7 Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners Who Want To Start Off Great!
Ready to begin your journey as an acoustic guitar enthusiast? Excellent choice! While taking up a new hobby can seem intimidating, we’ve covered you. In this guide, our team of expert musicians — with decades of experience playing the acoustic guitar — have compiled a list of the best beginner guitars for all aspiring players. We guarantee these instruments are perfect for kickstarting your musical career; trust us on this one!
For those who are just starting out and don’t have any extra gear, the beginner acoustics below provide the perfect platform to begin your musical journey. You can immediately pick up one of these exquisite stringed instruments and dive into playing! Plus, they look admirable while still producing a captivating sound. So, even as a novice guitarist, there’s no need to sacrifice either style or quality in tone when it comes to getting started with guitar playing.
This guide will help you discover the distinctions between our featured beginner acoustic guitars and direct you to some high-quality, budget-friendly models. If taking that first step towards learning is step one, choosing your inaugural acoustic string instrument is the exciting part!
What are the best acoustic guitars for beginners?
Picking an acoustic guitar can be intimidating, but it’s essential to pick one you won’t tire of so that your musical journey is ongoing. While the Taylor Academy 10 may seem pricey upfront, its quality makes it a worthwhile investment – whether for beginners or experienced players alike.
Its sound is beautiful and adaptable; mastering those first chords has never been easier! The Taylor Academy 10 will instantly provide gratification with every strum on the strings.
Learning to play guitar can be difficult if you purchase an instrument that costs less than $100, as it will likely not provide the most direct or most enjoyable experience. That’s why we suggest investing in the Taylor Academy 10 – because our mission is for players of all levels to have fun and find success when picking up this beginner acoustic guitar!
- Fender CD-60S
- Taylor Academy 10
- Yamaha FG800
- Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
- Martin LX1
- Yamaha LL6
- Fender CP-60S
1. Fender CD-60S All Mahogany
As the H2 heading expresses, this Fender CD-60S is constructed solely from mahogany; a wood known for its warm and mellow timbre that exudes sweet undertones in the midrange frequencies.
Before we continue, one must address the neck. Fender described it as “easy to play,” and it certainly lives up to this description – its slim shape provides a comfortable fit for players of all sizes, especially those with smaller hands. Furthermore, the walnut fingerboard includes a 12″ radius with rolled-off edges that make strumming effortlessly.
With a smaller body frame, however, the dreadnought shape can feel uncomfortable and clunky compared to more compact acoustics. Still, its deeper sound will be ultimately worth it! Typically, dreadnoughts are incredibly loud—the CD-60S is no exception—which makes them ideal for live performances.
The CD-60S All-Mahogany provides a clear, crisp sound when strummed using a pick – harkening back to the classic blues recordings of years gone by. It is an ideal instrument for any playing style or genre!
If you are willing to invest in it, the spruce-topped CD-60S is ideal for adding sparkle on higher frequencies. Nonetheless, something about the all-mahogany dreadnought version has an innate magnetism that will pull you towards it. You may find this guitar mysteriously enthralling due to its ability to feel both vintage and modern at once and fully ready for use straight out of the box! We are enamored with its sound quality too!
Key Features
- Dreadnought body and classic tonewoods deliver full-bodied sound
- Easy-to-play profile is immediately playable, responsive
- Smooth, walnut fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and rolled edges makes for comfortable playing
- Great for beginners and experienced players alike
Price: $299 USD
2. Taylor Academy 10
Taylor Guitars has been a pioneering force in the acoustic guitar market for decades by constructing beautiful instruments with top-notch sound quality. The company’s crowning achievement – the Taylor Academy 10 – is tailored to provide novice players an ideal platform to learn and hone their craft.
The Academy 10 guitar is the perfect choice for serious musicians looking to expand their skills. Although its price tag may be steep for casual players, it offers unbeatable value with excellent quality and sound at an affordable cost. Additionally, it’s easy enough to play that even beginners can pick up the basics quickly!
The armrest on the Academy’s upper body may be unexpected, but there is an explanation. It adheres to Taylor’s commitment to function over form and sustainability. This model was constructed from mahogany scraps left over after neck blanks had been cut out. This demonstrates Taylor’s dedication to environmental preservation and progress.
Key Features
- Dreadnought body style with fatigue-reducing armrest
- Thin, tone-enhancing varnish finish
- Genuine sitka spruce top
- Layered sapele back and sides
- Hard rock maple neck with ebony fingerboard, 20 frets
Price: $599 USD
3. Yamaha FG800
Take advantage of the extraordinary quality of the Yamaha FG800! This exclusive acoustic guitar has earned its title as an excellent choice for beginners. Thanks to its solid top engineering, you can access a deep and resonant tone usually heard from costly instruments. Furthermore, its smooth neck allows even beginner musicians to play quickly, making learning more straightforward!
