Acoustic guitars are one of the most popular musical instruments, known for their versatility, portability, and beautiful sound. If you’re a beginner looking to pick up your first acoustic guitar, there are a lot of options to choose from.
With so many different makes, models, and price points, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best acoustic guitar for you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of The Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners, so you can find the best one to suit your needs.
When selecting an acoustic guitar, there are several factors to consider, such as size, sound quality, playability, and price. Beginners should look for a guitar with a comfortable neck, easy-to-press strings, and a balanced tone. The size of the guitar is also important.
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At a Glance:
- Fender FA-115 Guitar
- Fender FA-115 Dreadnought
- Fender FA-115 Dreadnought
- Yamaha FG JR1 3/4-Size
- Fender CD-60 Dreadnought
The Top 10 Best Acoustic Guitar for beginners in 2022
Read thoroughly this list of best beginner acoustic guitars that might help you get your first acoustic guitar. We discussed the acoustic guitar specifications along with their pros and cons so might know what you are buying and how to deal with it. So before visiting a guitar store, make sure to read it. Best of luck!
Fender FA-115 Guitar
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Features that make it the best Beginner Acoustic Guitar
This gorgeous-looking FA-115 by Fender is the best beginner acoustic guitar that has been made of laminated wood with the back material Agathis. Not only its smooth texture will impress you but also its long-lasting performance.
The melodious sound the guitar has can also enthrall you all. You will love it for its comfort as well as its ease of use. We found a lot of younger players as well who loved playing the guitar for hours and that didn’t bother their fingers.
The X-bracing will deliver great sound quality and the sturdy solid spruce on top makes it more special.
As for the play-ability, its neck design is one of the reasons why you will find many pros comparing it with high-end models. Such design will let you move it up and down with ease and you won’t feel any jerks in the riff.
The big plus of the guitar is that you will get different accessories that you should have been a beginner. It includes a walnut fingerboard, walnut bridge, body binding, and chrome hardware.
You will also get an instructional DVD, an extra set of strings, a gig bag, guitar picks, a guitar strap, and a digital chromatic clip-on tuner so you can keep your guitar in tune.
Speaking of the gig bag, you may not like the quality. Plus, it also does not offer protection because of its absence of padding. Another con with the acoustic guitar is the strings. Many people complained that the strings get corroded pretty quickly.
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Fender FA-115 Dreadnought
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Features of Fender FA-115 dreadnought guitar
This natural beauty has got everything to make it the best beginner acoustic guitar. Starting from hard strumming to delicate finger-picking or quick Flat-picking, it can respond well to different acoustic playing styles.
Having been constructed with basswood back and sides, it promises to last long. Furthermore, it comprises a flawless solid spruce top, Hardwood bridge, and walnut fingerboard that makes this guitar aesthetically beautiful.
Speaking more of the top, it can amaze you with its dynamic range, brightness, and strength, and only a few kinds of wood can beat that.
In terms of its shape, dreadnought comes with a deep body for superior low-end projects as well as for a balanced tone. You will find the perfect, not both lead and rhythm work.
Additionally, the mahogany neck has been designed so that you can move your hands up and down slowly and play it with ease.
You will get a hard case as well that can be perfect for carrying your new guitar. It also includes an extra set of strings so that you can change it if one breaks.
The guitar also incorporates a guitar strap for great comfort, a clip-on tuner that will help you tune the guitar easily, and some colorful picks for playing it like a pro.
Although the tuners can be a bit stiff at first, you will be okay after a while.
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Fender FA-115 Dreadnought
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Features of FA-115 dreadnought acoustic guitar
With fine solid bass notes and medium tones, Fender FA-115 Dreadnought acoustic guitar shines bright. Just like the previous two, this one is also stated to be the popular beginner acoustic guitar.
The guitar has a popular dreadnought shape featuring a superior low-end project and a deep body for a balanced tone. With this, you will be able to enjoy any rhythm or lead work.
You will also love the way it feels comfortable while holding. It has rounded shoulders that can make you play it all day long without any problem.
The top has been made of solid spruce offering the best quality and durability. It is braced with an “X” pattern that does not only produces a warmer but a stronger tone.
