For beginners especially, there are plenty of classical guitars to choose from in today’s market.
Many are explicitly aimed at beginners looking for their first guitar, and some classical guitars even come in bundle packages with extra add-ons and accessories.
So, if you’re a beginner and looking to take up the classical guitar, how do you know which one to buy?
Fear not, this article has you covered. Before we start looking at actual guitars, let’s do some background research and learn about classical guitars.
What is a classical guitar?
Many people mistakenly think that classical guitar and acoustic guitar are the same instrument. However, this could not be further from the truth.
The confusion comes from the fact that they are both acoustic instruments, and they are both guitars. This means that they share the same body shape and general look.
But in just the same way that having four wheels, doors, and an engine doesn’t make all cars the same, a similar look and design don’t make all guitars the same.
Here’s a quick rundown of the unique features of classical guitars that acoustic guitars don’t always have:
- They have nylon strings that sound soft but full
- They have thicker necks
- A larger distance between the strings
- Played with fingers only
- Smaller body shape
- Easier on the fretting hand
- Needs a footstool to be played correctly
Things to consider when buying a classical guitar for beginners
A good beginner guitar shouldn’t be a bank-breaking investment. Whilst it’s tempting to think that you should always try to get yourself (or your child) off to the best possible start, the reality is that a beginner will often not need the most sophisticated instrument.
After all, they might not grow to love playing the guitar, and whatever instrument you buy them could just gather dust once the honeymoon period wears off.
For this reason, it often makes much more sense to get something a little cheaper – don’t worry. There are still plenty of excellent and affordable classical guitars to choose from – and then, if your child becomes more serious about the classical guitar, you can always upgrade later.
Budget
Your budget is your budget, and there’s nothing wrong with sticking to that. If you get told about a famous brand of guitar that feels good the play and sounds great, but it’s three times your budget, then don’t buy it.
So, precisely how should you budget for a new classical guitar?
First of all, you should be realistic about how you, or your child, will use the guitar.
It might be tempting to get them the best instrument you can find, but will they use it that much as a beginner? Perhaps not.
Will a priceless nylon string guitar pick up a lot of knocks and dings on the school run each morning? Probably.
Will your money be going down the drain if you spend thousands on an acoustic, classical guitar and then find out that your child isn’t as interested as they thought they were? Definitely.
For beginners especially, I would never recommend spending more than £200. Anywhere between £50 and £200 is a great budget to start. But if you’re worried that you’re not getting everything that you need as a beginner, then look at beginner bundle packages.
They are often priced within the £50-£200 price bracket. They have been purposefully designed to give beginners everything they need to get off to the best start. They have a good quality guitar, a case, strings, a strap, a tuner and sometimes even a footstool.
Here’s a great bundle to think about.
COMES WITH: Accessories
FEATURES: Affordable
Classical Guitar
Package
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Only good for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
It’s also a three-quarter sized model, which makes it perfect for young children or students with smaller hands. Acoustic players will want to look at this Martin Smith beginner package for under £50.
Build quality
Many beginner classical guitars actually have a surprisingly high build quality. It’s not uncommon these days to see beginner guitars that are made from high-quality woods, so don’t be surprised if you find a nylon string guitar at a fraction of the price you’d expect it to be.
Whilst most beginner instruments are mass-produced, many pass the quality instrument test, so rather than give you a long list of good characteristics to memorise, perhaps it’s better to simply recommend some options at this point.
Yamaha
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Great build quality
- Full size, so not suitable for small kids.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Free 6 month lessons
FEATURES: It comes with 6 months of lessons
3rd Avenue
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- 6 months of lessons included
- Only good for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Comfort
THREE
The comfort of a particular guitar is essentially a subjective thing. We all have different preferences, our bodies are different shapes, and we have other preferences.
While some classical guitars on the market claim to be “made for comfort”, often the best classical guitars are the ones that we like for our own reasons.
In that sense, “best” is a very subjective term. As is comfort.
So, how can you tell what’s comfortable as a beginner?
The best way is to try out a guitar before you buy it.
This will give you a great idea of what it’s like to play, how it feels in your hands and how well that particular classical guitar suits your own body.
There’s plenty of dogma in online classical guitar forums claiming that you should constantly “challenge yourself” by picking a guitar that’s hard to play, but this is nonsense.
Whether we’re talking about the electric guitar, classical guitar, acoustic guitar or any other kind of instrument, you should always aim to have a guitar that feels easy to play.
Easiness and comfort are signs that the guitar is well built and well suited to you.
