A review of the best beginner classical guitars. There are a number of important considerations when buying a beginner or entry level classical guitar. You need to consider everything from ease of playability, precision manufacturing, and the sound. However, as a teacher I often look mainly at playability and precision for a student’s first instrument.
Most Recommended Classical Guitars for Beginners
Although I’ve listed some very affordable instruments, if you can spend a little bit extra on your first instrument you may find playing and learning to be a bit easier. Struggling with your instrument should not be part of the beginner experience. Also, many students replace their cheap guitars in the first year as they realize the limitations. So spending a bit extra is a great idea. That said, I’ve listed a number of guitars at affordable rates that I think have decent quality checks.
Yamaha and Cordoba: I usually recommend Yamaha’s to students because they are well built and the quality control is fairly consistent. Also, they are readily available in most towns or regions. Are they the best? Well, they feel good to play and for a student guitar they work well. They have a mellow sound which is good for students as well. The Cordoba’s I’ve seen so far are good and I’m increasingly turning to them for their solid wood tops, volume, and playability.
My #1 recommendation for an absolute beginner on a semi-flexible budget is the Cordoba C5 (see below). If you can spend more, great. If not, this will be a great first guitar.
Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar Price Range $140-200
If you are on a budget then this one is for you. It’s still well built which is why it is such a good bargain for your dollar. If you can afford a better model then you’ll sound will be a bit more elegant and the playability a bit more smooth. Concerts might be better too as they are a bit muted and quiet. Also, the treble strings tend to lack pop and can take quite a bit of effort to get melodies to come out of a texture. However, if you just need something to practice on and get you started these guitars will do the job for an amazing price. I recommend this guitar to beginner students on a budget and I’m always impressed with what you can get for under $200. It’s not a refined sound but it’s a great working guitar.
Bottom Line: Well built, smooth sound. A bit muted and quite but still pleasant.
Cordoba CM3 Classical Guitar Price Range – $200-250
A solid cedar top makes this guitar just a bit more enticing than the Yamaha. The sound is more balanced, a bit louder, and the trebles have a little pop making it easier to get the musical texture you want. This is my absolute beginner recommendation if on a semi-budget.
Bottom line: Nice sound, louder, easy to play. Solid Top is a plus.
Yamaha CG Series CG122 Classical Guitar, Natural Price Range: $200-250
If you can jump up a level from the C40 then you’re a bit more on track. This is the middle ground for Yamaha offering a decent playability, sound, and price. It’s a nice step up from the C40 in sound in case the student is going to perform. Solid top. I rarely recommend this one as I usually encourage students to jump to the Cordoba C5 if possible.
Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar Price: $300-$350 (#1 Recommended Beginner Guitar)
With a solid top this one has some nice touches. I highly recommend the cedar top for students. This is noticeably a better guitar than the ones listed above, and it’s price is very reasonable. It can keep up with the volume and sound of guitars much pricier. This can last the beginner student all the way into the intermediate level. I’ve been happy with the C5 and above.
Bottom Line: Everything you need plus some extra.
Cordoba C7 CD Classical Guitar Price Range: $475-650 (Top Marks)
This is great because you get a solid cedar top and laminate Indian rosewood back and sides. This is a fantastic guitar for a beginner or intermediate which should last you until you are ready for a jump to an advanced guitar. In general, this is going to be louder and more refined a sound than the cheap Yamahas but the price is a jump up. Then again, who wants to buy another guitar a year or two from now? However, if you have a few extra bucks you can jump to the next category and get a solid wood guitar on both the back and top.
Solid top & Solid Back and Sides
Cordoba C9 Classical Guitar $800-1000 (TOP MARKS) – Now you get Solid Top & Solid Back and Sides
If you have the money you can get a guitar that will help you play and have much more subtly in terms of musical expression. Solid Canadian cedar top with solid mahogany back and sides. Having solid wood on both the top, back, and sides means way more sustain and a way nicer sound.
Cordoba C9 Parlor Classical Guitar
As with the above this guitar will really give you a boost. However, the nice parlor size will be much more comfortable. This is a small scale guitar 630mm (compared to the average 650mm). See my full video review of the Cordoba C9 Parlor.
Cordoba C10 Classical Guitar (TOP MARKS)
Yet another step up but this one has Solid Canadian cedar top & better yet Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Hand inlaid Mother-of-Pearl “Esteso” Rosette. Indian rosewood bridge with ebony fingerboard. Includes Cordoba Polyfoam case. This is about as good as it gets until you make the leap to a totally different price range and custom luthier builds. Highly recommended if you plan to stick with guitar. Also the small scale Cordoba C10 Parlor. See my full video review of the Cordoba C10 Guitar or the Cordoba C10 Parlor Guitar.
Saers Guitar A50 (review link) $1300 approx. – Good value for the price.
JuLuck A6 (Review Link) – A small scale (630mm) solid wood guitar with a nice traditional balance.
Cordoba c12 Classical Guitar $1600-$2000
All the goodies, maybe the best factory affordable guitar I’ve seen. Modern design elements also include a lattice braced top and raised fingerboard for easy playability when accessing upper frets. It’s wonderfully loud and balanced. It can keep up to luthier made guitars minus some tone. If you are young concert player or just want a high quality instrument for an affordable price buy this. See my full video review of the C12 Cordoba Guitar.
Saers Guitar A90 Review – $2500-2800 USD
I had a great time testing and playing the Saers Guitar A90 classical guitar from their Artist Series. The solid woods, lattice bracing, raised fingerboard, 12 hole bridge, French polish top, high C, tuners, and responsiveness all contribute to an excellent value at this price.
Recommended Small (half and three-quarter size) Classical Guitars for Beginners:
These guitars are for kids (or small adults).
Cordoba Requinto 580 1/2 Size Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar – $250-350 (TOP MARKS)
It would be great if all kids could start on a guitar that actually helps them sound good. This would be that guitar. Depends on whether your kid is the “smash and bang” type as you don’t want it to get too damaged for resale when they grow out of it. Still, best pick for sure.
Cordoba Guitars Cadete Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar, 3/4 Size $200-300
As above. Spruce top with mahogany back and sides
Cordoba Dolce 7/8 Size Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar – $250-350 (TOP MARKS)
As above. Solid Canadian cedar top. Mahogany back and sides. The cedar will be a bit warmer so this is a good choice overall.
Yamaha CGS102A (in 1/2 and 3/4 or full) – $120-160
Yamaha’s are built well and I’ve never been disappointed. They are an amazing deal for the money.