The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beginner Classical Guitar

Embarking on a journey to learn the art of playing classical guitar is both inspiring and fulfilling. As you set out to master intricate melodies and timeless compositions, the foundation of your musical adventure rests upon choosing the right instrument. In this guide, I delve into the world of beginner classical guitars, where craftsmanship meets affordability. And, after 20 years of teaching beginning guitarists, I’ve played most of what’s available. Whether you’re an aspiring musician stepping into the world of strings for the first time or a seasoned player seeking a second instrument for practice, this exploration of the best beginner classical guitars will provide you with insights to make an informed and harmonious choice.

Summary

• Best Laminated Back and SidesUnder: Cordoba C5
• Best Solid Wood: Cordoba C10
• Short Scale for Smaller Hands: Cordoba C9 Parlor
• Kids Guitars Sizes: Cordoba C1M (multiple sizes)

My Picks For The Best Beginner Classical Guitar with Laminate Wood Back and Sides

Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar ($199 MSRP)

The Yamaha C40 is an excellent choice for beginners seeking an affordable yet reliable entry into the world of classical guitar playing. With its commendable build quality, featuring a spruce top and meranti back and sides, the C40 offers a balanced tone that’s both warm and clear. Its comfortable neck profile and standard classical guitar nut width make it approachable for players of all hand sizes, promoting comfortable fretting and smoother chord transitions. While the sound might not rival higher-end models, the C40 delivers a solid projection and sound resonance, ideal for practicing and learning. Yamaha’s reputation for consistent quality shines through in the C40, making it a trusted companion for those starting their musical journey on a budget.

Here’s my review of the Yamaha C40.

Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar ($249 MSRP)

The Cordoba C3M presents an enticing blend of craftsmanship and value, making it an appealing choice for beginners and aspiring classical guitarists. With a solid cedar top and laminate mahogany back and sides, the C3M offers a warm and expressive tonal character, capturing the essence of classical music beautifully. Its well-rounded sound projection and resonance are complemented by a comfortable neck profile, making it a pleasure to play for extended periods. The attention to detail in its construction, including the hand-inlaid rosette, showcases Cordoba’s commitment to quality. While the C3M might be priced slightly higher than some entry-level options, its enhanced tonal richness and craftsmanship make it a worthy investment for those who prioritize a step up in sound and quality.

Here’s my review of the Cordoba C3M.

Yamaha CG Series CG122 Classical Guitar ($249 MSRP)

The Yamaha CG122 combines affordability with notable craftsmanship, rendering it a solid choice for beginners venturing into the realm of classical guitar playing. The instrument boasts a spruce top and nato back and sides, yielding a balanced tonal profile that resonates well across various musical styles. Its comfortable neck and standard classical guitar nut width contribute to ease of play, ensuring smoother chord transitions and comfortable fretting. While the sound might lack the complexity of higher-end models, the CG122 offers a commendable projection and clear tonal definition, making it a dependable companion for practice and early learning stages. Yamaha’s reputation for consistent quality shines through, making the CG122 a reliable and accessible option for budding guitarists.

Here’s my review of the Yamaha CG122.

Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar ($389 MSRP)

The Cordoba C5 is an exceptional classical guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern features. Furthermore, the consistency of the Cordoba is one of the main reasons I always recommend Cordoba guitars to a beginning classical player. With a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides, it produces a warm and rich tone with excellent resonance. The C5’s comfortable mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard make it a pleasure to play, allowing for smooth chord transitions and intricate fingerstyle techniques. The guitar’s build quality is outstanding, ensuring stability and durability. Visually, the C5 showcases its classical elegance with a natural finish and a rosette design inspired by Spanish motifs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Cordoba C5 offers a remarkable combination of quality, playability, and tone.

Here’s my review of the Cordoba C5.

Cordoba C7 CD Classical Guitar ($599 MSRP)

The Cordoba C7 is a highly acclaimed classical guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern features. I have no less than 5 current students using this very guitar. Handcrafted with a solid Canadian cedar or spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides, the C7 delivers a dynamic range of tones. Its Spanish fan bracing enhances resonance and projection. The C7’s impeccable attention to detail and luxurious finish make it a true gem in this price range.

