11 Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars Of 2023 (All Budgets) (2024)

• Want a great first acoustic guitar to learn how to play? How about 11?
• Use this expert guide to find the best beginner acoustic guitars out there
• Our top picks include Fender, Yamaha, Taylor, Martin, and others
• Also, check out our article on the best acoustic guitar strings

If you choose wisely, your first acoustic guitar will become a lifelong memory – a prized possession steeped in sentimental value. But buying the wrong instrument can lead to a frustrating learning experience or, worse yet, abandoning your musical goals.

There’s a high probability of that happening because the entry-level market is super crowded, and good sound or construction is not a given at this price point.

Moreover, most beginners are clueless about the types of acoustic guitars, let alone identifying the best fit for their needs.

Here’s the lowdown: Many ‘cheap’ acoustic guitars are plagued by three issues – an unsavory tone, poor intonation, and the incapacity to stay in tune. You don’t want that, nor do we, and that’s why we created this pro guide to help guitar beginners find the perfect ‘first’ instrument.

While we’re here, we’ll also prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a great acoustic guitar, though loosening up the wallet definitely helps.

Newbies can start with our buyer’s guide for perspective, and informed readers can scroll down to our top guitar recommendations.

As always, we’ve tried to cater to a broad range of needs by selecting models with varying features and fittings.

We’ve also made your search less topsy-turvy by arranging the guitars from the lowest to the highest price and suggesting the best alternatives for each model.

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars: Our Top Picks

To put it bluntly, the Epiphone DR-100 and Fender CD-60S are the best entry-level acoustic guitars around.

They strike an incredible balance between sound, playability, and affordability, making it easy to recommend either as the best beginner acoustic guitar for under $200.

As importantly, the scaled-down Gretsch G9500 and Martin D Jr-10 are ideal for younger players, including adults with small hands.

The former is a cheaply-priced parlor, and the latter is an expertly-crafted 3/4 dread from one of the most reputable guitar manufacturers in town.

For amplification purposes, the D’Angelico Premium Gramercy LS is arguably the best acoustic-electric guitar at its price point.

Its build quality and tonal versatility deliver good value, and the guitar has the desirable features to accompany you in rehearsals and small gigs.

Here are the top candidates for the best acoustic guitars beginners can buy in 2023:

1. Epiphone DR-100 (Best Budget)
2. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top (Best Parlor)
3. Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Pack (Best Beginner Bundle)
4. Yamaha CG112MSH (Best Classical Guitar)
5. Ibanez AAD50 (Best for Beginners)
6. D’Angelico Premium Gramercy LS (Best Acoustic-Electric)
7. Yamaha FG830 (Best Value)
8. Alvarez AD60 Artist Series (Best Mid-priced)
9. Taylor Baby Taylor BT2 (Best for Smaller Players)
10. Guild OM-240CE (Best Folk Guitar)
11. Martin D Jr-10 (Best 3/4 Size)

1. Epiphone DR-100 (Best Budget)

“This full-size dreadnought is the best beginner acoustic guitar if you don’t want to get spendy.”

The no-frills Epiphone DR-100 is the perfect acoustic guitar for players who want good quality without blowing their budget. It’s a rugged dread with standard proportions, great components, and the typical features you’d expect at this price point.

Moreover, the acoustic guitar is backed by hundreds of reviews praising its agreeable tone and easy playability.

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway dreadnought with 25.5” scale length
• Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard
• Slim Taper mahogany neck with 20 frets
• Ebony, Natural, or Vintage Sunburst finish
• Left-handed model available; Gig bag sold separately

Review

The DR-100 may not move mountains, but it’s the perfect first instrument for beginners to learn the basics and explore various styles.

It’s a classic dreadnought in terms of looks and sounds, with price-appropriate build quality, suitable hardware, and a good fit & finish.

Like all good beginner guitars, the DR-100 holds tuning well and promises a comfortable playing experience.

We particularly like the Slim Taper neck profile, low string action, and smooth frets – important features associated with fretting notes and chords comfortably.

