Best Classical Guitars of 2026

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Classical guitars are a popular choice for those looking for a rich, warm sound and a versatile instrument. They are typically made with nylon strings, which produce a softer, more mellow tone than steel strings. These guitars are also known for their comfortable necks and wider fretboards, making them a great option for beginners and experienced players alike. Classical guitars come in a variety of sizes and styles, from full-size concert guitars to more compact models for travel or smaller hands. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, a classical guitar is a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, timeless instrument.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Cover #TOP 1
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar Cover #TOP 2
Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hola! Music Classical Guitar HG-39GLS Cover #TOP 3
Hola! Music Classical Guitar HG-39GLS
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Classical Guitars

Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar

C40II
Full Size
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar, Full Size With Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge, Natural

The Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar is a great choice for beginner guitarists. It features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The gloss finish gives it a great look and the strings are low tension for easy playing. Customer reviews praise its build quality, intonation, and tone. However, some customers have reported issues with the action being too high and the bottom seam cracking.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Great value for money
Sturdy and well-built
Suitable for beginners and pros
Comfortable playability
#TOP 2

Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar

CG122MCH
Natural
Classical
Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar

The Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar features a solid cedar top, a 3-ply neck construction to improve durability against neck warp, low string action, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge with 19 frets and a 25.6 inches scale, and a natural matte finish. This guitar is perfect for beginners and intermediate players who want a high-quality instrument that is easy to play and produces a great sound. The low string action makes it comfortable to play, and the solid cedar top produces a warm and rich tone that will make your music sound great.

What We Like
Easy to play with low string action
Produces a warm and rich tone
Durable construction against neck warp
#TOP 3

Hola! Music Classical Guitar HG-39GLS

HG-39GLS
Full Size - 39"
Hola! Music Classical Guitar HG-39GLS Cover
Classical Guitar 4/4, Full Size 39 Inch Wooden Guitar with Soft Nylon Strings by Hola! Music, Natural Gloss Finish - FREE Padded Gig Bag Included

Hola! Music Classical Guitar HG-39GLS is a full-size classical guitar with a spruce top, mahogany back, sides, and neck. With a nut width of 52mm and 19 frets, this guitar offers a perfect combination of style, sound, and savings. Its small and light design allows for easy handling, while producing big and beautiful melodies. The nylon strings provide a sound that is perfect for jazz and classical music. The glossy finish adds a touch of glamour to this guitar, and it comes with a free padded gig bag for added convenience. Hola! Music guarantees quality and affordability with this classical guitar.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Perfect for jazz and classical music
Comes with a free padded gig bag
#TOP 4

Best Choice Products 38in Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit

SKY433
Natural
38in
Best Choice Products 38in Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit Cover
Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, 6 Picks, Nylon Strings, Strap w/Pick Holder - Natural

The Best Choice Acoustic Kit is perfect for beginners looking for an all-in-one guitar set. It comes with everything you need, including a gig bag, strap with pick holder, extra strings, picks, a capo, and a cleaning cloth, so you won’t have to buy any extra accessories. You also get four months of free lessons through a helpful app that offers songs for all skill levels and a built-in digital tuner to keep your guitar in tune wherever you go. The guitar’s design is comfortable for players of all ages, featuring a classic shape and a fretboard close to the strings to make playing easier and reduce finger fatigue.

What We Like
Complete accessory kit
Free 4-month lessons
Built-in digital tuner
Comfortable, beginner-friendly design
#TOP 5

Fender FA-25N Acoustic Guitar

0971940021
Fender FA-25N Acoustic Guitar Cover
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

The Fender Beginner Nylon Guitar is a 3/4 size acoustic guitar suitable for both kids and adults. With a 75-year legacy of quality, this guitar offers the sound and style of Fender's iconic guitars tailored for beginners. You'll receive a free Fender Play subscription with instructional videos to enhance your skills. Its smaller size makes it ideal for children and beginners, providing ease of learning and playability. The open-gear tuning machine ensures accurate tuning, while the soft nylon strings and smooth walnut bridge offer a gentle introduction to playing.

