Choosing the right acoustic guitar as a beginner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting your musical journey. Having a quality instrument that’s comfortable to play and sounds great will make all the difference during the crucial early stages of learning. It will impact your motivation, progress, and overall experience.
The key factors to consider for first-time buyers include:
- Size and body shape – This affects comfort, playability and your ability to produce the desired tone.
- Tonewoods – Different woods produce different tonal qualities. Understanding the basics helps pick the right sound.
- Price – Consider what fits your budget, but don’t sacrifice too much quality just to save money.
- Brand reputation – Well-known brands generally offer better quality control and value.
- Playability and setup – Make sure the action is low and comfortable right out of the box.
Choosing the perfect beginner acoustic involves balancing all these factors while keeping your individual needs and goals in mind. This guide will walk you through the top recommendations across a range of budgets and styles. Follow our tips to make the process easy and enjoyable – and start your guitar journey on the right foot!
Top Overall Pick: Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 takes our top spot for the best all-around acoustic guitar for beginners in 2024. This high-quality dreadnought model punches well above its affordable price point, offering fantastic tone, playability and durability.
The FG800’s solid Sitka spruce top and Nato back and sides produce a balanced, resonant sound. The tone is very versatile – great for strumming chords or intricate fingerpicking. It has a comfortable slim neck and low action that makes it very playable for beginners.
Standout Features:
- Solid spruce top
- Nato back/sides
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Slim neck profile
- Low action
- Die-cast tuners
Pros:
- Fantastic value for money
- Well-balanced warm tone
- Easy to play right out of the box
- Durable and reliable construction
- Ideal size for beginners
Cons:
- Electronics must be added separately
- Nato back/sides may not appeal to some traditionalists
- Minimal ornamentation/bling factor
12 Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners in 2024
Fender CD-60S
The Fender CD-60S is our top overall recommendation for beginners thanks to its impressive tone and playability right out of the box. This dreadnought guitar features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, delivering balanced warm tones perfect for any genre. The slim neck profile with smooth satin finish promotes comfortable playability. While it lacks advanced appointments, it nails the basics with great hardware, nut and saddle, and sealed die-cast tuners. We love the vibrant aesthetic available in several colors too. Overall an incredible value that will grow with you.
Key Specs:
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Nato neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Dreadnought body
- 25.3” scale length
Pros
- Balanced warm tone
- Easy playability
- Tuning stability
- Eye-catching looks
- Affordable price
Cons
- Lacks electronics
- Basic plastic nut & saddle
Best For: Those wanting an all-around excellent beginner guitar with pro-level tone and playability without breaking the bank. The Fender name ensures it will hold value too.
Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 is a long-standing favorite thanks to Yamaha’s dedication to quality and consistency. The solid spruce top and Nato back and sides produce a focused, balanced tone. The slim neck and matte finish offer great playability and comfort. Sealed die-cast tuners and adjustable truss rod ensure staying in tune and proper neck relief adjustment. Hard to beat for an affordable, reliable, great-sounding starter guitar.
Key Specs:
- Solid spruce top
- Nato back and sides
- Nato neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Dreadnought body
- 25.6” scale length
Pros:
- Consistent build quality
- Clear, balanced tone
- Comfortable slim neck
- Tuning stability
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lacks electronics
- Basic nut and saddle
Best For: Those wanting a consistently well-made, great-sounding acoustic with Yamaha’s reputation for quality and value. A perfect first guitar.
Affordable Beginner Acoustic Guitars (Under $200)
When starting out, it’s understandable to want to minimize your upfront investment in a new hobby. The good news is there are quality acoustic guitars available for under $200 that can get a beginner off to a great start.
At this price point, it’s important to set realistic expectations. These budget-friendly models may lack some bells and whistles, use more basic tonewoods, and have a no-frills aesthetic. However, with a proper setup they can still offer decent playability, resonance and an enjoyable playing experience for new players.
