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:
| Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music | Best for Beginners | Check the current price |
| Taylor 214ce Plus Electro Acoustic | Best Electro-Acoustic | 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. Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music – the best for beginners
Key features
- C-shaped neck
- Sealed chrome tuners
- Constructed using the same techniques as top-of-the-range acoustics
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for learning
- Quality construction with durable materials
Con
- Might be a bit big for smaller players
The Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music offers the perfect start for those taking their first steps into the world of the guitar. Constructed using the same techniques as our top-of-the-range acoustics, the Dreadnought will grow with you as you progress.
Thanks to its all-hardwood construction, the Dreadnought offers an exceptional tone and a quality build that is designed to withstand the rigours of continued play and practice. Its spruce top finish offers the right amount of brightness, allowing you to cut through the densest of arrangements, while the basswood body ensures a warm, balanced tone.
Learning to play the guitar will feel effortless thanks to the “C” shaped neck, and the sealed chrome tuners ensure you maintain perfect tuning throughout your practice sessions. The stylish cherry sunburst finish adds a touch of flair, making this guitar both visually appealing and inspiring to play.
2. Taylor 214ce Plus Electro Acoustic – the best electro-acoustic
Key features
- Grand Auditorium body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top with layered rosewood back and sides
- Expression System 2 electronics
Pros
- Excellent playability
- Versatile sound
- Premium Aerocase included
Con
- Higher price point
The Taylor 214ce Plus is the “do everything” guitar, suitable for various ability levels. It boasts pure tonal beauty and combines high-class aesthetic features with exceptional sound quality.
The solid Sitka spruce top delivers wide-reaching dynamics and immense versatility, giving you a rich and developed tone. It’s teamed with a layered rosewood body, which not only looks classy but also offers long-lasting reliability with room-filling sonic capabilities.
Whether you’re strumming cowboy chords or picking intricate melodies, the Taylor 214ce Plus is perfect. Its Grand Auditorium body shape provides a comfortable playing experience for seasoned players and new learners. The X-bracing inside the guitar not only keeps the structural integrity of the guitar sound but also adds to the volume, sustain, and low-end presence.
Onboard ES2 electronics then provide a clear, natural plugged-in tone. Plus, the included Aerocase ensures your guitar is protected and easy to transport, making it perfect for any playing situation.
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, an aged toner top, 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 Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird – the best iconic design
Key features
- Square-shoulder dreadnought body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- 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 Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird 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 Sitka 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. Martin 000-X2E Brazilian Rosewood Electro Acoustic – the best affordable Martin
Key features
- Spruce top with Brazilian Rosewood HPL back and sides
- Thin fingerboard with a bevelled edge
- Martin E-1 electronics
Pros
- Affordable
- Classic appearance
- Great for stage with Martin E-1
Con
- Basic aesthetics
The Martin 000-X2E Brazilian Rosewood Electro Acoustic is an excellent entry point into the Martin brand. This guitar offers the classic Martin look and feel with a satin-finished spruce top and Brazilian rosewood HPL (high-pressure laminate) back and sides that are durable and beautiful in looks. Its tone is crystal-clear and resonant, with rich and balanced tones across the frequency spectrum.
Equipped with Martin E-1 electronics, the 000-X2E ensures that your natural tone is accurately captured and projected during live performances. It’s an ideal choice for musicians looking to experience Martin’s renowned quality without breaking the bank.
7. Fender FINNEAS Signature Acoustasonic Player Telecaster – the best hybrid acoustic/electric
Key features
- Telecaster body shape
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- 2-pickup configuration: Under-Saddle Piezo/N4 Magnetic
Pros
- Extremely versatile, with six voices to choose from
- Two-pickup system gives you a blend of acoustic and electric tones
- Electric guitar feel
Con
- Pricey for a hybrid
Designed in collaboration with producer and singer-songwriter FINNEAS, the Fender FINNEAS Signature Acoustasonic Player Telecaster offers something truly different, merging the iconic Telecaster body shape with the natural resonance of an acoustic guitar.
This hybrid design, along with the two-pickup system (a Fender Acoustasonic Shawbucker magnetic pickup and a Fishman undersaddle transducer) allows for seamless transitions between acoustic and electric tones, making it an incredibly versatile instrument for a wide range of musical styles.
There are six voices to choose from – exceptional versatility for an “acoustic” guitar! And there’s an onboard chorus effect with blend control. Tonewood-wise, you have a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany body and neck, and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It’s the ideal combination for a rich, vibrant sound that can easily be tailored to different genres.
The Acoustasonic’s unique design and playability make it perfect for musicians who need multiple sounds in one instrument, whether on stage or in the studio.
We’ve linked the Cappuccino Fade model here, but there’s also a Satic Arctic White version with an ebony fretboard.
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.
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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