The acoustic guitar sounds just like a dread should – bright, punchy, and loud. When strummed, it conveys excellent volume, projection, and sustain and responds keenly to fingerpicking.

It performs well for an entry-level acoustic guitar but don’t expect very refined sounds.

Ultimately, the Epiphone DR-100 is a great shout for beginners and budget buyers, and if you have the cash to spare, you can improve its tone with a good set of acoustic guitar strings.

We’d also push you to pair it with a good clip-on tuner and a gig bag to round out your purchase.

Pros

• Good construction and finish (for the price)
• Slim neck profile is easy to navigate
• Versatile and punchy sound
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• Might be too large for smaller players
• No cutaway to access higher frets

Best Alternatives

The Fender CD-60S (reviewed below) is another top-rated beginner acoustic guitar for under $200.

However, the 3/4 size Fender FA-15 would be the best choice for kids or players who struggle to get their arm around the lower bout of a full-sized dreadnought.

2. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top (Best Parlor)

“The best parlor-style acoustic guitar for beginners, smaller players, and fingerpickers.”

A parlor is a curio for this list, but Gretsch is a legacy brand that makes some of the best top-tier acoustic and electric guitars, and this ‘budget’ model proves concessions don’t handicap their craftsmanship.

So, while the G9500 isn’t marketed for beginners, the build quality, sound, and compact proportions make it an excellent first guitar for younger players.

Key Features:

• Parlor-style acoustic guitar with 24” scale length
• Laminate basswood top and body, walnut fingerboard
• C-shape nato neck profile, 18 frets
• Natural satin or Vintage sunburst finish
• No leftie version; gig bag not included

Review

In line with Gretsch’s reputation for crafting high-quality guitars, the G9500 is for beginners who want to start small and graduate to a 3/4 scale or full-size steel-string guitar. But it’s an equally obliging model for budding fingerstyle fanatics and soon-to-be bluesmen.

Parlor guitars belong to their own breed, thanks to their smaller body shape, slim neck, 24” scale, and a manageably-sized lower bout.

The G9500 packages these features in its distinct styling and skips the needless bling and onboard electronics to keep costs low.

We see it as a ‘living room’ guitar with a unique tone that lends well to intimate fingerpicking, casual strumming, and trialing guitar slides while exploring open tunings.

Its rich, warm sounds are a shoo-in for folk and blues, but the guitar is not designed for all-out strumming.

Ultimately, the G9500 is the perfect beginner acoustic to keep by the couch for a quick practice session when the adverts play.

It’s a country mile from dreads and lacks the ‘sustain’ of larger steel-string guitars, but its patent appeal might cast a spell on a certain class of beginners.

Pros

• Compact, lightweight, and portable
• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable size for young players
• Excellent choice for folk, blues, and fingerstyle players

Cons

• May need a professional setup

Best Alternatives

Beginners willing to spend more for better tonewoods can check out the Kala Parlor Acoustic Guitar featuring a solid Cedar top, mahogany body, and ebony ‘board.

Moving upstream, the all-mahogany PRS SE P20E is easily one of the best electro-acoustic parlor guitars under $500.

P.S. – We’ve featured nine top-rated models in our article on the best parlor guitars of 2023.

3. Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Pack (Best Beginner Bundle)

“Want a bundle with useful add-ons? This is the best acoustic guitar starter pack out there.”

Sooner or later, every guitar player covets an instrument with ‘Fender’ on the headstock, and the CD-60S Dreadnought Pack immediately affords you that pleasure.

This crowd-pleasing beginner bundle includes an acoustic guitar, a strap, picks, extra strings, a form-fitting gig bag, and a 3-month Fender Play subscription. For the price, that’s one heck of a bargain!

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway dreadnought guitar + accessory bundle
• Solid Sitka spruce top with a laminate mahogany body
• Accessories include a strap, picks, a gig bag, and an extra set of strings
• Free 3-month Fender Play subscription
• Available in black or natural finish
• Left-handed model available

Review

Make no bones; the CD-60S is a triumph for Fender and unarguably one of the best-selling entry-level acoustic guitars on the market. But you can milk more value from this ‘dreadnought pack’ with a much-needed bunch of guitar accessories.

