Acoustic guitars

If you're a total beginner, I'd recommend the Fender CD-60S Dreadnought for an easy, affordable first guitar, with the Yamaha FG800 as a close alternative if you want a guitar you can grow with for years. Both are well-regarded starter instruments with solid wood tops, and the Fender gets particularly high marks for playability.www.guitarworld.com+1

The 3 acoustic guitars I'd shortlist

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1. Fender CD-60S

(Best for most beginners)

$200–$250

An excellent first guitar with a solid spruce top, comfortable neck and rounded fretboard edges that feel good under your fingers. Great for learning chords, strumming and singing along.

Best if: ease of playing is your priority.

Fender CD-60S ·View at Fender

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2. Yamaha FG800

(Best all-round value)

$220–$280

A reliable, full-sounding guitar with a solid spruce top and strong projection. It's particularly good for strumming and offers quality that can last well beyond the beginner stage.

Best if: you want a dependable long-term instrument.

Yamaha FG800 ·Shop at Sweetwater

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3. Yamaha FS800

$210–$280

Similar spirit to the FG800, but with a smaller concert-size body. It's easier to hold comfortably for some players, especially if a full-size dreadnought feels bulky.

Best if: comfort and a smaller body matter to you.

Yamaha FS800 ·View at Sweetwater

Price ranges are approximate US shopping budgets, not guaranteed live prices. Recommendations informed by Guitar World's 2026 beginner guide and current retailer listings.www.guitarworld.com+3

What matters most when buying your first guitar?

• Comfort: You should be able to hold it without straining your shoulder or wrist.
• Easy playability: Ask a music shop to check the guitar's action — how high the strings sit above the frets. Lower, properly adjusted strings are easier for beginners to press down.
• Steel strings vs. nylon strings: Steel strings are great for pop, folk, country and rock. Nylon strings feel softer and are common for classical music.
• Budget: Plan on roughly $200–$300 for a good beginner guitar, plus a tuner, picks and a gig bag if they aren't included.

One important tip: your fingertips will probably feel sore at first. That's normal. Short, regular practice sessions will help you build finger strength without overdoing it.

Let me narrow it down to the right guitar for you.

What's your budget for the guitar itself?

Under $150

$150–$200

$200–$300

$300 or more

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Who's learning?

Adult

Teenager

Child

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What kind of music would you most like to play?

Pop songs and singing along

Rock

Country or folk

Classical or Spanish guitar

Not sure yet

[Find my best guitar]

How to choose your first acoustic guitar

The best beginner acoustic guitar is one that feels comfortable in your hands, stays in tune, sounds good enough to make you want to practice, and doesn't require a lot of setup or maintenance.

My biggest piece of advice: prioritize playability over looks, brand prestige, or the biggest sound. A well-set-up, affordable guitar is much easier to learn on than a beautiful guitar with stiff strings and uncomfortable action.

1. Choose the right type of acoustic guitar

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Steel-string acoustic

(Best for most beginners)

Bright, versatile sound suited to pop, rock, folk, country, and singer-songwriter music. Steel strings can be tougher on your fingertips at first, so a comfortable setup matters.

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Nylon-string classical guitar

Softer-feeling strings, a mellow sound, and usually a wider neck. Good for classical music, fingerstyle, and people who prefer lower string tension. The wider neck can be harder for some beginners to navigate.

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Concert or auditorium acoustic

A smaller-bodied steel-string option that's often comfortable for smaller players, seated practice, and fingerpicking. It can still handle strumming, though it may have less bass than a large dreadnought.

If you want to learn today's popular songs and strum chords, start by trying a steel-string acoustic. If comfort is your main concern, compare a concert-sized steel-string with a nylon-string guitar before deciding.

2. How to evaluate playability

Playability is how easy and comfortable the guitar is to play. You don't need musical experience to check several important things.

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1. String height (action)

Look at the gap between the strings and the frets. Very high strings make you press harder, especially near the middle of the neck. Very low strings can buzz against the frets.

Ask a guitar technician to assess the action if you aren't sure. A setup can make a substantial difference.

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2. First-fret comfort

Try pressing each string just behind the first fret. It shouldn't require excessive force. If the strings are especially hard to press near the nut, the nut slots may need adjustment.

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3. Neck shape and width

Hold the neck as if you were playing a chord. Your thumb should feel reasonably relaxed, without needing to stretch uncomfortably. Try a few neck shapes if possible; there isn't one universally best shape.

