10 Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars 2026 in the United States

The Yamaha FS800J is a solid choice for beginners looking for an affordable acoustic guitar with good sound and playability. Its concert-style body is smaller than standard dreadnoughts, which makes it comfortable to hold and especially suited for fingerpicking and delicate playing styles. The top is made from solid spruce, a tonewood known for delivering a clear and balanced sound, while the nato/mahogany back and sides provide warmth and durability. The neck uses locally sourced tonewood with a comfortable 25-inch scale length, making it easier for beginners to press down the strings and play chords without discomfort. The rosewood fretboard adds to the smooth feel under your fingers.

The guitar uses phosphor bronze strings that offer a bright yet mellow tone. It doesn’t come with built-in electronics, so if you want to plug in at shows or practice with amplification, you’d need an external pickup. Weighing around 7.7 pounds, it’s light enough for younger players or those who prefer a lighter instrument. Its build quality reflects Yamaha’s reputation for durability, meaning this guitar can endure the usual bumps and knocks beginners might give it.

A key consideration is that the smaller concert body shape may not deliver the deep bass tones found in larger guitars, so if you want a big, booming sound, something larger might be better. However, given its price and quality, the FS800J provides a rich, balanced tone and comfortable playability, making it an excellent option for new players or those on a budget.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle is an excellent choice for beginners on a budget. This guitar is built with durability in mind, featuring an all-laminate construction with a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, making it suitable for novice players. The full-bodied tone is achieved thanks to the scalloped 'X'-bracing and mahogany neck, which provide impressive sound quality for its price range.

The slim neck and dark-stained maple fingerboard offer comfortable playability and a stylish look, which can be appealing to new learners. Additionally, the bundle includes essential accessories like a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and access to Fender Play Online Lessons and an Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, making it a convenient all-in-one package for those starting their musical journey.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The use of engineered wood and laminate materials might not provide the same rich tone as solid wood guitars, and the fixed bridge system may limit customization options. The neck material, made of nato, is durable but might not be as resonant as other higher-quality woods. Despite these limitations, this guitar offers a good balance of affordability, durability, and decent sound quality, making it a strong option for beginners.

The Taylor 214ce Plus is a well-crafted acoustic guitar in the Grand Auditorium body style, which offers a versatile sound that suits many playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking. Its top is made from torrefied spruce, which gives a warm and clear tone, while the rosewood back and sides add richness to the sound. The neck is made of neo-tropical mahogany with a standard carved profile, providing comfortable playability. With a 25.5-inch scale length, it strikes a good balance between string tension and ease of fretting. The guitar features a Venetian cutaway, making it easier to reach higher frets.

It comes equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 pickup, allowing you to plug in and amplify your sound with good clarity, which is a great feature for live performances or recording. One downside to consider is its weight at 19.5 pounds, which is heavier than many other acoustic guitars and might be less comfortable for extended playing sessions or travel. Also, while it is a high-quality guitar, the Taylor 214ce Plus is positioned towards a higher price range than typical budget models, so it might not fit everyone's idea of a 'cheap' guitar. The included AeroCase is a nice bonus for protection and portability.

This guitar represents a solid choice for players seeking a reliable, versatile acoustic-electric with quality tonewoods and electronics, though it may require a larger investment than what a beginner looking solely for a budget option might prefer.