Table of Contents
Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners
Seagull S6
Who Is It For?
The Seagull S6 is perfect for beginner and intermediate players. Some guitarists have said it’s similar to expensive Martin’s or Taylor’s. This is fair to say, but I’m not sure if it’s completely accurate. But I do feel it’s the best model for the price point.
This is a versatile acoustic guitar that can be used for many music types. This includes finger picking.
Features
Seagull S6 Score
Overall
-
Build Quality
-
Sound
-
Playability
-
Appearance
Build Quality
The Seagull S6 Original is known for being built with top-notch materials. The top of the guitar is made of gorgeous genuine cedar.
Then scalloped internal bracing is used to support it, which is made of spruce. A warm, full-bodied tone with outstanding volume and sustain is produced by this combination.
Wild cherry is used to make the sides and back. Although this tonewood is less prevalent, it does contribute to the guitar’s well-balanced sound.
The binding on the top and sides was another feature I particularly enjoyed. It provided a polished appearance and really finished the look.
Sound Performance
It’s interesting to see a cedar top on the S6. They are not frequently found on steel string guitars. They have a warmer sound and can be heard on flamenco or classical guitars. The S6 offers a very warm, thick bass response, which is really nice.
The S6’s dreadnought body shape produces a powerful volume when strummed. It seemed to truly fill the space where I was playing it.
Warm and full, but with a shimmering top end in the sound. I think the S6 is the only guitar with this tone, and it’s extremely pleasant.
You can hear the sounds of this amazing guitar in this video. It will present to you just how rich and full the sound is.
PROS
- Hardware and materials.
- Bold full sound.
- Easy to play.
- Made in North America.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Many versions available.
CONS
- Dreadnought might be too big for smaller players.
Cost and Value
Crafted in Canada, Seagull guitars offer a limited lifetime warranty, a testament to their exceptional quality. The acoustic resonance and playability of these instruments are simply astounding, making them an unbeatable deal.
Some musicians have cherished these guitars for two decades, and they continue to deliver excellent performance and sound!
At present, this guitar is priced just below $800. In my opinion, this represents phenomenal value, and it’s a purchase decision you’ll appreciate in the long run.
Verdict
The S6 has an amazing tone and a very comfortable neck and body. It’s my number 1 choice for anyone getting started because it’s good value for the money. The quality and performance you will get from this instrument will keep you inspired. The Seagull S6 is truly different!
The neck is made of maple and has a rosewood fingerboard. We find that it also has a 25.5-inch scale with a wider fretboard, but is incredibly effortless to play. This is a dreadnought body style, steel string acoustic guitar. It provides a good amount of volume from the soundboard.
The Seagull guitars are made in Canada and come with a limited lifetime warranty. This is a deal that just can’t be topped for an acoustic at this price. Some players have owned them for decades, and they still play and sound great!
Taylor Academy 10e
Who Is It For?
The Academy 10e was built with new players in mind. The guitar produces a rich voice and is comfortable.
The neck is not challenging to play, which would also be good for intermediate players. The built-in electronics are also very helpful. The digital tuner makes it a great beginner instrument.
Features
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 4 |
| Comfort | 4.3 |
| Tuning stability | 4.1 |
| Aesthetics | 4 |
| Sound performance | 4.1 |
Build Quality
The Academy 10e by Taylor left quite an impression on me. Taylor, as a guitar manufacturer, consistently exceeds expectations.
The meticulous routing on the Sitka spruce top and the intricate profiles lend a beautiful aesthetic to the guitar. Its solid construction and attention to detail culminate in a visually stunning instrument.
The guitar features a maple neck that offers a comfortable playing experience. The action was optimally set, making chord playing a breeze for me.
The tuners are of commendable quality, ensuring the guitar stays in tune. Surprisingly, even the strings that came with the guitar were quite good, which is not always the case.
Sound Performance
One of the first things I noticed immediately is the power of the sound. The combination of the sitka spruce top and the dreadnought body give this guitar major presence. The sound was loud and filled the room quite well.
The sound is crisp and clear with a bold bass response. Plugged into an amplifier, the sound was pretty natural.
This is the power of the ES-B system that comes with the guitar. I was pretty happy with what I heard. Even from a guitar that was designed for beginners. Check out this video to see what I mean!
PROS
- Quality materials.
- Built-in electronics.
- Tuner onboard.
- Amazing tones.
- Fun to play.
CONS
- Dreadnought is a bigger body style.
- Guitar is basic looking.
Verdict
With the release of the Academy 10 series, Taylor has tailored a guitar to better cater to beginners. This dreadnought body guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and an African ebony fingerboard.