What We Like
Affordable price
Good for beginners
Rich tone
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Easy to tune
#TOP 6

Yamaha CGS103AII Classical Guitar

CGS103AII
Natural
3/4 Size
Yamaha CGS103AII Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha Student Series CGS103AII Classical Guitar, Natural

The Yamaha Student Series CGS103AII Classical Guitar is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, quality instrument. It features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a natural finish. The smaller size makes it easy to play and perfect for those with smaller hands. Customers praise its sound quality, light weight, and overall playability. However, some have experienced shipping issues.

What We Like
Fantastic sound quality
Great playability
Compact size for smaller hands
Affordable pricing
Beautiful design
#TOP 7

Cordoba C5 CD Classical Nylon String Guitar

Withouth Gig Bag
Natural
Classical
Cordoba C5 CD Classical Nylon String Guitar Cover
Cordoba C5 CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series

The Cordoba C5 CD is an entry-level classical guitar ideal for aspiring guitarists who want the warm sound of nylon strings and comfortable playability. This lightweight model is built with a solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides that produce a clear, powerful tone with beautiful sustain. Beginners will appreciate the lightweight and easy-to-play nylon strings, while the 52mm nut width and high-tension Savarez Cristal Corum strings make it perfect for experienced players. The natural wood color and grain create a unique appearance, which may vary from the product shown here.

What We Like
Incredible sound for the price
Excellent build quality
Suitable for all experience levels
Beautiful wood and finish
Great intonation and sustain
#TOP 8

Vangoa Classical Guitar

Premium VC-2
Red Cedar
4/4 (39 inch)
Vangoa Classical Guitar Cover
Classical Guitar Full Size 4/4 Spanish Style Classical Guitarra, 39 Inch Nylon Strings Guitar Ideal for Beginner Adults, Cedar Top, by Vangoa

The Vangoa 39" Classical Set is the perfect entry-level guitar for beginner adults. It comes with everything you need to start your music journey right away, including a full-size classical guitar, tuner, strap, capo, cleaning cloth, manual, pick set, spare strings, accessory pouch, and pedal. The premium cedar top and sapele side and back woods produce a bright and clear sound, while the soft nylon strings and smooth fretboard provide a comfortable playing experience. The C-shaped neck and guitar tuner make tuning more accurate and convenient. With its elegant design and vintage engraved headstock, this classical guitar is not only a great instrument but also a beautiful piece of art. Whether you're soloing, teaching, performing, or practicing at home, the Vangoa 39" Classical Set is the ideal choice for you.

What We Like
Beautiful finish
Good sound quality
Includes useful accessories
Lightweight and easy to play
Great value for price
#TOP 9

Best Choice Products 41in Acoustic Guitar Starter Set

SKY5047
Natural
41in
Best Choice Products 41in Acoustic Guitar Starter Set Cover
Best Choice Products 41in Beginner Acoustic Guitar Full Size All Wood Cutaway Guitar Starter Set w/Case, Strap, Capo, Strings, Picks - Natural

The Best Choice Products 41in Acoustic Guitar Starter Set is the ultimate all-in-one kit for beginners and experienced players alike. This full-size guitar features a dreadnought shape that produces a pleasant, warm tone. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a carrying case, extra strings, a strap with a pick holder, a tuner, pick guard, cleaning cloth, capo, and pick set. The protective padded case ensures that your guitar stays safe during transport, and it even has a front storage compartment for your capo and extra picks. With its comfortable design and classic look, this acoustic guitar is perfect for anyone looking to start their musical journey.

What We Like
All-in-one kit
Protective padded case
Comfortable design
#TOP 10

Ibanez 6 String Classical Guitar

GA5TCE
Natural
Full Size
Ibanez 6 String Classical Guitar Cover
Ibanez GA5TCE Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Ibanez 6 String Classical Guitar is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable classical guitar. With a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a thin line body, this guitar offers a warm, rich sound that is perfect for classical music. The neck is made from nato wood and the fretboard is made from purpleheart, making it easy to play and comfortable to hold. This guitar does not come with a pickup, but it is a great option for anyone who wants a traditional, acoustic sound.

