Embarking on the journey to master the guitar begins with selecting the best classical guitars for beginners.
This crucial first step ensures that novices not only enjoy their learning experience but also progress with a high-quality instrument tailored to their needs.
Guitars for beginners should sound good and feel comfortable, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable. With the right entry-level classical guitar, beginners can look forward to a musical journey filled with growth and joy.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Cordoba C7
The Cordoba C7 stands out as the best classical guitar for beginners, offering a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern playability. Its rich, warm sound and comfortable feel make it an ideal choice for those embarking on their musical journey.
With its elegant design and superior quality, the Cordoba C7 captures the essence of classical guitar playing, inviting beginners to explore the beautiful world of music.
Specifications:
- Number of Strings: 6
- Target Instrument Weight: 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg
- Upper Bout Width: 292mm (11 1/2″)
- Lower Bout Width: 371mm (14 5/8″)
- Scale Length: 25.6″
- Number of Frets: 19
- Top Material: Solid Canadian Cedar or European Spruce
- Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Who Is It For?
The Cordoba C7 is tailored for those who desire a high-quality instrument that grows with them. Whether you’re a young learner or an adult rekindling your passion for music, the C7 offers the perfect balance of playability and sound that inspires practice and improvement.
Its lightweight design and comfortable neck profile cater to extended practice sessions without strain, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate players alike. The C7’s rich tones and depth of sound not only make practice sessions more enjoyable but also encourage a deeper exploration of classical and flamenco music.
Best for Electronics: Takamine GC5CE
The Takamine GC5CE is hailed for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern playability.
Its elegant design and superior sound quality make it a standout choice for aspiring musicians. This guitar promises an enriching playing experience, perfect for those embarking on their musical journey.
Specifications:
- Number of Strings: 6
- Top Material: Solid Spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Rosewood
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Preamp System: TP-4T with Tuner
- Cutaway: Venetian-style
- Frets: 19
Who Is It For?
The Takamine GC5CE is an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players. Its user-friendly features, such as the built-in preamp system and onboard tuner, make it perfect for those who are just starting their musical journey and want a guitar that will grow with them.
The solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides offer a rich, full sound that is uncommon in guitars at this price point, making it a great investment for serious students.
Whether you’re practicing at home, performing in front of an audience, or recording in a studio, the GC5CE provides the versatility and quality needed to excel. Its easy playability and superior sound quality make it a favorite among educators and students alike.
Best Value: Cordoba C5 Iberia Series
Dive into the world of music with the Cordoba C5 Iberia Series. This high-quality instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with modern playability, making it a perfect choice for those starting their musical journey. Its beautiful design and exceptional sound quality offer an unbeatable value, captivating the hearts of aspiring musicians.
Specifications:
- Scale Length: 650mm (25 1/2″)
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Pau Ferro or Indian Rosewood (dependent on production date)
- Nut Width: 52mm (2″)
- Top: Solid Canadian Cedar
- Back and Sides: Mahogany
- Finish: High Gloss
- Strings: 6 Nylon
Who Is It For?
The Cordoba C5 Iberia Series is the ideal choice for anyone looking to choose the best beginner classical guitar. Its size and high-quality construction make it perfect for players with smaller hands or those seeking a comfortable, easy-to-play instrument.
Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or looking for an affordable yet high-quality instrument, the Cordoba C5 offers a blend of playability and excellent sound quality that is hard to beat.
Its solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides ensure a warm, rich tone that will inspire beginners and satisfy experienced players looking for a great value.
If you’re in the market for acoustic guitars for beginners, the Cordoba C5 Iberia Series stands out as a top choice, offering a classical guitar price that’s accessible without compromising on quality.
Best for Comfort: Ibanez GA5TCE
Craft some perfect music with the Ibanez GA5TCE. Its sleek design and exceptional playability make it a prime choice for those embarking on their musical journey. With its comfortable feel and easy-to-play features, the GA5TCE invites you to express your musicality in the most enjoyable way possible.
