Whether you enjoy practicing Fernando Sor’s etudes or you strive to be the next Andrés Segovia, the best classical guitar should support your sound and technique. In other words, it shouldn’t make playing the instrument any harder. 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.
Let’s get into it.
Top 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.
Reviewers consistently call it a “great working guitar” at a budget price—especially for new players seeking a dependable student classical guitar.
- Top: Spruce
- Back/Sides: Meranti
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Scale Length: 650mm
- Best For: Beginners, school programs
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.
“Everything you need plus some extra,” says This is Classical Guitar. A natural step up from entry-level guitars, it also makes a strong first nylon-string option for steel-string players crossing over.
- Top: Solid Canadian Cedar
- Back/Sides: Mahogany (laminate)
- Bracing: Fan bracing
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Best For: Budget-minded players, intermediate learners
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.
According to This is Classical Guitar, it’s one of the best classical guitars in the $500 range. Available through mainstream retailers, it’s a safe, satisfying upgrade.
- Top: Solid Cedar
- Back/Sides: Rosewood (laminate)
- Nut Width: 52mm
- Sound: More projection, richer harmonics
- Best For: Intermediate guitarists, recital prep
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.
Built with a solid cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, the C9 is a “winner” in the under-$1000 category (This is Classical Guitar). It feels more alive in the hands, offering excellent feedback and tonal clarity.
- Top: Solid Canadian Cedar
- Back/Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Construction: Traditional Spanish heel
- Best For: Advanced students, serious amateurs
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
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”?
Tonewood Choices
- Cedar top guitars: warm, responsive, darker tone
- Spruce top guitars: brighter, articulate, needs break-in
- Mahogany: dry, focused tone
- Rosewood: lush, deep lows, sparkly highs
Build Quality
- 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
- Nut width: 52mm is standard, narrower widths suit smaller hands
- Action height: influences comfort and speed
- Scale length: 650mm is the classical norm
How to Choose the Right Classical Guitar
By Skill Level
- Beginners: Yamaha C40II, Cordoba C5
- Intermediate: Cordoba C7
- Advanced Students: Cordoba C9
- Performance/Professional: Cordoba C10, C12
By Musical Goals
- Practice & learning: Durable, lightweight, easy to maintain
- Performance & recording: All-solid woods, tonal sensitivity
- Crossover playing: Narrower nut width, possible electronics
Accessories That Improve the Experience
- Hard case or gig bag for protection and humidity control
- String sets for tonal variety (high tension vs normal tension)
- Tuner and humidifier to preserve wood quality
- Polish and cloth for finish care
- Support systems to replace the traditional footstool
Best Classical Guitars for Different Players
Now I’ll cover my picks for classical guitars in different situations.
Best Classical Guitar for Beginners
My pick for the best beginner classical guitar is the Yamaha C40. The Yamaha C40 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordability and high-quality construction, which ensures durability and a pleasant sound. Its comfortable neck and easy playability make it an ideal instrument for those just starting to learn classical guitar techniques.
Read more: Best Classical Guitar for Beginners
Best Cutaway Classical Guitar
The Cordoba C7-CE is an excellent cutaway classical guitar that delivers exceptional sound quality and playability. With its solid Canadian cedar top, Indian rosewood back and sides, and Fishman Presys Blend pickup system, this nylon-string instrument provides rich, warm tones suitable for a wide range of musical styles and settings, from intimate performances to larger venues.
Best Classical Guitar Under $1,000
If you have a budget of $1,000, I recommend the Alhambra 4-Z Conservatory classical guitar. The Alhambra 4-z is an excellent classical instrument for intermediate guitarists seeking a high-quality, handcrafted guitar at an affordable price point. It features a solid red cedar top and gorgeous ziricote back and sides, which produce a rich tone with excellent projection and sustain. The Alhambra 4-Z is a great choice for players looking to upgrade from a beginner guitar to a more advanced instrument without breaking the bank.
