- The Yamaha C40II is my pick for a budget classical guitar, while the Cordoba C10 is a reliable student and chamber instrument.
- Good classical guitars should provide note separation, warmth, and playability to support your repertoire.
- The right classical guitar for you depends on where you’re at in your guitar journey.
The best classical guitar should help you learn correct technique and keep growing on the instrument. If the classical neck is uncomfortable or the frets are sharp at the edges, you won’t play your best. Similarly, if the dull sound makes you constantly try different strings to make it sound good, that’ll distract you from actually practicing. Below are my top picks from low to moderate budget.
Top Classical Guitar Picks at a Glance
| Guitar | Price Range | Best For | Top/Back Wood | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha C40II | Under $200 | Absolute beginners | Spruce / Meranti | ★★★★☆ |
| Cordoba C5 | ~$300–$350 | Budget-conscious | Solid Cedar / Mahogany | ★★★★☆ |
| Cordoba C7 | ~$475–$650 | Mid-tier players | Solid Cedar / Rosewood | ★★★★☆ |
| Cordoba C9 | ~$800–$1000 | Advanced students | Solid Cedar / Mahogany | ★★★★★ |
| Cordoba C10 | ~$1800 | Recital performance | Solid Cedar / Rosewood | ★★★★★ |
1. Yamaha C40II: Best Classical Guitar for Beginners
The Yamaha C40II is the ideal entry-level classical guitar. At under $200, this full-size nylon string guitar offers a surprisingly rich tone, smooth neck profile, and a reliable build that resists warping.
- Top: Spruce
- Back/Sides: Meranti
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Scale Length: 650mm
- Best For: Beginners, school programs
Here’s a summary of reviews from across the net:
Reddit: Praised for its low action, comfortable playability, and surprisingly good tone for the price; seen as excellent value for beginners, though some note it may feel limiting as skills advance.
Amazon: Widely regarded as a “perfect affordable classical guitar” with warm sound and solid construction; a few report high action or minor quality inconsistencies, but overall it’s considered beginner-friendly and great value.
2. Cordoba C5: Best Budget Classical Guitar
The Cordoba C5 is the sweet spot between value and tone. For around $325, you get a solid cedar top for warmth and depth, with layered mahogany back and sides that hold up well over time. A natural step up from entry-level guitars, it also makes a strong first nylon-string option for steel-string players crossing over.
“Everything you need plus some extra,” says This is Classical Guitar.
- Top: Solid Canadian Cedar
- Back/Sides: Mahogany (laminate)
- Bracing: Fan bracing
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Best For: Budget-minded players, intermediate learners
Some reviews from the net:
Reddit: Generally praised for durability, balanced tone, and good value in its price range; some suggest a setup or string change to bring out its best sound and playability.
Amazon: Consistently reviewed for excellent craftsmanship, resonant tone, and attractive finish; minor complaints focus on stock string tone or rare early string breakage.
3. Cordoba C7: Best Mid-Range Classical Guitar
The Cordoba C7 offers a more projecting, expressive sound than the C5 thanks to its rosewood back and sides. It’s louder, warmer, and better suited for advancing students.
- Top: Solid Cedar
- Back/Sides: Rosewood (laminate)
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Sound: More projection, richer harmonics
- Best For: Intermediate guitarists, recital prep
And some review summaries from the net:
Reddit: Often described as having a rich, resonant sound and smooth playability. Many players see it as a clear step up from entry-level models like the C3 or C5.
Amazon: Frequently praised for its tone and build quality, with buyers calling it a great purchase. Some owners of the C7-CE version say it’s one of the best guitars they own, with a deep yet vibrant sound.
4. Cordoba C9: Best Classical Guitar Under $1000
The C9 brings all-solid-wood construction, which means improved resonance, dynamic range, and tone complexity. This is where guitars start to become expressive instruments rather than practice tools.
- Top: Solid Canadian Cedar
- Back/Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Construction: Traditional Spanish heel
- Best For: Advanced students, serious amateurs
Here’s a review summary:
Reddit: Seen as one of the best classical guitars under $1,000, with a balanced tone, comfortable feel, and consistent sound across the fretboard. Many say it holds its own against more expensive handmade guitars, though custom models still have a tonal edge.
Amazon: Frequently praised for its warm, rich tone, flawless craftsmanship, and strong value for the price. Many owners consider it one of the best guitars they’ve played.
5. Cordoba C10: Best Premium Classical Guitar for the Money
The Cordoba C10 is a concert classical guitar that delivers premium tone and precision at a price point far lower than many handcrafted classical guitars.
Built with a solid cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides, it offers nuanced highs, a rich bass, and effortless playability. It ships with a high-quality humidified case and meets the expectations of music conservatory students and aspiring professionals.
- Top: Solid Cedar
- Back/Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
- Bracing: Fan bracing
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Includes: Humidified hardshell case
- Best For: Conservatory students, recital-ready tone
And a review summary from Cordoba owners online:
Reddit: The C10 is valued for its improved playability and expression. Spruce tops offer more tonal variety but can be harder to manage. Parlor versions are praised for comfort without sacrificing tone.
