So, you’ve decided to pick up the guitar and start strumming your way into musical glory. Awesome choice!
But here’s the catch: you don’t want to blow your entire paycheck on a guitar when you’re just starting out.
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are some affordable options that sound great and won’t leave your wallet crying in the corner 😉
TL;DR – Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars
Too busy? Here’s the full list (you can scroll down if you want to see demos):
- Best for first-timers: Harley Benton CG-45 NS
- Best for gigs: Fender FA-125CE II Blk
- Best travel buddy: Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany
- Best for vintage vibes: Gretsch JD Parlor
- Best all-mahogany option: Fender Sonoran Mini
- Best 12-string option: Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT
- Best solid top for the price: Cort Earth 100 NS
- Best all-around dreadnought: Harley Benton D-120CE BK
Now, let’s get to the juicy details, shall we?
Harley Benton CG-45 NS
You know what’s great about the Harley Benton CG-45 NS? It’s the guitar equivalent of a friendly handshake: warm, approachable, and not trying too hard. Perfect for beginners who don’t want to mess with complicated features.
Features:
- Folk-style body with mahogany top, back, and sides
- X-bracing for better sound projection
- Modern C-shaped mahogany neck
- Roseacer fingerboard with dot inlays
- Natural matte finish
- Comes with an unmounted black pickguard
You can watch my video review below.
Why It’s Awesome:
This little beauty is all about simplicity and charm. The all-mahogany body gives it a warm, mellow tone, making it ideal for strumming in your living room. And let’s be honest, the price is almost too good to be true.
Fender FA-125CE II Blk
Looking for something that screams, “Yes, I’m taking this music thing seriously”? Enter the Fender FA-125CE. With its glossy black finish and built-in electronics, it’s a guitar that’s ready to perform as soon as you are.
Features:
- Dreadnought body with a cutaway for easy high-fret access
- Spruce top and basswood back and sides
- Fender pickup system for plugging in
- Walnut Viking bridge
- High-gloss black finish
Why It’s Awesome:
This guitar’s got stage presence, and the electronics make it gig-ready. Whether you’re playing for a small crowd or just jamming with friends, this one’s a showstopper. Plus, it’s a Fender, so you’re getting a bit of street cred right out of the gate.
For those who are looking for something from a bit higher shelf, have a look on these best Godin guitars!
Cort Earth 100 NS
If you’re the type who wants to keep things classic, the Cort Earth 100 NS might just steal your heart. With a solid spruce top, it punches way above its price range in terms of tone.
Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Ovangkol fingerboard and bridge
- Bone nut for better sustain
- Chrome-plated tuners
- Natural matte finish
Why It’s Awesome:
A solid top at this price? Yes, please. The Cort Earth 100 NS is perfect for beginners who want a richer, more resonant sound without spending a fortune.
Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany
For the wanderlust-filled musician, the Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany is your perfect partner in crime. It’s compact, lightweight, and comes with its own gig bag for easy transport.
Features:
- Mini Grand Symphony body made of mahogany
- HB-03 preamp with an integrated tuner
- Black deluxe die-cast tuners
- V-shaped neck profile
- Includes a gig bag
Why It’s Awesome:
This travel-sized gem delivers a surprisingly full sound for its size. Whether you’re camping, traveling, or just need a compact option, this guitar’s got you covered.
Gretsch JD Parlor
Parlor guitars have a vibe, and the Gretsch JD Parlor is no exception. It’s small, stylish, and oozes vintage charm—perfect for folksy jams.
Features:
- Parlor-style body with basswood top, back, and sides
- Walnut fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlays
- Open die-cast tuners
- Synthetic bone nut
- Nickel hardware
Why It’s Awesome:
This guitar’s compact size and warm tones make it ideal for intimate settings. Plus, the vintage design will have you feeling like a 1930s troubadour in no time.
Fender Sonoran Mini All Mahogany
Small in size but big on personality, the Fender Sonoran Mini packs a punch with its all-mahogany body and retro-inspired design.
Features:
- All-mahogany body with scalloped X-bracing
- Bone nut for better sustain
- Vintage-style machine heads
- Includes a gig bag
You can watch my demo below (it’s an old video though!):
Why It’s Awesome:
This mini guitar offers warm tones and cool looks, making it great for beginners or as a second guitar for casual strumming. Plus, it’s ridiculously portable.