Specifications:
- Body Shape: Thinline Cutaway Classical
- Top: Spruce
- Back and Sides: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Scale Length: 650mm/25.6″
- Fingerboard: Purpleheart
- Nut Width: 46mm
- Electronics: Ibanez Under Saddle Pickup with AEQ-2T Preamp & Built-in Tuner
Who Is It For?
The Ibanez GA5TCE is the perfect match for beginners and intermediate players that won’t break the bank. Its slim neck profile and lightweight design ensure comfort during long practice sessions, making it ideal for younger players or those with smaller hands.
The built-in tuner and easy-to-use electronics offer a seamless transition from acoustic to amplified performances, catering to students, hobbyists, and performing musicians alike. Whether you’re practicing at home, taking lessons, or performing on stage, the GA5TCE provides a reliable and enjoyable playing experience.
Its affordability and quality also make it a great choice for schools and music educators seeking to equip their students with a comfortable and playable instrument.
Best for Sound Projection: Yamaha CG122MCH
Explore the realm of music with the Yamaha CG122MCH, acclaimed as an ideal classical guitar for those taking their first steps into the world of music. Discover the harmonious melodies waiting to be crafted at your fingertips. Its enchanting sound projection and ease of play make it a top choice for those embarking on their musical journey. Compact, elegant, and with a sound that fills the room, it’s designed to inspire from the first strum.
Specifications:
- Body Shape: Yamaha CG Shape
- Scale Length: 650 mm (25 9/16″)
- Top Material: Solid Cedar
- Back/Sides: Nato Wood
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 19
- Nut Width: 52 mm (2.05″)
- Finish: Matte
Who Is It For?
The Yamaha CG122MCH is a gem among entry-level size classical guitars, making it a perfect fit for beginners and those with smaller hands. Its solid cedar top and matte finish not only ensure a high-quality instrument but also contribute to its rich, warm sound that beginners will find encouraging and forgiving as they learn.
This guitar is ideal for anyone looking to choose the best beginner classical guitar without breaking the bank on classical guitar prices. Its comfortable playability and excellent sound projection make it a great choice for students and hobbyists alike, offering a smooth learning curve and a rewarding playing experience.
Whether you’re practicing at home or performing in front of an audience, the Yamaha CG122MCH stands out as a top contender in acoustic guitars for beginners, promising a blend of quality, affordability, and musical joy.
Best Premium Option: Yamaha CG182C
Immerse yourself in the musical realm with the Yamaha CG182C, distinguished as one of the premier classical guitars perfectly suited for beginners. Its elegant design and superior sound quality make it a premium choice for those starting their musical journey. Compact and crafted with care, it promises an unforgettable playing experience.
Specifications:
- Top Material: Solid American Cedar
- Back and Sides: Rosewood
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Neck: Nato
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Body Depth: 3.7-3.94 inches
- Nut Width: 52mm (2.05 inches)
- Scale Length: 25.6 inches (650mm)
Who Is It For?
Its blend of a solid American cedar top with rosewood back and sides delivers a rich, full sound that can elevate any performance.
The ebony fingerboard and nato neck ensure smooth playability and comfort, making it perfect for those long practice sessions. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn classical music or an intermediate player looking to upgrade, the CG182C offers a premium experience without the intimidation.
Its quality and features are tailored to encourage growth and inspire confidence in every note played.
Best for Beginners: Yamaha C40II
Embark on a musical journey with the Yamaha C40II, renowned as a top choice among classical guitars for beginners. Its remarkable blend of quality and affordability makes it a top choice for those embarking on their musical journey.
With a design that caters to ease of play and a sound that impresses, the C40II stands out as a high-quality instrument that beginners will love and grow with.
Specifications:
- Scale Length: 650 mm (25 9/16″)
- Body Length: 490 mm (19 5/16″)
- Total Length: 995 mm (39 3/16″)
- Body Width: 370 mm (14 9/16″)
- Body Depth: 94-100 mm (3 11/16″ – 3 15/16″)
- Nut Width: 52 mm (2 1/16″)
- String Spacing: 11.8 mm
- Top Material: Spruce
Who Is It For?