Here are some top affordable options to consider:
Yamaha FG800
- Solid spruce top, Nato back and sides
- Dreadnought body style
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Scalloped bracing for better tone
- Pros: Excellent value, easy playability
- Cons: Electronics must be added separately
The Yamaha FG800 is consistently recommended as one of the best acoustic guitars under $200. Despite its low cost, it’s crafted with quality materials and attention to detail that belie its price tag. Many users say it plays as nicely as guitars double its cost.
Fender FA-115
- Laminated spruce top, basswood back and sides
- Dreadnought body
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Fishman preamp system
- Pros: Built-in electronics, rich low end
- Cons: Laminate top affects tone
As a big name in guitars, Fender offers very respectable quality in the FA-115 at an entry-level price point. It produces impressive bass tones thanks to its basswood body. The Fishman electronics make it stage-ready right out of the box.
Jasmine S35
- Laminated spruce top, sapele back and sides
- Dreadnought cutaway design
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Advanced X Bracing
- Pros: Smooth playability, great value
- Cons: Laminate materials
Jasmine delivers very impressive quality and playability at extremely wallet-friendly prices. The S35 offers a rich, balanced tone that belies its ultra-affordable cost. A great choice for new players seeking solid value.
While they may not be heirloom-quality instruments, these budget models are more than adequate to start learning on. And as skills progress, electronics and other upgrades can be added to improve their versatility.
Best Acoustic Guitars for Kids and Teens
Proper sizing is absolutely crucial when choosing an acoustic guitar for a younger player. If the guitar is too large, kids will struggle to reach around the fretboard and form chords. This can lead to hand pain, fatigue, and frustration that discourages them from continuing to learn and play.
The best acoustic guitars for kids and teens are smaller 3/4 and 1/2 size models. These guitars are designed specifically for smaller hands and bodies. Key features include:
- Lightweight construction using tonewoods like mahogany or basswood. This prevents neck dive and makes the guitar easy to hold.
- Shorter scale length around 22-23 inches. This reduces string tension and makes pressing strings easier.
- Narrower nut width around 1.5-1.69 inches. Allows closer string spacing for small fingers.
- Low string action (string height). Prevents buzzing and makes chords simpler to play.
Here are three excellent acoustic guitar options for kids and teens:
Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size
- Spruce top, meranti back and sides
- 22.75″ scale, 1.5″ nut width
- Lightweight at under 5 lbs
- Great tone and playability for the price
- Comes with padded gig bag
Fender CC-60S Concert Acoustic
- Laminated mahogany top
- 22.6″ scale, 1.69″ nut width
- Smooth satin neck for comfort
- Onboard tuner and cutaway for accessibility
- Gig bag included
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor
- Solid mahogany top
- 23″ scale, 1.68″ nut width
- Taylor’s patented neck joint for adjustability
- Gig bag and quality setup included
- Higher-end option great for travel
When selecting your child’s first guitar, be sure to consider their current size and age along with projected growth. A guitar that seems slightly too large now may be a perfect fit in 6 months or a year. Investing in a quality beginner guitar that will stand the test of time is well worth it.
Best Acoustic Guitar Brands for Beginners
When buying your first acoustic guitar, it’s wise to stick with well-known, reputable brands that cater to beginners. Here are some of the top acoustic guitar manufacturers for new players:
Yamaha
Yamaha is renowned for making high-quality acoustic guitars across all price points. Many of their budget-friendly models like the FG800 are perfect starter guitars with great tone and playability right out of the box. Yamaha guitars are known for consistency and reliability.
Fender
Fender has an acclaimed line of acoustic guitars alongside their famous electric guitars. Models like the FA-100 provide beginners with the trusted Fender name at an affordable price. Their beginner acoustics are easy to play and sound great.
Epiphone
Owned by Gibson, Epiphone specializes in more budget-friendly versions of classic Gibson guitars. Their DR-100 acoustic guitar is a bestseller that gives beginners a taste of the acclaimed Gibson sound for under $200. Epiphone offers quality construction and components.
Ibanez
Ibanez is respected for their high-end electric guitars, but they also make excellent beginner-friendly acoustics. The Ibanez PF15ECE has a stylish cutaway design with electronics, ideal for the aspiring guitarist. Ibanez guitars often provide great value for money.