The Yamaha FG800 is a reliable choice for those beginning their guitar journey. The stunning sound emanating from this sleek-looking instrument will surely make you do a double take – it’s hard to believe such a great tone can come from something so affordable! Furthermore, users often praise how well it maintains its tuning even after long hours of playing.
Amateur guitarists often take their first musical steps with the Yamaha FG800, a popular option for its wallet-friendly cost. However, after you look at all this product offers, it takes effort to comprehend why so many beginners choose it as their entry-level instrument.
Key Features
- Comfortable dreadnought body with tapered waist fits all players
- Solid spruce top is full and balanced
- Scalloped bracing improves punch and projection
- Nato/okoume (AKA Eastern mahogany) back and side woods deliver a warm tone with great looks
- Slim, tapered neck with fast satin finish glides through the hand
- Walnut fingerboard with comfortable rounded edges
Price: $219 USD
4. Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
When you think of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, or any influential rock band over the last 60 years, chances are they were playing an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio. Not only is this acoustic guitar beautiful and with excellent sound quality, but it would make for the perfect choice to start learning how to play. So whether you’re just starting out on your musical journey or have been playing for some time – there’s no doubt that the Hummingbird will help bring your performance up another level!
With its eye-catching aesthetics, vintage finish, and timeless graphics, this guitar doesn’t just look great – it sounds incredible too! The balance in tone makes it ideal for any playing style, whether fingerpicking or strumming. Not to mention the small details like split parallelogram inlays and oversized headstock that add a unique touch!
For many years, the Epiphone Hummingbird Studio – formerly known as the Hummingbird PRO – has been a mainstay in Epiphone’s collection. Nonetheless, it recently experienced an overhaul with the introduction of its more premium companion – ‘Inspired By Gibson’ hummingbirds, that cost around $749!
Key Features
- Value-packed acoustic-electric guitar with vintage vibe
- Instantly-recognizable hummingbird pickguard for a classic look
- Solid spruce top will enhance in tone over the years
- Mahogany back and sides add richness and depth to your tone
- Fishman electronics provide great plugged-in tone
Price: $449 USD
5. Martin LX1
The Martin LX1 is the ideal pick for newbies! Its diminutive body size makes it easy to handle and enjoy, and it also features Fishman Sonitone electronics that let you effortlessly plug in to amplify your sound. Suppose you’re trying to find an acoustic guitar with simple playability and stunning audio quality. In that case, this should be at the top of your list – check out the excellent Martin LX1 today!
The Martin LX1 acoustic guitar is expertly crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and rich mahogany HPL back and sides. Its featherweight body makes it effortless to hold up while playing for extended periods, while its dovetail neck joint tightens the bond between the strings and the body so that you can keep strumming without worry.
This guitar is an acoustic masterpiece, exhibiting a full-bodied resonance that brings intricate melodies and sonic depth to your strumming or fingerpicking. The combination of the Sitka spruce top for superior projection and tonal balance, plus the mahogany HPL back and sides for added warmth, will astonish you with its sound quality, given its size!
- Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint
- Modified O – 14 Fret Body
- Solid sitka spruce top
- Inlaid Boltaron rosette w/red fiber
- Modified 1 Style top bracing pattern
Price: $399 USD
6. Yamaha LL6
As a musician in the early stages, it’s essential to select an instrument that is both cost-effective and of high quality. The Yamaha LL6 acoustic guitar fits these criteria perfectly and should be your top choice if you’re thinking about playing the guitar! This affordable yet reliable option will support rather than hinder your development as a budding artist.
Let’s take a deeper look at the impressive features of this guitar and why we believe it to be an exceptional selection for beginners.
With its impressive Engelmann spruce top equipped with A.R.E. treatment, the Yamaha LL6 is an excellent guitar for beginners who wish to get an immersive and full sound at a budget-friendly price point!
The LL6 is outfitted with rosewood back and sides, which amplifies its natural resonance. Additionally, it features the remarkable SRT Zero Impact pickup that consists of individual piezo elements for each string.
The Yamaha LL6 is designed to provide extraordinary comfort and balance while playing, even for those with smaller hands. Its 25.5″ scale length and 4-inch slim body depth offer a perfect fit that won’t tire your arms out after extended play sessions. Also, the frets are precisely rolled to guarantee optimum comfort when you perform on this instrument!
Key Features
- Innovative guitar design gives you an amazing-playing and sounding instrument
- Hand-selected solid Engelmann spruce top and rosewood back and sides provide rich tone and projection
- A.R.E. process molecularly ages the wood to match guitars that have been played for years
- 5-ply mahogany/rosewood neck has been redesigned for today’s guitar player
- Updated non-scalloped bracing pattern delivers a fuller low end
- Passive SRT Zero Impact pickup uses individual piezo elements for each string
Price: $569 USD
7. Fender CP-60S
Last but not least, and ideal for those who want to spend their money wisely, the Fender CP-60S packs a punch concerning sound quality. Whether you’re just starting out or are seeking an acoustic guitar on a budget – this is your go-to instrument! Let’s take a closer look at this cost-effective option.