Read more: Best Classical Guitar Under $1000
Best Classical Guitars Under $500
If you’ve got $500 to work with, the Cordboa C5 is your best bet in my opinion. It features a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, rich tone that’s ideal for beginners and intermediate players alike. The C5’s smooth playability, combined with Cordoba’s attention to detail in craftsmanship, make it a standout instrument in its price range.
Read more: Best Classical Guitar Under $500
Best Classical Guitar With a Pickup
If you’re looking to amplify a traditional nylon sound, I recommend the Cordoba C5-CE. This nylon-string acoustic-electric instrument has a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides, resulting in a warm, rich tone. The Fishman Presys II preamp system enables you to easily amplify your playing while preserving the guitar’s natural sound, making it perfect for live performances or recording sessions.
Read more: Best Classical Guitar With a Pickup
Best Crossover Nylon Electric Guitar
Now, if you want a thinline nylon guitar that feels more like an electric, I recommend the Godin Multiac Grand Concert. This guitar features a chambered mahogany body and cedar top, providing a warm, rich tone. The guitar’s electronics, including a custom preamp by LR Baggs, allow for a wide range of tonal options and accurate acoustic sound reproduction when amplified. It’s also thinner than an acoustic and comfortable to play for hours or gig with.
Read more: Best Nylon Electric Guitar
Best Classical Guitar Brand
If you want to shop from a reliable classical guitar brand, I don’t think you can go wrong with Cordoba for the price range.
Cordoba is a great classical guitar brand because of their commitment to craftsmanship, quality materials, and rich, authentic sound. Their luthiers (guitar makers) handcraft each instrument with meticulous attention to detail, selecting the finest tonewoods like solid European spruce tops and Indian rosewood backs and sides. This ensures Cordoba guitars have excellent resonance, projection, and a warm, balanced tone sought after by discerning guitarists.
Cordoba draws inspiration from the legendary Spanish luthier Antonio de Torres, who is considered the father of the modern classical guitar. By embracing traditional guitar-making techniques and designs, Cordoba guitars possess the soulful, expressive voice characteristic of classic Spanish instruments. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or a seasoned performer playing advanced repertoire, a Cordoba guitar is a reliable and inspiring musical companion that will bring out the best in your playing.
Keep reading: Best Classical Guitar Brands
How To Buy a Classical Guitar
Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a classical guitar.
Read more: How To Buy a Classical Guitar
1. Consider the Size
When buying a classical guitar, consider the size, materials, craftsmanship and sound quality. Classical guitars have several standard sizes including 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full-size, measured by the length of the instrument. Choose a size that fits your body comfortably.
2. Pay Attention to the Woods
Look for a guitar made with quality tonewoods like spruce for the soundboard, and rosewood, mahogany or maple for the back and sides. The wood should have a straight, even grain. Avoid guitars with visible cracks, warping or sloppy craftsmanship.
3. Shop From Reliable Brands
Stick to guitars made by reputable brands like Yamaha, Cordoba, Alvarez and Alhambra for consistent quality. Expect to spend at least $200-300 for a decent student model, and $500-1000 or more for an intermediate or professional-level instrument.
4. Test the guitar
Give the guitar a thorough test by playing it before buying. The sound should be warm, balanced and resonant, with good sustain. Avoid guitars that sound thin, buzzy or dead. The action (string height) should be low and easy to play without buzzing. If you can’t test the guitar, choose an online retailer with a good return policy.
5. Get a Guitar With a Good Setup
Getting a well-made guitar that’s set up properly makes learning classical guitar much more enjoyable. Take your time to find an instrument that motivates you to practice and fits your musical goals and budget. With some research and testing, you can find a great classical guitar to enjoy for years to come.