Alvarez
Alvarez has been crafting acoustic guitars for over 50 years. Their starter models like the Alvarez Regent Series offer solid construction and balanced tone from quality tonewoods. Alvarez is known for making affordable guitars that still feel premium.
Jasmine
Jasmine guitars are designed with the beginning guitarist in mind. Models like the Jasmine S35 provide a great starter instrument with a full sound. Jasmine guitars are well-made, inexpensive, and ideal for newbies.
The key is finding a guitar from a brand known for quality control and value. All these top brands have long track records of catering to beginners by providing playable, decent-sounding, and budget-friendly acoustic guitars.
Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide for Beginners
When buying your first acoustic guitar, there are several key factors to consider in order to find the right fit for your needs and budget:
Body Size and Shape
The body size and shape of an acoustic guitar significantly impacts its sound, playability, and portability. The most common sizes are:
- Dreadnought – The most popular acoustic guitar shape, known for its booming low end and projection. The large body produces louder and deeper tones.
- Concert – Also called an “auditorium” guitar. Slightly smaller than a dreadnought with a more balanced tone across the frequency range. Excellent for fingerpicking.
- Parlor – Small-bodied guitar with a bright, focused tone. Easy to handle and transport. Not as loud as larger sizes.
- Travel/Mini – Designed for maximum portability with a compact, slim body. Best for younger players and camping/traveling. Limited projection and volume.
- Jumbo – Very large body size that produces the deepest and richest acoustic sound. More of an advanced player’s guitar.
Tonewoods
The wood used for the top (soundboard), back, and sides significantly impacts the guitar’s tone. Common tonewoods include:
- Spruce – The most popular soundboard wood. Provides a bright, airy tone with good projection. Used on most beginner guitars.
- Cedar – Warmer and mellower sounding than spruce. Also common on entry-level guitars.
- Mahogany – Mid-range focused tone. Often used for back and sides. Durable and affordable.
- Rosewood – The premier back/side wood for high-end acoustics. Produces clear, rich overtones.
Price Range
As a beginner, you’ll want to look in the range of $100 to $400 for a quality starter acoustic. Very cheap guitars often have playability issues, while pro-level guitars are overkill. Focus on value within your budget. Consider buying used for extra savings.
Other Specs
Other technical specs like nut width, scale length, and bracing patterns also impact playability and tone. But as a beginner, you likely won’t need to dive too deep into these details early on. Prioritize the basics first.
Accessories
Make sure to budget for essential accessories like a tuner, picks, extra strings, strap, and case. These items are necessities for learning on an acoustic guitar.
By understanding these key factors, you’ll be able to select a beginner acoustic guitar that matches your needs, playing goals, and budget. Focus on finding a quality instrument that feels comfortable and inspiring to play.
Setting Up Your Beginner Acoustic Guitar
Getting your guitar properly set up is one of the most important things you can do as a beginner player. While it may seem intimidating, a proper setup will make your guitar easier to play, stay in tune better, and prevent issues down the road.
When you first get an acoustic guitar, it likely needs some adjustments to play and sound its best. The action (string height) may be too high, making the strings difficult to press down. The neck relief could need tweaking to allow vibrating room for the strings. The intonation might be off, causing notes to sound sour in some spots on the neck.
Luckily, there are a few key aspects of an acoustic guitar setup that you can tackle yourself as a beginner:
- Adjusting the string action: Use a ruler or feeler gauge to measure the action (height between fretboard and strings). For beginners, aim for about .12″ on the low E string and .06″ on the high E string. Turn the saddle adjustment screws to raise or lower action.
- Setting neck relief: Use a capo on first fret and hold down low E string at fret 14. There should be a slight gap between fret and string around fret 7 or 8. Turn the truss rod nut clockwise or counter-clockwise in small increments to adjust this gap.
- Checking intonation: Play a harmonic at the 12th fret and compare to fretted note. Adjust saddle back if flat or forward if sharp.
