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April 10, 2026
Beginner's Gear Guides: Acoustic Guitar
Ready to start playing acoustic guitar? Start on the road to songwriter stardom with this guide.
Once you've decided to go with an acoustic guitar, your next step is to choose which type of acoustic will suit you best. Take a look at this guide to learn about steel-string vs. nylon-string acoustics, small-sized guitars for younger players, and accessories for aspiring acoustic guitarists.
If you're looking to plug your guitar into an amp, PA system, or recording interface, you'll want an acoustic-electric guitar with a 1/4" output jack. Just want to strum on the couch or around the campfire? A purely acoustic guitar with no on-board electronics will serve you well.
Once you've decided to go with an acoustic guitar, your next step is to choose which type of acoustic will suit you best. Take a look at this guide to learn about steel-string vs. nylon-string acoustics, small-sized guitars for younger players, and accessories for aspiring acoustic guitarists.
If you're looking to plug your guitar into an amp, PA system, or recording interface, you'll want an acoustic-electric guitar with a 1/4" output jack. Just want to strum on the couch or around the campfire? A purely acoustic guitar with no on-board electronics will serve you well.
All-in-one Acoustic Guitar Packs
Want to gear up and get playing right away? These all-in-one packages include an acoustic guitar plus all the accessories you need to get started, such as gig bags, straps, picks, strings, and even DVDs to help you learn to play.
Beginner Steel-String Acoustic Guitars
Steel-string guitars are the most popular type of acoustics, and it's no wonder: they define the twang of country and folk along with the lonesome sound of the blues. A sturdy steel-string acoustic will last for years, as your repertoire and guitar collection continue to grow.
Yamaha APX-600 Acoustic-Electric Guitar
$369.99
- 8 payments of$46.25/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$61.66/mo
Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Acoustic-Electric Guitar
$399.00
- 8 payments of$49.88/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$66.50/mo
Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, with Walnut Fingerboard
$229.99
- No Credit Check6 payments of$38.33/mo
Fender California Standard Redondo CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
$279.99
- No Credit Check6 payments of$46.66/mo
Yamaha FG820 Folk Acoustic Guitar
$369.99
- 8 payments of$46.25/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$61.66/mo
Beginner Nylon-String Acoustic Guitars
Nylon-stringed acoustics, also known as classical guitars, produce a sweet, mellow tone, and are a great choice for younger players. The softer strings are generally easier to hold down, and the wider neck can make it easier to see what your fingers are doing. With their smaller body size, classical guitars are also typically easier for younger players to hold.
Cordoba C3M Classical Acoustic Guitar
$299.99
- 8 payments of$37.50/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$50.00/mo
Cordoba C5 Spruce Top Nylon-String Classical Acoustic Guitar
$449.99
- 8 payments of$56.25/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$75.00/mo
Takamine GC1 Classical Acoustic Guitar
$349.00
- 8 payments of$43.63/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$58.17/mo
Cordoba C5 Classical Acoustic Guitar
$449.99
- 8 payments of$56.25/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$75.00/mo
Ibanez GA34 Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar
$429.99
- 8 payments of$53.75/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$71.66/mo
Small-Sized Acoustic Guitars
These small-sized guitars are easy to hold and easy to play. If you can get your arms around a regular-sized acoustic, skip these small-sized guitars and go with an instrument that you won't outgrow -- but for the youngest future rock stars out there, these diminutive instruments are a great option.
Yamaha JR1 FG-Series 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar (with Gig Bag)
$179.99
- No Credit Check6 payments of$30.00/mo
Martin LXK2 Little Martin X Series Koa Acoustic Guitar (with Gig Bag)
$449.99
- 8 payments of$56.25/mo
- No Credit Check6 payments of$75.00/mo
Taylor GS Mini V2 Sapele Acoustic Guitar, (with Gig Bag)
$499.00
- No Credit Check4 payments of$124.75/mo
Acoustic Guitar Accessories
The right accessories can add a whole new layer to your acoustic guitar playing experience. Future folkies definitely need a good capo, and no first-time guitarist should be without a tuner.