Size
FOUR
he size of the classical guitar you buy will depend very much on who you are buying it for.
It may be best for younger or smaller children to go with a three-quarter sized model.
These have smaller bodies that are better suited to children’s small hands and limbs. They will also be much easier for the child to reach around because they are simply smaller in size.
Here are some great three-quarter sized models to consider
COMES WITH: Small body design
FEATURES: Affordable
Gear4Music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Only good for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Small body design
FEATURES: Higher build quality
Gear4Music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Only good for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
However, if you suspect your child is due to a growth spurt, then it may be best to get a full-sized classical guitar so that they grow into it.
A full sized guitar is also best for adults.
Sound
The nylon strings of a classical guitar have a much more mellow quality to them. They do sound warm and full, but they aren’t very piercing.
They also provide something of a satisfying “snap” sound when played.
Whilst it’s helpful to describe in words, it’s often best to hear the sound for yourself.
Take a listen to classical guitar maestro Andres Segovia in this YouTube clip and see if you can hear the sound qualities I’m describing coming from his guitar.
Can you hear how mellow the nylon strings make the sound?
Can you hear the “snap” quality that comes from playing with fingers and nails?
Strings
A classical guitar needs to have nylon strings. A nylon-string gives the classical guitar its warm yet smooth tone.
A nylon string is also the easiest and softest string on your fingers. Since the classical guitar is a style of guitar playing that requires you to play with your fingers, nylon strings really are the only way to go when buying a classical guitar.
Materials
Classical guitars can be made from several different kinds of wood.
Typically, they are made from Indian Rosewood, Cedar, Spruce, Honduras Cedar or Ebony.
These woods will be used in several different combinations to construct the body of the guitar, the neck, the fretboard and the headstock.
Because sound is all vibrations, these different woods will affect the sound of the guitar in different ways because each wood will vibrate differently.
The best classical guitars aren’t made from a particular wood but are instead made with this in mind. If the maker wants it to sound good with a fuller effect, they might use one wood, or a longer sustain might mean that they use another.
There’s no best option. It’s about knowing what you want to produce and which wood will give you that.
How does this affect you as a buyer? Well, the wood your guitar is made from will change how it sounds. If you’re unsure which wood you like or how each wood sounds, then it’s best to try some and get to know the sound.
But ultimately, let your ears guide you rather than the material. The best classical guitars are the ones that sound good to you. Not the ones made from a particular material.
This is true of master instruments and also beginner classical guitars.
The strings will be made from nylon. Hence their nickname “nylon string guitars”.
This is important to know because you don’t want to buy the wrong kind of strings for your guitar.
It’s worth stating the obvious here. Nylon string guitars need to have nylon strings. Otherwise, they won’t be nylon string guitars.
Any good classical music site, or even Amazon, will stock plenty of nylon strings, so just use that search term, and you can’t really go wrong.
Best brands of classical guitar
Often brands like Strong Wind, Yamaha, and 3rd Avenue will have great options available for beginners and more advanced players, so make sure you look at the most famous brands first.
Not only have they been around for years and perfected the art of making instruments for all corners of the market, but they can also afford to sell better guitars at a more affordable price.
After all, there’s a reason they’ve grown to dominate the market!
Best classical guitars for beginners
When it comes to classical guitars for beginners, three great options are Strong Wind, Yamaha, and 3rd Avenue.
Strong Wind classical guitars provide excellent value for money, coming in at under £50. The beginner model listed above also includes a soft case which will be ideal for protecting this guitar from the elements during cold winter school walks.
The Yamaha model is more expensive at £102. It doesn’t include a case, but what’s lacking in accessories is made up for build quality.
Yamaha is known the world over as a leading manufacturer of instruments. They have been making great guitars for all levels of players for decades now, and this model is no exception.
In terms of the best all-round package deal, though, 3rd Avenue really takes the biscuit here.
The guitar is good quality; it comes with a good case, some picks, and a capo, which will be very helpful during the early stages of learning.
All this will only cost you £45.70 too. What a bargain!
Best classical guitars for children
TEN
There are plenty of classical guitars on the market designed for children. Since entry-level classical guitars are becoming a more significant market sector, many makers have taken the production of entry-level classical or Spanish guitar with increasing seriousness.
So how are these entry-level classical guitars unique from the kind of Spanish guitar that might be purchased by an intermediate or advanced player?
First of all, they tend to be much smaller.
Often they are three-quarter sized models meaning that the overall scale of the guitar is smaller.
This makes them much easier and more suited to smaller people and smaller limbs.
