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10 Best Classical Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar (FA-25N) is an excellent choice for beginners, especially kids and those with smaller hands. Its 3/4 size body makes it lightweight and easy to handle, which is perfect for new players learning the ropes. The nylon strings provide a gentle touch, making it comfortable for fingers that are not yet accustomed to the pressure of playing. With a scale length of 23.3 inches, it offers a manageable reach for younger musicians, while the C-shaped neck is designed to enhance playability.

#2
9.6 score

Yamaha 6 String Scale Beginner Classical Guitar-Natural Finish, Right Handed, Full Size (C40II)

The Yamaha C40II classical guitar is a great option for beginners. It features a spruce top, which is known for its bright and clear tone, and meranti back and sides that provide a balanced sound. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add to the quality of the instrument, making it comfortable and durable. With a full-size body and a 25.0-inch scale length, it offers a traditional playing experience suitable for most classical guitar pieces.

Rating
9.6
Action

Most important from
1291 reviews

Action
The guitar punches way above its price point with very nice action and excellent sound quality.
#3
9.4 score

Yamaha SLG200N NW Nylon String Classical Silent Guitar with Hard Gig Bag, Natural

The Yamaha SLG200N NW Nylon String Classical Silent Guitar stands out as a versatile option for classical guitarists. It features nylon strings with wider spacing, making it suitable for traditional classical playing. The guitar's near-silent performance is ideal for discreet practice, and its compact, lightweight design makes it perfect for travel and stage use where an acoustic guitar may be less practical.

Rating
9.4
Neck Width
String Type
Body Size and Shape

Most important from
584 reviews

Neck Width
Users appreciate the comfortable neck and ergonomics, making it easy to play for extended sessions.
String Type
The guitar stays in tune remarkably well, even during the break-in period of the strings.
Body Size and Shape
The SLG200N's sound can be surprisingly nice for a solid body travel guitar, suitable for both practice and performance.

Top 10 Best Classical Guitars 2025 in the United States

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

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

Ibanez GA5TCE3Q 3/4-sized Acoustic-electric Nylon-string Guitar - Natural

Tonewood: Spruce top, Sapele back, Okoume neck
Body Size and Shape: 3/4-sized
String Type: Nylon
Action: Comfortable, adjustable
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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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