We’re particularly impressed by the guitar’s unselfish appointments, like the solid spruce top, walnut fingerboard with rolled edges, and a C-shape neck. But the Fender Play subscription also adds estimable value with access to online lessons for beginner and intermediate players.

The CD60 responds with bright, clear sounds when strummed or plucked, with plenty of volume and sustain for various playing styles. It’s the ideal instrument to attempt your first chord, even if you still have some growing to do, and you won’t outgrow it anytime soon.

With the guitar at its high point, it’s easy to recommend this compelling deal for beginners. You can skip the bundled trappings and buy an all-mahogany version, too, but the online learning program is great, and the pack eliminates the need to research and order each item separately.

Pros

• Admirable sound and construction
• The fingerboard’s rolled edges add to the playability
• Bundle includes everything beginners need
• Reasonable price point for an acoustic starter pack

Cons

• None for the price

Best Alternatives

You can also opt for a Fender FA115 Dreadnought Pack or the Fender Redondo Mini Guitar Essentials Bundle, which is more suitable for smaller players. If you own an acoustic guitar amp, the Washburn Apprentice D5CE is an excellent acoustic-electric guitar pack for beginners.

4. Yamaha CG122MSH (Best Classical Guitar)

“Keen on nylon-string adventures? This is the best classical guitar for beginners.”

Classical guitars are a point of pride for Yamaha, and they have more than a handful of models for younger players and newcomers.

We’ve picked the CG122MSH over its cheaper-priced cousins because it offers better build quality and materials. Plus, it sounds great for a range of music in the nylon-string realm, including jazz, classical, pop, and bossa nova.

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway classical guitar, 25.6” scale length
• Solid Engelmann Spruce top, Nato back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard, 2.05” nut width, 18 frets
• Natural finish options: Natural satin or Vintage sunburst
• No leftie version; Case sold separately

Review

The Yamaha CG112MSH admits you gracefully into the world of nylon-string guitars with traditional styling and features. It features a solid spruce top, a welcoming neck profile, and very classical proportions – important features to settle in and develop proper finger techniques.

A good classical guitar should have a balanced and articulate voice, and the CG122MSH fits that bill perfectly, too. The spruce-on-nato build is, of course, admirable, and the combination delivers a full tone with excellent projection, focused lows, strong mids, and clear highs.

The CG112MSH is available in two variations – with a solid cedar top or a solid spruce top. Spruce tops add brightness to the tone, and Cedar is the conventional choice and tends to sound warmer as it ages. Smaller players can opt for Yamaha’s 1/2- or 3/4-size guitar models.

For the price, the CG112MSH is a strong contender for your money, arguably the best acoustic guitar for beginners of classical persuasion. The feel and sound quality outclass more expensive guitars, and the robust build will last for a large part of your guitar-learning journey.

Pros

• Lovely tonewoods for the price
• Perfectly traditional proportions
• Versatile sound with natural resonance
• A value-for-money model with great reviews

Cons

• Look elsewhere for thin necks and left-handed models

Best Alternatives

The Cordoba C3M costs roughly the same and flashes a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides. If you want to spend less, the Yamaha C40II is one of the best value-for-money nylon-string guitars in the entry-level market.

P.S. – Check out this article on the best nylon-string guitars with thin necks for playability.

5. Ibanez AAD50 (Best For Beginners)

“The best beginner acoustic guitar for muscular strumming and sound-slinging power.”

Ibanez is one of the most respectable acoustic and electric guitar manufacturers, and we’ve picked the AAD50 from their Advanced Acoustic lineup as a top-shelf choice for beginners.

At roughly $250, this acoustic guitar is chock-full of style, substance, and value, offering appointments typically found in more expensive models.

Key Features:

• Grand Dreadnought acoustic guitar with Advanced Cutaway
• Solid Sitka spruce top + sapele back and sides
• Tapered Okoume neck with a purple fingerboard, 20 frets
• 25.5-inch scale length, 1.69” nut width, 20 frets
• Available in a natural finish, with or without electronics
• Left-handed model available; Gig bag sold separately

Review

Five percent larger than a standard dread, the Ibanez AAD50 promises a rich tone, more volume, and powerful low-end projection.

