Choosing an acoustic guitar is never easy – there’s so much, perhaps too much, choice! What shape? What size? Electro? Normal? Gah! If you want to cut through the noise and see the best acoustic guitars for all ability levels, read on!
We’ve picked out various styles and brands to serve all kinds of players, whether it be bright parlours for fingerpicking or the futuristic Acoustasonic for adventurous musicians who need multiple sounds under one roof. So, no matter your ability, you’ll find a guitar in this list that’s sure to inspire you.
In a hurry?
Here’s a quick look at our top three picks:
| Taylor 414ce Studio Electro Acoustic | Best Electro-Acoustic | Check the current price |
| Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music | Best for Beginners | Check the current price |
| Martin D-28 | Best for Professionals | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these acoustic guitars
We’ve selected various guitars to suit different playing styles and preferences. There’s something for everyone, from multiple body shapes and tonewoods to guitars with and without electronics.
Our aim is to provide models that cater to beginners, intermediates, and professional guitarists alike. Whether you’re looking for a bright parlour for fingerpicking or a versatile electro-acoustic for performing on stage, our list covers it all.
For more detailed information on beginner options, check out our best acoustic guitars for beginners.
The best acoustic guitars
1. Taylor 414ce Studio Electro Acoustic – the best electro-acoustic
Key features
- Grand Auditorium body shape
- Torrefied Sitka spruce top with Indian rosewood back and sides
- Expression System 2 electronics
Pros
- Hand-made USA construction without an eye-watering price
- Solid wood build and V-class bracing for enhanced sustain and volume
- Delivers an incredibly rich depth of sound
Con
- Despite being a more affordable version of the original 414ce model, it’s still one of the more expensive guitars on this list
The Taylor 414ce Studio gives you the core of what makes Taylor, Taylor: premium-quality craftsmanship, exquisite attention to detail, and beautifully clear, detailed sound. This is a slightly more affordable version of the original 414ce, and to hit the lower price point, the Studio version prioritises a durable, tonally rich construction over extra aesthetic features that usually drive up the price.
The torrefied Sitka spruce top projects tones with clarity, with the torrefaction process improving the responsiveness and maturity of the sound. It’s teamed with a solid Indian rosewood body, which not only looks classy but also offers long-lasting reliability and a balanced response across the whole frequency range. You then have the V-class bracing which improves sustain and volume as it allows the body top to vibrate freely.
Whether you’re strumming cowboy chords or picking intricate melodies, the Taylor 414ce is perfect. Its Grand Auditorium body shape provides a comfortable playing experience for seasoned players and new learners. Onboard ES2 electronics then provide a clear, natural plugged-in tone. Plus, the included gig bag ensures your guitar is protected and easy to transport, making it perfect for any playing situation.
2. Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music – the best for beginners
Key features
- Comfortable 25.5” scale length
- Sealed chrome tuners
- Constructed using the same techniques as top-of-the-range acoustics
Pros
- Affordable option for beginners
- Great for learning
- High-quality construction with durable materials
Cons
- Might be a bit big for smaller players
We all have to start somewhere, but that doesn’t mean we have to begin our journey with an instrument that’s no fun to play. The Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music is an excellent starting point for any budding guitarist. It uses the same construction techniques as our top-of-the-range acoustics.
The all-basswood construction makes the guitar light and comfortable for long practice sessions, so new players won’t be put off. It’s still tough enough to withstand the day-to-day wear and tear that guitars tend to face. The dreadnought body style offers great projection and sound quality as well, making learning to play a pleasure.
Anyone wanting to learn how to play guitar will find this Gear4music dreadnought a perfect starting point. It’s a budget-friendly guitar that’s been designed to kickstart a lifetime’s love of the instrument.
3. Martin D-28 – the best for professionals
Key features
- Dreadnought body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- East Indian rosewood back and sides
Pros
- Iconic sound
- Premium materials
- Exceptional build quality
Con
- Expensive
The Martin D-28 is one of the most popular top-end acoustics, sitting proudly in the middle of Martin’s legendary range alongside the D-18 and D-45. Known for its authentic dreadnought sound, the D-28 is the choice for professionals and those with deep pockets who demand the best.
Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, the D-28 offers deep bass, rich overtones, and remarkable resonance. The vintage appointments, such as open gear tuners, antique white accents, and a faux tortoise pickguard, enhance its classic appeal. Meanwhile, the modern neck profile ensures a fast and comfortable playing experience.
