The 5 Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners
1. Taylor Academy 10 - $699
The Taylor Academy 10 is specifically designed with the beginner guitarist in mind, focusing on playability and comfort. This guitar features a sleek dreadnought body that delivers a robust sound while maintaining ease of play. One of the standout features of the Academy 10 is its solid Sitka spruce top, which provides excellent resonance and a bright, clear tone. The layered sapele back and sides offer durability and stability, making it less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature.
Another significant aspect of the Taylor Academy 10 is its ergonomic design. The slightly shorter scale length of 24-7/8 inches makes it easier for beginners to press down on the strings, while the narrow nut width of 1-11/16 inches allows for comfortable chord transitions. Additionally, the guitar is equipped with a built-in armrest, which enhances playing comfort during long practice sessions by reducing strain on the player's arm.
Taylor's commitment to quality is evident in the construction and materials of the Academy 10. The tropical mahogany neck provides a smooth playing experience, and the West African Crelicam ebony fretboard offers a luxurious feel under the fingers. This combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements ensures that beginners have a positive and rewarding experience as they learn to play the guitar.
2. Martin LX1 Little Martin - $449
The Martin LX1 Little Martin is renowned for its compact size and excellent sound quality, making it an ideal choice for beginners and younger players. Despite its smaller body, the LX1 does not compromise on tone, delivering a rich, full sound that is characteristic of larger Martin guitars. The solid Sitka spruce top contributes to its vibrant tone, while the high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides provide durability and resilience.
This guitar's size and portability are among its most appealing features. With a modified 0-14 fret body, the Little Martin is comfortable to hold and play, especially for those with smaller hands. Its shorter scale length of 23 inches makes it easier to fret notes and form chords, which is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still developing their finger strength and dexterity. The rust birch laminate neck and FSC certified Richlite fretboard further enhance the playability and sustainability of the instrument.
In addition to its playability, the Martin LX1 Little Martin is also highly versatile. It is an excellent travel guitar due to its compact size, making it easy to take along on trips or to lessons. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of travel and regular use. This guitar's blend of quality, durability, and portability makes it a great investment for beginners who want a reliable and enjoyable instrument to start their musical journey.
3. Yamaha FG800 - $229
The Yamaha FG800 is a highly recommended acoustic guitar for beginners, known for its outstanding build quality and affordability. As part of Yamaha's FG series, this model continues the legacy of providing excellent sound and playability at a reasonable price. The FG800 features a traditional dreadnought body shape, which produces a powerful, well-balanced sound suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
One of the key features of the Yamaha FG800 is its solid Sitka spruce top, which enhances the guitar's resonance and projection. The back and sides are made of nato or okume, which contribute to the guitar's warm and rich tone. This combination of woods ensures that the FG800 delivers a dynamic sound that can inspire beginners as they develop their skills. The scalloped bracing inside the guitar also helps to enhance the sound by allowing the top to vibrate more freely.
The FG800 is designed with beginner-friendly features that make it easy to play. The neck, made from nato, has a smooth satin finish that allows for effortless movement up and down the fretboard. The rosewood fretboard provides a comfortable surface for the fingers, and the standard scale length of 25 inches ensures that the guitar feels familiar and manageable. The FG800's affordability, coupled with its high-quality construction and impressive sound, makes it a popular choice for those starting their guitar-playing journey.
4. Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood - $229
The Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood is a standout choice for beginners, offering excellent value with its solid mahogany top and natural open-pore finish. This guitar is part of Ibanez's Artwood series, which blends traditional craftsmanship with modern features to create instruments that are both beautiful and functional. The AW54OPN's dreadnought body shape delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with plenty of volume and projection, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.
A defining feature of the Ibanez AW54OPN is its solid mahogany top, which provides a warm, resonant tone with a strong midrange presence. The back and sides are also made of mahogany, which enhances the overall warmth and depth of the sound. The open-pore finish not only adds to the guitar's visual appeal but also allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely, resulting in a more natural and dynamic sound.
The AW54OPN is designed to be user-friendly for beginners. The nyatoh neck has a comfortable profile that makes it easy to navigate the fretboard, while the ovangkol fretboard offers a smooth and responsive playing surface. The guitar's scale length of 25.6 inches provides a familiar feel, and the 1.69-inch nut width is ideal for easy chord transitions. With its combination of quality materials, thoughtful design, and affordable price, the Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood is a fantastic option for new guitarists looking for a reliable and inspiring instrument.
5. Fender CD-60S - $199
The Fender CD-60S is a highly popular choice among beginner acoustic guitars, known for its excellent playability and solid construction. Fender has a long-standing reputation for producing quality instruments, and the CD-60S is no exception. This guitar features a dreadnought body shape that delivers a robust and balanced sound, making it versatile enough to handle various musical styles from folk to rock.
One of the standout features of the CD-60S is its solid spruce top, which provides a bright and clear tone with good projection. The back and sides are made of mahogany, which adds warmth and depth to the overall sound. This combination of tonewoods ensures that the guitar produces a well-rounded and resonant sound, making it enjoyable for beginners to play. The scalloped "X" bracing inside the guitar helps to enhance the top's vibration, resulting in a more dynamic and expressive sound.
The Fender CD-60S is designed with beginner-friendly features to enhance the playing experience. The mahogany neck has a comfortable "easy-to-play" profile with rolled fretboard edges, making it easier for beginners to form chords and navigate the fretboard. The walnut fretboard is smooth and responsive, providing a comfortable surface for the fingers. With a scale length of 25.3 inches and a nut width of 1.69 inches, the CD-60S feels familiar and manageable for new players. Its combination of quality construction, excellent sound, and affordable price make the Fender CD-60S an ideal choice for those starting their guitar-playing journey.