Here’s my review of the Cordoba C7.

My Picks For The Best Beginner Classical Guitar with Solid Wood Back and Sides

Cordoba C9 Classical Guitar

The Cordoba C9 is the first in this list of guitars with solid wood back and sides. Every C9 I’ve played has wonderful craftsmanship and exceptional tonal artistry. With a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides, the C9 produces a rich, resonant, and nuanced sound that captures the essence of classical music with remarkable depth. Its meticulous construction, including traditional Spanish fan bracing and an elegant hand-inlaid rosette, exemplifies Cordoba’s dedication to quality and aesthetics. The comfortable neck profile facilitates effortless playability, allowing for intricate fingerstyle techniques and seamless chord progressions. While the C9 comes at a higher price point, its sublime tonal complexity and impeccable craftsmanship make it a worthy investment for players seeking a professional-grade instrument that resonates with timeless elegance.

Here’s my review of the Cordoba C9.

Cordoba C9 Parlor Classical Guitar

The Cordoba C9 Parlor embodies both vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, making it a captivating choice for players drawn to the intimacy of a parlor-sized classical guitar. With a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides, the C9 Parlor delivers a warm and resonant sound that’s surprisingly robust for its compact size. The meticulous attention to detail, including delicate hand-inlaid rosette and traditional Spanish fan bracing, showcases Cordoba’s commitment to excellence. The shorter scale length and smaller body dimensions provide a comfortable playing experience, perfect for fingerstyle intricacies and intricate arrangements. While its price point reflects its premium features, the C9 Parlor is an exquisite instrument that offers exceptional tonal character and playability for those seeking a distinctively charming and versatile classical guitar.

Here’s my review of the Cordoba C9.

Cordoba C10 Classical Guitar

The Cordoba C10 epitomizes a harmonious fusion of artistry and sound quality, making it an exceptional choice for accomplished classical guitarists and enthusiasts alike. Boasting a solid Canadian cedar or European spruce top coupled with rosewood back and sides, the C10 produces a rich, dynamic, and resonant tonal palette that captures the essence of classical music with remarkable depth. Its meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by traditional Spanish fan bracing and intricate hand-inlaid rosette, reflects Cordoba’s dedication to excellence. The comfortable neck profile ensures effortless playability, offering precision for intricate fingerstyle techniques and expressive phrasing. While the C10 bears a higher price tag, its exquisite tonal complexity, impeccable craftsmanship, and refined aesthetics make it a prudent investment for those seeking a truly professional-grade instrument that harmonizes tradition and innovation.

Here are My Picks For the Best Beginner Classical Guitar for Kids and Youth

Cordoba Guitars Cadete Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar

The Cordoba Protege C1M series offers an inviting gateway to the world of classical guitar playing, catering to beginners with an emphasis on playability, affordability, and quality construction. Crafted with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Protege guitars generate a balanced and resonant sound ideal for early learners. The comfortable neck profile and standard classical guitar nut width ensure easy fretting and chord transitions, while Cordoba’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the well-executed rosette and bracing design. Though designed as entry-level instruments, the Protege series maintains a dedication to tonal integrity, making it an excellent option for those seeking an accessible and reliable platform to embark on their musical journey. These instruments come in 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 sizes.

Cordoba Dolce 7/8 Size Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar

The Cordoba Dolce 7/8 is a refined and compact classical guitar designed to cater to players seeking a more comfortable and approachable instrument. With a solid cedar or spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, the Dolce 7/8 delivers a warm and resonant tone that belies its smaller dimensions. The 7/8 scale length and slightly narrower nut width make for an ergonomically accommodating playing experience, particularly suited for players with smaller hands or those transitioning from smaller guitars. Cordoba’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the tasteful rosette design and quality bracing, showcasing their commitment to both aesthetics and structural integrity. The Dolce 7/8 strikes a balance between comfort and sound, making it an excellent choice for players in search of a compact classical guitar that doesn’t compromise on tone or playability.