Helpful Classical Guitar Terminology
Below you can see some common classical guitar terms along with notable players and related concepts. You can use this for your own classical guitar research.
| Term | Definition | Attributes | Related Contexts | People and Things | Common Actions |
| Classical Guitar | A six-stringed acoustic guitar designed for classical music with nylon strings and a wider neck. | Nylon Strings, Wide Neck, Acoustic | Music Instruments, Classical Music | Yamaha, Córdoba, Alhambra | Play, Strum, Tune |
| Nylon Strings | Strings made of nylon used on classical guitars for a softer and mellower sound. | Soft, Flexible, Durable | Guitar Strings, String Instruments | D’Addario, Savarez, Augustine | Pluck, Replace, Stretch |
| Fingerstyle | A technique of playing the guitar by plucking the strings directly with the fingertips or fingernails. | Technique, Precision, Articulation | Guitar Playing Techniques, Folk Music | Andrés Segovia, John Williams | Pluck, Articulate, Execute |
| Soundboard | The top surface of the guitar body that resonates to produce sound. | Spruce, Cedar, Resonant | Luthiery, Acoustic Properties | Torres, Hauser, Ramirez | Vibrate, Resonate, Amplify |
| Tuning Pegs | Mechanical devices used to adjust the tension of the strings, thus tuning the guitar. | Precision, Stability, Adjustment | Guitar Hardware, Tuning Mechanisms | Grover, Schaller, Gotoh | Adjust, Tune, Stabilize |
| Rosette | Decorative inlay around the sound hole of a classical guitar. | Ornamental, Aesthetic, Traditional | Guitar Design, Inlay Art | Custom Luthiers, Traditional Makers | Decorate, Enhance, Surround |
| Scale Length | The length of the vibrating part of the string, from nut to saddle, affecting tone and playability. | Measurement, Playability, Tone | Guitar Construction, Ergonomics | 650mm Standard, Custom Lengths | Measure, Define, Affect |
| Fretboard | The front part of the neck where the fingers press the strings to change pitches. | Wood, Frets, Inlays | Guitar Neck, Playing Surface | Ebony, Rosewood | Press, Slide, Position |
| Capo | A device used to change the pitch of the strings by clamping down across the fretboard at a specific fret. | Pitch Adjustment, Key Change | Guitar Accessories, Key Transposition | Shubb, Kyser, G7th | Clamp, Adjust, Change |
| Flamenco Guitar | A variant of the classical guitar designed specifically for flamenco music, often with a thinner top and lower string action. | Bright, Percussive, Responsive | Music Genres, Instrument Variants | Conde Hermanos, Vicente Carrillo | Strum, Tap, Play |
Best Classical Guitars: Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying your first student classical guitar or moving into the world of professional classical guitar performance, these models deliver dependable tone, clean craftsmanship, and proven player satisfaction.
Want a concert guitar under $1000? The Cordoba C9 checks that box. Want a nylon string guitar you can grow with? The Cordoba C7 shines. And for absolute beginners, the Yamaha C40II stands out as a legendary first pick.
Best Classical Guitar: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions about finding the best classical guitar.
What is the difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar?
Classical guitars have nylon strings, a wider neck, and a smaller body compared to acoustic guitars, which have steel strings and a narrower neck. Classical guitars are primarily used for playing classical, flamenco, and folk music, while acoustic guitars are more versatile and used across various genres.
What should I look for when choosing a classical guitar?
When selecting a classical guitar, consider the following factors: wood type and quality (top, back, and sides), construction (solid wood vs. laminate), neck and fingerboard comfort, sound projection and tonal balance, brand reputation and craftsmanship, and your budget and skill level.
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.
Can I use a classical guitar for other music genres?
While classical guitars are designed for classical, flamenco, and folk music, they can be used for other genres like pop, jazz, or bossa nova. However, keep in mind that the nylon strings and smaller body may not provide the same sound or volume as steel-string acoustic or electric guitars typically used in these genres.
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.
How do Ortega vs. Cordoba guitars compare?
Ortega guitars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, versatile sound, and affordable prices, making them a popular choice among beginner and intermediate players. Cordoba guitars, on the other hand, are renowned for their exceptional build quality, rich tone, and authentic Spanish sound, which makes them a preferred choice for classical and flamenco guitarists.
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.