The basswood back and sides also offer great durability and help in making the guitar sound great. The 20-fret fingerboard is made of walnut that also serves the same purpose.
A compensated saddle sits loosely in the hardwood bridge where you can adjust the string length and allow it to play in tune up the board. Although some users felt the saddle at the bottom was made of poor quality. But it does its job well.
The bundle includes a hard case for protection while traveling. It comes with a key and lock for extra protection. The guitar also comes with a strap, strings, picks, and a chromatic clip-on tuner.
The corrosion of the strings was one of the common problems we found in the reviews.
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Yamaha FG JR1 3/4-Size
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Features of Yamaha FG JR1
Yamaha too has a list of best beginner acoustic guitars among which we have the FG JR1. Its simplicity can make you fall in love with this great guitar.
You already got the idea from the name that the 3/4 acoustic guitar comes in smaller shapes. The reason why the producer opted for making the small version is that they wanted to make it offer a nice balance between size and comfort.
Not just that, the acoustic guitar size also helps make it easy to carry. So, if you are a complete beginner, this is a chance to grab one. However, larger-handed players may not find it ideal.
The brand made sure to offer great quality in terms of hardware. The guitar comes with a solid spruce top that feels strong. It also features back and sides constructed with meranti serving the same purpose.
The guitar features a nato neck with a satin finish having a set of chrome open-geared tuning machines. It also comes with a rosewood fretboard that has a total of 20 frets that help in making it sound great.
As for the body, it comes with a rosewood bridge having a compensated saddle and synthetic bone nut. With this, you will be able to adjust the sound and tone the way you want.
When it comes to the sound, the guitar offers a bright tone with solid mid-range and crisp and clean trebles. Although, it lacks bass that should not make you feel down.
Besides these, you will get a high-quality gig bag with the guitar for carrying and moving around.
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Fender CD-60 Dreadnought
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Features of Fender CD-60 dreadnought body
If you are someone who is not really into classic wood look guitar, this can make an ideal choice. CD-60 Dreadnought by Fender has impressed different newbies with its easy-to-control factor and an improved tone.
The top comes in laminated solid spruce that is not only durable but also makes the guitar sound great. The back and sides have been made of laminated solid mahogany that also offers durability and a smooth finish.
The saddle and nut come in plastic while the bridge used Sonokeling material. We can say that every part of the guitar feels high in quality.
When it comes to playability, you will find it easy and smooth on your fingers. Not only it will be easy to play but control as well. Its action can make pull-offs, performing leads, or other finger tricks much cleaner as well as with lesser efforts.
The tuning machines also work great at keeping the guitar in tune. Although people hated the stiffness of the tuner at first, it gets alright later.
One great thing about the guitar is its sound quality. The tone will be rich, especially when strummed and you will get to enjoy it being a beginner.
With a set of high-quality strings and a proper initial setup, you can make the black beauty sound downright impressive.
The guitar includes different necessary accessories that will help you be a pro. You will get extra strings because one can get corroded easily. You will also get a high-quality hard case, picks, and strap.
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Yamaha FG800 Solid Top
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Features of Yamaha FG800
One main factor that makes Yamaha FG800 the best acoustic guitar for beginners is its impressive production of bass which adds it to the list of bass guitars. It does not only produce very clear bass but also different resonances which the majority of its rivals lack.
The sound feels mellow and well-balanced at the same time. The dreadnought shape of the guitar makes the sound quality warmer across the frequency range, especially in the mid and lower ranges.
The high action on the strings is also remarkable apart from the string spacing. Yes, you can also lower the action by adjusting the truss rod a little and by removing the saddle plus sanding it on the base.
Moreover, the design of the guitar also encourages you to make it sound great. The steel strings are of high quality and will not get rusty quickly.
Speaking of the design, the neck feels smooth and comfortable to hold. The top has been made of solid Sitka spruce, the back and sides come in nato, and the body features a scallop bracing. Altogether, the guitar will offer solid durability and long-lasting performance.
Not just that, the guitar comes with high-quality tuners that work great with tuning. A big plus here is that it does not even require that much tuning which makes it ideal for newbies.
However, you will get the guitar only, so don’t expect it to have other stuff included. Also, some of the users felt it was smaller, so chances are high that you might feel the same.
