Best acoustic guitars for beginners 2024: top picks for new players, reviewed and demoed by experts

The best acoustic guitars for beginners in our studio
(Image credit: Future)

Buying your first acoustic guitar is a fantastic moment and one you'll never forget – I can certainly remember my first flat-top. That's why it's critical to do your research and ensure you get the best acoustic guitar for beginners that fits your needs from day one. Luckily, you've come to the right place. My name is Daryl, and I’ll be your guide through the wonderful world of beginner acoustics. I’m a former music retail manager and I spent much of my 10 years in that part of the industry helping new players choose the right first guitar. Now, I write about and review guitars for a living for Guitar World.

For me, a great acoustic guitar for beginners should be both inviting to play for newbies and sound good enough to keep their attention, all while being affordable and accessible to the majority of rookie guitarists – in my opinion, every instrument I've included in this guide achieves this.

Taylor GS Mini-e: was $699, now $599
Black Friday deal!

Taylor GS Mini-e: was $699, now $599
The irresistibly accessible playability of this compact model makes it one of our favorite acoustic guitars for beginners, one of the all-time classic travel guitars – and one of our favorite acoustics full stop. With a surprisingly rounded sound for its size and a low action, the GS Mini-e will make you want to play more – and its onboard electronics sound killer plugged in, too. It’s rare to see a discount on this perennial favorite, so $100 off at Amazon is not to be missed.

Expert verdict: Fender CD-60S
Jonathan Horsley
Expert verdict: Fender CD-60S
Jonathan Horsley

“I found the CD-60S to be one very playable dreadnought with a wide, well-balanced tone that belies its modest price. Ideal for beginners – fun for all.”

Read more: Fender CD-60S review

Expert verdict: Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
Stuart Williams holding a guitar
Expert verdict: Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
Stuart Williams

“With stunning looks, a short scale length and modest price tag, I feel this is an ideal guitar for younger players and adults alike.”

Read more: Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy review

Expert verdict: Yamaha FG800
Daryl Robertson
Expert verdict: Yamaha FG800
Daryl Robertson

“There’s no doubt about it, the Yamaha FG800 is one of the greatest beginner acoustic guitars of all time. Its solid top helps deliver a rich, full-bodied tone usually reserved for more expensive instruments. In addition, the smooth neck is comfortable, extremely playable, and perfect for players at the beginning of their musical journey.”

Read more: Yamaha FG800 review

Expert verdict: D'Angelico Premier Gramercy
Chris Corfield author image
Expert verdict: D'Angelico Premier Gramercy
Chris Corfield

“In my opinion, the D’Angelico Premier Gramercy is, undoubtedly, a fine guitar for the money. It is well-made, sounds decent, and looks interesting. Some players may find the tone on the bright side, but it can't be denied that the Premier Gramercy offers outstanding value for players of all levels.”

Read more: D'Angelico Premier Gramercy review

Expert verdict
Richard Blenkinsop profile pic
Expert verdict
Richard Blenkinsop

“Boasting an impressive spec, I found that the Alvarez AD30 delivers the classic dreadnought sound and response that we all know and love at a fantastic price point. For me, this is more than just a superb first guitar, it’s also a fun and reliable workhorse.”

Read more: Alvarez AD30 review

Expert verdict
Daryl Robertson
Expert verdict
Daryl Robertson

“They say good things come in small packages, and Taylor can certainly attest to that with the GS Mini. Not only is this scaled-down guitar super fun to play, but I think it also has a sound that would rival some of its larger-bodied competitors.”

Read more: Taylor GS Mini Mahogany review

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ModelRetail priceStyleSolid TopElectronics Suited for
Fender CD-60S$199/£149DreadnoughtYesNoAdults/older kids
Gretsch Jim Dandy$189/£189ParlorNoNoKids/smaller players
Yamaha FG800$229/£248DreadnoughtYesNoAdults/older kids
D'Angelico Premier Gramercy$249/£199Grand AuditoriumYesYesAdults/older kids
Alvarez AD30$329/£249DreadnoughtYesNoAdults/older kids
Taylor GS Mini-e$699/£699GS MiniYesYesKids/smaller players
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Type: Dreadnought | Top: Solid Spruce| Back & Sides: Mahogany

Epiphone Hummingbird Studio ★★★★☆
Type: Dreadnought | Top: Solid Spruce| Back & Sides: Mahogany
Based on its big brother from parent company Gibson, the ‘real’ Hummingbird would set you back closer to $3,000, so this one is a bargain - and easily one of the best acoustic guitars under $500. We found the sound to be well-balanced and ideal for various styles, though the action, straight from the box, could be slightly lower to make it easier for beginners to play. For electrified sessions, Epiphone’s built-in Eperformer preamp is versatile enough to dish out a wide range of tones. Elsewhere, for us, the Grover tuners maintained reliable tension.

Read more: Epiphone Hummingbird Studio review