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10 Best Guitar Classical 2025 in the United States

Yamaha Student Series CGS103AII Classical Guitar, Natural

Tonewood: Spruce top, Meranti back and sides
Scale Length: 23 inches
String Type: Nylon
Body Size and Shape: 3/4 Size

Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar - Natural

Tonewood: Cedar top, Rosewood back, Mahogany neck
String Type: Nylon
Body Size and Shape: Typical for classical guitars
Action: Adjustable
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Perfect for Kids that is Easy on Fingers, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,117
Tonewood
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
632 reviews

Tonewood
Surprisingly rich tone for a budget-friendly guitar.
Body Size and Shape
Lightweight and great for travel, making it ideal for beginners and road trips.
Action
The initial setup was nearly perfect, requiring only minor adjustments.

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar in a 3/4 size is an excellent choice for beginners, particularly those with smaller hands. The smaller body size makes it easier to handle and play, which is perfect for young learners or adults new to guitar playing. The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, reducing discomfort during the learning process. The 'C' shaped neck is designed for easy playability, which can help beginners get comfortable with the instrument more quickly.

The guitar is made with a combination of Sapele for the back and body, Agathis for the top, and a Nato wood neck, providing a good balance of durability and sound quality. The walnut fretboard adds to the smooth tone and playability. One of the standout features is the inclusion of a subscription to Fender Play, offering access to a vast library of instructional videos, making it easier for beginners to learn at their own pace.

However, the absence of a pickup configuration may limit its use for amplified performances. Also, while the materials used are decent, they might not provide the rich tones that more expensive woods deliver. The open-gear tuning machines are a practical choice for accurate tuning, although they might require more frequent adjustments compared to higher-end options. This guitar is a solid, user-friendly option for beginners who want to start their musical journey with a reputable brand.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,117
Tonewood
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
632 reviews

Tonewood
Surprisingly rich tone for a budget-friendly guitar.
Body Size and Shape
Lightweight and great for travel, making it ideal for beginners and road trips.
Action
The initial setup was nearly perfect, requiring only minor adjustments.
#2

Yamaha CG-TA Nylon String TransAcoustic Guitar with Chorus and Reverb, Classical, Vintage Tint

Rating
9.6
Tonewood
Action

Most important from
261 reviews

Tonewood
The torrefaction aging process makes the wood sound clearer and more resonant, with noticeable overtones.
Action
The action from the factory is a bit high but can be improved with a professional setup.

The Yamaha CG-TA Nylon String TransAcoustic Guitar stands out with its innovative TransAcoustic technology, which allows players to experience built-in effects like Hall Reverb, Room Reverb, and Chorus directly from the guitar. This feature can enhance your playing and offers a unique experience, especially for those who enjoy performing without additional gear. The solid Engelmann spruce top contributes to a bright and resonant tone, while the Ovankol back and sides provide warmth and depth, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. Additionally, the use of a rosewood fingerboard and bridge adds to the guitar's playability and comfort.

In terms of specifications, the neck width is suitable for classical play, allowing for intricate finger placements. The scale length is standard for classical guitars, ensuring that players can use familiar techniques. The nylon string type is gentle on the fingers, making it a good choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

There are some considerations. The fixed bridge system may limit customization for string height or action adjustment, which could be a drawback for players seeking precision tuning. The body size and shape, while comfortable for many, might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer smaller or larger guitars. Lastly, while the built-in effects are impressive, they may not replace the need for external pedals or equipment for professional musicians.

Rating
9.6
Tonewood
Action

Most important from
261 reviews

Tonewood
The torrefaction aging process makes the wood sound clearer and more resonant, with noticeable overtones.
Action
The action from the factory is a bit high but can be improved with a professional setup.
#3

Yamaha 6 String Scale Beginner Classical Guitar-Natural Finish, Right Handed, Full Size (C40II)

Rating
9.3
Neck Width
Action

Most important from
1286 reviews

Neck Width
It accommodates most hand sizes, allowing even small hands to hit all notes without difficulty.
Action
The action is nicely set up, the sound is excellent, and the tuners are smooth.

The Yamaha C40II is a full-size classical guitar designed with beginners in mind, making it a solid option for those just starting their music journey. Its spruce top provides a bright and resonant tone, which is perfect for classical music. The meranti back and sides contribute to the guitar's warmth and richness in sound. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add both aesthetic appeal and playability, ensuring a comfortable experience for novice players.

A notable strength of this guitar is its approachable scale length of 25 inches, which helps facilitate easier finger placement for beginners. The action is set at a reasonable height, promoting smooth playability while reducing the chance of finger fatigue during practice. Its natural gloss finish not only looks attractive but also protects the wood, enhancing its durability.

The C40II is a great entry-level choice for children or adults who are new to classical guitar, but those with more experience may find it lacks the tonal complexity they desire. It's best suited for casual players or students, rather than seasoned musicians looking for a performance instrument. The Yamaha C40II balances quality construction with accessible playability, making it a reliable choice for beginners.

Rating
9.3
Neck Width
Action

Most important from
1286 reviews

Neck Width
It accommodates most hand sizes, allowing even small hands to hit all notes without difficulty.
Action
The action is nicely set up, the sound is excellent, and the tuners are smooth.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitar Classical

Choosing the right classical guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Classical guitars are known for their nylon strings and warm, mellow sound, making them ideal for classical music, flamenco, and other fingerstyle genres. When selecting a classical guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and needs.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, particularly the top, back, and sides. This is important because different woods produce different sounds. For example, spruce tops are known for their bright and clear tone, while cedar tops offer a warmer, more mellow sound. If you prefer a brighter sound, go for spruce. If you like a warmer tone, cedar might be the better choice. The back and sides can be made from woods like rosewood, mahogany, or maple, each contributing to the overall sound and resonance of the guitar.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a classical guitar is typically wider than that of a steel-string acoustic guitar. This is important because it affects playability, especially for fingerstyle playing. A standard classical guitar neck is about 2 inches wide at the nut. If you have smaller hands, you might find a slightly narrower neck more comfortable. Conversely, if you have larger hands or prefer more space between the strings, a standard or even wider neck might be better for you.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the saddle and affects the tension and playability of the strings. Classical guitars usually have a scale length of around 650mm (25.6 inches). A longer scale length can provide more tension and a brighter tone, while a shorter scale length offers less tension and a warmer sound. If you prefer a brighter, more projecting sound, a longer scale length might be ideal. If you want a warmer, more relaxed tone, consider a shorter scale length.
String TypeClassical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone. There are different types of nylon strings, such as normal tension, high tension, and extra high tension. Normal tension strings are easier to play and produce a softer sound, making them suitable for beginners. High tension strings offer more volume and a brighter tone, which might be preferred by more advanced players. Extra high tension strings provide even more volume and brightness but require more finger strength to play.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a classical guitar can affect both the sound and comfort of the instrument. Standard classical guitars have a full-size body, which provides a rich, full sound. However, there are also smaller-bodied classical guitars, such as 3/4 or 1/2 size, which are more comfortable for younger players or those with smaller frames. If you are an adult or have a larger frame, a full-size guitar will likely be the best choice. If you are buying for a child or have a smaller frame, consider a smaller-bodied guitar for better comfort and playability.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. This is important because it affects playability and comfort. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners, as it requires less finger pressure to press down the strings. Higher action can produce a louder, clearer sound but may be more challenging to play. If you are a beginner or prefer easier playability, look for a guitar with lower action. If you are an advanced player seeking better sound projection, you might prefer higher action.

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