We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a budget-friendly option that stands out for beginners who are looking to start their musical journey without breaking the bank. The all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for novice musicians. Its scalloped 'X'-bracing and mahogany neck contribute to a full-bodied tone, offering decent sound quality for its price range.

The slim neck and dark-stained maple fingerboard enhance playability, making it comfortable for learners. Additionally, the natural finish gives it a classic and appealing look. The bundle provides great value, including essential accessories such as a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and access to Fender Play Online Lessons, along with an Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD to facilitate learning.

Some might find the laminate construction less resonant compared to solid wood guitars. The absence of electronics limits its versatility for those looking to perform amplified. Despite these drawbacks, the Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar remains a solid choice for budget-conscious beginners seeking a complete starter kit.

#2

Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars, Hand-Built Martin Guitars with Authentic Wood 000-28 Natural

The Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitar 000-28 in Natural finish is a high-quality instrument, ideal for serious players and enthusiasts. The guitar features a 6-string configuration with a spruce top, which is known for delivering a bright and resonant sound. The ebony fingerboard complements the spruce top well, providing smooth playability and durability.

The body of the guitar is crafted from rosewood, known for its rich, warm tones and excellent projection. The combination of rosewood back and sides with mahogany ensures a balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs, making it versatile for various music genres. The neck of the guitar is made from mahogany, providing strength and stability, while the neck profile and scale length are designed for comfortable playability.

The nut width is standard, making finger positioning and chord transitions easier for players of different skill levels. One notable aspect missing from this model is built-in electronics, which means it is purely an acoustic guitar without the capability for direct amplification. This might be a drawback for performers who prefer a built-in pickup or preamp for live performances or recording.

With dimensions of 47 x 20 x 9 inches and a weight of 17.6 pounds, the guitar is relatively easy to handle, though some may find it slightly heavy. This Martin 000-28 model is best suited for dedicated acoustic guitar players who value craftsmanship and rich, authentic tones in their instruments.

#3

Gibson Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard 2019, Vintage Sunburst

Rating
9.4
Body Shape
Neck Profile
Electronics

Most important from
4 reviews

Body Shape
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Neck Profile
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Electronics
While it excels acoustically, users might consider separate amplification options since it lacks built-in electronics.

The Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard 2019 is a well-regarded acoustic guitar known for its rich and warm sound, largely thanks to its quality tonewoods. The guitar features a Sitka spruce top, which is popular for its bright and clear tonal quality, paired with rosewood and mahogany for the back and sides, adding depth and warmth to the sound. This combination is ideal for players looking for a versatile guitar suitable for various music styles, especially folk and blues.

The guitar traditionally features a round-shoulder dreadnought body shape, offering a full and balanced tone with good projection. Its neck is made from mahogany, known for durability and comfort, and the fretboard is rosewood, providing a smooth playing surface. The fixed bridge system ensures tuning stability and easy maintenance.

Finished in a Vintage Sunburst, the guitar has a classic and attractive look. It excels in acoustic performance but might require additional equipment for amplified use since there is no indication of built-in electronics.

Rating
9.4
Body Shape
Neck Profile
Electronics

Most important from
4 reviews

Body Shape
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Neck Profile
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Electronics
While it excels acoustically, users might consider separate amplification options since it lacks built-in electronics.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars

Choosing the right acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one guitar from another. The right guitar for you will depend on your playing style, musical preferences, and physical comfort. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an acoustic guitar.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful, balanced sound and are great for strumming and flat-picking. Concert guitars are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them ideal for fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. Jumbo guitars have a larger body, producing a louder and bass-heavy sound, suitable for players who want a big, bold tone. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to hold and suits your playing style.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is a popular choice for the top (soundboard) due to its bright and clear tone. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mid-range focused sound, while rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass and treble. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the tonewood.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile describes the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. A C-shape neck is rounded and comfortable for most players, making it a versatile choice. V-shape necks have a more pronounced ridge, which some players find easier for thumb-over playing styles. U-shape necks are thicker and can provide a more substantial feel, preferred by players with larger hands. Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing technique.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall playability. Common scale lengths are 24.75 inches and 25.5 inches. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches) results in lower string tension, making the guitar easier to play and bend notes. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides more tension, which can result in a brighter tone and better note definition. Consider your playing style and hand strength when choosing a scale length.
Nut WidthNut width is the width of the guitar's neck at the nut, which affects the spacing of the strings. Common nut widths range from 1.65 inches to 1.75 inches. A narrower nut width (around 1.65 inches) is easier for players with smaller hands or those who prefer closer string spacing for faster playing. A wider nut width (around 1.75 inches) provides more space between the strings, which can be beneficial for fingerstyle playing and players with larger hands. Choose a nut width that feels comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify the sound for live performances or recording. These electronics typically include a pickup and a preamp with controls for volume and tone. If you plan to perform live or record your music, an acoustic-electric guitar with built-in electronics can be very convenient. If you primarily play at home or in small settings, a purely acoustic guitar without electronics may be sufficient. Consider your performance needs when deciding on electronics.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now