The hardware is of high quality, and the overall look is quite appealing! This guitar is one of our top picks due to its exceptional value!
It’s remarkably lightweight and comfortable, making it an ideal beginner acoustic guitar. It also comes equipped with ES-B electronics, Taylor’s custom system that includes a pickup and tuner combo. This means you can plug it into an amp or PA system for larger performances.
Martin LX1
Who Is It For?
This is a guitar that is perfect for beginners who are smaller. Children and students will benefit from this instrument. It’s made from laminate wood products, which is expected from low-cost Martin guitars. The sound is still rich and somewhat full.
Features
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 4 |
| Comfort | 4.4 |
| Tuning stability | 4 |
| Aesthetics | 3.8 |
| Sound performance | 3.6 |
Build Quality
The Martin LX1 is a highly favored acoustic guitar model, renowned for its superior construction. Its craftsmanship and design are truly first-rate! It boasts a solid Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany back and sides.
The HPL material utilized in the LX1’s construction enhances its durability. While some critics question this method, it has proven to be quite reliable.
It handles variations in humidity and temperature well, making it an excellent choice for travel and even rough handling.
The LX1’s high-quality neck contributes to the instrument’s robustness and stability. Despite being made from less expensive materials, it retains that distinctive Martin tone, making it a top-notch guitar overall.
Sound Performance
I must admit, my initial impression of this guitar was not favorable. Given its size, I assumed it would lack in sound quality. However, I was pleasantly surprised!
While the size does limit its low-end output, the sound of this guitar is uniquely charming! It delivers a warm tone with sparkling treble frequencies, impressive for its size.
If you enjoy adding percussion by tapping on your guitar, the wooden top on this one is ideal. I managed to produce some fantastic beats while strumming enthusiastically.
The resonance was impressive. By the end, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this guitar. This video will help substantiate my claims!
PROS
- Martin quality.
- Affordable.
- Comfortable.
- Smaller guitar.
- Fun to play.
CONS
- There is a lack of depth in the sound because of the size and choice of top wood.
Verdict
Martin has introduced a broad range of acoustic guitars catering to various types of players. The LX1, aimed at the beginner market, is a definite success. Being one of the smallest in their line, it could be a great fit for smaller players or even children looking for affordable models.
The top is made of solid Sitka spruce with mahogany back and sides, giving the guitar a decent volume output for a smaller model.
The hardware quality wasn’t compromised for cost, as all components, including the tuners, are well-made and maintain tune perfectly. It’s indeed a fantastic starter guitar.
Gretsch G5024E Rancher
Who Is It For?
Another wonderful beginner and intermediate guitar. This one is a nice fit for anyone who likes vintage aesthetics. It sounds and looks the part, and does so really well. It has a bold tone with a nice mid-range response.
Features
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 4.4 |
| Comfort | 4.2 |
| Tuning stability | 4 |
| Aesthetics | 4.9 |
| Sound performance | 4.3 |
Aesthetic
The Rancher from Gretsch just screams vintage! The sunburst finish plus triangle shaped sound hole is very old school looking.
Even the inlays along the neck fit the look all so well. It’s a really good-looking guitar if you’re into a more vintage look. It’s also got a great gloss finish that makes it shine.
Sound Performance
While the guitar is made to the shape of a dreadnought, the lower bout is a bit larger. I found this to really enhance the bass frequencies the guitar was capable of. It was deeper and full, filling the room with a bold volume projection.
It’s a warmer sound, which is what you would expect from a mahogany body, but the treble is still present. The sound is balanced, so don’t worry, all frequencies are found in every strum. Watch this video below to get a better idea of how it sounds.
PROS
- Vintage look.
- Built-in fishman electronics.
- Big balanced tone.
- Effortless to play.
- Good hardware.
CONS
- Some players might not like the triangle sound hole.
Verdict
Another wonderful dreadnought acoustic guitar is the G5024E Rancher by Gretsch. It provides a very harmonically rich mid-range. Exactly what you want from an entry level instrument.
It’s a wonderful acoustic that ranges from bold low end to a shimmering treble response. It was full and pleasing to my ear. The guitar also comes with a built-in electronic pickup system by Fishman.
It sounds great plugged into any amp and is perfect for the stage. This makes it one of the best beginner acoustic guitars available.
Yamaha FG850
Who Is It For?
The FG850 is for those who are looking for a big, bold sound. It’s warm and loud! If you’re looking for a crisp sound, this isn’t the guitar for that.