The Martin D-28 is the cream of the crop when it comes to high-end acoustics, and it’s been used by some big names, such as Neil Young and Johnny Cash. Its exceptional build quality, combined with its iconic sound and premium materials, has made it an icon. If you want the best of the best, the Martin D-28 delivers on all fronts.
4. Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlour – the best for affordable vintage style
Key features
- Parlour body shape
- Basswood top and back
- Vintage semi-gloss finish
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for fingerpicking
- Classic Gretsch style
Con
- Limited tonal range
The Gretsch Jim Dandy Parlour is a great option if you want a vintage-inspired guitar with a unique style. This parlour-sized guitar is perfect for fingerpicking, particularly with blue and folk music, offering a bright, articulate tonality. Its basswood top and back contribute to its lightweight and comfortable feel, making it an excellent choice for casual strumming and songwriting sessions.
The vintage semi-gloss finish and classic Gretsch design elements ensure that this guitar stands out visually. Despite its compact size, the Jim Dandy delivers a surprisingly robust sound with plenty of character. It’s an affordable option for players looking for a distinctive, vintage-style acoustic guitar that doesn’t compromise on playability or charm.
5. Epiphone Hummingbird Studio – the best iconic design
Key features
- Square-shoulder dreadnought body shape
- Solid spruce top
- Layered mahogany back and sides
Pros
- Iconic look
- Upgraded appointments
- Bold tones with strong mid presence
Con
- Slightly heavy
One of the most beautiful acoustics out there, the Hummingbird is a guitar that’s – in the words of Nashville session legend Tom Bukovac – “got songs in it, man.” Such a fusion of aesthetics, history, and build quality results in quite a hefty price tag, but luckily, Epiphone’s Hummingbird Studio is here to give you the looks, feel, and spirit of the icon at a fraction of the price.
This is the guitar for fans of all things vintage and Gibson, an affordable take on the cornerstone instrument that barely compromises on hardware.
Crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Hummingbird delivers a rich, warm sound perfect for a variety of musical styles. The square-shoulder dreadnought body shape ensures excellent projection and resonance, while the detailed inlays and stylish pickguard add a touch of elegance.
The bold tones with a strong mid presence make it suitable for both fingerpicking and strumming, offering versatility and great aesthetics.
6. Furch Guitars Violet Gc-EM
Key features
- Solid Engelmann spruce top with African mahogany back and sides (AA grade)
- CNR System Active neck joint for stability
- LR Baggs electronics for live use
Pros
- All-solid wood construction for superior tone
- Innovative neck design improves playability
- Cutaway design for easy upper fret access
Con
- Less traditional brand recognition compared to legacy brands
If you’re looking for an acoustic that marries top-tier tonewoods with ergonomic comfort, the Furch Guitars Violet Gc-EM is a serious contender. The dreadnought cutaway shape gives you plenty of projection and low-end presence, with a solid Engelmann spruce top and African mahogany back and sides delivering gorgeous tones.
What sets the Furch apart, though, are the extras: the CNR System Active neck joint is designed to adapt to changes in humidity and climate without hassle, ideal for gigging and touring musicians. The LR Baggs Stagepro Element system allows for easy amplification at shows and does a great job of replicating the natural tone of the guitar. All in all, it’s a guitar that’s designed to be played live.
7. Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster – the best hybrid acoustic/electric
Key features
- Iconic Telecaster body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Specially designed humbucker and piezo pickups
Pros
- A perfect blend of acoustic and electric
- A wide variety of tones available from the two pickups
- Electric guitar feel for easy playability
Con
- It’s not your traditional acoustic!
If you want both acoustic and electric sounds, but don’t want to carry two guitars to your show, the Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster might be just what you’ve been looking for. It’s got a solid Sitka spruce top and a fully chambered nyatoh body, giving it acoustic richness, as well as a custom-designed humbucker for proper electric tones.
The guitar is built around a unique two-pickup system: the Acoustasonic Shawbucker for that electric edge and a Fishman under-saddle transducer for acoustic depth. A master volume and blend knob make it super-easy to switch between the two or sit somewhere in between.
The body’s got comfortable forearm and back contours, making it a comfortable guitar to play sitting or standing. The neck is a modern “Deep C” profile that’ll feel familiar to electric players, while still being great for guitarists more used to the world of acoustics.
In short, this is a workhorse hybrid that gives you one instrument for a wide range of styles. Want that lush acoustic sparkle? Done. Biting electric lead tones to cut through the mix? Not a problem. Both in the same song? Then it’s time to get your hands on a Fender Acoustasonic!
8. Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic – the best for built-in effects
Key features
- Dreadnought body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Built-in actuator and piezo pickup
Pros
- Built-in reverb and chorus effects
- Easy to play
- Great tone
Con
- Slightly heavier due to electronics
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic offers a unique playing experience with its built-in reverb and chorus effects. This dreadnought guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides, providing a rich and balanced tone. The built-in actuator and piezo pickup allow you to infuse your sound with real-time acoustic effects without the need for external gear.
The FG-TA is designed for easy playability, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned players. It is slightly heavier than your average acoustic, but that’s a small trade-off for the added functionality and versatility.
9. Tanglewood TWCR D Crossroads Dreadnought Acoustic – the best entry-level dreadnought
Key features
- Dreadnought body shape
- Solid mahogany top
- Whiskey Burst finish
Pros
- Great build quality
- Affordable
- Attractive finish
Con
- Basic electronics
The Tanglewood TWCR D Crossroads Dreadnought Acoustic is a fantastic entry-level guitar, offering exceptional build quality and an attractive Whiskey Burst finish. The full dreadnought size provides a robust and resonant tone, perfect for various musical styles, whilst a solid mahogany top ensures a warm and balanced sound.
While it comes with basic electronics, the TWCR D Crossroads still delivers rich acoustics. Its affordability combined with Tanglewood’s renowned craftsmanship makes it a standout option for those looking to start their musical journey with a dependable and stylish instrument.
10. Taylor GS Mini Sapele – the best travel guitar
Key features
- Mini Grand Symphony body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Sapele back and sides
Pros
- Great for travel
- Bold tone
- Durable build
Con
- Limited volume
The Taylor GS Mini Sapele is the perfect travel companion, offering the bold tone and exceptional volume you’d expect from a much larger guitar. Its compact Mini Grand Symphony body shape makes it easy to transport without sacrificing sound quality. The solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides provide a warm, rich tone that is both versatile and resonant.
Designed for durability and resilience, the GS Mini is ideal for musicians on the go who don’t want to compromise on sound. While its smaller size means it may not compete with full-sized guitars in terms of volume, it more than makes up for it with its clear, balanced sound and impressive projection for its size.
11. Ibanez TCM50 Talman – the best unique design
Key features
- Talman body shape
- Figured ash top
- Magnetic neck pickup
Pros
- Unique offset shape
- Electric guitar playability
- Rich amplified tones
Con
- Niche aesthetic
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ibanez TCM50 Talman is its distinctive offset shape and striking figured ash top. It’s great for guitarists who want something a bit different. This guitar combines the playability of an electric guitar with the rich, warm tones of an acoustic thanks to its magnetic neck pickup that delivers beefy, amplified sound with a rich acoustic character.
Perfect for electric guitarists after an acoustic, the TCM50 Talman offers a comfortable playing experience, making it easy to transition between electric and acoustic playing styles.
How to choose the best acoustic guitars for you
Tonewoods
The type of wood used in an acoustic guitar greatly affects its tone. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and maple.
Spruce is known for its bright and clear tone, making it a popular choice for tops. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mellow sound, ideal for the back and sides. Rosewood provides rich overtones and a strong bass response, while maple is known for its bright and focused sound.
Acoustic body type
The body type of an acoustic guitar influences its sound and playability. Dreadnoughts are known for their large bodies and powerful, bass-heavy sound, making them great for strumming and flatpicking. Concert and Auditorium bodies offer a more balanced tone with good projection, suitable for fingerpicking and versatile playing.
Smaller body types like parlour and travel guitars provide a bright, focused sound and are more comfortable to play, especially for smaller players or those on the go.
Acoustic or electro-acoustic?
Acoustic guitars produce sound naturally without electronic amplification. They’re great for unplugged sessions, practising at home, or intimate performances. Electro-acoustic guitars have built-in pickups and preamps, allowing them to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system for live performances.
If you plan to perform on stage or need the option to amplify your sound, an electro-acoustic might be your best bet.
Budget
Acoustic guitars come in a wide range of prices, from affordable entry-level models to high-end professional instruments.
Determine your budget and look for a guitar that offers the best value within that range. Entry-level guitars are great for beginners and casual players, while mid-range guitars offer better materials and craftsmanship for intermediate players. High-end guitars provide premium tonewoods, superior build quality, and exceptional sound, suitable for advanced players and professionals.
Is acoustic guitar harder to learn than electric?