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4. Tuning stability

Turn each tuning key gently and check whether the guitar can be tuned accurately. After a few strums, check again. New strings naturally stretch, but persistent tuning problems can indicate setup or hardware issues.

Your five-minute beginner test

If you're trying guitars in a store, follow this checklist. Ask a staff member to play a few notes or chords if you don't yet know how.

Guitar tryout checklist

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One important note: a beginner's fingertips may hurt a little during the first few weeks, but you shouldn't have to squeeze extremely hard or tolerate significant pain just to produce a clear note.

3. How to inspect construction and build quality

You don't need to be a wood expert. Focus on whether the guitar is well assembled and likely to hold up over time.

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Solid wood vs. laminate

A solid top is made from solid wood and is a worthwhile feature to look for in a guitar you plan to keep for years. A laminated top uses layers of wood. Laminate isn't automatically bad: it can be affordable and practical for a first instrument. Solid back and sides are not essential for a beginner.www.fender.com+1

• 

Bridge and body joints

Check that the bridge sits flat against the top, with no obvious gaps or lifting. Look for cracks, loose binding, or open seams where the top meets the sides. A slight natural curve in the guitar top can be normal; a lifting bridge is not.

• 

Frets and fretboard

Run a finger carefully along the fretboard edges. The fret ends shouldn't feel sharp or stick out. Inspect the fret wires for uneven heights, damage, or corrosion, particularly on a used guitar.

• 

Finish and overall condition

Check for cracks, dents around the bridge, loose hardware, and signs of water damage. Small cosmetic marks are usually fine; structural damage is more important than a scratch in the finish.

Which construction features are worth paying for?

A guitar with a solid top can offer more tonal richness, but a solid top does not guarantee a better beginner guitar. A comfortable, well-adjusted laminate instrument can be a smarter purchase than an uncomfortable solid-top one.

4. Beginner guitars worth comparing

For a first steel-string acoustic, I'd start with these models. The prices below are examples from current retailer listings, not guaranteed prices at every shop.

• 

Yamaha FS800

Smaller body · Solid spruce top

My first guitar to try if you want a traditional acoustic sound in a more manageable body. The concert shape is comfortable for many seated players and works for strumming or fingerpicking.

Example price: about $210–$280, depending on model version and retailer.

View FS800 at Sweetwater

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Fender Acoustic Guitar CD-60S All-Mahogany Natural

Full-size dreadnought · Solid mahogany top

Worth trying if you want a bigger-bodied guitar and a warm, rounded sound. Make sure the body size feels comfortable against your torso.

Listed at $229.99 by Guitar Center.

View guitar and retailer details

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• 

CC-60S Concert Acoustic Guitar - Natural

Compact concert body · Solid mahogany top

A good alternative if you find dreadnoughts bulky or want something easy to hold while sitting. Compare it directly with the Yamaha FS800 to see which neck and sound you prefer.

Listed at $229.99 by Sweetwater.

View guitar and retailer details

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• 

Fender CD-60SCE

Full-size · Built-in pickup and tuner

Consider this if you want the option to connect to an amplifier or sound system later. It's more guitar than you need for ordinary home practice, so don't pay extra for electronics unless you'll use them.

Manufacturer-listed price: $349.99.

View official Fender specifications www.fender.com

My shortlist would be the Yamaha FS800 and Fender CC-60S if comfort is your priority, or the Fender CD-60S dreadnought if you prefer a bigger instrument. Try the actual guitars if possible; individual setup and personal comfort matter more than choosing a supposed universal winner.

5. The essential gear for a total novice

You can start playing without buying a pile of accessories. Here is what I would buy first, what is useful soon, and what can wait.

Buy these first

(Essentials)

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1. Clip-on tuner

Budget: $10–20

Clips to the headstock and helps you tune before every practice session. It's more convenient for a novice than tuning by ear.

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2. Guitar picks

Budget: $5–10

Buy a variety pack. Thin or medium picks are a reasonable starting point for strumming; experiment to find what feels natural.

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3. Gig bag or case

Budget: $25–60 for a basic gig bag

Protects your guitar from bumps, dust, and everyday handling. Check whether a bag is included with your guitar before buying one separately.

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4. One spare set of strings

Budget: $7–15

Buy strings designed for your guitar type. For a steel-string guitar, a light gauge is often a sensible starting point. For a nylon-string guitar, buy classical-guitar strings instead.

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5. Guitar stand

Budget: $15–30

Not strictly necessary, but it gives you a safe, convenient place to put your guitar and makes it easier to pick it up for a quick practice session.