Amazon: The guitar is well-built, comfortable, and sounds great from the start. The crossover version especially gets points for clarity, balance, and projection.
Honorable Mention: Cordoba C12
The Cordoba C12 remains my personal favorite for its lattice bracing, elevated fingerboard, and powerful projection. It’s ideal for fingerstyle performance and concert work. However, current stock is limited and availability is inconsistent. For players able to find one, the C12 offers a more boutique-like experience without crossing into full luthier-made price tiers.
What Makes a Classical Guitar “The Best”?
When choosing a classical guitar, tonewood, build quality, and playability features are key factors that shape its sound, durability, and comfort.
Tonewood Choices
The wood shapes the guitar’s tone, resonance, and overall character.
- Cedar: Warm, rich tone with quick response, ideal for expressive playing.
- Spruce: Bright, clear sound with strong projection, preferred for concert settings.
- Rosewood: Deep bass and sparkling trebles, often used for back and sides.
- Mahogany: Balanced, focused tone, suitable for both student and professional models.
- Ebony: Dense and smooth, typically used for fingerboards to improve durability and playability.
Build Quality
Solid construction improves durability, tuning stability, and sound consistency.
- Solid tops age better and improve with playing
- All-solid guitars resonate more deeply than laminate
- Traditional Spanish heel construction improves sustain and stability
Playability Features
Comfortable necks, string action, and body shape make it easier to play for longer with better technique.
- Scale length (typically 650 mm for concert guitars) influences tension and feel.
- Nut width (around 52 mm) affects left-hand comfort, especially for fingerstyle.
- String action impacts ease of play; higher action improves tone but may challenge beginners.
- Bracing patterns: Fan bracing for traditional warmth, lattice bracing for modern volume and projection (generalization)
- Finish: Options range from durable polyurethane for long-lasting protection, to vintage-style nitrocellulose for a resonant, aged tone, to delicate French polish for maximum acoustic responsiveness.
- Neck profile: Shapes vary from flat to rounded for ergonomic comfort.
- Tuners/machine heads: Precision tuning stability is crucial for both studio recording and live recital.
Accessories That Improve the Guitar Experience
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Guitar case | Hard case for maximum protection or gig bag for portability. |
| Humidifier | Prevents wood cracking in dry climates. |
| Tuner | Ensures accurate intonation. |
| Capo | Classical-friendly designs avoid damaging the neck. |
| Strings | Normal tension for beginners, high tension for greater volume and projection. |
| Footstool or guitar support | Improves posture for extended practice. |
| Polish & cleaning kits | Maintain finish and playability. |
Performance Indicators To Evaluate Classical Guitars
When evaluating classical guitars, consider:
- Sound clarity: Clear separation between notes, important for polyphonic music.
- Sustain: Duration a note rings, shaped by build and tonewoods.
- Volume: Needed for unamplified playing in larger spaces.
- Warmth of tone: Favored for romantic and lyrical music.
- Playability: Determined by comfort, neck shape, and string action.
- Intonation accuracy: Playing in tune across the fretboard.
- Balance across registers: Even tone from bass to treble.
Best Classical Guitars: Bottom Line
To summarize, if you’re just starting out, the Yamaha C40II is my choice for the best option. And if you want a guitar with solid construction and a wide tonal range, the Cordoba C10 is a great choice.
Best Classical Guitar: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions about finding the best classical guitar.
How much should I spend on my first classical guitar?
For beginners, a decent entry-level classical guitar can cost between $150 to $500. As you advance, you may want to invest in a higher-quality instrument, which can range from $500 to several thousand dollars. It’s essential to find a balance between your budget and the guitar’s quality.
What are the best classical guitar brands?
Some reputable classical guitar brands include: Cordoba, Yamaha, Alhambra, Takamine, Alvarez, La Patrie, and Kremona.
Should I choose a solid wood or laminate guitar?
Solid wood guitars generally offer better sound quality and resonance, but they are more expensive and sensitive to environmental changes. Laminate guitars are more affordable and durable, making them a good choice for beginners or those on a budget. As you progress, you may want to upgrade to a solid wood guitar.
How do I know if a classical guitar is comfortable to play?
When trying out a classical guitar, pay attention to the neck width, shape, and action (string height). The guitar should feel comfortable in your hands, and you should be able to easily press the strings without excessive pressure. It’s crucial to choose a guitar that suits your hand size and playing style.
What’s the best classical guitar for the money?
The Cordoba C12 is my pick for the best classical guitar for the money. It offers features like a raised fingerboard and all solid wood construction for a good price.
What’s the best nylon string guitar for jazz?
I’d recommend a thinline nylon guitar like the Cordoba Stage or Godin Multiac. These instruments have good nylon string tone and allow you to play in a band without worrying about feedback issues.
What are the best classical guitar nylon strings?
My top recommendation is the D’Addario EJ45 set because they sound classic and are available everywhere for a good price. If you want a high-tension carbon set, try Savarez Corum Alliance 500AJ.
