The best acoustic guitar for beginners is one that features easy playability, sound quality, and affordability, such as the Yamaha FG800. With high ratings for durability and sound, the Yamaha FG800 starts with a solid spruce top for a well-rounded tone, making it an exceptional beginner guitar.
Best Acoustic Guitars Under $200 – Great Guitars For Beginners (2020)
Understanding the Basics of Acoustic Guitars
What is an Acoustic Guitar?
An acoustic guitar is a musical instrument that produces sound by transmitting the vibrations of the strings to the air. It amplify sound naturally through its hollow body without requiring external electronic amplification. It is one of the most popular musical instruments, often chosen for its versatility, portability and wide range of tonal options.
How is an Acoustic Guitar Different from Other Types of Guitars?
Compared to other types of guitar like electric and bass guitars, acoustic guitar has a hollow body that resonates the strings’ vibrations to produce sound. On the other hand, electric guitars need an amplifier and speakers to produce noticeable sound. Also, bass guitars, used mainly in rock and jazz music, have only four larger strings with a longer scale length.
Why Start Learning on an Acoustic Guitar?
Starting off with an acoustic guitar presents numerous benefits for beginners. First, it helps to develop finger strength and proper technical form due to its thicker strings and larger body. Secondly, it’s versatile and widely used in different genres of music, allowing learners to pick up a wide array of songs and styles. Lastly, acoustic guitars are usually more affordable and portable, making them suitable for practicing anywhere.
Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners
Quick List of Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
- Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
- Yamaha FG800
- Ibanez AW54CE
- Epiphone DR-100
- Seagull S6
- Taylor GS Mini
- Martin LX1E Little Martin
- Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
- Alvarez AD30
How to Choose the Best Acoustic Guitar for You
Choosing the best acoustic guitar involves considering your personal preferences, budget, and play style. Here is a simple guide to help you choose your first guitar:
- Sound Quality: Play the guitar and assess its sound. It should produce a warm, resonant and balanced sound.
- Comfort: The guitar should feel comfortable when you hold and play it.
- Durability: Look for guitars with solid construction that can withstand the occasional bumps and knocks.
- Budget: Determine your budget before you start shopping to avoid overspending.
Considerations on Acoustic Guitar Size, Shape and Sound
The size and shape of an acoustic guitar plays a vital role in the sound it produces. Larger guitars, such as dreadnought and jumbo guitars, generally produce a louder and richer sound but may be harder to play for people with smaller hands. On the other hand, smaller sized guitars like concert and parlor guitars are more comfortable to play, particularly for beginners, and have a brighter, more focused sound.
Are Beginner Acoustic Guitars Easy to Play?
Yes, beginner acoustic guitars are designed to be relatively easier to play. They come with light strings, lower action and comfortable necks to ensure easy playability. However, it’s habitually good to start practicing on a slightly difficult instrument as it builds strength and technique that will benefit you in the long run.
Main Features of an Acoustic Guitar to Consider
When choosing an acoustic guitar, these are several features that you need to keep an eye on:
- Wood Type: The type of wood used impacts the richness of the sound. Mahogany and rosewood are among the most preferred woods for acoustic guitars.
- Neck Profile: Choose a guitar with a comfortable neck profile. This feature greatly influences playability.
- Body Style: The body style of the guitar affects both its sound and its comfort on your lap or against your body.
Differences Between a Beginner Acoustic Guitar and a Pro-Level Acoustic Guitar
Professional level acoustic guitars usually boast of the finest materials and craftsmanship, resulting in exceptional sound quality, sustain, and playability. They also come with extra features and better hardware. On the other hand, beginner’s guitars are often made from less expensive materials and may lack those extra features, but they are perfectly suitable for learning how to play.
Budget Considerations for Beginner Acoustic Guitars
It’s a common misconception that all good guitars are expensive. There are plenty of affordable setups that offer excellent value for money. You can get a decent beginner acoustic guitar for under $200 to $500, and as you progress, you can consider investing in a better quality guitar if needed. Also, remember to set aside a budget for essential accessories like a guitar case, picks, a tuner, and a guitar stand.
Choosing the Right Size Acoustic Guitar
As we’ve said before, the size and shape of a guitar can affect its sound as well as its playability. Therefore, selecting the right size is paramount to your learning experience. Adults are typically suited to full size guitars, but for children and people with smaller stature, a 3/4 sized or a half-sized guitar may be more appropriate.
Reviews of the Top 10 Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
Specifications
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 20
Pros
- Produces warm, full sounds.
- Solid build and comfortable to play.
- Comes with a pack of accessories which includes a strap, picks, and an online lessons voucher.
Cons
- May require frequent tuning.
- Thick neck might be uncomfortable for some players.
Yamaha FG800
Specifications
- Body Material: Solid Spruce top, Nato/Okume back & sides.
- Neck Material: Nato.
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood.
- Number of Frets: 20.
Pros
- Produces vibrant and high-quality sounds.
- Affordable and excellent value for money.
- Reliable and sturdy construction.
Cons
- Might be too bulky for some players.
- Some users have found the stock strings to be of poor quality.
Ibanez AW54CE
Specifications
- Body Material: Solid Mahogany top, Mahogany back & sides.
- Neck Material: Mahogany.
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood.
- Number of Frets: 20.
Pros
- Offers clear and balanced tones.
- Appealing open pore natural finish.
- Has an onboard tuner and preamp.
Cons
- Might not be best suitable for smaller players due to its size.
- Some users reported issues with the factory setup.
Note: We are just scratching the surface here. For detailed reviews of other beginner acoustic guitars such as Epiphone DR-100, Seagull S6, Taylor GS Mini, Martin LX1E Little Martin, Epiphone Hummingbird Studio, and Alvarez AD30, please refer to our expanded reviews of the top 10 beginner acoustic guitars.