It flashes a solid Sitka spruce top, Sapele back and sides, a smooth, well-finished Okoume neck, and a responsive Purpleheart fingerboard.

More impressively, the AAD50 offers added value with proprietary appointments like a tapered headstock for enhanced tuning stability, X-M bracing for a wider dynamic range, advanced bridge pins for easy string changing, a deep(er) cutaway to easily access the upper frets.

Sound-wise, the AAD50 yields a muscular tone with a warm mid-range and crisp, sparkling highs. Its larger proportions induce robust lows and more volume, but at the same time, the ergonomic design ensures the guitar is no less comfortable to play than a standard dread.

To piece it all together, Ibanez has seen immense success with solid, semi-hollow, and hollow-body electric guitars.

With sincere faith in their craftsmanship, the AAD50 (and the entire Advanced Acoustic lineup) is an absolute triumph for beginners and frugal buyers.

Pros

• Solid Sitka spruce top
• First-rate construction techniques and build quality
• Sounds loud, lush, and balanced
• Sound and playability belie the price

Cons

• Not ideal for smaller players

Best Alternatives

You can loosen your wallet and move upstream to the better-sounding Ibanez AAD100. Alternatively, you can save a few dollars by picking the Ibanez AW54, which has an open pore finish, a solid Okoume top, and a warmer sonic signature.

6. D’Angelico Premium Gramercy LS (Best Acoustic-Electric)

“This is easily the best bang-for-buck beginner acoustic-electric guitar on the market.”

We’re big fans of any guitar combining good tonewoods and construction techniques with advanced electronics. We’re even bigger fans of a guitar that can do it for under $350.

The D’Angelico Gramercy LS achieves that with admirable sounds and visual pizazz, earning our nod as the best acoustic-electric guitar for beginners who don’t want to get spendy.

Key Features:

• Grand Auditorium electro-acoustic guitar w/ cutaway
• Mahogany top and body and MG-30 pickup system
• Mahogany neck + torrified Merbau fingerboard
• 25.5-inch scale length, 1.68” nut width, 20 frets
• Available in a natural satin finish

Review

With a GA body shape, top-notch features, and fittings, the Gramercy LS proves affordable guitars can deliver impressive goods.

Its playability, tonal variety, and pickup system make it easy to recommend as the best first acoustic-electric all-rounder for beginners.

The ergonomic design, low action, and deep cutaway prop up playability, making it easy for raw recruits to fret chords comfortably or play up and down the fingerboard.

Beginners will also appreciate the onboard tuner and pickup system that can service most amplified situations.

The Gramercy’s tone profile is lush and warm, with adequate clarity, volume, and projection for strumming and fingerpicking.

The guitar is not as boomy as its dreadnought brothers, but it renders a balanced tone with sufficient sustain to let your licks, chords, and lead lines resonate.

All said and done; this guitar is a great all-rounder to cover acoustic and amplified needs on a budget.

It’s for committed beginners who don’t want to upgrade their instrument for the next few years and intermediate players who play small gigs at bars and coffee shops.

Pros

• Vintage appeal and easy playability
• The Grand Auditorium shape will suit smaller players
• Great plugged and unplugged sound
• Exceptional cost-value ratio

Cons

• No gig bag
• You’ll need a cable and acoustic guitar amp

Best Alternatives

The D’Angelico Premier series has four entry-level acoustic guitars that cost the same but have different shapes and finishes.

The Lexington LS has a non-cutaway design and natural finish, and the Bowery (cutaway) and Tammany (non-cutaway) models have an aged mahogany finish.

7. Yamaha FG830 (Best Value)

“This solid top dread is among the best-selling acoustic guitars in the entry-level market.”

The Yamaha FG830 is a rare sub-$300 oddity with a solid spruce top, which isn’t common at this price point.

The acoustic guitar recompenses you with components, construction, and sounds that outperform the price tag, but its full-size layout could be overwhelming for kids. But if the size checks out, the FG830 is a worthy investment that ticks all the boxes green.