Learning to play the acoustic guitar can be more challenging than learning to play the electric guitar – but it’s a great one to start with as you’ll learn proper technique and be able to practise a variety of genres, not to mention, there’s no requirement for additional equipment like amps and cables.
Acoustic guitars typically have heavier gauge strings, which require more finger strength and can be harder on the fingertips. The wider neck and higher action can also make it more difficult to fret notes, especially for beginners.
Acoustic body shapes explained
Acoustic guitars come in various body shapes, each with its own unique characteristics.
Dreadnought
Known for its large size and powerful, bass-heavy sound, the dreadnought is great for strumming and flatpicking. It offers a full and balanced tone with plenty of volume.
Concert
Smaller than a dreadnought, the concert body shape provides a more focused and balanced sound. It is comfortable to play and ideal for fingerpicking and light strumming.
Grand Auditorium
Combining the best of both worlds, the Grand Auditorium offers a balanced tone with good projection. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Parlour
With its compact size, the parlour guitar produces a bright and focused sound. It’s easy to handle and great for fingerpicking and blues.
Jumbo
The jumbo body shape is known for its large size and powerful sound. It provides a deep bass response and is ideal for players who want maximum volume and projection.
Travel
Travel guitars are small and lightweight, making them perfect for musicians on the go. Despite their size, they can produce a surprisingly full sound and are great for practice and casual playing.
You’ll also need a guitar case!
Your acoustic guitar might be the most exciting purchase when you’re diving into the world of music, but the case you carry it in is one of the most crucial. It ensures your instrument is kept safe from all the knocks and bumps that come with travel, meaning you can get from gig to gig safely.
But your case shouldn’t just be reserved for the road; you should also store your guitar in its case when it’s not in use – even when it’s just sat in your studio. This provides a more even temperature for your instrument (extreme temperature changes can damage the wood and affect tuning) and protects your guitar from dust, humidity, and damage.
Before you purchase a case, make sure it fits the shape of your guitar. It needs to be accurate so that your instrument can sit snug inside and not move around. Gator cases are a great place to start as they offer all sorts of cases for all sorts of guitar shapes, like the Deluxe Wooden Dreadnought Case, the Concert/Grand Auditorium Case (it’s rare to come across a case shape so specific!), Deluxe Moulded Case for Parlour Guitars, Deluxe Jumbo Case, and 3/4 Travel Guitar Case.
A brief history of the acoustic guitar
The acoustic guitar has a rich history that dates back centuries. The earliest forms of the guitar can be traced to 13th century Western Europe, where the gittern was a popular instrument. By the 15th century, the vihuela emerged in Spain, resembling the modern guitar more closely. Over time, the design evolved, leading to the development of various forms of the guitar.
In the mid-1800s, C.F. Martin, a German immigrant to the United States, made significant innovations in guitar design, creating the X-bracing system that is still used today. This innovation allowed for greater sound projection and stability. Martin also introduced the dreadnought body shape, which became a standard for acoustic guitars.
Today, the acoustic guitar continues to evolve, incorporating modern materials and construction techniques while maintaining its traditional roots.
FAQs
Which brand is best for acoustic guitars?
The best brand for acoustic guitars depends on your preferences, but the top names are Martin, Taylor, and Gibson, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, rich tones, and durability. Yamaha and Epiphone offer great quality at more affordable prices, making them ideal for beginners and intermediates.
What’s the best acoustic guitar ever?
The Martin D-28 is often hailed as the best acoustic guitar ever. Known for its rich, balanced tone and exceptional build quality, it has been a favourite among professionals for decades. Its iconic status and superior craftsmanship make it a benchmark for acoustic guitars worldwide.
Which guitar is better, Taylor or Martin?
Choosing between Taylor and Martin depends on your preferences. Martin guitars are renowned for their rich, warm tones and classic craftsmanship, ideal for traditional and folk music. Taylor guitars offer a brighter, more modern sound with superb playability, making them perfect for versatile, contemporary styles.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best acoustic guitar for you can take a while thanks to the sheer number of options out there, but hopefully, our list has helped! Whether you prefer a powerful sound with some handy onboard electronics or a more intimate, precise sound for fingerpicking and smaller gigs, there’s one out there for you. And once you’ve found the right one, it’ll stick with you forever!
For more in-depth guides and reviews, check out our related articles:
The 29 Best Acoustic Guitar Songs
The 11 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
Dreadnought vs. Concert Guitars
Happy playing!
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