With its solid spruce top, the Fender CP-60S steel-string acoustic guitar offers a warm and resonant sound that will astound you for such an economical price. With one strum of this instrument, you won’t believe how much value it provides!
The CP-60S has a luscious laminated mahogany back and sides to produce deep, resonant tones. For ultimate playability, the walnut fingerboard is the perfect finishing touch.
Key Features
- Solid Spruce Top with Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
- 24.75″ scale mahogany neck w/20 fret walnut fingerboard
- Chrome Die-Cast tuners
- Rosewood Bridge
Price: $199 USD
Summary
Whether you require a high-quality guitar to start your learning journey or need an inexpensive instrument right off the bat, one of these instruments should satisfy all your needs. Remember to confer with your guitar instructor before choosing which type suits you; they will likely have more suggestions based on how you play the strings. Last but not least – practice! Practicing regularly and diligently leads to perfection in this skill.
How to go about picking the right guitar
If you’re learning the guitar, selecting the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. But with some study and handy tips, you can find an instrument tailored to fit your style perfectly!
Budget
Before you purchase, it is essential to assess your budget. Although guitars come at various prices, beginners should not be lured into buying an expensive one immediately since they may still need to recognize the subtleties of more advanced instruments. Instead, invest in something that gives quality sound at a much lower cost so you can get started on your journey as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Size
After that, consider the size and heft of your guitar. For novice players, a full-scale instrument might be challenging to handle, so go with a smaller scale or 3/4-sized guitar instead. Moreover, consider its weight; you want something comfortable enough to carry around and play without tiring out quickly.
Electric or Acoustic
Are you deciding between an acoustic or electric guitar? The answer is determined by what type of music you plan on playing and your preferences. Acoustic guitars are perfect for folk, country, and pop tunes; they also possess a natural sound that makes them easier to learn if you’re starting out. Conversely, rockers generally prefer the electric guitar – it’s best suited for blues and metal genres but make sure to get an amp to bring out its full potential!
Build
When selecting a guitar, consider the type of wood and materials used in its construction. Different woods, such as spruce, cedar, and mahogany, can provide various tonal qualities to your sound. Additionally, the hardware components and pickups should be carefully examined to ensure quality craftsmanship that will produce optimal results.
Ultimately, it’s vital to test a guitar before you purchase it. First, you can try out several guitars at a music store to decide which feels and sounds best for your needs. Then, when shopping online, read reviews and watch videos of people playing the instrument to ensure it is right for you.
How to Choose Between an Acoustic and Electric Guitar to Learn On
When learning the guitar, a crucial decision is deciding between an acoustic or electric model. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your choice.
Before you start, consider the genre of music that you wish to perform. For example, acoustic guitars are a great starting point for folk, country, and pop tunes and are more accessible to learn due to their natural sound caused by strings’ vibration through their body. In contrast, electric guitars are an excellent choice when playing rock, blues, or metal; they require an amp to be heard as it produces sound via electrical pickups, which convert string vibrations into electricity and amplify them.
To make the best decision, consider what playing style you would like to pursue. Acoustic guitars are generally more suitable for strumming and fingerpicking, whereas electric guitars are better suited for lead parts and solos. If your preference is for soloing or main riffs, an electric guitar should be the ideal choice. Yet if chords and gentle melodies appeal to you more, then an acoustic guitar may be your perfect match!
Portability is an important aspect to consider when selecting a guitar. For example, an acoustic does not need an amp, making it easier to lug around wherever you go, whereas electric guitars demand one and are thus less portable.
When budgeting for a guitar, you’ll find that acoustic guitars come in all sorts of prices. However, electric guitars often fall on the pricier side due to their pickups and amplifiers.
Acoustic Guitars
When you’re just starting, an acoustic guitar is ideal for you. Not only are they typically cheaper than electric guitars, but their versatility makes them perfect for any genre of music. Even if you have not decided what style to play, an acoustic guitar is a great place to start your musical journey!
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars are more costly than acoustic models, yet they may still be the most sensible choice for players depending on their style. Electric strings are generally more straightforward and lighter, so it’s usually quicker to learn chords and progress with an electric guitar. Additionally, these instruments possess a more excellent range of sounds which can only be achieved through amps or pedals – making them ideal for musicians who know what genre they’d like to play!
Choosing between an acoustic or electric guitar can be difficult, especially if you’re starting and aren’t sure what type of music you want to play. But it all comes down to personal preference! If you have your sights set on playing blues or rock ‘n’ roll, an electric guitar could be the best choice; however, if the genres are still up in the air, then opting for an acoustic might present itself as a more suitable option. At any rate, no matter which route is chosen, make sure that creating beautiful music remains at the forefront – after all, having fun should always take precedence!
Tags: best acoustic electric guitars for beginners, best acoustic-electric guitars for beginners, best acoustic guitars for beginners
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