[For Beginners!] Top 5 Acoustic Guitars for First Instruments

Have you ever thought, “I want to play acoustic guitar!” when you saw your favorite musician play it, but haven’t taken the plunge yet? Many people feel uncertain about choosing the right guitar or making that first purchase. This guide will cover how to choose an acoustic guitar and recommend five great options for beginners! Hopefully, this will give you the confidence to buy your first acoustic guitar.

What Exactly is an Acoustic Guitar?

I think many of you have heard the name ‘acoustic guitar’ but what exactly is it? An acoustic guitar is simply a guitar that doesn’t use electricity to produce sound. Generally, guitars with metal strings are referred to as acoustic guitars, while those with nylon strings are called classical guitars.

There are actually many types of acoustic guitars!
For more details, check out ‘Sound House Tora no Maki - Types of Guitars’.

*Note
Acoustic guitars have limited volume they can produce since they don’t use electricity. While the sound is adequate for home practice, for larger venues, you’ll need a pickup to convert the guitar’s sound to an electrical signal. Guitars with built-in pickups are called acoustic-electric guitars. Some of the guitars recommended below are acoustic-electric guitars, so keep that in mind.

How to Choose an Acoustic Guitar

Here are some key points to consider!

- Famous Brands

Well-known brands are usually a safe bet for beginners because they have the expertise to produce easy-to-play guitars. They also offer better quality and after-sales support.

- Standard Models

It’s best to start with a standard model! Once you get a feel for the guitar with standard specs, you can find one that suits your personal preferences.

- Scale Length

The scale length is the length from the nut to the bridge of the guitar. Choose a guitar with a scale length that matches your body size. Medium scale lengths are around 630mm.

For more information, check out ‘Sound House Tora no Maki - Types of Guitar Scales’.

Now, let me introduce the top 5 recommended acoustic guitars for beginners!

1. K.Yairi / KYF-2 LS

First up is K.Yairi from Yairi Guitar, a company well-known both in Japan and abroad. Even Paul McCartney has used K.Yairi guitars. This model is an acoustic-electric guitar, featuring a Fishman pickup. It’s beginner-friendly due to its slim body, making it easy to hold. Perfect for those planning to practice and perform with a guitar amp. The scale length is 645mm.

2. Takamine / PTU431K N

Next is another acoustic-electric guitar. Takamine Guitars is a company that will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2022 and has been producing high-quality acoustic-electric guitars since the 1970s, so the quality is perfect even for beginners! The PTU431K features a 21-fret, 630mm scale, making it easy to play for women and students. It also has a sophisticated look, made from rare Hawaiian koa wood.

3. Yamaha / CSF1M VN

From the world-renowned Yamaha, I recommend the CSF1M. It’s a compact acoustic guitar with a 600mm short scale, which is smaller than the Takamine’s guitar. However, it produces a rich sound comparable to a full-sized guitar. This acoustic guitar was produced using Yamaha’s renowned acoustic analysis technology. It’s perfect for parents and children starting out together.

4. Morris / M-021 NAT

Morris is a classic brand in the acoustic guitar world, famous for the slogan “With a Morris, you can be a superstar!” The M-021 features a sleek head design and position markers, making it a great choice for beginners. With a 648mm scale length, it’s the largest guitar in this list.

5. PLAYTECH / AD28M Dreadnought Cutaway

Lastly, this is an acoustic guitar from Sound House’s own brand, PLAYTECH!
This guitar offers clear highs and an overall balanced sound. The cutaway design makes it easier to reach higher frets, a helpful feature for beginners. The scale length is 645mm.

How did you like this list for top 5 acoustic guitars for beginners? I focused on quality without considering the price, recommending guitars that are ideal for beginners! Investing in a good quality instrument that you can use for a long time is ultimately cost-effective. You might be concerned about the budget, but the best part of playing an instrument is picking up an instrument that can stay with you for a long period of time and playing it! I hope this guide helps you find a guitar that you’ll enjoy playing for years to come.

→ List of Beginner Acoustic Guitar Sets
→ List of Entry-Level Acoustic Guitars