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway dreadnought acoustic guitar
• Solid Spruce top with laminate rosewood back and sides
• Nato neck, rosewood fingerboard
• 25.5-inch scale length, 1.68” nut width, 20 frets
• Available in a natural gloss finish
• Left-handed model available. Gig bag not included

Review

With classic dreadnought proportions and a natural finish, the FG830 epitomizes quality.

This acoustic guitar has an upmarket charm, resonant tone, and impressive out-of-the-box playability, with more to admire in the clean fretwork, smooth finish, and stout construction.

As importantly, the FG830 delivers the playability you’d expect from a good beginner acoustic guitar.

It’s well-finished, lightweight, and comfortable to play, sitting or standing. Plus, the flat neck and narrow nut width are eager to please a beginner’s fretting hand.

The solid top and scalloped bracing combine to deliver ample volume, and the FG830 rings with a flair are found in twice as expensive models.

Its warm and full tone is an excellent depiction of the dreadnought class, and there’s little to fault in terms of volume and projection, either.

Frankly put, the Yamaha FG830 is one of our favorite dreadnought-style acoustic guitars of all time.

That’s a slightly biased opinion, of course, because I’ve had one by my desk for many years, and I’ve never had the urge to replace or upgrade it, which says a lot.

Pros

• Solid spruce-meets-rosewood construction
• Looks and sounds upmarket
• Excellent projection and sustain
• Adaptable to a broad range of playing styles
• Includes a Player Port app for iOS and Android devices

Cons

• Not ideal for kids or players with small hands
• A gig bag would be reasonable at this price point

Best Alternatives

The cheaper-priced Yamaha FG800 is equally well-suited to a beginner’s needs. If you can spend more, test drive the Alvarez AD60, Ibanez ADD100, and their electro-acoustic versions.

P.S. – Our Yamaha FG830 review can help you decide if it fits your needs best.

8. Alvarez AD60 Artist Series (Best Mid-Priced Guitar)

“Pretty and playable, this is one of the best mid-tier acoustic guitars for beginners.”

Alvarez is an established American guitar manufacturer best known for producing affordable nylon and steel-string guitars.

The Alvarez AD60 is the crown jewel of the brand’s entry-level Artist series and our top recommendation for dedicated beginners. It displays a perfect combination of quality and price, with the potential to satisfy your gigging needs in the future.

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway dreadnought acoustic guitar
• AA+ solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides
• Mahogany neck + Indian Laurel fingerboard
• 25.5-inch scale length, 1.75” nut width, 21 frets
• Available in a natural gloss finish
• Left-handed model available; Gig bag not included

Review

The AD60 is a go-to acoustic if you need a classic dread with upmarket innovations and great value.

This classy, full-bodied guitar boasts unusual appointments like book-matched woods, a bone nut, and a stepped bridge – features typically found in high-end acoustic guitars.

Beyond simple lines and solid construction, the AD60 skips unnecessary frills to focus on what matters – premium materials, noble playability, and a resonant tone profile.

New players will particularly enjoy the low action, smooth frets, and slim C-shaped neck with curved edges.

Sound-wise, the AD60 boasts great tonal character with a clean, even response across the frequency spectrum.

It’s ripe for punchy open chords with unflinching sustain and responds equally well to fingerstyle playing, fast riffing, and solo duties.

Like most Alvarez guitars we’ve laid our hands-on, the AD60 belies its street price and sets up big expectations.

It’s a high-value and pedigreed candidate for the best acoustic guitar under $500, and beginners can even future-proof with an acoustic-electric version.

Pros

• Inspiring craftsmanship and materials
• Solid spruce top and comfortable neck profile
• Sounds clear and balanced across the frequency spectrum
• The nut width will please fingerpicking enthusiasts
• Relatively pricey but represents good value

Cons

• Not ideal for kids or small players

Best Alternatives

The Alvarez AD30 is the manifest budget alternative, but it lacks AD60’s premium appointments like the Indian laurel fingerboard, African mahogany tonewood, high gloss finish, and bone nut and saddle.