These accessories are consistent with the basic gear outlined in Fender's beginner acoustic guitar guide.www.fender.com+1

Useful extras you can add later

Microfiber cleaning cloth

About $5–10. Wipe fingerprints and sweat off the strings and guitar after playing.

Metronome app

Usually free. Helps you develop steady rhythm as you learn chords and strumming.

Beginner lessons

Free online lessons can get you started. Even a few lessons with a teacher can help you develop comfortable posture and finger placement.

String winder and string cutter

About $5–15. Useful when you eventually learn to replace strings yourself.

Skip for now: an amplifier, effects pedals, expensive straps, specialty guitar-care products, and elaborate maintenance kits. An ordinary acoustic guitar doesn't need an amplifier to sound.

6. How much should you budget?

Here is a practical starting budget for a steel-string guitar in the US.

These are planning estimates rather than a live quote. A guitar bundle that includes a tuner, picks, and bag may save money. Keep a little extra aside for a professional setup if the guitar is difficult to play out of the box.

7. Three things I'd do before buying

1. Try at least two body sizes. Hold each guitar while seated and standing, even if you don't know how to play yet.
2. Ask about a beginner setup. Have the shop check the action, nut height, neck relief, and fretwork. A setup can improve comfort significantly.
3. Set aside money for lessons. Learning how to tune, hold the guitar, form your first chords, and practice consistently is more valuable than buying premium accessories.

For a useful starting point, Yamaha's guide to choosing your first guitar also explains how guitar size and scale length affect comfort.hub.yamaha.com

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Let me narrow it down to the right guitar for you

The most useful next step is to match the guitar to your budget, musical interests, and comfort preferences.

1. What's your budget for the guitar itself?

Under $150

$150–200

$200–300

$300–500

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2. What would you most like to play?

Pop, rock, and strumming songs

Folk, country, or singer-songwriter music

Fingerpicking or classical music

Not sure yet

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3. What size feels right?

Full-size, big sound

Comfortable, smaller body

Not sure yet

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4. Where do you plan to buy?

In person at a guitar shop

Online

Either is fine

[Find my best beginner guitars]

Buying your first acoustic guitar: a beginner’s guide

If you're a complete novice, my biggest piece of advice is this: buy a guitar that feels comfortable to play, stays in tune, and is easy to learn on—not necessarily the prettiest or most expensive one.

A good beginner guitar can make practicing enjoyable. A poorly set-up guitar with stiff strings can make your fingertips hurt, make chords difficult to press, and discourage you before you get started.

Here’s what to look for, how much to spend, which accessories you actually need, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.

1. Choose the right type of acoustic guitar

• 

Steel-string acoustic

(Best all-round choice)

Bright, clear sound suited to pop, rock, folk, country, and singer-songwriter music. Steel strings can feel harder on the fingertips, but this is the standard choice for many popular songs.

Best if you want to strum songs and sing along.

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• 

Classical guitar (nylon strings)

Softer-feeling strings, a warm sound, and a wider neck. Often comfortable for beginners with sensitive fingertips, although the wide neck may be harder for smaller hands.

Best if you like classical music, fingerstyle, or a gentler feel.

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• 

Concert or auditorium acoustic

A smaller, often more comfortable body than a large dreadnought. Still offers a full steel-string sound, with less bulk against your body.

Best if you're petite, have shorter arms, or find big guitars awkward.

My recommendation: Start with a steel-string concert-sized guitar unless you specifically want classical guitar music or prefer nylon strings. If possible, try a dreadnought and a concert model side by side before deciding.

2. How much should you spend?

These are sensible approximate budgets in US dollars for a new instrument, rather than fixed current retail prices.

$100–$200

Entry-level

Good for trying out the hobby on a tight budget. Inspect the setup and tuning stability carefully.

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$200–$400

(My recommended range)

Best balance for most beginners

More options for comfortable playability, consistent construction, and a pleasing sound.

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$400–$700+

Longer-term investment

Worth considering if you already know you'll stick with it. You don't need to spend this much to learn successfully.

Remember to leave some money for accessories and, ideally, a professional setup. A well-adjusted $250 guitar can be easier to play than a more expensive guitar that hasn't been set up properly.

3. How to judge quality without knowing anything about guitars

You don't need to understand tonewoods or guitar engineering to make a good choice. Focus on these five checks.

