We've played epic affordable six-strings from Epiphone, Taylor, Fender, Yamaha and more – read on for our best beginner acoustic guitar recommendations and watch our video demos
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.
I’ve gone to great lengths to provide as much information in this guide as possible to ensure you make the correct choice. Along with detailed write-ups covering the ins and outs of each guitar, you’ll also find a video demo for each of our top picks. For the videos, I played each guitar at various dynamic levels so you can compare and contrast the sonic qualities of each instrument. I’ve even included sizing photos so you can see how large each model is – particularly useful if you're purchasing a guitar for a child or you're a smaller player. For reference, I'm 5'11".
Currently, my beginner acoustic top pick overall is the Fender CD-60S. In my humble opinion, this dreadnought offers a great balance of playability and affordability, and frankly, if you're simply looking for a great guitar that won’t cost the earth, this is the flat-top for you. For young players, I suggest the Gretsch Jim Dandy. This guitar is notably smaller than the Fender, making it a better fit for children. It also looks fantastic, which is a nice bonus. For adults seeking an instrument with a more grown-up feel and tone, I’d highly recommend Yamaha’s classic FG800.
If you're stuck with any of the terminology in this guide, I've included a glossary that will shed light on all the key terms I've used, and there's a handy FAQ further down the page, too.
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.
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With this Fender, you have a leading brand producing an excellent acoustic guitar at an entry-level price. In our tests, we found that this dreadnought’s all-mahogany construction produced a full, rounded sound with playability to match.
We have to start by saying we absolutely love the look of the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy. Its small stature and stunning finish just oozes vintage charm. That said, to be included in this best acoustic guitars for beginners guide, it needs to go deeper than just good looks – thankfully the G9500 more than delivers.
One of the lowest-priced guitars in our guide, Yamaha’s FG800 is a seasoned veteran in the beginner acoustic field. The sound generated by this beauty could easily come from a more expensive guitar, and it’s reliable at holding its tune, too.
Well-made, easy to play and with a visual flare that makes it stand out from the crowd, D'Angelico’s Premier Gramercy isn’t your average acoustic guitar for beginners, that’s for sure.
At around the $270 mark, the Alvarez AD30 is another dreadnought delivering well above its diminutive price tag. It kicks out significant volume from its sitka spruce body, which is as warm in tone as much as it is bright.
Taylor’s GS Mini doubles as a travel-sized guitar and dishes out all you need for home playing, especially for younger or smaller guitarists. The factory-set action is low, making it simple to play from the get-go.
✅ Buy If you want a big-name brand on a budget: Fender is the biggest name in the business, and the CD-60S is the perfect entry-level guitar from this legendary guitar maker. ❌ Avoid if you are small or don't like large guitars: The dreadnought body of the CD-60S produces a massive sound, but it can be a little too large for some to hold.
With this Fender, you have a leading brand producing an excellent acoustic guitar at an entry-level price. In my tests, I found that this dreadnought’s solid top construction produced a full, rounded sound, which equates to volume and confident mid-level power in support of a bright treble.
The tuners are positive and reliable, and at the sub-$200 mark, they represent excellent quality compared to other guitars in this bracket. Previously, Fender’s acoustic guitars for beginners had an action that tended to be on the high side. But the CD-60S has an action low enough to enable easier playing while avoiding troublesome fret buzz.
As this is a dreadnought guitar, it's more suitable for adults or older kids due to its size and scale. For younger players, we recommend checking out the next entry in this guide, the Gretsch Jim Dandy, as it's more tailored for children and provides a better playing experience for them.
In our review, we said, “Crucially for a beginner’s acoustic, Fender gets the neck profile bang on. The CD-60S is a joy to play, and backs this up with an impressive tone, making chords sound full and wide, yet with a detailed midrange and a vibrant top-end that adds a little magic to the mix.” High praise indeed for just an affordable acoustic guitar.
Best beginner acoustic guitars: Fender CD-60S demo - YouTube
“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.”
The short 24" scale makes it great for kids and beginners
Reasons to avoid
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Some might find the fretboard a little cramped
At a glance
✅ Buy if you want a traditional-sounding guitar: The Jim Dandy has plenty of retro charm and a sound to match. It's warm and full of character. ❌ Avoid if you need onboard electronics: If you are after a guitar you could eventually play on stage, we recommend looking at a model with a built-in pickup system.
I have to start by saying I absolutely love the look of the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy. Its small stature and stunning finish just oozes vintage charm. That said, to be included in this guide to the best beginner acoustic guitars, it needs to be more than a good-looking guitar – thankfully, the G9500 more than delivers.
In our review, we noted just how impressed we were with the guitar's low action and how well-intentioned it was across the neck. Tonally, it’s as you might expect. Obviously, the reduction in body size also means that it’s not going to have the bass and resonance levels of a standard dreadnought. Instead, the tone is bright but not brash when strummed, and fingerpicked notes have a definite ‘pluck’ to them, with a strong attack and slightly reduced sustain.
There aren’t many acoustic guitars that are this much fun to play, and even fewer from respected names at this price point – making it an easy recommendation from us at Guitar World. Looking for more options for your little one? Check out my full guide to the best guitars for kids.
Now, this guitar is rather small and may be too small for adults or older kids. So, please bear that in mind when you are making a purchase. For adults, we suggest looking at either the Fender CD-60S or the Yamaha FG800.
Best beginner acoustic guitars: Gretsch Jim Dandy Concert demo - YouTube
✅ Buy if you are seeking superb build quality: For us, Yamaha offers the best build quality at this price point. Their guitars are impeccably finished and well-made. ❌ Avoid if you need onboard electronics: Unfortunately, this model does not come loaded with a preamp or pickup.
