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10 Best Guitar Classical 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Perfect Beginner Guitar for Kids that is Easy on Fingers, Includes 3 Months of Free Lessons, Natural

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,420
Tonewood
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
1218 reviews

Tonewood
Surprisingly rich tone for a budget-friendly guitar.
Body Size and Shape
Lightweight and great for travel, making it ideal for beginners and road trips.
Action
The initial setup was nearly perfect, requiring only minor adjustments.

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar in a 3/4 size is an excellent choice for beginners, particularly those with smaller hands. The smaller body size makes it easier to handle and play, which is perfect for young learners or adults new to guitar playing. The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, reducing discomfort during the learning process. The 'C' shaped neck is designed for easy playability, which can help beginners get comfortable with the instrument more quickly.

The guitar is made with a combination of Sapele for the back and body, Agathis for the top, and a Nato wood neck, providing a good balance of durability and sound quality. The walnut fretboard adds to the smooth tone and playability. One of the standout features is the inclusion of a subscription to Fender Play, offering access to a vast library of instructional videos, making it easier for beginners to learn at their own pace.

However, the absence of a pickup configuration may limit its use for amplified performances. Also, while the materials used are decent, they might not provide the rich tones that more expensive woods deliver. The open-gear tuning machines are a practical choice for accurate tuning, although they might require more frequent adjustments compared to higher-end options. This guitar is a solid, user-friendly option for beginners who want to start their musical journey with a reputable brand.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,420
Tonewood
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
1218 reviews

Tonewood
Surprisingly rich tone for a budget-friendly guitar.
Body Size and Shape
Lightweight and great for travel, making it ideal for beginners and road trips.
Action
The initial setup was nearly perfect, requiring only minor adjustments.
#2

Godin 012817 Grand Concert SA Multiac Guitar (Natural HG)

Rating
9.1
Neck Width
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
27 reviews

Neck Width
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.
Body Size and Shape
Feels like playing a real classical guitar with the added clarity of a hollow body.
Action
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.

The Godin 012817 Grand Concert SA Multiac Guitar is a North American-made classical guitar with several noteworthy features. It's constructed using high-quality materials including a cedar wood top and a Honduras mahogany neck, which contribute to its rich, warm tone. The double-action truss rod enhances stability and durability, making this guitar a reliable choice for serious players. The neck width should be comfortable for most classical guitarists, and with a scale length of 25.5 inches, it offers a standard playability that suits traditional classical music well.

The nylon strings are ideal for classical genres, providing a softer, mellow sound compared to steel strings. Its two-chambered body design helps in reducing feedback, which is beneficial during amplified performances. The custom RMC electronics make the guitar versatile for various playing situations, including computer interfacing for multi-application use, making it a good choice for modern musicians who need a blend of classical sound with modern technology.

However, the guitar's relatively high price point might be a consideration for beginners or casual players. At 1 pound, it's incredibly light for its size, which makes it highly portable. This guitar is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a high-quality instrument that offers both traditional and contemporary features.

Rating
9.1
Neck Width
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
27 reviews

Neck Width
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.
Body Size and Shape
Feels like playing a real classical guitar with the added clarity of a hollow body.
Action
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.
#3

Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon with Gig Bag, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany and Sitka Spruce Construction, Gloss-Top Finish, 000C-12 Fret, and Low-Profile Neck Shape Natural

Rating
8.8
Neck Width

Most important from
6 reviews

Neck Width
The neck is much easier to play than a standard classical neck and it sounds great.

The Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon is a high-quality acoustic-electric classical guitar, designed with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a hardwood neck. This combination of tonewoods ensures a warm, rich sound, ideal for classical music. The guitar features a low-profile neck shape, which can make playing more comfortable, especially for those with smaller hands or beginners. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and durable, contributing to a pleasant playing experience. The fixed bridge system helps maintain tuning stability, which is crucial for consistent performance. The scale length ranges from 24.75 to 25.5 inches, providing a good balance between playability and tonal quality.

Additionally, the nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, which is beneficial for extended playing sessions. The guitar's 000C-12 fret body shape is slightly smaller, making it easier to handle, especially for younger players or those who prefer a more manageable size. However, this guitar might be on the heavier side, weighing 22 pounds, which could be a drawback for some users who need a more portable instrument. It comes with a gloss-top finish that adds to the aesthetic appeal while protecting the wood. The included gig bag is a nice touch for added protection during transport.

In conclusion, the Martin 000C12-16E Nylon is well-suited for classical guitar enthusiasts looking for a robust, well-crafted instrument that delivers excellent sound quality and playability.

Rating
8.8
Neck Width

Most important from
6 reviews

Neck Width
The neck is much easier to play than a standard classical neck and it sounds great.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitar Classical

Choosing the right classical guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Classical guitars are known for their nylon strings and warm, mellow sound, making them ideal for classical music, flamenco, and other fingerstyle genres. When selecting a classical guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and needs.
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 can be made from woods like rosewood, mahogany, or maple, each contributing to the overall sound and resonance of the guitar.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a classical guitar is typically wider than that of a steel-string acoustic guitar. This is important because it affects playability, especially for fingerstyle playing. A standard classical guitar neck is about 2 inches wide at the nut. If you have smaller hands, 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 even wider neck might be better for you.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the saddle and affects the tension and playability of the strings. Classical guitars usually have a scale length of around 650mm (25.6 inches). A longer scale length can provide more tension and a brighter tone, while a shorter scale length offers less tension and a warmer sound. If you prefer a brighter, more projecting sound, a longer scale length might be ideal. If you want a warmer, more relaxed tone, consider a shorter scale length.
String TypeClassical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone. There are different types of nylon strings, such as normal tension, high tension, and extra high tension. Normal tension strings are easier to play and produce a softer sound, making them suitable for beginners. High tension strings offer more volume and a brighter tone, which might be preferred by more advanced players. Extra high tension strings provide even more volume and brightness but require more finger strength to play.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a classical guitar can affect both the sound and comfort of the instrument. Standard classical guitars have a full-size body, which provides a rich, full sound. However, there are also smaller-bodied classical guitars, such as 3/4 or 1/2 size, which are more comfortable for younger players or those with smaller frames. If you are an adult or have a larger frame, a full-size guitar will likely be the best choice. If you are buying for a child or have a smaller frame, consider a smaller-bodied guitar for better comfort and playability.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. This is important because it affects playability and comfort. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners, as it requires less finger pressure to press down the strings. Higher action can produce a louder, clearer sound but may be more challenging to play. If you are a beginner or prefer easier playability, look for a guitar with lower action. If you are an advanced player seeking better sound projection, you might prefer higher action.

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