Do you hear that warm, resonant sound filling a room? That’s the magic of an acoustic guitar! For centuries, this simple instrument has inspired musicians and brought joy to listeners. From campfire singalongs to sold-out concert halls, the acoustic guitar remains a powerful voice.
But if you are ready to start your own musical journey, the choices can feel overwhelming. Should you pick steel strings or nylon? Dreadnought or concert size? Many new players feel lost in the jargon and struggle to find a guitar that truly fits their hands and their sound goals. Choosing the wrong instrument can slow down your learning and dim your initial excitement.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential features of acoustic guitars, making it easy to compare models. By the end of this post, you will confidently know exactly what to look for when buying your first (or next!) acoustic guitar.
Let’s tune up and dive into the wonderful world of acoustic guitars!
Top Of Acoustic Guitar Recommendations
- Perfect beginner guitar: Specially designed for students and teens who are just getting started. This 38-inch, right-handed, acoustic guitar features all the bells and whistles. Designed with 18 smooth frets, 6 steel strings, and easy to hold neck.
- Complete starter kit: Entry-level guitar bundle includes 38-inch acoustic guitar, nylon bag, 3 picks (of assorted colors), shoulder strap, digital tuner, pitch pipe, an extra set of 6 strings, and an instructional sheet.
- Superior-grade tonewoods: Top, back, and sides are crafted from laminated basswood for versatility and warmth, with a high-gloss finish. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, this guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity. This guitar is built to last.
- Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making, this beginner acoustic guitar features an impressive tone, bright sound, and standout projection. It's waiting to be heard.
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE ADULT GUITAR KIT: No need to purchase any additional accessories, this all-inclusive set comes with a carrying case, extra strings, a strap with a pick holder, pick guard, cleaning cloth, capo, and pick set
- ULTIMATE BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE GUITAR: This full-size guitar is perfect for beginners and experienced players alike, with a dreadnought shape that produces a pleasant, warm tone
- PROTECTIVE PADDED CASE: Take your guitar with you to school or on trips with a stylish and protective carrying case, designed with foam pads, a shock-proof rubber bottom, and even a front storage for your capo and extra picks
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN: This classic, acoustic guitar is designed with a 41in body for a comfortable fit, perfect for beginners and experienced players alike
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE GUITAR KIT: No need to buy any additional accessories; this all-inclusive set comes with a gig bag, guitar strap with pick holder, extra nylon strings, 6 celluloid guitar picks, a capo, and a cloth
- 4 MONTHS OF NO-COST LESSONS: Our partner, Fret Zealot, has lessons for all levels and thousands of individual songs to build your skills. The App (iOS or Android) also includes a highly accurate digital tuner for easy tuning anywhere!
- FIT FOR ALL AGES: Playing guitar is easy with 7 accessories, and a classic acoustic guitar shape for a comfortable experience, perfect for teenagers and adults alike
- CLASSIC DESIGN: Guitar has been upgraded with a closer proximity between the fretboard and strings, reducing finger fatigue so you can jam out for hours
- ALL WOOD CONSTRUCTION: Better build materials for a better playing experience. Pyle uses 100% wood parts (including the bridge and fingerboard) with internal X bracing support to ensure proper intonation and that strings sit at proper height
- ¾ SCALE 36” BODY: The smaller scale is ideal for younger student hands, designed for 7 to 11 years old (4’3” - 4’11” height) OR for adults looking easier fingerings. 7 coat glossy finish looks stunning and help protect from damage and humidity
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START PLAYING: Full accessory bundle includes guitar picks, adjustable shoulder strap (fit both kids and adults), cleaning cloth and a zip storage carry case with adjustable backpack style shoulder straps and accessory pocket
- PYLE MOBILE TUNER APP: (iOS or Android) is free with no subscription or login needed. Setup and tune up in confidence with our guided setup and product care videos. Smartphone tuners are better! More accurate and easier to use than traditional clip tuners
- FULL-SIZE GUITAR SET: 41-inch full-size acoustic guitar set designed with a 21-fret fingerboard and steel strings, perfect for beginning and advanced musicians
- STYLISH WOOD CONSTRUCTION: The natural, all-wood design gives this guitar sleek, classic style, with detailed markings that provide additional visual appeal
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Comes with a guitar pick, adhesive pickguard, capo, shoulder strap, replacement guitar strings, and cleaning rag; everything you need to strum up the tunes you've learned
- CARRYING BAG INCLUDED: Pack it up in the foam-padded nylon gig bag for coverage from debris and scuffs as you take on the go
- Complete starter kit: Entry-level bundle includes 41-inch cutaway acoustic guitar, nylon bag, 3 picks (of assorted colors), shoulder strap, digital tuner, an extra set of 6 strings, and an instructional sheet.
- Perfect beginner guitar: Specially designed for students and teens who are just getting started. This full size, right-handed, acoustic guitar features 20 smooth frets, 6 steel strings, and easy to hold neck.
- Superior-grade tonewoods: Top, back, and sides are crafted from laminated basswood for versatility and warmth, with a high-gloss finish. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, this guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity. This guitar is built to last.
- Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making, this beginner acoustic guitar features an impressive tone, bright sound, and standout projection. It's waiting to be heard.
- PRECISION WOUND: D’Addario 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings are precision wound over a hexagonal high carbon steel core.
- BOLD, BRIGHT SOUND: The 80/20 Bronze wrap wire provides bold, bright acoustic sound, with crisp projection that fills the room.
- THE ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC STRING: 80/20 Bronze was originally created by John D’Addario Sr. and renowned guitar maker John D’Angelico in the 1930s.
- EARN REWARD POINTS: Our 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings come with a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
- One right-handed Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Backed by a 75 year legacy of quality and craftsmanship -- the FA Series has all the sound and style of Fender's iconic acoustic guitars with specially designed features for beginners.
- This beginner guitar comes with a subscription to Fender Play that includes lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love.
- This guitars dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Acoustic Guitar
Choosing your first (or next!) acoustic guitar is an exciting adventure. This guide helps you find the perfect instrument that sounds great and feels right in your hands.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at these important parts. They make a big difference in how the guitar plays and sounds.
Body Shape and Size
- Dreadnought: This is the most common shape. It has a big sound and is loud. Good for strumming and flatpicking.
- Concert/Auditorium: These are smaller than dreadnoughts. They feel more comfortable for smaller players. Their sound is balanced.
- Jumbo: These are the biggest guitars. They offer the loudest volume but can feel bulky.
Neck Comfort
The neck is the long part you hold. You want it to feel smooth. Check the scale length (the distance from the nut to the bridge). Shorter scale lengths mean less tension on the strings, making them easier to press down. This is great for beginners.
Action
Action is the height of the strings above the fretboard. Low action means the strings are close to the wood. This makes it easy to press the strings down and play without your fingers hurting. High action makes it hard to play chords.
Important Materials Matter
The wood used determines the guitar’s tone (sound quality). Different woods age differently, too.
Tonewoods for the Top (Soundboard)
The top is the most important part for sound production.
- Spruce: This is the most popular top wood. It offers a bright, clear sound that gets better as you play it more.
- Cedar: This wood provides a warmer, darker tone right away. It is often preferred by fingerstyle players.
Back and Sides
These woods shape the overall color of the sound.
- Mahogany: This wood gives a strong mid-range sound, clear and punchy.
- Rosewood: This wood produces rich overtones and deep bass notes. It sounds very complex and full.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the wood; it’s about how the guitar is put together.
Construction Methods
Guitars are built in two main ways:
- Solid Wood: Every part (top, back, sides) is made from a single, solid piece of wood. This builds the best tone over time and is high quality.
- Laminate (Plywood): The wood pieces are glued together in layers. Laminate is much more durable against changes in weather and usually costs less. It does not improve its sound as much as solid wood.
Hardware
Check the tuning machines (the pegs you turn). Good quality metal tuners hold their pitch reliably. Cheap tuners slip, and you constantly have to retune your guitar.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use your new guitar.
Beginners
If you are just starting, prioritize comfort. Look for a smaller body size (like a Concert size) and lower action. You want to practice without pain so you keep playing!
Strummers and Campfire Players
If you plan to play loudly with friends, you need volume. A Dreadnought shape made with Spruce on top works perfectly for this. These guitars project sound well.
Fingerstyle Players
If you pick individual strings (fingerstyle), focus on balance. Cedar tops often work well. You need a guitar where no single note overpowers the others.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying an Acoustic Guitar
Q: Should I buy a steel string or nylon string guitar first?
A: Most people learning popular music (pop, rock, folk) start with steel strings. Nylon strings are much softer on the fingers and are used for classical or flamenco music.
Q: How much should a good beginner guitar cost?
A: You can find a decent, playable beginner guitar in the $200 to $400 range. Avoid guitars that cost much less, as they often have poor setup and sharp frets.
Q: What is “sustain”?
A: Sustain is how long a note rings out after you pluck the string. Better woods and construction generally give you longer, clearer sustain.
Q: Does the color of the wood matter for sound?
A: Not usually. The *type* of wood matters greatly (Spruce vs. Cedar), but the stain or finish color usually does not affect the tone.
Q: What is a “cutaway” on a guitar?
A: A cutaway is a scoop taken out of the body where the neck joins the body. This shape lets you reach higher frets easily. It slightly reduces the volume compared to a full body.
Q: How do I know if the action is too high?
A: Press a string down hard on the highest fret. If there is a large gap between the string and the wood underneath it, the action is high and it will be hard to play.
Q: What is bracing?
A: Bracing refers to the wooden strips glued underneath the top wood. These strips support the top against string tension. Good bracing patterns greatly improve the guitar’s volume and tone.
Q: Do I need an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: An acoustic-electric has a built-in microphone or pickup. You only need this if you plan to plug the guitar into an amplifier or sound system for performances.
Q: How often should I change the strings?
A: For regular players, change your strings every two to three months. Old strings sound dull and lose their brightness.
Q: Are used guitars a good idea?
A: Yes, used guitars are often great! An older solid wood guitar may sound fantastic because the wood has “opened up” over time. Always check for cracks or warping before buying used.
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