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It’s only natural to want to pick up the guitar after listening to the likes of Ed Sheeran and BB King. The flow and soul behind their performances are unmatched and alluring. However, if you’ve done even a modicum of research, you will find that there are too many options and price ranges for a beginner.
IF YOU NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING GUITARS, THE WOOD, STRINGS, AND PARTS USED, READ OUR DEEP DIVE ARTICLE ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST GUITAR.
Following are our recommendations of 2024’s best acoustic guitars for beginners:
INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED - YAMAHA F310 ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Globally accepted as the best starter guitar, the F310 does not need an introduction. Made from Rosewood, featuring a gloss body, and a matt neck, the dreadnought sized guitar redefines the term ‘value for money’. It has a well-balanced tone that leans toward the brighter side of the spectrum. Yamaha’s legendary quality control ensures that the guitar is set up to the same spec as our professional models and offers an outstanding playing experience, that helps transcend the guitar through into the intermediate phases of playing.
MOST UNDERRATED - FENDER SA-150 DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Yet another popular dreadnought sized guitar is the SA-150. Made with a mix of Mahagony, Rosewood, and Lindenwood, the affordable acoustic guitar is an absolute delight for beginners. Thanks to the guitar’s lower price point, and sturdy construction, it is designed to take on new users who are yet to gain experience in the maintenance of wooden instruments.
MOST UNIQUE - OSCAR SCHMIDT OG1 3/4 DREADNOUGHT GUITAR
If you’re looking for a guitar that has notable tone, good build quality, and has multiple colour options because wood colour is too mainstream, the OG1 ¾ is a worthwhile purchase. With six colour options and the ¾ size for easier playability, the guitar is made of Rosewood and Mahagony. It’s also at par in the pricing with the Yamaha F310.
BEST ALTERNATIVE - WASHBURN AD5K DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC GUITAR
The AD5K is a great alternative to the SA-150 and F310. If you have a fondness to the Washburn brand, the AD5K is a well built, well-priced piece of kit. This is also a dreadnought size guitar, and made with a mix of rosewood and mahogany parts, giving it a memorable tone and great play feel.
A WARM-TONESTED, BEGINNER-FRIENDLY FOLK GUITAR - WASHBURN AF5
For beginning and intermediate players, Washburn offers the AF5, a folk-style acoustic guitar. It has a mahogany back along with sides for warmth and the top with spruce for brilliant sound. The scalloped X-bracing design improves the instrument's projection and sonic balance. Rosewood fretboard has a traditional appearance, and the mahogany neck makes playing pleasant. For budding folk performers, the AF5 is a stylish and reasonably priced choice, with a gloss finish and a classic "Washburn Heritage" rosette.