These guitars tend to be built out of cheaper and purposefully durable materials.
As much as we all love our kids, we also know that accidents happen.
So when they do, isn’t it better than the guitar is built with those accidents in mind?
It’s far better to have a dent in something that costs less and is easy to replace if needs be than some priceless old antique of an instrument!
Best classical guitars for a small budget
ELEVEN
Some customers are always looking for the best deal regardless of guitar type. Who can blame them?
Budget classical guitars have gotten so good in recent years that it’s worth shopping around and trying some guitars even if they don’t have a fancy mahogany neck or if they’re not made by the best brands.
If you’re on a small budget and looking for a good deal, then take a look at these three options.
COMES WITH: Small body design
FEATURES: Affordable
Gear4Music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Only good for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Small body design
FEATURES: Affordable
Gear4Music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable
- Good quality
- Only good for beginners
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Accessories for the classical guitar
TWELVE
Whilst the guitars themselves are important, no guide to buying a classical guitar would be complete without a list of classical guitar players’ accessories.
Many beginner packs include these accessories (another reason they are such a good deal!). Still, if you want to buy them separately, you should purchase the following.
A Tuner
This will make tuning quick and easy. This clip-on tuner is ideal for classical guitars, as well as other guitars. Often beginners haven’t yet developed the skills they need to tune by ear. Having an electronic device to tune for you is perfect for new players.
COMES WITH: Brilliant full-color display
FEATURES: Multi-point screen adjustability for the best viewing angle
KLIQ UberTuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ergonomic shape and easy to attach
- Small & Compact
- Stylish design
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Case
As was mentioned above, a case is a must.
The two types of cases available to you are soft and hard cases. See the products below for cases that we recommend.
Also, try to think about which type of case would best suit you or the person you are buying for.
Whilst a hard case provides excellent protection, it can make for a strenuous walk to school.
Likewise, a soft case is far easier to carry around, but it won’t fare so well in the hold of the school bus five days a week!
WEIGHS: 5.16kg
FEATURES: TSA Approved
Gator Hardcase
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Long-lasting
- A little heavier than a soft case
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
WEIGHS: 5.16kg
FEATURES: TSA Approved
Gator GL-CLASSIC Rigid
EPS Classical Case
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great Protection
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Music Stand
You’ll need a place to put your sheet music when you play (and no, balanced across your knee is never a good idea).
INCLUDES: Light | Carry Case | Sheet Music Clip
FEATURES: A carrying bag and a sheet music folder
Cahaya Portable Music Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Neck Strap
A strap for classical guitar is much less common, but you do see some models with them. It’s very much a feature that has been borrowed from the acoustic guitar and electric guitar.
This could be a worthwhile investment if you prefer to play standing.
FEATURES: Memory foam for comfort and support
Guitar Strap
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Long-lasting
- Comfortable
- More expensive but worth the investment
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Foot Stool
A strap for classical guitar is much less common, but you do see some models with them. It’s very much a feature that has been borrowed from the acoustic guitar and electric guitar.
This could be a worthwhile investment if you prefer to play standing.
COMES WITH: Footrest plate with rubber for comfort
FEATURES: Non-slip Support
Foot Stool
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- An essential piece of equipment
- It may feel awkward at first.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11 classical guitars for beginners
Summary
Choosing a beginner classical guitar can be a daunting task. Especially when that beginner classical guitar is for your child.
For this reason, it’s often best to play it safe and go with a bundle package that has a lot of good customer reviews online.
Customers are honest folk. They’ve got no incentive to lie or deceive others when they post a review. So if you find a good bundle that has 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, then the chances are that it’s a great guitar.
The chances are that those thousand people are just like you; we’re looking for the same thing you are and found it in that guitar.
However, if you read online that such-and-such a guitar is excellent, but all you can see are terrible reviews, trust the reviews. Again, why would totally impartial customers lie?
Spoiler alert, they wouldn’t.
It’s also worth trying instruments yourself and then trusting your own experience. Whilst online reviews are a wonderful thing, you’re buying a guitar for yourself or your child at the end of the day.
Let your kid get some hands-on experience and express their preference. Or, if it’s for you, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and trust your own sense.
Remember, if it sounds good, then it is good.
Best Classical Guitar For Beginners
Classical Guitar by Gear4music
Best 'Named' Beginner Classical Guitar
Yamaha C40M Classical Guitar
Best Classical Guitar Accessory
Hercules FS100B Guitar Stand
Bought my first Classical Guitar today!
Good luck Kamala!