Whether the word and concept of “guitar” is alien to you, if you have got the right attitude and have done legitimate research, becoming a great guitar player is not impossible once you have found the instrument that was made for you.
As you continue reading this article, you will notice that we be looking into a few, specifically our top 10 choices, of the best acoustic guitars for those who are just starting to play. Beside that list, you will find a guide, one that gives you glimpses of what you should know about each guitar.
And what comes after when you have gotten the guitar of your dreams? Well, of course you are going to have to learn how play, correct? There are a few courses, with many having free trials. Check out this article which recommends the best online lessons for acoustic guitarist.
Are you ready to check out which guitar you should get be getting? At least, while you are just beginning.
2019’s Top Ten Recommended Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Taylor Academy 12e
This may be a guitar for those who are entering the first level, but this does much more! Although you will have to pay an amount that could be above your budget, it will all be worth it. It is comprised of a Grand Concert body that is made from solid Sitka spruce, it also has a laminate sapele back and sides, and for optimal ergonomics, it has a mahogany armrest.
Seagull S6 Original
The very first Seagull. Known for being one of the best models when you want to learn how to play—and we can’t help but agree! Again, the price may be a bit steep for those who are just in the early stages, but it will be with you for years. Armed with its quality body woods, there is a solid cedar top that comes with a wild cherry back which produces a great sound with a range that projects with wonder. At the top, there is a distinctive, tapered headstock, allowing for a greater turning stability. There is a hand-finished silver leaf maple neck, and we can’t forget to mention the rosewood fretboard, that is great for fingerstyle guitarists.
Yamaha FG830
The very first Seagull. Known for being one of the best models when you want to learn how to play—and we can’t help but agree! Again, the price may be a bit steep for those who are just in the early stages, but it will be with you for years. Armed with its quality body woods, there is a solid cedar top that comes with a wild cherry back which produces a great sound with a range that projects with wonder. At the top, there is a distinctive, tapered headstock, allowing for a greater turning stability. There is a hand-finished silver leaf maple neck, and we can’t forget to mention the rosewood fretboard, that is great for fingerstyle guitarists.
Fender CC-60SCE
This model is part of the Classic Design, an acoustic series, of the California company. With its concert sized electro-acoustic, including classic styling and timeless tones, this is truly a handsome piece. Due to its solid spruce top, it can achieve maximum harmonic vibrations. Playing for longer period is not a problem because of its smaller concert body and rolled rosewood fingerboard. And an unplugged acoustic set can immediately become an amplified gig with a cable because of the piezo pickup and Fishman preamp.
Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat
Call it what you want but we’re saying that this model is a unique one. Rancid frontman, Tim Armstrong, has a diverse genre, and this guitar fuses his punk core and acoustic roots, giving you an acoustic with an attitude. With the top, back and sides made of solid mahogany, there is also a scallop bracing. The maple neck has a satin-finished rosewood fretboard which is decorated with a Hellcat and double-skull inlays, Tim’s signature style. And yes, with all that, it still has a good sound. Big isn’t it? But good.
Yamaha APX600
There is no doubt that the go-to acoustic guitar for beginners is the Yamaha’s APX collection, especially if they are looking for something that has great playability as well as the ability for an amp plug-in. And this upgrade can definitely do the same things, just that there are improvements, such as the aesthetics and build, resulting in a better playability and enhanced sound. It has a slim body with a unique design. With its affordable price, this is a good excuse for beginners to practice in the electronics side.
Bristol by Blueridge BD-16
If you are looking for a guitar that suits you but on a tight budget, try out this model. No need to worry about the sound, it is definitely of quality. It may feel robust with its sturdy mahogany back and neck as well as a spruce top, but it is very light when you hold it. It also features a smooth rosewood fretboard. However, if you are looking online, this guitar is only available in Amazon..
Alvarez Artist Series AD30
Despite it being an entry-level, the voice and build of this model is huge and superb, making it of excellent value. Crafted with a traditional dreadnought body, this guitar has a solid, quality spruce top with mahogany back and sides. It has a dovetail join, making the mahogany neck sport a wide profile, and there is joy when you play with the rosewood fretboard. And the tonewoods, which is partnered with the size and scalloped bracing, gives out a great projection, showing off a high tonal range. However, this model, once again, can only be found in Amazon if you look online.