Tips for Beginner Acoustic Guitar Players
Tuning Your Acoustic Guitar
Before playing the guitar, it’s crucial to get your instrument in tune. You can use a pitch pipe, a tuning fork, a piano or an electronic tuner to tune your guitar. Basically, you need to ensure that those open strings correspond to the notes E, A, D, G, B, and E (low to high).
Easy Chords to Get Started
Some easy chords to start with include E minor, C major, G major and D major. As you progress, you can try more complex chords like F major and B minor. Remember, it’s not about how many chords you know, but how well you play them.
Understanding Guitar Tabs for Beginners
Guitar tabs or tablature is a way of writing down music that’s specifically for guitar. It shows where to put your fingers on the fretboard and what strings to strum. Tabs are easy to read and a lot of online resources are available to help you understand and use them.
Practicing Tips for Acoustic Guitar Beginners
Here are a few practical tips to enhance your learning process:
- Stick to a schedule: Consistency is key in mastering any instrument. Practice regularly, ideally, every day.
- Start with the basics: Learn easy chords and practice changing between them fluidly.
- Be patient: Don’t rush. Good technique takes time to develop.
- Use resources: Take advantage of online tutorials, guides, and YouTube channels like GuitarJamz to help you along your learning journey.
Additional Resources for Learning Acoustic Guitar
Where is the Best Place to Get Beginner Guitar Lessons?
There are various platforms online to get guitar lessons, such, as Fender Play, Justin Guitar, and Guitar Tricks. In-person lessons are also great if you prefer face-to-face interaction.
Recommended Books for Beginner Acoustic Guitar Players
For beginners, “Hal Leonard Guitar Method, Complete Edition” and “Guitar for Dummies” are two highly recommended books. They will help you understand music theory and improve your technique.
Online Courses to Learn Acoustic Guitar
Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Lynda offer multiple online courses to learn acoustic guitar from the comfort of your home at your own pace.
YouTube Channels to Follow for Acoustic Guitar Lessons
YouTube is a goldmine of free guitar lessons. Channels like GuitarJamz and JustinGuitar are worth following. They have a vast collection of song tutorials, lessons on chords, scales, strumming, and much more.
How We Test Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Our reviews are based on extensive testing. We judge guitars based on their construction, sound quality, playability, aesthetic appeal, and value for money. We also take into account user reviews to understand real-world performance.
Buying Advice: Summary
When buying your first acoustic guitar, focus on its comfort, sound quality, and your budget. A good beginner guitar will be easy to play, produce beautiful sound, and will not break your bank. Always remember, the best guitar for you is the one that best meets your specific needs and tastes.
More Great Beginner Guitar Gear Guides
Besides the guitar itself, there’s a range of other gear that can enhance your learning experience. From tuners, straps, picks, to strings and amplifiers, you can find detailed guides and reviews on our website to help you choose the right gear. Check out our great beginner guitar gear guides.
Practice regularly, stay patient, and enjoy the learning process. Happy playing!
Top 5 Acoustic guitars for beginners 2023 | Gear4music Guitars
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar is best for beginners acoustic?
Choosing the best beginner acoustic guitar really depends on the individual. However, notable brands like Fender, Yamaha, or Epiphone produce a range of guitars that are intended for beginners. These guitars are often crafted with ease and comfort in mind, with thinner necks and smaller bodies that make them easier to handle for those who are just starting out. They also have gentle tones that aren’t too overwhelming for the novice player.
We should never forget the necessity of a good setup, though. Even the best budget guitars do require professional setup to reach their full potential. You may find some guitars from big-box stores aren’t setup perfectly straight from the factory, so you might want to consider-budgeting for it. Picking a guitar that “feels” right can significantly affect how invested you are in learning and playing. It’s like finding a good friend – you’ll know when it’s right!
What is the best guitar to start learning on?
For anyone keen to learn to play guitar, the best starting point is most likely an acoustic guitar. Why? Because acoustic guitars are generally cheaper, easier to maintain, more portable, and you don’t need any extra equipment (like an amplifier or cables) to start making music.
But that said, the “best” guitar to start learning on is the one that matches the music you love, and that you’re consequently going to enjoy playing the most. If you’re hooked on rock music, you might get more satisfaction starting out on an electric guitar. It’s really a matter of preference.
Don’t forget, a good guitar teacher or an instructional video series can be a huge help in getting started. Learning guitar is a journey, not a race!
How much should you pay for a beginner guitar?
The cost of a beginner guitar can vary greatly depending on a few factors, including the brand, materials used, and where it was made. If we had to give a rough estimate, though, willing guitarists should look to spend somewhere between $200 and $800 on their first guitar. Of course, this could differ depending on how much money you’re comfortable spending, any prior experience you have with the instrument, and how dedicated you are to learning.
Now, the more money you spend, the better quality instrument you get, in terms of both sound and build quality. But remember, the price doesn’t play. You do. What’s more important is your commitment and regular practice.
Is a dreadnought acoustic guitar good for beginners?
The short answer is: a dreadnought acoustic guitar can be a great choice for beginners. Dreadnought guitars are known for their bold, loud sounds, which can be thrilling to a newcomer in the world of music. If you’re someone who prioritizes volume, then a budget-friendly dreadnought with an all-laminate body could be the perfect fit.
Conversely, a Concert size guitar tends to have lower volume levels but offers a far more comfortable playability, making them easier to hold and play. This can be especially useful for younger players or those with smaller hands.
It all comes down to what you value more – plush volume or snug playability. Every guitarist has their preference, and finding the right one for you is a cherished part of the learning journey. Happy strumming!