But the bigger problem with the guitar is that the guitar lacks cutaway, meaning it will be harder to access to lower fret-board.
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Fender FA-115 Dreadnought
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Features of Fender FA-115 dreadnought acoustic
This model by Fender has almost all the similar features which you will find in any other Dreadnought guitars of the same brand. But what makes it the best acoustic guitar for beginners is the tuner it includes.
Not only it is easy to use but it also works great at making the guitar sound the way you want.
Besides, the guitar comes in a full-size dreadnought body that offers a full and vibrant tone. Being a beginner, you will love to play different styles of music with this model.
The top comes in laminated solid Sitka spruce and with X-bracing which helps in letting you manipulate the tone. The rosewood bridge has compensated synthetic bone saddle that enables you to tweak the tone and explore different music.
Just like the other one, it also comes with 20 frets at the fingerboard along with dot inlays which make it easier to use.
You will find the strings being made of steel makes the guitar sound louder and much stronger. Although the strings will get rusty you will have extras to save the day.
The guitar also includes other accessories such as a strap, picks, tuner, and most importantly a gig bag to carry around the stuff. You may not like the quality of the bag, but you can buy one separately.
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Fender CD-60S Solid Top
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Features of Fender CD-60S solid-top
The CD-60S acoustic guitar by Fender suits newbies because of its easy playability. Hence, you can also call it another best beginner acoustic guitar.
This model proudly boasts on the headstock. Its dreadnought body is simple but good-looking as well. Coming with a solid spruce top, and laminated solid mahogany on the sides and back, it offers a smooth and elegant texture in black.
The glossy mahogany neck makes the guitar easy to play while the profile and 20-fret fingerboard with rolled edges ensure optimum comfort.
The guitar includes a set of chrome die-cast tuners that work great at tuning, a laminated bridge that gets better with an edge, and steel strings that don’t get easily rusty.
The brand also made sure the beginner gets each and every essential accessory with the guitar. Hence, the guitar comes with a hard-shell case, plectrums, strap, strings, and picks, apart from the tuners.
In terms of sound, the model provides you with a well-balanced sound. You will also love its nice warmth and good brightness.
Having lower action, it offers easy to fret as well as quick playing. With the body being dreadnought, the projection on the guitar feels solid and strong.
However, the majority of the people complained about the accessories though. They felt the strap and the stand had not been made of high-quality materials which ended up disappointing them.
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As you will move towards the neck, you will find a nato piece with a walnut fretboard. Not only does it feel solid but it also makes the guitar more convenient.
The nut and saddle are both constructed with a kind of plastic material that is quite high quality. Viking bridge, just like the rest of the wood, is another laminated piece but offers great tonal support.
As for the sound, the guitar offers both bass and treble controls, as well as volume control and an inbuilt tuner setup. You will get a set of sealed die-cast tuners so you can explore different tones by using them to tune in the guitar.
Apart from tuners, you will also get a Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, and different colored Picks with the instrument.
However, some users complained about the gig bag being cheaply made. Some of them also griped about the missing accessories.
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Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought
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Features of Fender FA-125 CE
This black beauty has the ability to blend volume with high sound quality. Just like any other dreadnoughts, it also offers better projection and volume with the waist being expanded and negating the difference between upper and lower bout.
One big plus of the guitar is that it has a cutaway, hence, you will get easy access to the upper frets.
Furthermore, it comes with a C-shaped neck and chic-styled body that makes it an ideal choice for the comfortable contour. So, you can play it with the guitar for hours without feeling any kind of fatigue.
As for the material, half of its tone can be attributed to the laminated wood used to build it. Fender went with a laminated spruce top and teamed up with basswood sides and back. We can say that all the materials will not only last long but also help the guitar sound cool.
Ibanez AW54OPN Classic
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Features of Ibanez AW54OPN
The Ibanez AW54OPN is a classic-looking starter guitar that boasts its easy playability and striking performance. Coming with a nato neck and rolled fingerboard edges, you will love its ease of use.
Not just that, the instrument also sports a solid top that has been made of a renewable wood named okume. With such material, you will get to enjoy the vibrancy of the top at a reasonable cost which different newbies appreciate.