The Ibanez ADD50 and ADD100 models are also comparable models.

P.S. – Check out our article on the seven best Alvarez guitars ever made.

9. Taylor Baby BT2 (Best For Smaller Players)

“The best acoustic guitar for smaller players, nomads, and campfire enthusiasts.”

Kids and younger adults often struggle with the proportions of a standard dread, and adults aren’t fond of lugging them around either.

But this ¾ size Baby Taylor addresses those pain points with its low weight, approachable size, and shorter scale length. It sounds incredibly refined for the price and is an excellent choice if you want to learn on a quality instrument.

The guitar ships with Elixir Nanoweb strings and a gig bag, which provide additional value.

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway ¾ size dreadnought acoustic guitar
• American mahogany top, back, and sides
• Mahogany neck + ebony fingerboard
• 22.75-inch scale length, 1.68” nut width, 19 frets
• Available in a natural matte finish

Review

The Baby Taylor is a scaled-down non-cutaway acoustic guitar for inspired practice anytime, anywhere.

Of course, its volume is slightly lower than its full-sized siblings, but there’s enough power and projection for couch practice, campfire strumming, and everything in between.

The BT2’s playability is hinged on the shorter scale and slim, smooth neck. Beginners will find it easy to hold the guitar, fret notes or chords with ease, and move around the neck freely.

The guitar’s string spacing is the same as a regular-size guitar, so fingerpicking is fun, too.

Strummed or plucked, the BT2 has a distinct ‘Taylor’ tone – tight, crisp sounds with a clear top-end sparkle.

The acoustic guitar chimes eloquently, articulating notes with clarity and depth, and it’s also available in an electro-acoustic version if you want to play it through an amp.

Pros

• Top-notch fit and finish
• Smooth sound and highly playable
• Chord and rhythm-friendly
• Backpack-style gig bag included

Cons

• Models in this price range have solid tops
• Tuning stability could be better

Best Alternatives

Other best-selling acoustic guitars at this price point include the Martin LX1 and D Jr-10 (reviewed below).

But if you can spend more, we’d recommend the Taylor Academy 10e – our top pick among the best low-action acoustic guitars of 2023.

10. Guild OM-240CE (Best Folk Guitar)

“Melodious and easy to play, this is the best beginner acoustic guitar for fingerpickers.”

Guild is a heavy hitter in the acoustic realm, and the OM-240CE is one of their best mid-priced offerings for beginners looking for a refined playing experience.

From classic looks to high-grade tonewoods and onboard electronics, you get a lot for the price. The charming tones promise years of acoustic and amplified enjoyment for players of all sizes and abilities.

Key Features:

• Non-cutaway OM (orchestra model) acoustic guitar
• Solid Sitka spruce top + laminate mahogany body
• Mahogany neck with a Pau Ferro fingerboard, 20 frets
• 25.5-inch scale length, 1.69” nut width, 20 frets
• Available in a natural finish, with or without electronics
• Left-handed model available; Gig bag sold separately

Review

Beginners may not be clued into the types of acoustic guitars, but there’s more to it than dreads and down-sized dreads.

In fact, this ‘folk’ acoustic guitar is one such animal, and its mid-heavy sounds and top-end zing are ideal for fingerstyle blues or mid-present country strumming.

Well set up and well-finished, the OM-240E is a breeze to play, regardless of size. Its C-profile neck is super comfortable, and the tuning stability is right on the button.

Moreover, the acoustic boasts a discreet pickup system that delivers a commendable amplified tone.

Tone-wise, this folk acoustic guitar rings tight lows, warm mids, and crisp highs. Despite the smaller size, it sounds well-balanced across the frequency range and resonates well when strummed.

However, it’s not ideal for players who like to dig in or play heavy-handed.

Ultimately, the Guild OM-240E is a top-notch beginner acoustic if you aren’t hell-bent on a full-size dread.

The build quality, playability, tone, and pickup system will stay relevant as you progress to advanced pursuits, so there’s great value to be had in the long run.