But most players appreciate the warmth of an acoustic. So I would suspect it would work great for most players, especially those who play folk music.
Features
- Dreadnought body shape.
- Mahogany top material.
- Nato neck wood.
- 20 frets.
- 25.56″ scale length.
- One-Year warranty.
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 4 |
| Comfort | 4.4 |
| Tuning stability | 4 |
| Aesthetics | 4.1 |
| Sound performance | 4 |
Sound Performance
The FG850 is unique. It’s one of the few guitars made entirely of mahogany. This provides a warmer sound than other acoustic guitars. It’s great for country, blues and folk as it also has a good volume projection. This is all thanks to the X bracing inside.
But even though it’s as warm sounding as it is, the treble is still remarkably present. This is great for a balanced sound, which is a must for an acoustic guitar. The video below demonstrates this very well.
PROS
- Good hardware.
- Warm tone with strong mids.
- Feels good to play.
- Looks beautiful.
- Yamaha quality.
CONS
- Some have complained that the action was high until properly set up.
- Tuners are good, but generic.
Verdict
The Yamaha FG850 is full and balanced in tone. It’s another popular, well-made choice. The dreadnought body is slightly bigger than the S6, but has a great neck!
This is another good buy for a beginner because of its playability and performance. The lively tone is a lot of fun!
I found this guitar to be an exceptional strumming acoustic. It has a very mid-range focused sound that is well-balanced. While still an entry-level guitar, I would suggest it to anyone playing certain music. This would include country, bluegrass, or modern rock.
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
Who Is It For?
The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is for players who like a vintage tone and aesthetic. It’s also an acoustic guitar that’s great for strumming and finger-picking.
The electronics built-in and EQ controls are intuitive, and the sound is wonderful. This acoustic guitar will be a good fit for a beginner or intermediate player.
Features
- Dreadnought body shape.
- Solid spruce top material.
- Mahogany neck wood.
- 20 Frets.
- 24.75″ scale length.
- Lifetime warranty.
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 4 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Tuning stability | 4.1 |
| Aesthetics | 4.7 |
| Sound performance | 4 |
Build Quality
The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio has an impressive construction. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It also features a Slim Taper D-profile mahogany neck. All of which are expertly crafted to produce a well-balanced and resonant sound!
Even in the binding and inlays on the guitar’s body and neck. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are visible.
The end result is a superb instrument that not only looks fantastic, but also plays and sounds wonderful. For a guitar at this price point, even the machine heads felt like they were robust.
Sound Performance
The Hummingbird Studio is well known for its full-bodied and resonant sound. I was welcomed by the guitar with a warm and well-balanced tone. This is primarily produced by its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
The body shape and wood choice contribute to its powerful sound output as well. Its well-designed internal bracing enables exceptional top-to-bottom projection and clarity. This video will display what I experienced in terms of sound and performance. Check it out!
PROS
- Wood and hardware.
- Built in cutting edge pick up system.
- Bright bold sound.
- Vintage look.
CONS
- No built-in tuner.
Verdict
The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is a versatile acoustic guitar. It offers a range of benefits for players of all levels. One of its key features is its classic design. This is based on the iconic Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar.
The Hummingbird Pro features a solid spruce top, and mahogany back and sides. Plus, a rosewood fingerboard delivers a warm and balanced sound.
The guitar also comes equipped with a shadow ePerformer preamp system. This allows you to plug the guitar into an amplifier or PA system for live performance.
Fender CP-60S
Due to its compact size, the parlor body design of the CP-60S acoustic guitar ensures a comfortable playing experience.
This model is a great option for the aspiring finger style player! This is because it sings with a peculiarly warm voice. You will find the CP-60s is typically favored by folk and blues artists.
Features
- Parlor body.
- Solid spruce top.
- Rolled fingerboard edges.
- 20 frets.
- 24.75″ scale length.
- 1-Year warranty.
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 3.6 |
| Comfort | 45 |
| Tuning stability | 4 |
| Aesthetics | 4 |
| Sound performance | 3.9 |
Sound Performance
The CP-60S delivers a surprisingly impressive sound performance. Its body shape and scalloped bracing allow for a balanced and articulate tone. I found it perfect for fingerpicking, strumming, and flatpicking. It can be the whole package in a small format!
Being a parlor guitar, you will be lacking some of the deeper bass you would find with a bigger acoustic, however.
Yet, the solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to a rich and warm sound. Somehow, it also has excellent projection and sustain! Check out this video to see what I mean.
PROS
- Small guitar.
- Vintage sunburst look.
- Balanced mid-range tones.