While these basic setup steps will get you playing better, it’s wise to take your guitar to a professional tech after purchasing. They can do a full, expert setup and ensure your guitar plays as smoothly as possible. Enjoy the process of learning guitar maintenance!
Accessories for Beginner Acoustic Guitars
When buying your first acoustic guitar, it’s important to also budget for some key accessories. This gear will help you get set up properly and make playing more enjoyable.
Must-Have Accessories
These are the bare essential accessories every beginner should have:
- Guitar tuner – An electronic tuner allows you to accurately tune your guitar. Clip-on tuners attach to the headstock.
- Gig bag or hardshell case – A quality case protects your guitar from bumps, dings, and the elements. Hard cases offer more protection.
- Guitar strap – Straps make playing more comfortable by taking weight off your hands/arms. Look for wide, padded straps.
- Guitar picks – Picks come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Try a variety pack to find your preference.
- Extra strings – It’s handy to have an extra set in case a string breaks. Choose the gauge and brand your guitar came with.
Nice-to-Have Accessories
Here are some optional extras to elevate your playing experience:
- Capo – A capo clamps onto the neck to shorten the strings/change pitch. Useful for playing in different keys.
- Guitar humidifier – Humidifiers control moisture inside the guitar body to prevent cracking.
- Guitar stand – A stand securely holds the guitar upright when not playing.
- Instructional books/DVDs – Self-teaching materials are great supplements to lessons.
- Guitar polish/cleaner – Regular cleaning preserves the guitar finish and prevents grime buildup.
Starting out with quality accessories tailor-made for beginners will make learning guitar more inspiring and enjoyable. Take time to find the right gear to support your practice.
FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions beginners have when buying their first acoustic guitar:
What’s the best acoustic guitar for a complete beginner?
There is no single "best" beginner acoustic guitar. However, Yamaha, Fender and Epiphone all make quality, affordable models that are great for new players. Focus on finding a guitar that feels comfortable to hold and play. Many music instructors recommend starting on a full-size dreadnought or concert style acoustic.
How much should I spend on my first acoustic guitar?
You can find decent beginner acoustic guitars in the $150 to $300 range, while $400 to $600 will get you a really nice instrument that will last for years. Remember you’ll also need to budget for essential accessories like a case, tuner, strap, picks, etc. It’s better to spend a little more upfront than be stuck with a poorly made guitar.
Nylon vs steel strings – which is better for beginners?
Many instructors recommend starting on a nylon-string classical guitar, as the softer nylon strings are easier on novice fingertips. However, most popular music is played on steel-string acoustics. As long as you build up finger strength and calluses slowly, steel strings are fine for most beginners.
Should I take my guitar to get a professional setup?
Yes, it’s highly recommended you get a proper setup done on any new acoustic guitar before playing it extensively. This will ensure optimal playability right off the bat. Most music stores include a free setup with purchase. You can also learn to do basic setup tweaks yourself over time.
What accessories do I need for my acoustic guitar?
At minimum, you’ll want a tuner, spare strings, guitar strap, case or gig bag, and some picks in various sizes and textures. A capo is also handy. Consider a humidifier and polish/cleaner to maintain your guitar. Instructional DVDs, chord charts, and songbooks can also aid beginners.
When should I start taking guitar lessons?
You can start self-teaching using books, DVDs and online resources as a beginner. But taking just a few lessons with a qualified instructor early on can set you up with proper technique. Many also find lessons inspiring and motivating. Try taking at least 3-6 months of weekly or bi-weekly lessons.
How do I avoid common beginner issues like fret buzz?
Proper guitar setup and technique will prevent most fret buzz and other beginner difficulties. Let a professional tech set up the guitar initially. Learn proper fretting hand form to avoid buzz. Build calluses slowly and use light gauge strings at first. Most issues resolve with patience and practice.
What’s the difference between various acoustic guitar sizes?
Full-size dreadnoughts offer the loudest, fullest sound. Smaller concert and parlor styles are more comfortable for smaller players but have a quieter voice. "Travel" size guitars are very portable but not ideal for prolonged practice due to small size. Try different sizes in person before deciding.