10 Best Classical Guitars 2026 in the United States

The Cordoba C10 CD Classical guitar is a solid choice for anyone looking for a quality nylon-string instrument. It features a solid Canadian cedar top, which contributes to a warm and rich tone, perfect for classical music. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides enhance the sound projection and resonance, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. With a neck width and scale length of 25.6 inches, it provides a comfortable playing experience, especially for those who prefer a slightly wider neck for fingerstyle techniques.

One of its standout features is the hand-inlaid Mother-of-Pearl 'Esteso' Rosette, which adds an elegant touch to the instrument's appearance. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and responsive, allowing for easy note transitions. Additionally, the inclusion of a Cordoba Polyfoam case means you won’t need to invest in a separate case, which is a great convenience for transport and storage.

The Cordoba C10 CD does have some drawbacks. While the nylon strings are softer on the fingers, they may not suit players who prefer a brighter sound typical of steel-string guitars. Moreover, some users find the action slightly high, which may require adjustment for beginners or those used to lower action settings. The guitar is also relatively heavy at 4.41 pounds, which could be a consideration for those who plan to play for extended periods. The Cordoba C10 CD is a wonderful option for intermediate players looking to advance their skills or serious beginners eager to invest in a quality instrument that provides both aesthetic beauty and excellent sound quality.

The Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert is a well-crafted instrument that stands out for its comfortable body size and shape, making it suitable for players of all skill levels, especially those who prefer a softer touch of nylon strings. The combination of mahogany and sapele woods in the body gives it a warm and rich tone, which is great for classical music and fingerstyle playing. The guitar’s scale length of 25.5 inches allows for easy playability, while the 1.875-inch neck width provides enough space for fingerstyle techniques without being too wide for smaller hands.

One of the guitar's notable strengths is its excellent build quality, which is a hallmark of the Taylor brand. The fixed bridge system enhances tuning stability, and the natural finish adds a pleasing aesthetic. This model is on the higher end of the price spectrum, which might not be accessible for beginners or those on a budget. Additionally, while the nylon strings provide a softer sound, they may lack some of the projection found in traditional classical guitars that use nylon and gut strings. The body size, while comfortable for many, might feel smaller for players accustomed to larger guitars.

The Taylor 312ce-N is a fantastic option for intermediate to advanced players looking for a comfortable and high-quality nylon-string guitar. It excels in warm tone and playability, though budget-conscious beginners may need to consider alternative models.

The Cordoba C5-CET Limited is a classical guitar designed for players who want a blend of traditional tone with modern stage-ready features. It features a solid spruce top paired with spalted maple back and sides, producing a bright yet warm sound with strong sustain. The thin body cutaway shape helps reduce feedback when amplified, making it a solid choice for live performance, especially with its built-in Fishman Presys II pickup.

The neck is made of mahogany with a comfortable width and a Pau Ferro fretboard, offering good playability and stability thanks to an adjustable truss rod. The nylon strings provide the classic mellow tone expected in classical guitars. This model is lightweight and easy to handle, which is great for extended playing sessions. However, the thin body design may result in a slightly less full acoustic volume compared to traditional deeper-bodied classical guitars.

If you prefer a more traditional look and sound, the spalted maple back and sides create a unique aesthetic but may not appeal to everyone. This guitar suits intermediate players or performers who want a quality classical guitar ready for both unplugged and amplified use.