- Comfortable neck.
CONS
- Hardware is ok, but a better nut and saddle pins would be a good improvement.
Verdict
If you are interested in a smaller instrument, the parlor body style might be a good fit. The parlor is a great finger picking instrument, being smaller and easier to hold.
They are very comfortable and easy for younger players to handle. This makes it one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners.
The mahogany back and spruce top give the instrument a nice, warm yet rich sound. Because of the small size, it’s easily a living room kind of guitar that can hang around until you want to play. It’s comfortable, sounds good and is one of the more affordable acoustic guitars.
Taylor GS Mini
Who Is It For?
This small, light acoustic guitar is perfect for smaller people or those who travel a lot. Its smaller body and shorter length make it much easier to move around, making it very portable. The small form is also perfect for people who don’t find larger acoustics comfortable. But just be aware that it also doesn’t have the same full sound.
Features
- GS Mini body shape.
- Mahogany Top material.
- Sapele neck wood.
- 20 Frets.
- 23.5″ Scale length.
- Lifetime warranty.
| Evaluation | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build quality | 4.5 |
| Comfort | 4.9 |
| Tuning stability | 4 |
| Aesthetics | 4 |
| Sound performance | 3.6 |
Aesthetic
The GS Mini is a visually stunning acoustic guitar! It’s actually well-regarded for its eye-catching design. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides. Combined, they create a beautiful natural finish with a warm, soft look.
The guitar also features an attractive black pickguard and a crisp white binding. This adds to its overall aesthetic appeal. The guitar’s slotted headstock and stylish Taylor logo complete the elegant look!
Sound Performance
The guitar is much smaller than a dreadnought. This makes it great for smaller people. And while it does have a great sound that is nice and bright. You will also find that it lacks deep bass content and projection.
This is a great guitar, don’t get me wrong. It’s perfect for anyone who wants something smaller. But if you’re expecting a full-bodied sound. It’s not here. Check out the video for a demonstration of the sound performance.
PROS
- Sounds bigger than it is.
- Good quality.
- Small size.
- Easy and fun to play.
- Taylor designed.
CONS
- A bit expensive.
- Lacks depth due to the size.
Verdict
The Taylor GS Mini is a smaller body guitar that still retains a bold mid-frequency character. The instrument really shines and is made by Taylor. They know how to make amazing acoustic guitars! For the entry price, this is great for a beginner!
This is a traveler’s dream. Nice and light, small and still packs a punch. If you want the full sound of a larger acoustic, you won’t find it in the GS mini. But it’s still nice to have sitting around when you just want to play quick and not take out a bigger guitar.
What to Consider When Buying an Acoustic Guitar
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect starter guitar, there are several key factors to keep in mind.
As a novice, it’s crucial to find an instrument that suits your needs and facilitates your musical journey. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the process:
Size
The first step in your guitar selection process should be to find a guitar that feels comfortable to hold and play.
This is highly subjective and depends on factors such as your body size, hand size, and the style of music you wish to play. Remember, the guitar is an extension of yourself, so it should feel like a natural fit.
Action
The action of a guitar refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, the strings are hard to press down, making it difficult for beginners.
Conversely, if the action is too low, the strings will buzz when you play them. Most guitar manufacturers aim for a just-right action height, but it’s always a good idea to check.
String Type
Acoustic guitars come in two main types: steel-string and nylon-string. Steel strings are harder to press down, making them a bit challenging for younger children or absolute beginners.
On the other hand, nylon strings are easier to press down. This makes them a popular choice for those starting their musical journey, especially in classical music.
Body Type
Acoustic guitars come in a variety of body shapes and sizes. Bigger bodied guitars usually produce more volume and a fuller sound.
While smaller bodied guitars emphasize the mid and high frequencies. Your choice should depend on your comfort and the style of music you want to play.
Price
As a beginner, you might not want to spend a fortune on your first guitar. However, it’s essential to ensure that the guitar you choose is of good quality.
A poorly made guitar can lead to frustration and may hinder your progress. So, consider it as an investment in your musical future.
Conclusion
Learning to play the guitar is difficult when you begin. There are many things that can be overwhelming!
But we encourage you to keep going. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences and a hobby that will bring you much joy. Playing music is also a great way to have fun, unwind, de-stress and so much more.
It also comes with opportunities to connect with fellow players. Form bands, even sometimes rewarding careers and so much more! It will enrich your life with a challenge that is also excellent for the brain!
And so we hope you were able to find some value and encouragement from our guide. That it will help you to kick-start your journey into learning to play the guitar!