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10 Best Guitar Classical 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Yamaha CG-TA Nylon String TransAcoustic Guitar with Chorus and Reverb, Classical, Vintage Tint

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,149
Tonewood
Action

Most important from
274 reviews

Tonewood
The torrefaction aging process makes the wood sound clearer and more resonant, with noticeable overtones.
Action
The action from the factory is a bit high but can be improved with a professional setup.

The Yamaha CG-TA Nylon String TransAcoustic Guitar stands out with its innovative TransAcoustic technology, which allows players to experience built-in effects like Hall Reverb, Room Reverb, and Chorus directly from the guitar. This feature can enhance your playing and offers a unique experience, especially for those who enjoy performing without additional gear. The solid Engelmann spruce top contributes to a bright and resonant tone, while the Ovankol back and sides provide warmth and depth, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. Additionally, the use of a rosewood fingerboard and bridge adds to the guitar's playability and comfort.

In terms of specifications, the neck width is suitable for classical play, allowing for intricate finger placements. The scale length is standard for classical guitars, ensuring that players can use familiar techniques. The nylon string type is gentle on the fingers, making it a good choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

There are some considerations. The fixed bridge system may limit customization for string height or action adjustment, which could be a drawback for players seeking precision tuning. The body size and shape, while comfortable for many, might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer smaller or larger guitars. Lastly, while the built-in effects are impressive, they may not replace the need for external pedals or equipment for professional musicians.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,149
Tonewood
Action

Most important from
274 reviews

Tonewood
The torrefaction aging process makes the wood sound clearer and more resonant, with noticeable overtones.
Action
The action from the factory is a bit high but can be improved with a professional setup.
#2

Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon with Gig Bag, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany and Sitka Spruce Construction, Gloss-Top Finish, 000C-12 Fret, and Low-Profile Neck Shape Natural

Rating
10.0
Neck Width

Most important from
6 reviews

Neck Width
The neck is much easier to play than a standard classical neck and it sounds great.

The Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon is a high-quality acoustic-electric classical guitar, designed with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a hardwood neck. This combination of tonewoods ensures a warm, rich sound, ideal for classical music. The guitar features a low-profile neck shape, which can make playing more comfortable, especially for those with smaller hands or beginners. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and durable, contributing to a pleasant playing experience. The fixed bridge system helps maintain tuning stability, which is crucial for consistent performance. The scale length ranges from 24.75 to 25.5 inches, providing a good balance between playability and tonal quality.

Additionally, the nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, which is beneficial for extended playing sessions. The guitar's 000C-12 fret body shape is slightly smaller, making it easier to handle, especially for younger players or those who prefer a more manageable size. However, this guitar might be on the heavier side, weighing 22 pounds, which could be a drawback for some users who need a more portable instrument. It comes with a gloss-top finish that adds to the aesthetic appeal while protecting the wood. The included gig bag is a nice touch for added protection during transport.

In conclusion, the Martin 000C12-16E Nylon is well-suited for classical guitar enthusiasts looking for a robust, well-crafted instrument that delivers excellent sound quality and playability.

Rating
10.0
Neck Width

Most important from
6 reviews

Neck Width
The neck is much easier to play than a standard classical neck and it sounds great.
#3

Cordoba C10 CD Classical, All-Solid Woods, Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Luthier Series, with Polyfoam Case

Rating
9.7
String Type
Action

Most important from
125 reviews

String Type
The guitar's sound is warm, balanced, and full, particularly with the right strings.
Action
The action is set just right, making it easy to fret and play without any buzz.

The Cordoba C10 CD Classical guitar is a well-crafted instrument suited for those looking for a quality nylon-string guitar. Its solid Canadian cedar top contributes to a warm, rich tone, making it ideal for classical music enthusiasts. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides enhance the guitar's sound projection and resonance, adding depth to your playing experience.

One of the standout features is its comfortable neck width and scale length, which make it manageable for both beginners and more experienced players. The action is set nicely, allowing for easy finger placement, which can be particularly helpful for those who may struggle with higher action on other guitars.

The guitar is built for right-handed players, but left-handed musicians may need to look for alternative models. The included Cordoba Polyfoam case offers decent protection, but some might prefer a hard case for more durability. While the guitar's price is justified by its quality, it might be a stretch for beginners on a tight budget who are just starting their musical journey.

Rating
9.7
String Type
Action

Most important from
125 reviews

String Type
The guitar's sound is warm, balanced, and full, particularly with the right strings.
Action
The action is set just right, making it easy to fret and play without any buzz.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitar Classical

Choosing the right classical guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Classical guitars are known for their nylon strings and warm, mellow sound, making them ideal for classical music, flamenco, and other fingerstyle genres. When selecting a classical guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and needs.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, particularly the top, back, and sides. This is important because different woods produce different sounds. For example, spruce tops are known for their bright and clear tone, while cedar tops offer a warmer, more mellow sound. If you prefer a brighter sound, go for spruce. If you like a warmer tone, cedar might be the better choice. The back and sides can be made from woods like rosewood, mahogany, or maple, each contributing to the overall sound and resonance of the guitar.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a classical guitar is typically wider than that of a steel-string acoustic guitar. This is important because it affects playability, especially for fingerstyle playing. A standard classical guitar neck is about 2 inches wide at the nut. If you have smaller hands, you might find a slightly narrower neck more comfortable. Conversely, if you have larger hands or prefer more space between the strings, a standard or even wider neck might be better for you.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the saddle and affects the tension and playability of the strings. Classical guitars usually have a scale length of around 650mm (25.6 inches). A longer scale length can provide more tension and a brighter tone, while a shorter scale length offers less tension and a warmer sound. If you prefer a brighter, more projecting sound, a longer scale length might be ideal. If you want a warmer, more relaxed tone, consider a shorter scale length.
String TypeClassical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone. There are different types of nylon strings, such as normal tension, high tension, and extra high tension. Normal tension strings are easier to play and produce a softer sound, making them suitable for beginners. High tension strings offer more volume and a brighter tone, which might be preferred by more advanced players. Extra high tension strings provide even more volume and brightness but require more finger strength to play.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a classical guitar can affect both the sound and comfort of the instrument. Standard classical guitars have a full-size body, which provides a rich, full sound. However, there are also smaller-bodied classical guitars, such as 3/4 or 1/2 size, which are more comfortable for younger players or those with smaller frames. If you are an adult or have a larger frame, a full-size guitar will likely be the best choice. If you are buying for a child or have a smaller frame, consider a smaller-bodied guitar for better comfort and playability.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. This is important because it affects playability and comfort. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners, as it requires less finger pressure to press down the strings. Higher action can produce a louder, clearer sound but may be more challenging to play. If you are a beginner or prefer easier playability, look for a guitar with lower action. If you are an advanced player seeking better sound projection, you might prefer higher action.

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