Best Yamaha 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 by Yamaha are a popular choice among musicians of all levels. These guitars are known for their exceptional sound quality, comfortable playability, and elegant design. Yamaha offers a wide range of classical guitars to suit different playing styles and preferences. From entry-level models to high-end instruments, each guitar is crafted with precision and attention to detail. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Yamaha Classical Guitars are a reliable and versatile choice for any musical genre.

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
Yamaha CGS103AII Classical Guitar Cover #TOP 3
Yamaha CGS103AII Classical Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 7 Yamaha 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

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

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 4

Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical Guitar

CGS102AII
Natural
1/2 Size
Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical Guitar - Natural

The Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical Guitar is a great choice for those looking for a smaller-sized guitar. Featuring a spruce top, meranti back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge, this guitar has a natural finish and a string scale of 25.6 inches. It is lightweight and easy to play, and has a great sound quality. Customers have praised its playability and quality, and it is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly guitar.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to play
Great sound quality
Budget-friendly
High-quality construction
#TOP 5

Yamaha NCX1 NT Acoustic-Electric Guitar

NCX1 NT
Natural
47 x 17 x 7 inches
Yamaha NCX1 NT Acoustic-Electric Guitar Cover
Yamaha NCX1 NT Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Nylon-String Classical Guitar, Natural

The Yamaha NCX1 Guitar combines contemporary style with a traditional neck profile, featuring a solid spruce top and nato back, sides, and neck. Its advanced preamp and pickup system with an onboard tuner ensure you can easily amplify your sound and stay in tune. The hardtail bridge offers stability and precise intonation, perfect for both beginners and experienced players. With the Piezo pickup configuration, you'll enjoy a clear and natural sound, making this guitar ideal for classical and nylon-string guitar enthusiasts.

What We Like
Advanced Preamp System
Solid Spruce Top
Piezo Pickup Configuration
#TOP 6

Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar

CG192C
Yellow
Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar - Natural

The Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar, known as Yamaha CG192C Classical, features a Solid American Cedar Top, Rosewood Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, and Ebony Fingerboard. The Solid American Cedar Top enhances the resonance and tone quality, providing a rich and warm sound. Rosewood Back and Sides contribute to the guitar's durability and aesthetic appeal. The Mahogany Neck offers stability and a comfortable playing experience. The Ebony Fingerboard ensures smooth playability and adds a touch of elegance to your music.

What We Like
Rich Sound
Durable Build
Comfortable Neck
#TOP 7

Yamaha SLG200N NW

SLG200NW
Natural
Yamaha SLG200N NW Cover
Yamaha SLG200N NW Nylon String Classical Silent Guitar with Hard Gig Bag, Natural

The Yamaha SLG200N NW Nylon String Classical Silent Guitar with Hard Gig Bag, Natural is the perfect instrument for practice, travel, or stage use. With its nylon strings and wider string spacing, it is specifically designed for classical players. The near-silent performance allows for discrete practice, making it ideal for late-night sessions. The Yamaha's exclusive SRT-Powered pickup system delivers incredibly natural acoustic tone, whether you are using headphones or a line-out. Additionally, the on-board effects enhance your playing to perfection, and the line-in functionality makes jamming easy. With its portability, authentic sound, and versatile features, the Yamaha Nylon String Classical Guitar is a must-have for any guitarist.

What We Like
Nylon strings for classical players
Near-silent performance for discrete practice
SRT-Powered pickup system for natural acoustic tone
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best classical guitars made of?

The best classical guitars can be made of various types of wood, including rosewood (Indian or Brazilian), mahogany, sapele, maple, Hawaiian koa, and cocobolo. These woods are chosen for their resonance and tonal qualities, contributing to the overall sound and performance of the guitar.

2. Are cheap classical guitars good?

Cheap classical guitars often lack the quality and tonal characteristics of higher-end models. They are typically not made from tonewoods, which are specific types of wood that resonate to produce a good sound. While they may resemble real instruments, they often perform more like toys than musical instruments.

3. Do expensive classical guitars sound better?

While expensive classical guitars generally offer better overall quality, it does not necessarily mean they sound better. The sound of a guitar is ultimately influenced by the skill of the person playing it. However, higher-end models may provide better craftsmanship, materials, and attention to detail, which can enhance the playing experience.

4. Is Yamaha C70 better than C40?

The main difference between the Yamaha C70 and C40 classical guitars is the price and the tuning machine. The C40 is a more affordable option and features chrome tuning machines, while the C70 comes at a higher price and includes gold tuning machines. Both guitars offer quality craftsmanship and are suitable for different budgets and preferences.

Editor's Notes

During our Yamaha classical guitar research, we found 48 Yamaha classical guitar products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,710 customer reviews through our big data system to write the Yamaha classical guitars list. We found that most customers choose Yamaha classical guitars with an average price of $166.42.

The Yamaha classical guitars are available for purchase. The top 7 picks range in price from a low of $159.00 to a high of $979.00, find the one that fits your budget. 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.