Epiphone DR-100
This acoustic is quite popular in the instrument world. There is simplicity and reliability in design. It features a dreadnought body shape, with a construction of all-laminate and an attractive high-gloss finish. Featuring the Epiphone’s SlimTaper profile that makes the 20-fret mahogany neck easy to play, due to the speed and comfort that it gives. And! It’s within your budget!
Rouge RA-090
If you’ve got it tight and not sure of which guitar to buy due to the countless types of guitars you’ve read above and more that aren’t even on this list, then this model is for you! Plus, it’s totally in budget! Like the typical design points you’d see from a traditional steel-string, it has a dreadnought body shape as well as 3 finishes that you can choose from (natural, sunburst or black). Whitewood makes the body and the nato neck carries a painted maple fretboard with 20 frets. If you are looking for it online, you can find it in Amazon.
What is the Acoustic Guitar? A Guide for the Learners
Now, you’ve been wanting to play the guitar. You really want to learn how. And of course, you’re going to need to have a guitar, right? But think about it. Are you really ready to commit to that? You could be spending thousands on the instruments and maybe a few more bucks for the training. Are you up for that?
But it is possible to buy an inexpensive guitar, there are some that are at the $100 to $400 range, which can probably work for you. Since you are still at the early stages, you would want the instrument to be comfortable when you handle it, but still fun to play, creates good sounds, and will carry its tune really well.
Your first purchase should not be a short-term commitment, which means, if you are not sure of which guitar is right for you, don’t dive in head first. Know that as you go along, you will become an experienced guitarist from your beginner stage. The list above can give much joy to an experienced guitarist just as much to a beginner.
And since you are unsure of the timeframe it will take you to be a certified guitarist, best to get a well-built instrument.
INTRODUCTION TO FIRST ACOUSTIC GUITAR (VIDEO) –
Choosing Between a Solid or Laminate Top
- Solid Top – this type of top helps create more resonance and greater depth when it comes to tone.
- Laminate Top (a.k.a. Lesser Tonewoods) – if it is partnered with good craftsmanship, it will still be able to give out an excellent sound quality.
There is no need to worry about this part when you are just starting out. Better to go with the one that suits your needs and your pocket.
How About Steel or Nylon Strings?
It is no surprise that there is a saying that certain strings work best for beginners. Truth be told, nylon strings really can be easier. However, what should be accounted for when choosing the strings is the music that you want to play, because there really is a difference in sound and feel—even for a beginner.
- Nylon Strings – best for playing classical music or Latin styles like the flamenco.
- Steel Strings – best for rock, pop, blues and anything that does not fall under classical.
Make sure you keep in mind what you plan on doing in the future. Will you be doing classical? Or something else? But do note that steel strings do not go well for a classical sound, that is because the strings, which are high-tensioned, can damage the instrument.
Is There an Easy Type of Acoustic Guitar?
Acoustic guitars have different shapes, but they are fairly easy to play even if you are a beginner. For the respectable acoustic guitar brands, most of them have beginner friendly solutions, or a plethora.
But we do suggest not to go for the Jumbo acoustic, a popular style for those who play country music. It is big and bulky, it’s something beginners really don’t need.
What we do recommend are the dreadnoughts of orchestra model, or perhaps a parlor guitar.
But whichever kind of acoustic guitar you end up buying, remember that the strings is an important part in the playability.
SETTING UP A BRAND NEW GUITAR (VIDEO) –
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR (VIDEO) –
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR (VIDEO) –
Are Amplifiers Needed with an Acoustic-Electric Guitar?
If you have bought an acoustic-electric guitar (or more commonly known as an electric-acoustic), you might be thinking, “Will it work without an amplifier?”
Luckily, you don’t need an amp to be able to hear the guitar. These kinds of guitars work just as well as a regular acoustic guitar, no need to plug it in! If you don’t want an amplifier, then there is no problem with that.
Just note though, manufacturers ask for extra charge when adding electronics to the acoustics. Small amplifiers work well for practice, just remember that you’ll be needing a bigger one when you start performing.
Still confused? Best to buy an acoustic guitar. You wouldn’t really need the extras if you are just starting out.
In Conclusion
Before buying the acoustic guitar of your dreams, do some thinking and research. Make sure you have all the right information to be able to get to where you want to go.
And don’t forget your passion. Wouldn’t it be a waste to just throw it all away when you decide to give up?
Get ready to be a star! Rooting for you!