What We Like
Affordable price
Warm, rich sound
Comfortable to play
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Classical Guitars

Introduction

The Classical Guitar is one of the most iconic instruments in the world. Its unique sound and versatility have made it popular for centuries. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or an experienced player looking for a new instrument, finding the right Classical Guitar for you can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Consider the Materials

When choosing a Classical Guitar, the quality of the materials used is very important. Look for woods such as spruce, cedar, rosewood, and mahogany. These are all great options, but there are plenty of other woods that can produce a great sound as well. These woods will affect the tone and resonance of the guitar, so make sure to take a close look at the wood used.

Look at the Construction

The construction of the guitar is also important. Look for guitars made with a solid top, as this will help to produce a better sound. Also, check the bracing of the guitar. The bracing is what gives the guitar its strength and helps to produce a good tone. You should also make sure that the neck joint is secure and the fretboard is level.

Pay Attention to the Action

The action of the guitar is very important, as it will affect how easy it is to play. Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too low, the strings will be too close to the fretboard and it will be difficult to play. If the action is too high, it will be difficult to press the strings down and make accurate notes.

Other Factors to Consider

The size of the guitar is also important. Classical Guitars come in a variety of sizes, from small ¾ size guitars to full-size guitars. If you’re a beginner, it is best to start with a ¾ size guitar, as it will be easier to play.

The strings used on the guitar are also important. Nylon strings are most often used on Classical Guitars, but there are also steel-stringed guitars available. Nylon strings are softer and produce a warmer, mellower sound, while steel strings are brighter and louder.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Classical Guitar can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you can find the perfect instrument for you. Remember to consider the materials used, the construction, the action, the size, and the strings. With a little bit of research, you can be sure to find the perfect Classical Guitar for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a classical guitar best for?

Classical guitars are best suited for fingerpicking and are prominently featured in flamenco music. The choice of a classical guitar should be based on the type of music you want to play and your musical goals, rather than which guitar is easier to play.

2. Why is classical guitar harder to play?

Classical guitars can be more challenging to play due to their flat fretboard, which can make it difficult to play chords. The wider gaps between each string can also pose challenges compared to a regular acoustic guitar.

3. Why is classical guitar so beautiful?

Classical guitars are considered beautiful due to their diverse timbre. Nylon strings on classical guitars can produce tones that capture subtle differences in touch, allowing guitarists to reproduce delicate changes in sound and create a delicate balance in tonal strength.

4. Why are classical guitars so cheap?

Some of the cheapest classical guitars on the market may not offer the same quality as professional instruments. They are often not made from 'tonewood' that resonates well to produce a good sound. These inexpensive guitars may look like real instruments but may not perform as such.

5. What is the hardest style of guitar to learn?

Classical guitar is considered one of the hardest guitar styles to learn. It requires a high level of technical skill, complex fingerpicking patterns, and challenging chord progressions. However, with dedication, practice, and patience, anyone can master this beautiful and timeless style of music.

6. What is the hardest music to play on guitar?

Some of the hardest music to play on guitar includes compositions like 'Head in the Clouds' by Maria Linnemann, 'Danse rythmique' by Ida Presti, 'Symphony of Destruction' by Megadeth, 'Folios' by Tōru Takemitsu, 'Freebird' by Lynyrd Skynyrd, 'Gris y mar' by María Luisa Anido, 'The Animal' by Steve Vai, and 'Sonata Giocosa' by Joaquín Rodrigo.

7. Is classical guitar harder than jazz?

Both classical and jazz guitar require years of learning and practice to reach a certain level of proficiency. While classical guitar focuses on fingerstyle and complex chord progressions, jazz guitarists may encounter similar difficulties when playing chord melodies fingerstyle.

8. Why do classical guitars sound better with age?

Classical guitars often sound better with age because they dry out over time, making them harder and resulting in a more resonant tone with better sustain. The aging process has a more significant impact on the tone of acoustic guitars compared to electric guitars.

Editor's Notes

During our classical guitar research, we found 48 classical guitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 215,135 customer reviews through our big data system to write the classical guitars list. We found that most customers choose classical guitars with an average price of $170.98.

The classical guitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of classical guitars, including Yamaha, Hola! Music, Best Choice Products, Fender, Cordoba. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,988 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.