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1. Low, comfortable string action

Action means the height of the strings above the fretboard. If the strings sit too high, pressing them down requires more effort. Ask the shop to check and adjust the action before you buy.

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2. A well-finished neck and frets

Run your hand gently along the neck edges. They shouldn't feel sharp or rough. Look for loose frets, visible cracks, or a neck that appears twisted.

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3. Reliable tuning machines

Turn each tuning peg. It should move smoothly and hold the string in tune. All guitars need occasional tuning, but the pegs shouldn't feel loose or erratic.

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4. Sensible materials

If your budget allows, look for a solid wood top, often solid spruce. It can provide a more responsive, resonant sound than a laminate top. Laminate guitars can still be durable and perfectly suitable for learning; an all-solid guitar is not necessary.

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5. Sound and construction

Check for cracks, a lifting bridge, loose hardware, and rattling. Ask someone to play a few chords and individual notes across the fretboard. The notes should ring clearly without persistent buzzing.

Fender's beginner guide and other guitar-buying resources emphasize playability, body size, string choice, and setup as key factors.www.fender.com+2

A useful tip: Don't worry if your fingertips feel tender during the first few weeks. That's normal. But if you're struggling to press the strings down even to make a basic chord, have the guitar's setup checked rather than assuming you just need to build finger strength.

4. Beginner guitars worth trying

Here are three sensible models to compare. These are examples, not a ranking; prices are approximate listings found during this search and can change.

Yamaha Acoustic Guitar FS800J Natural

Guitar Center · $279.99

A compact concert-style guitar with a solid spruce top. A great candidate if a large dreadnought feels cumbersome.

5/5 (5 reviews)

View guitar

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Yamaha Acoustic Guitar FG800J Solid Spruce Top Dreadnought N…

Guitar Center · $279.99

A traditional dreadnought with a solid spruce top. Worth trying if you want a fuller sound for strumming and singing.

5/5 (30 reviews)

View guitar

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Fender Acoustic Guitar CC-60S Concert Natural

Guitar Center · $229.99

A concert-sized option with a solid spruce top, offering another comfortable alternative to a full-size dreadnought.

5/5 (9 reviews)

View guitar

My practical advice is to try the Yamaha FS800J and the Fender CC-60S first if comfort matters most, then compare the larger Yamaha FG800J if you want a bigger sound. The instrument that feels best in your hands wins.

5. Essential starter accessories

You can start playing without buying a mountain of equipment. These are the things I'd prioritize.

Your starter checklist

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Estimated cost for all listed accessories

$82–$185

[Reset checklist]

Prices are rough estimates; you can spend less by choosing a bundle that includes a tuner, bag, and picks. For the most important accessories, see Fender's beginner gear guide and D'Addario's beginner acoustic guide.www.fender.com+2

6. What you can skip for now

It's easy to overspend on things you won't use immediately.

• An amplifier: You don't need one for a regular acoustic guitar. An acoustic-electric model is only necessary if you want the option to plug into a sound system.
• Expensive strings: Standard, reputable strings are fine. Lighter-gauge steel strings may be more comfortable to learn on; ask the shop what gauge suits your guitar.www.fender.com+2
• A large effects or pedal setup: Not needed for learning chords and songs.
• Premium tonewoods: An all-solid-wood guitar can be a worthwhile upgrade later, but it's not a prerequisite for learning.
• A huge accessory bundle: Check what is included before paying extra. Some bundles contain items you'll never use.

7. Your five-minute guitar shop test

You don't need to know how to play a song to inspect a guitar. Bring this checklist with you.

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of checks complete [Reset]

If you're shopping online, prioritize a reputable seller with a clear return policy. Ask about the guitar's setup, shipping protection, and whether the instrument comes with a bag or tuner.

My final recommendation

For a complete beginner, I'd aim for a $200–$350 steel-string acoustic, preferably with a solid top, a comfortable body size, and a professional setup if needed. Add a tuner, picks, a padded bag, and a spare set of strings. You can be fully equipped without spending a fortune.

The most important thing is to choose a guitar you actually want to pick up every day.

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One question that would help me narrow this down: what's your approximate total budget for the guitar and accessories?

Budget including accessories

Under $150

$150–$200

$200–$350

$350–$500

$500+

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Who is the guitar for?

An adult

A teenager

A child

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What would you most like to play?