As for the mahogany back and sides, they also offer superb durability and performance.
The body comes in classic dreadnought style giving a fine contrast to the modern tone-wood selection and playability of the guitar.
You will also love its warm and open tone. The sound the guitar makes will not only be crisp but strong as well.
Some users did not like the fact that it does not include any bag or case and that you have to buy it separately. So, this can be a con for you.
Another issue with the guitar is that it falls out of tune fast which can be the main concern.
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The Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide for Beginners:
Before you go shopping, it is necessary to know what to buy and how to buy it. So here is our guide on how to buy the best beginner acoustic guitar.
What is The Easiest Type of Acoustic Guitar to Play?
You will find a variety of acoustic guitars in terms of shapes most of which would be easier for newbies to play. The majority of the popular and reliable acoustic guitar brands provide them with a plethora of beginner-friendly solutions.
Although, it is recommended to avoid going for Jumbo acoustic guitars since they can be very big and bulky for beginners. Such guitar is perfect for country players and beginners can think of having it only after getting the right skill and experience.
If you are someone who is just starting out, it will be better if you go with an orchestra or dreadnought model as both of them are easier to learn. If you are small, then opt for a parlor guitar, which is also the easiest type of acoustic guitar to play.
However, it does not matter what acoustic or electric guitar you plan to get, the strings and setup play a major role in the overall playability of the instrument. You may want to spend a thousand bucks on an attractive-looking guitar, but if the strings are rusty or the action is too high or low, you will surely struggle to play it smoothly.
So, if you want to enjoy easy playability, you will be to set up the guitar properly after you buy it. And the good news is that you can do it all by yourself. All you need to do is spare half an hour and read the guide below.
What to Avoid When Buying an Acoustic Guitar?
Wrong Size
Don’t go for the wrong size because that will not only be inconvenient for you to hold the guitar but also will destroy the whole guitar playing mood. We would recommend you to go with the right size depending on yours.
Even if you don’t know how to hold the guitar with proper playing posture, don’t go with dreadnought or any mini acoustic. Contrariwise, the oversized guitar also brings different issues especially if you have smaller hands that simply cannot wield a full-size guitar.
Buying it Broken
Make sure to check the guitar because a broken guitar will not do any good. As for the neck, look down the instrument vertically from head to bridge so that you can check if the neck is free of bends or if it’s straight.
Make sure the fretboard is free of cracks, dents, and excessive wear. Run your finger down the sides of the fret-board gently from nut to soundhole, ensuring the frets’ edges do not protrude.
When it comes to tuning machines, it is suggested you give each of them a full rotation in both directions. Look for a smoother turn. It should not have any lag between the movement of the roller and the twist of the knob.
To check the intonation, you will need to play a natural harmonic on the twelfth fret of each string and compare the string when fretting at the twelfth fret and the pitches of the harmonic. Make sure both are at the same pitch or closer at least.
You will also need to inspect the action. If you can’t do it alone, you can ask the salesman to help you out. Although bad action can be fixed easily make sure you get it checked for your betterment.
Looking out of your league
It goes both ways. You can get a model that is of low quality making it unplayable or you get one that is much better than what you want for getting started. Make sure the one you buy passes the playability checklist and avoid settling for anything less.
Also, it is recommended to not bankrupt yourself and grab a Martin or any other music world’s biggest brands guitar as your first guitar. Brands have been kind for offering beginner guitars in a reasonable price range in today’s market.
What To Look For When Buying An Acoustic Guitar?
Here are some things you should consider when buying an acoustic guitar for a beginner.
Construction
Look for the construction of the guitar you are buying. Premium construction affects the durability, sound, and performance of the guitar. The top, back, and sides of the guitar need to be well-constructed to prevent damage. In addition, the neck should have a good finish that is resistant to wear.
Neck Width
The neck width of the guitar should be comfortable. A wider neck will feel more stable and better balanced. In addition, the wider neck will make it easier to play the guitar. However, a wider neck is harder to play because the player must use more muscle to bend the strings.
Scale Length
The scale length of the guitar is also important. The longer the scale length of the guitar, the larger the body size of the guitar. Therefore, a longer scale length makes the guitar easier to hold. However, a longer scale length means less resonance and less volume.
