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10 Best Classical Guitars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert, Sapele

The Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert is a well-crafted instrument that stands out for its comfortable body size and shape, making it suitable for players of all skill levels, especially those who prefer a softer touch of nylon strings. The combination of mahogany and sapele woods in the body gives it a warm and rich tone, which is great for classical music and fingerstyle playing. The guitar’s scale length of 25.5 inches allows for easy playability, while the 1.875-inch neck width provides enough space for fingerstyle techniques without being too wide for smaller hands.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,484
Body Size and Shape
Tonewood
Neck Width

Most important from
2 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The perfect size for practicing complex parts comfortably while relaxing on a couch, chair, or bed.
Tonewood
Combines a warm, rich tone with the playability that suits both classical and diverse styles, from Bach to rock.
Neck Width
Narrow necks and high-quality craftsmanship deliver the signature Taylor tone and feel.
#2
10.0 score

Cordoba C10 CD Classical, All-Solid Woods, Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Luthier Series, with Polyfoam Case

The Cordoba C10 CD Classical guitar is a solid choice for anyone looking for a quality nylon-string instrument. It features a solid Canadian cedar top, which contributes to a warm and rich tone, perfect for classical music. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides enhance the sound projection and resonance, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. With a neck width and scale length of 25.6 inches, it provides a comfortable playing experience, especially for those who prefer a slightly wider neck for fingerstyle techniques.

Rating
10.0
String Type
Action

Most important from
125 reviews

String Type
The sound is warm and balanced, with excellent sustain, although some users noticed slightly muddy treble strings that can be improved with new strings.
Action
The guitar's playability is excellent, with smooth and responsive action that makes it easy to fret and play.
#3
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.

Rating
9.4
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
1119 reviews

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.

Top 10 Best Classical Guitars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Chosen by 1484 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

Godin ACS-SA Slim - Natural Semi-Gloss

Tonewood: Cedar top, Maple body, Mahogany neck
Scale Length: 25.5 Inches
Body Size and Shape: Slim body shape
String Type: Nylon

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

Godin 012817 Grand Concert SA Multiac Guitar (Natural HG)

Tonewood: Cedar top, Mahogany back and neck
Scale Length: 25.5 inches
Body Size and Shape: Concert-sized body
String Type: Nylon
Action: Adjustable double-action truss rod
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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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