Pop, rock, or folk songs

Fingerstyle or instrumental music

Classical or Spanish guitar

Not sure yet

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Preferred feel

Smaller, comfortable body

Full-size, traditional guitar

Not sure

[Find the best guitars for me]

Choosing a first acoustic guitar sets the foundation for the entire musical journey. A poor-quality instrument can make learning painful and frustrating, while a well-chosen starter guitar feels comfortable and sounds inspiring.

• Body Size and Shape : Dreadnoughts are the classic large size with booming volume, but they can feel bulky for smaller frames. Concert, Grand Concert, or Folk sizes offer a more comfortable, compact reach while still delivering great tone.

• Action (String Height) : High action (strings too far from the fretboard) requires painful finger pressure to press down. Look for or have a technician adjust a low-to-medium action that lets you fret cleanly without excessive strain.

• Scale Length and Neck Profile : A shorter scale length reduces string tension slightly, making bends and stretches easier. A slim, comfortable C-shape neck fits naturally in a beginner's hand.

• Solid Top vs. Laminated Wood : Guitars with a solid wood top (the front board) vibrate better and improve in tone as they age. Laminated (layered) wood is cheaper and more durable against humidity changes, but a solid spruce or mahogany top is a major quality upgrade.

• Intonation : Play a note open, then play the 12th-fret harmonic and fretted note. If they match pitch up and down the neck, the intonation is accurate. If it goes sharp or flat past the 5th fret, the guitar has a manufacturing defect.

• Fret Sprout/Sharp Edges : Run your hand gently along the side of the neck. If the metal fret ends scratch or snag your skin, the neck was built in a dry environment and poorly finished.

• Tuning Stability : Turn the tuning pegs. If they feel loose, slip, or make the pitch jump erratically instead of moving smoothly, the hardware is sub-standard.

• Bridge Lift : Look closely at where the wooden bridge meets the body. If there is a visible gap or it is pulling away from the top under string tension, walk away immediately.

• Electronic Clip-On Tuner : Crucial for developing an ear and keeping practice sounding correct. (e.g., Snark style tuners)

• Picks : Buy a variety pack of different thicknesses (thin, medium, heavy) around $0.50 to $1.00 each to discover which rigidity feels best.

• Gig Bag or Hard Case : Protects the instrument from temperature swings, bumps, and dust when not in use.

• Extra Set of Strings : Strings break or oxidize over time; having a spare set (S8 to $15) ensures uninterrupted playing.

• Guitar Stand or Wall Hanger : Keeping the guitar out of its case and visible on a stand dramatically increases how often it gets picked up and practiced.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your budget range
• Your preferred body size (compact vs. full-size)

I can recommend specific beginner guitar models that fit your criteria.

If you’re buying your first acoustic guitar, my top recommendation is the Yamaha FG800. It offers an excellent balance of sound quality, build quality, and price, and it’s a guitar you can keep playing long after you’ve learned the basics. The Yamaha FG800 remains a top beginner pick in current guitar buying guides.www.guitarworld.com+2

The 3 best beginner acoustic guitars

(Best overall)

Yamaha Acoustic Guitar FG800J Solid Spruce Top Dreadnought N…

$279.99

Sold by Guitar Center

A full, rich sound with a solid spruce top, dependable construction, and plenty of volume for strumming chords and singing.

Best for: Adults and teens who want a guitar that will last as they improve.

5/5 (31 reviews)

View at retailer

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(Best for easy playing)

CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural

$229.99

Sold by Sweetwater

Its comfortable neck and rolled fretboard edges make it a particularly appealing first guitar. It has a balanced sound and a solid spruce top.www.guitarworld.com+1

Best for: Beginners who prioritize comfort and learning chords.

View at retailer

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(Best smaller-body option)

FS800 Acoustic Guitar - Natural

$279.99

Sold by Sweetwater

A compact concert-style acoustic with a solid spruce top and a balanced tone. The smaller body can be easier to hold than a traditional dreadnought.

Best for: Smaller adults, teens, or anyone who finds a full-size guitar bulky.

View at retailer

What should you spend?

Prices vary by finish, retailer, and included accessories.

One important beginner tip: Have the guitar's string height checked, a service called a setup. Strings that sit too high can make learning painful and frustrating. Also budget for a clip-on tuner, picks, and a gig bag if they aren't included.

Let me narrow it down for you

1. What's your budget?

Under $150

$150–$200

$200–$300

$300 or more

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2. Who is the guitar for?

Child

Teen

Adult

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3. What do you want to play?

Sing along and strum chords

Fingerpicking and softer music

Rock, country, or folk

Not sure yet

[Find my best guitar]