In addition, the shorter the scale length of the guitar, the better the sound quality. A short scale length can give a clear, crisp sound with a lot of volumes.
Fingerboard
The fingerboard of the guitar should have a smooth finish. Smooth fingerboards are easy to clean and maintain. They are also easy to play on. A rough fingerboard surface can wear quickly and make it difficult to play the guitar.
Nut Width
The nut width of the guitar should be comfortable. A wider nut will allow the player to play the guitar with ease. However, the wider nut will affect the sound of the guitar.
Tuning Machines
The tuning machines of the guitar should be easy to use. Tuning machines that require more than one hand are difficult to use. In addition, it is important to consider the types of tuners that are used on the guitar. Some guitars use a fixed-gear or sliding-gear tuner while others use a string-through-a-hole tuner. String-through-a-hole tuners are easier to use.
In general, look for a well-constructed, comfortable, durable, and easy-to-play acoustic guitar.
Do You Need an Amplifier with an Acoustic-Electric Guitar?
It’s normal that every beginner asks if they need an amplifier after buying their first acoustic-electric guitar. Well, if you ask whether it is a must-have, we would say no. You don’t need an amplifier to play an electric-acoustic guitar as it works just like a normal acoustic guitar.
Nonetheless, if you want more volume, let’s say, when you play with others, then you can think of getting a small acoustic amplifier. You may need a bigger amplifier for concerts or other live performances. But, for beginners, it is not very necessary unless you get all the skills.
Best Acoustic Guitar For Beginner Children
When it comes to the best acoustic guitar for beginner children, we would say to go with Yamaha FG JR1. Not only it is durable but it has everything that will help hone their skills. This guitar produces a decent sound quality that the children will enjoy.
Not just that, it also comes in perfect 3/4 mini size which has been tuned well right out of the box. The children will also find it easier to handle. Plus, it will also fit naturally in their palm making it great for little greenhorns.
FAQ’s
In this section, we will answer a few FAQs to clear your mind further.
What is the Best Guitar for beginners?
It is a great beginner guitar with a solid and durable body. Moreover, it produces impressive trebles as well as bass so that you can explore different kinds of music being a beginner.
The big plus is that this beginner guitar comes with a cutaway that offers easier access to the upper fret. You will also get different accessories such as extra strings, picks, tuners, straps, and a gig bag for your convenience.
What Acoustic Guitar Has The Lowest Action?
How Long Does it Take to Learn Guitar?
So it’s a bit tough to answer specifically about the time it takes to learn guitar. As long as you are practicing regularly, you can reach the stages highlighted below within the given amount period.
1 to 2 months: You will be able to learn easy guitar music (including strumming of basic chords, single-string plucking music with not many chord arpeggios, string jumping, and fingerstyle playing).
3 to 6 months: You will be able to learn a little more difficult music, that needs a lot more technical elements. For instance, you can play music that requires easier pull-offs, hammer-ons, as well as other easier lead guitar tricks.
1 year: You will be able to play intermediate-level music, which includes music of different popular guitar songs, blues, riffs, etc. You may probably start having a more definitive feel for barre chord in a year of regular practice.
2 years: If you keep practicing enough, you can start playing different kinds of music in two years. Of course, you will have to practice them before playing them for real.
2 to 3 years: If you learn guitar theory during the journey of learning guitar, then you can get to improvise on the instrument also.
5 to 6 years: You will be able to call yourself a professional guitarist because, by this time, you can play anything you want.
10+ years: You will start realizing how much you don’t know yet. You’d wish to learn more and more and you may get to learn to play most guitars as well.
What are The 3 Types Of Guitars?
Electric Guitar:
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Acoustic Guitar:
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Classical Guitar:
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Wrap-up! Best Acoustic Guitar For Beginners
In conclusion, the best acoustic guitar for beginners is one that is comfortable to play, easy to handle, and provides a balanced tone. Whether you choose the Yamaha FG800 or the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor, both of these guitars offer great sound quality and playability.
Remember, the most important factor in selecting an acoustic guitar is finding one that you enjoy playing and that inspires you to continue learning. So, take your time, try out Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners. Best of luck!