Yamaha CGS102A

The Yamaha CGS102A embodies an inviting entry point for young beginners and aspiring guitarists, offering a thoughtfully crafted and affordable platform for learning classical guitar. Constructed with a spruce top and meranti back and sides, the CGS102A produces a balanced and clear tonal character suitable for foundational practice. The smaller 1/2 size scale and narrow nut width accommodate young players, promoting comfortable fingering and smoother chord transitions. While designed with learners in mind, Yamaha’s reputation for consistent quality shines through in details like the smooth fretwork and accurate intonation. The CGS102A offers a promising start for novice players by providing a comfortable and approachable instrument that maintains Yamaha’s commitment to reliability and affordability.

What to Look for with the Best Beginner Classical Guitar

Choosing your first entry-level or beginner classical guitar is an exciting process. There are several important factors to consider to ensure that you find a guitar that suits your needs and preferences. The list that follows are some things areas to consider.

Playability

The most important aspect of a beginner classical guitar is how comfortable and easy it is to play. Make sure the neck width and string spacing are comfortable for your hand size.

Size

Classical guitars come in various sizes, from full-sized to 3/4 or even smaller. Consider your own physical size and comfort when choosing a guitar size. After working with many students over the years, there are some general ranges for younger students than for adults. Ages 7-8 and below usually need a ¼ size guitar. Ages between 8-10 usually need a ½ size guitar. And, ages 10-13 usually need a ¾ size guitar. Of course, this is all dependent on the growth of the student (i.e. growth spurts, etc.)

Tonewoods

The type of wood used for the top (soundboard), back, and sides of the guitar significantly affects its sound. Cedar and spruce are the most common choices for the top, while rosewood, mahogany, or maple might be used for the back and sides. Remember, the lower-priced guitars usually have laminated back and sides, and the higher-priced guitars have solid wood. This creates richer sound quality in the solid wood guitars. Different combinations of woods produce different tonal qualities, so try out a few guitars to see what sounds best to you.

Sound

Listen for a balance between warm, rich bass notes and clear, vibrant treble notes. The guitar should have good projection and resonance. Remember, this is an entry-level guitar, therefore, the sound will not equal those at higher price points.

Action and Intonation

After receiving an instrument, check the action (the height of the strings above the fretboard) to ensure that it’s not too high, which can make playing more difficult. Additionally, test the intonation by playing notes up and down the neck to make sure they’re in tune across all frets. This is made easier by using an electric tuner.

Build Quality

Inspect the overall build quality of the guitar. Look for smooth, well-finished frets, evenly spaced strings, and solid construction. Any rough edges or poorly finished parts could affect playability.

Bracing

The internal bracing of the guitar affects its structural integrity and tonal characteristics. Fan bracing is common in classical guitars and provides a balanced tone. X-bracing is more common in steel-string guitars and might not be ideal for classical sound. Usually, you won’t get any other options for bracing besides fan bracing at beginner-level price points.

Brand and Reputation

Established guitar brands often offer more consistent quality and better customer support. All the guitars listed are ones I have played often when students buy new instruments. I can vouch for their reputations.

Budget

Set a budget that you’re comfortable with and try to find the best guitar within that range. Remember that while a higher budget generally gets you better quality, there are excellent entry-level options available as well.

Extras

Some classical guitars come with built-in electronics (pickups). I would stay away from electronics in a classical guitar. These add costs that could have been used for better materials. I’d rather have better wood and workmanship than the ability to plug a classical guitar into an amp. And, most classical guitarists are not going to play plugged in anyway.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the right guitar for you is one that resonates with your personal preferences. Pay attention to how you feel when you play the guitar and how it sounds to your ears.

Conclusion

for you. Next, check out my other guides:

• How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar Easily with an Electronic Tuner
• Cleaning Your Guitar, A Step-by-Step Guide
• A Step-by-Step Guide: How to String a Classical Guitar
• An Effective Classical Guitar Practice Routine
• Unveiling the Distinctions: What’s the Difference Between an Acoustic and Classical Guitar

Looking for more classical guitars under $1000? Check out my post on Unveiling the Best Classical Guitars Under $1000: An Unbeatable Blend of Quality and Affordability.

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read my editorial process here.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.