One of the lower-priced guitars in our guide, Yamaha’s FG800 is a seasoned veteran in the beginner’s acoustic field – but don’t let that small price tag fool you.
In my time in music retail, I must have sold hundreds of these guitars over the years, but while filming the demo videos for this guide, I was reminded just how good this model sounds (a reaction mirrored by our cameraman and sound guy, too). The sound generated by this beauty could easily come from a more expensive guitar, and in use, it’s reliable at holding its tune, too.
A solid spruce top, more usually found on higher-priced guitars, helps create an impressive tone. And we think it really is the sound that allows this guitar to stand out from the others at the sub-$200 mark. No amplification is included, but for this price, who’s complaining?
While the neck has a rounded, comfortable profile, the body is rather large – so young kids will want to avoid this model for sure. The Yamaha FG800 is our top choice for adult beginners looking for an acoustic guitar, as we think the simple finish and larger body size make it perfect for older players.
Best beginner acoustic guitars: Yamaha FG800 demo - YouTube
“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.”
✅ Buy if you want superior upper-fret access: As this guitar has a cutaway design, it is ideal for those who want to play lead parts higher up the fingerboard. ❌ Avoid if you don’t like bright-sounding guitars: This guitar has a very crisp tone that some may find a little abrasive at times. If you prefer a warmer tone, you may want to opt for a different model.
Well-made, easy to play and with a visual flare that makes it stand out from the crowd, D'Angelico’s Premier Gramercy isn’t your average acoustic guitar for beginners, that’s for sure.
Featuring a grand auditorium-shaped body, this single-cutaway guitar is ideal for players with a slightly smaller frame, while the common use of a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides deliver a bright and articulate attack that to my ears sounds just as good strummed with a pick as it does played with purely your fingers.
Now, I think it’s important to think past the beginner stage when choosing a guitar. If your budget allows it, you should most definitely consider purchasing a guitar that’s more future-proof. Thankfully, this D’Angelico fits that brief. Coming loaded with a discreet Fishman pickup system, this stunning beginner acoustic is stage-ready right out of the box.
Best beginner acoustic guitars: D’Angelico Premier Gramercy demo - YouTube
“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.”
✅ Buy if you want volume and power: This guitar is bright, loud and powerful. We absolutely love the sound of this guitar, and we believe you will too! ❌ Avoid if you don't like dreadnought guitars: We are aware that dreadnought guitars aren’t for everyone. Some don't like the large body, and if that's you, we recommend a concert or folk-sized guitar.
At around the $270 mark, the Alvarez AD30 is another dreadnought delivering well above its diminutive price tag. In my tests, I found that it kicks out significant volume from its sitka spruce-topped mahogany body, which is as warm in tone as much as it is bright.
Playing can be subtle but also as aggressive as you want to get, and this is where the AD30 delivers a surprising amount of power. The X bracing design is intended to aid resonance, which certainly rings out.
The guitar's construction is rugged, and it stays reliably in tune. The 50/50 gloss to matt finish on the neck balances resilience with ease of playing. Conventional rather than flashy, the AD30 is a reliable allrounder.
As you can imagine, the "under $500" price category is a rather competitive one. Almost every brand has a guitar in this price bracket, but my top choice has to be the Alvarez AD30. This guitar is superbly put together, and the tone is vibrant and engaging.
Best beginner acoustic guitars: Alvarez AD30 demo - YouTube
“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.”
✅ Buy if you are seeking a comfortable small-body guitar: The Taylor GS Mini is a joy to sit with and incredibly comfortable for all ages. ❌ Avoid if you need a loud guitar: Due to the small nature of the body, this isn't the loudest guitar on this list.
Taylor’s GS Mini doubles as a travel-sized guitar and dishes out all you need for home playing, especially for younger or smaller guitarists. The factory-set action is low, making it simple to play from the get-go.
I found the sound to be warm and clear, tending towards the mid-range. Though the trebles are bright, despite the size, the bass doesn’t lack. The sound also includes ample sustain with notes enduring longer than would be expected from a ‘mini’. The onboard electronics provide a stunning amplified tone that certainly rivals more premium models.
The broad tonal capability across the range makes it well suited to a variety of musical styles, meaning this is one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners if you’re searching for tonal versatility as well as for an entry-level guitar that could last far beyond your newcomer years.
Not to mention, it also takes our top slot for the best guitar for small hands as well as being our favorite beginner model for those looking for an electro-acoustic – the humble GS Mini can do it all!
Best beginner acoustic guitars: Taylor GS Mini demo - YouTube
“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.”
Take a look at how our top choices compare, side-by-side.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Model
Retail price
Style
Solid Top
Electronics
Suited for
Fender CD-60S
$199/£149
Dreadnought
Yes
No
Adults/older kids
Gretsch Jim Dandy
$189/£189
Parlor
No
No
Kids/smaller players
Yamaha FG800
$229/£248
Dreadnought
Yes
No
Adults/older kids
D'Angelico Premier Gramercy
$249/£199
Grand Auditorium
Yes
Yes
Adults/older kids
Alvarez AD30
$329/£249
Dreadnought
Yes
No
Adults/older kids
Taylor GS Mini-e
$699/£699
GS Mini
Yes
Yes
Kids/smaller players
Also consider
The above models are our top choices when it comes to the best acoustic guitars for beginners, but to compile the list, we had to review many more instruments. Below, you'll find a small selection of other beginner acoustic guitars that received positive reviews recently, but didn't quite make it into our top six.
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.