Harley Benton D-120CE
If you’re after a classic dreadnought that looks and sounds the part, the Harley Benton D-120CE BK is a no-brainer. It’s versatile, affordable, and perfect for beginners.
Features:
- Dreadnought body with a cutaway
- Spruce top with mahogany back and sides
- Built-in preamp with 4-band EQ
- Chrome-plated die-cast tuners
- High-gloss black finish
Why It’s Awesome:
With its built-in electronics and classic dreadnought shape, this guitar is a solid all-rounder. It’s equally at home in your bedroom or on stage.
Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT
Want to stand out from the crowd? Try a 12-string. The Harley Benton D-200CE-12NT gives you that lush, chorus-like sound without breaking the bank.
Features:
- 12-string dreadnought with cutaway
- Spruce top and sapele back and sides
- Built-in pickup system with 4-band EQ
- Natural finish
Why It’s Awesome:
This guitar offers a rich, full sound that’s perfect for strumming and fingerpicking. It’s an excellent choice for beginners looking to experiment with something unique.
My Recommendation
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these guitars. But if I had to pick one, the Cort Earth 100 NS stands out for its solid top and incredible value. It’s a guitar you can grow with, and the sound quality is unbeatable for the price.
If you’re still unsure, check out my YouTube channels:
- Best Guitars Now (English)
- Strefa Gitar (Polish)
And If It’s Going To Be Your First One…
Choosing your first guitar can feel overwhelming, but don’t sweat it. Here are a few tips to help you find “the one” without losing your mind (or your cash):
1. Set Your Budget
Before you start browsing, decide how much you’re willing to spend. Beginner guitars typically range from $100 to $300. Don’t forget to factor in accessories like a tuner, capo, or gig bag.
2. Pick a Comfortable Size
Not all guitars are created equal, especially when it comes to size. If you’re on the smaller side, consider a parlor or travel guitar. If you want a fuller sound and don’t mind the bulk, go for a dreadnought.
3. Consider the Tonewood
The wood affects the sound. Mahogany delivers warm tones, spruce offers bright and punchy sounds, and basswood is more balanced. Read more in this Mahogany Tonewood Guide.
4. Test the Action
The “action” is how high the strings sit above the fretboard. If it’s too high, your fingers will hurt. If it’s too low, you’ll get buzzing. Find something comfortable.
5. Decide on Electronics
Planning to plug in and play? Look for a guitar with built-in electronics. Otherwise, you can save some money and stick to an acoustic-only model.
6. Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, head to a store and play a few models. Feel the neck, strum the strings, and see what feels right. Online reviews are great, but nothing beats hands-on experience.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between a solid top and laminated top?
Solid tops offer better sound quality and improve with age. Laminated tops are more durable and budget-friendly but don’t sound as rich.
2. Should I buy an acoustic guitar with built-in electronics?
If you’re planning to play gigs or record, go for it. Otherwise, it’s not essential for beginners.
3. What’s the best guitar size for a beginner?
It depends on your body size and comfort. Dreadnoughts are great for full sound, but smaller bodies like parlor or travel guitars might be easier to handle.
4. Are travel guitars good for beginners?
Absolutely! They’re lightweight, portable, and often more comfortable for smaller hands.
5. Why are 12-string guitars harder to play?
They have double the strings, which means more pressure on your fingers and more tuning time. But the sound? Totally worth it.
6. Should I change the factory strings?
Yes, most beginner guitars come with basic strings. Upgrading to better-quality strings can improve tone and playability.
7. What’s the deal with mahogany tonewood?
Mahogany offers warm, balanced tones and looks great too. Check out my Mahogany Tonewood Guide for more details.
Final Thoughts
Starting your guitar journey is exciting, and picking the right guitar makes all the difference. Whether you’re jamming at home, performing for friends, or hitting the road, there’s a perfect guitar waiting for you. Happy strumming!
P.S. If you’re curious about other guitar types, check out my guides on best jumbo acoustic guitars or best Fender acoustic guitars.