The Yamaha C40II is the ideal choice for anyone looking to choose the best beginner classical guitar without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a young student with smaller hands or an adult venturing into the world of classical music, this guitar’s comfortable size and easy playability make it a fantastic entry-level option.
Its quality construction ensures a sound good enough to inspire practice and performance, while its affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of aspiring musicians. If you’re on the lookout for acoustic guitars that offer a perfect blend of quality, affordability, and beginner-friendly features, the Yamaha C40II should be at the top of your list.
What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Classical Guitars?
- Importance of Playability: I wish I knew how crucial the playability of classical guitars for beginners is, affecting learning speed and motivation.
- Sound Quality Matters: Understanding that sound quality can vastly differ even among the classical guitars would have influenced my choice.
- Proper Setup Is Key: A proper setup can make a budget guitar feel much more expensive than it is.
- Invest in a Solid Top: A solid top guitar tends to produce a richer and more resonant sound than laminated ones.
- Size and Comfort: The size and shape of the guitar can significantly impact playing comfort, especially for beginners.
- Research Brands and Models: Not all guitars are created equal; some brands excel in making quality beginner instruments.
- Consider Future Needs: Buying a slightly better model than you think you need can save you from needing an upgrade too soon.
- Budget for Accessories: A good case, tuner, and proper strings are as important as the guitar itself.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consulting with experienced players or teachers could have guided me to a better decision.
- Patience in Finding the Right One: Taking the time to play and listen to several guitars would have ensured a choice I wouldn’t regret.
Are classical guitars easier to play?
When deciding whether classical guitars are easier to play, especially for novices, it’s essential to consider several factors.
Firstly, classical guitars typically have nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers compared to the steel strings of acoustic guitars. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it allows for longer practice sessions without discomfort.
Additionally, the wider neck of classical guitars provides more space between strings, which can be advantageous for those with smaller hands or beginners struggling with finger placement on chords. However, the choice between classical and acoustic guitars ultimately depends on the musical genre you wish to pursue and personal comfort.
For those starting their musical journey, some classical guitars offer a high-quality instrument at an entry-level classical guitar price, making them an excellent option for both sound quality and playability.
This balance of affordability, comfort, and sound quality ensures that beginners can start their musical journey on the right note, making classical guitars a popular choice among novices.
Is classical guitar good for beginners?
Choosing the right instrument is crucial for beginners. These offer a unique blend of playability and rich sound that can be particularly encouraging for new players.
These guitars are designed with the needs of novices in mind, featuring a size that accommodates smaller hands and a nylon-string setup that is gentler on the fingers compared to steel-string acoustic guitars. This makes them an excellent choice for those starting their musical journey, allowing for longer practice sessions without discomfort.
Their warm tone and wide fingerboard also aid in learning finger placement and chord shapes, making classical guitars a preferred option for educators and students alike.
When looking to choose the best beginner classical guitar, it’s important to consider these factors to ensure a satisfying and productive learning experience.
How much do classical guitars cost?
The market for classical guitars presents a broad price spectrum, ensuring that there is an ideal option for every level of player. Starting at the lower end, classical guitars can be found for as little as $50, providing an accessible entry point for newcomers to the instrument.
For individuals seeking a step up in quality without breaking the bank, the mid-range category is priced between $300 and $1,000, offering solid tops and more refined craftsmanship ideal for those developing their skills.
Beyond the beginner stage, prices ascend from $1,000 to $3,000 for higher-end models, appealing to more advanced players with their exceptional build and sound quality.
At the pinnacle, concert-grade instruments command prices above $5,000, epitomizing the highest standards of craftsmanship and tonal excellence. This diverse pricing ensures that, from the best classical guitars for beginners to professional-grade instruments, every player can find a guitar that suits their needs and budget.
