
- Fishman Presys Preamp and Sonicore Pickup
Bottom Line
Playability: Easy to play, Very nice feel, Solid setup and intonation out of the box, Comfortable neck, good for beginners and pros
Sound: Very good, warm sound
Durability: Well built, Solid
Affordability: Extremely affordable price
Overall Quality: I was pleasantly surprised when I played this guitar, Easy to play, comfortable, good intonation and action, sounded and played better than many higher-end guitars
Conclusion
(Click link above to see specific category ratings for this guitar,
and also where it ranked in the overall ratings)
(Ratings based on market analysis, customer reviews, and hands-on testing)
Overall Rankings
| Rank | Model | Type | Summary | MSRP |
| #1 | Yamaha FG830 | Dreadnought Acoustic | Playability:  Sound: Durability: Overall Quality: Affordability: |
$495 |
| #2 | Martin DX1AE | Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric | Playability:  Sound: Durability: Overall Quality: Affordability:  |
$779 |
| #3 | Taylor Academy 10E | Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric | Playability: Sound:  Durability: Overall Quality: Affordability:  |
$649 |
| #4 | Mitchell T313CE | Auditorium Cutout Acoustic/Electric | Playability: Sound: Durability: Overall Quality:  Affordability: |
$279.99 |
| #5 | Yamaha CSF1M | Parlor Acoustic/Electric | Playability: Sound: Durability: Overall Quality: Affordability: |
$645 |
| #6 | Martin LX1E | Modified O Acoustic/Electric | Playability: Sound: Durability: Overall Quality: Affordability: |
$559 |
| #7 | Epiphone Hummingbird Pro | Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric | Playability: Sound: Durability: Overall Quality: Affordability: |
$615 |
The Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners: Overall Conclusion
For those of you who have made it this far… Congrats! “Sticking to it” is half the battle in becoming a guitar player. 🙂
To reiterate, my top-rated guitar, in the best acoustic guitars for beginners category, is the Yamaha FG830, which receives 5 picks in all the categories I’ve chosen: Playability, Sound, Durability, Overall Quality, and Affordability. At approximately $300, you’ll have a well built, very good sounding acoustic guitar, that’s easy to play, is durable and will keep up with you as your playing ability improves.
In the second and third positions, I placed the Martin DX1AE and Taylor Academy 10E, respectively. Martin and Taylor are probably the biggest names in acoustic guitars, so you can be assured of the quality you’ll be getting. Also, I find these two builders to be similar to the Coke/Pepsi analogy where it all comes down to personal preference. I gave the nod to the Martin as I feel it has a warmer sound, and it can be bought for much less than its MSRP.
A Pleasant Surprise
My biggest surprise, and it was a very pleasant surprise, was the Guitar Center house brand Mitchell T313CE, coming in at number 4. I tend to be hesitant about lesser-known guitar brands, as you can’t be sure of materials and building methods. Again, this guitar feels and plays very nicely. While it does have a good sound it’s not quite on par with Martin, Taylor or Yamaha. That said, with an MSRP of $279.99, you almost can’t go wrong.
The Yamaha CSF1M and the Martin LX1E came in at numbers 5 and 6. While these two guitars are billed as travel guitars, because of their smaller size, I chose to include them as great choices for kids, and adults with smaller hands, to learn on. Yes they are indeed fun to play – for adults – but I believe they have a niche quality and you may not want either of these to be your full-time guitar, especially if you are comfortable playing a dreadnought. To be honest, I would have rated these higher – especially the Yamaha – but again the size was a limiting factor in the larger context here. If your budget allows for a second guitar, I’d highly recommend these.
Last But Not Least
Rounding out the group at number 7 is the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro. Epiphone offers a well built, good sounding guitar. I’d say it has a better sound when played through an amp, rather than unamplified. Additionally, a pro setup will make this an even better guitar by dialing in the intonation and action. I did find this guitar to have the biggest neck of all the guitars tested, and therefore not all that comfortable for kids or adults with smaller hands.
I hope I’ve helped you in your search for a new guitar by narrowing down some very good options. I’d suggest taking these for a test drive. At the end of the day, you will be the final judge.