Pros

• Sounds great and is easy to play
• Rich, warm lows with a hint of top-end sparkle
• Ideal for fingerstyle, country strumming, and bluesy tunes
• The hard shell case adds more value

Cons

• A string change will improve the sound

Best Alternatives

The electro-acoustic version of the Guild OM-240 is a venerable upgrade to future-proof, and it has a cutaway for upper fret access.

We also recommend the Alvarez AF30 as a cheaper-priced alternative if you’re keen on a folk acoustic guitar.

P.S. – The Guild Westerly Series was our top choice for the best acoustic guitars under $600.

11. Martin D Jr-10 (Best ¾ Size Guitar)

“The best (premium) 3/4 size dreadnought acoustic guitar for beginners and younger kids.”

The Martin D Jr-10 fits the bill nicely if you don’t want to sacrifice quality for affordability.

This 3/4 scale dreadnought is designed for travelers and street musicians (buskers) but ticks enough boxes to justify its insertion in this best beginner acoustic guitar guide.

It’s a sizable investment but also an opening to sample the esteemed Martin provenance for under $500.

Key Features:

• 3/4 size dreadnought acoustic guitar without a cutaway
• Solid spruce top + laminate sapele back and sides
• Select hardwood neck + Richlite fingerboard
• 24” scale length, 1.75” nut width, 20 frets
• Available in a natural finish, with or without electronics
• Left-handed model available; Gig bag included

Review

The Martin D Jr-10 blends the goodness of a dreadnought and 000 sizes to create one of the best scaled-down beginner acoustic guitars on the market.

The instrument ships with a superb factory setup, a form-fitting gig bag, and Martin Retro Monels – our go-to acoustic guitar strings.

The Jr-10 is immensely playable, and the 1.75” string space makes it an attractive option for future fingerpickers.

Moreover, the low-string action, shorter scale, and tapered neck spell freedom and comfort for your hands, making it a lucrative option for beginners.

Acoustically, the guitar sounds rich, resonant, and loud for its size. The balance and clarity shine with complex chord voicing, and the overall tone has tight lows, warm mids, and crisp highs.

You’ll also find a DJr-10e variation fitted with Fishman Sonitone electronics.

There are five solid reasons to invest in this premium 3/4 scale dreadnaught – build quality, comfort, playability, sound, and portability.

We’ve featured it as a top-tier beginner acoustic guitar, but frankly, it’s superbly refined and responsive by any means of assessment.

Pros

• Martin’s provenance without breaking the bank
• Impressive construction tech and build quality
• Top marks for playability and comfort
• Superb projection and sustain for the size

Cons

• None for the price

Best Alternatives

The Martin LX1E and Martin 000-Jr are two of the best scaled-down acoustic guitars for smaller players.

You also have the option to buy acoustic-electric versions of these models, which means you can take them onstage when the need arises.

P.S. – Got small hands? Check out our article on the best half-sized acoustic guitars for kids.

How to Pick the Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners: Buyer’s Guide

Acoustic instruments like steel-string guitars are highly subjective, and the perfect beginner guitar varies based on your needs, budget, and stature.

If you love a guitar’s look, feel, and sound, it’ll encourage you to practice more, and that’s a ‘good’ instrument for you.

Likewise, solid construction, tuning stability, and reliable review also matter, and a guitar with these attributes should be within your budget.

But there are 10+ sizes and shapes to choose from, which makes it difficult for us to make an all-purpose recommendation.

Newcomers should first acquaint themselves with the anatomy of an acoustic guitar and follow that up with our illustrated guide to the types of acoustic guitars.

Broadly speaking, the best beginner acoustic guitars should tick the following boxes:

Construction

The overall build quality of a beginner acoustic guitar should be robust and reliable. Check the tonewood, joint work, and hardware components to ensure everything is assembled correctly without cracks, dents, or blemishes.

Secondly, pick a guitar with a good factory setup if you want to start playing it as soon as it arrives. Alternatively, if you are buying blind, you can take your new instrument to a local music store for a proper setup.

Size

A guitar’s proportions should match a player’s stature and abilities. You may have noticed that some guitars have a smaller body while others have a broader or larger one.

