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10 Best Classical Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Natural-3/4 Size, 3/4 (0971940021)

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar (FA-25N) is an excellent choice for beginners, especially kids and those with smaller hands. Its 3/4 size body makes it lightweight and easy to handle, which is perfect for new players learning the ropes. The nylon strings provide a gentle touch, making it comfortable for fingers that are not yet accustomed to the pressure of playing. With a scale length of 23.3 inches, it offers a manageable reach for younger musicians, while the C-shaped neck is designed to enhance playability.

#2
9.4 score

Yamaha Student Series CGS103AII Classical Guitar, Natural

The Yamaha Student Series CGS103AII Classical Guitar is a 3/4 size instrument designed with beginners and young players in mind. It features a spruce top and meranti back and sides, providing a warm and balanced sound. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge contribute to the guitar's durability and smooth playability. With a scale length of 23 inches, it is shorter than full-sized guitars, making it easier for smaller hands to navigate.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Body Size and Shape
Perfect for beginners, this 3/4 size guitar fits perfectly in the hands of young players and makes learning easier.
Action
The guitar is very easy to play, with strings that are comfortable to press down, making it ideal for those with smaller hands or less finger strength.
#3
9.2 score

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

The Yamaha C40II classical guitar is a great option for beginners. It features a spruce top, which is known for its bright and clear tone, and meranti back and sides that provide a balanced sound. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add to the quality of the instrument, making it comfortable and durable. With a full-size body and a 25.0-inch scale length, it offers a traditional playing experience suitable for most classical guitar pieces.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Action
The guitar punches way above its price point with very nice action and excellent sound quality.

Top 10 Best Classical Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Natural-3/4 Size, 3/4 (0971940021)

Tonewood: Agathis (top), Sapele (back)
Scale Length: 23.3 inches
Body Size and Shape: 3/4 size
String Type: Nylon

Chosen by 1398 this week

Yamaha Student Series CGS103AII Classical Guitar, Natural

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

Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar

Tonewood: Cedar, Nato
Scale Length: 25.6 Inches
Body Size and Shape: Classical
String Type: Nylon
Action: Low

Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar

Tonewood: Solid cedar top, solid mahogany back
Scale Length: 25.6 inches
Body Size and Shape: Traditional classical guitar design
String Type: Nylon
Action: Player-friendly

Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert, Sapele

Tonewood: Mahogany, Sapele
Neck Width: 1.875 inches
Scale Length: 25.5 inches
Body Size and Shape: Grand Concert
String Type: Nylon

Ibanez FRH10N Thinline Nylon Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

Tonewood: Spruce top, Sapele back and sides
Scale Length: 25.5 Inches
Body Size and Shape: Thinline
String Type: Nylon
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Buying Guide for the Best Classical Guitars

Choosing the right classical guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one model from another. By focusing on these key specs, you can find a guitar that suits your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a classical guitar.
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 also contribute to the overall sound, with rosewood providing a rich, full tone and mahogany offering a more balanced sound.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a classical guitar affects playability, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands. Classical guitars typically have wider necks compared to other types of guitars. A standard classical guitar neck is about 2 inches wide at the nut. If you have smaller hands or are just starting out, 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 wider neck might be better.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the saddle and affects the tension and feel of the strings. Classical guitars usually have a scale length of around 25.6 inches. A longer scale length means higher string tension, which can produce a louder and more resonant sound but may be harder to play. A shorter scale length has lower tension, making it easier to play but potentially sacrificing some volume and resonance. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable for your playing style and hand strength.
Body Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the guitar body influence both the sound and comfort of the instrument. Classical guitars come in various sizes, from full-size to smaller, more compact models. A full-size guitar typically offers a richer, fuller sound, while a smaller body might be more comfortable to hold and play, especially for younger players or those with smaller frames. Consider your body size and how comfortable you feel holding the guitar when making your choice.
String TypeClassical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone. However, there are different types of nylon strings, such as high-tension and low-tension. High-tension strings offer more volume and a brighter tone but can be harder to press down. Low-tension strings are easier to play but may not be as loud or bright. If you're a beginner, you might prefer low-tension strings for their ease of play. More experienced players might choose high-tension strings for their enhanced sound quality.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. This is important because it affects playability and comfort. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings down, which is ideal for beginners or those who play for extended periods. Higher action can produce a cleaner sound with less buzzing but requires more finger strength. If you're just starting out or prefer a more comfortable playing experience, look for a guitar with lower action. If you're an advanced player seeking better sound quality, you might opt for higher action.

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