Terms like dreadnought, auditorium, and parlor describe the body shape, which also impacts the size (and sound).

A freakishly tall person won’t enjoy a parlor, and a wee-sized kid can’t get his arm around the lower bout of a super jumbo. So, learn about the different acoustic guitar sizes and shapes to find the best fit for you.

We recommend auditorium or dreadnought guitars for beginners because they are easily available, tonally versatile, and great all-rounders.

But body shapes should not be confused with size because, for instance, you can buy a 1/2-size, 3/4-size, or full-size dreadnought.

Generally, kids start with a small size and gradually move up as they grow. Smaller players (adults) can choose a full-size guitar with a smaller body, like a Grand Auditorium (GA) or Orchestral model (OM).

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Playability

In the context of a guitar, playability refers to how easy or difficult it is to fret notes/chords and pluck strings. In other words, it’s the interplay between the guitar’s neck profile and your fretting hand.

So, a good acoustic guitar should feel comfortable in the hand, and a proper nut width and neck radius are the two critical considerations for playability.

At the same time, it should also have sufficient string spacing for fingerstyle playing if that’s on the agenda.

Sound

Several factors influence the sound of an acoustic guitar, including size, body shape, strings, and playing style. We can’t get into the weeds as it’s a vast and nuanced subject.

But common sense dictates that most beginners are yet to discover their playing styles.

So it’s best to pick a versatile acoustic guitar like a dreadnought or Grand Auditorium model that works for a broad range of genres/styles.

Since it’s your first ‘cheap’ acoustic guitar, you can always upgrade to something specific when you develop intermediate-level skills.

Setup

High-quality acoustic guitars have a factory setup to ensure the instrument has no dead spots, perfect string action, and smooth fretwork.

However, entry-level acoustics must improve their quality control and scrimp on the setup to keep costs low. But you visit your local music store for a one-time professional set up to improve the sound/performance of your guitar.

Value

A good entry-level acoustic guitar costs $149 to $350. The $350 to $750 range is generally categorized as a mid-priced market, and pro-grade acoustics can cost one to several thousand dollars.

Value is subject to preferences, so a guitar that serves you well has good value.

Still, we’d push you to invest in a beginner acoustic from a reputable brand for the sake of proven quality and reliability. Plus, it will likely last longer and hold value over the years.

You must account for guitar accessories like a clip-on tuner, strap, picks, and a gig bag.

If you’ve chosen an acoustic-electric guitar, you’ll also need a cable and guitar amp. These add-ons can rack up costs, so it’s best to budget accordingly.

FAQs

Should A Beginner Start Learning On An Acoustic Guitar?

You can start learning on an electric or acoustic guitar, as both have the same fundamental layout.

Beginners prefer an acoustic guitar because it’s cheaper and doesn’t need add-ons like a cable and guitar amplifier, which reduces the overall cost.

Moreover, its loud unplugged sound and portability allow you to play it anytime, anywhere.

What Size Acoustic Guitar Should A Beginner Use?

The best size for a beginner acoustic guitar depends on your age and proportions. We recommend a 1/2 or 3/4 size guitar for students aged 5 to 10 and a folk-size or 3/4 size dreadnought for teens (10 to 14).

A full-size guitar works for older players (15 and above), but you can default to other sizes if you have small hands or stature.

What Type of Acoustic Guitar Is Best For Beginners?

A dreadnought, Grand Auditorium, parlor, and ‘folk’ size (OM, 00, 000) acoustic guitar is ideal for beginners.

Regardless of the size and shape, you should be able to comfortably put your arm around the guitar’s lower bout to pick notes and strum chords.

Secondly, the instrument should have good playability, i.e., a slim, comfortable neck profile with low-string action.

Is An Acoustic Guitar Harder To Learn Than An Electric guitar?

An acoustic guitar is slightly more challenging to learn than an electric because of its body size, string thickness, and string action.

Electric guitars have slimmer necks and softer strings, so you need more fretting-hand strength to play notes and chords on an acoustic. But this is a minor concern, as most players adjust to either instrument within a few weeks of practice.

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