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10 Best Guitar Classical 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Godin 012817 Grand Concert SA Multiac Guitar (Natural HG)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,414
Neck Width
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
27 reviews

Neck Width
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.
Body Size and Shape
Feels like playing a real classical guitar with the added clarity of a hollow body.
Action
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.

The Godin 012817 Grand Concert SA Multiac Guitar is a North American-made classical guitar with several noteworthy features. It's constructed using high-quality materials including a cedar wood top and a Honduras mahogany neck, which contribute to its rich, warm tone. The double-action truss rod enhances stability and durability, making this guitar a reliable choice for serious players. The neck width should be comfortable for most classical guitarists, and with a scale length of 25.5 inches, it offers a standard playability that suits traditional classical music well.

The nylon strings are ideal for classical genres, providing a softer, mellow sound compared to steel strings. Its two-chambered body design helps in reducing feedback, which is beneficial during amplified performances. The custom RMC electronics make the guitar versatile for various playing situations, including computer interfacing for multi-application use, making it a good choice for modern musicians who need a blend of classical sound with modern technology.

However, the guitar's relatively high price point might be a consideration for beginners or casual players. At 1 pound, it's incredibly light for its size, which makes it highly portable. This guitar is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a high-quality instrument that offers both traditional and contemporary features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,414
Neck Width
Body Size and Shape
Action

Most important from
27 reviews

Neck Width
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.
Body Size and Shape
Feels like playing a real classical guitar with the added clarity of a hollow body.
Action
Perfect for classical or solo guitar players, though it may not suit all genres like Latin-jazz due to its high action and wider neck.
#2

Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert, Sapele

Rating
10.0
Body Size and Shape
Neck Width
String Type

Most important from
2 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The guitar’s compact size makes it ideal for practicing intricate pieces comfortably in any setting.
Neck Width
Its narrow neck and distinct tone allow seamless transition across genres from classical to rock.
String Type
Combines the warmth of nylon strings with a modern feel, perfect for both casual and serious players.

The Taylor 312ce-N is a nylon-string guitar designed for right-handed players, falling into the classical guitar category with some modern touches. It features nylon strings, delivering the warm, mellow sound typical of classical guitars. The body uses sapele wood for the back and a mix of mahogany, sapele, and spruce for the top, contributing to a balanced tone with both warmth and clarity.

The fretboard and neck are made from mahogany, offering a smooth feel for easier playability. With a scale length of 25.5 inches, it’s slightly longer than many classical guitars, which often have around 25 inches; this may result in a brighter tone and more string tension. The guitar’s grand concert body shape is smaller and more comfortable to hold, making it a great choice for players seeking a classical guitar with a more manageable size. The fixed bridge system is standard for nylon-string guitars, ensuring stable tuning.

Weighing about 20.8 pounds, it is heavier than typical classical guitars, which might be a consideration for long playing sessions or travel. Considering its build quality and brand reputation, this guitar is well suited for players looking for a versatile nylon-string instrument that blends classical tone with a modern feel. It fits both beginners and intermediate players who appreciate comfort and sound clarity, but may be less ideal for purists who prefer traditional classical guitar dimensions and lighter weight.

Rating
10.0
Body Size and Shape
Neck Width
String Type

Most important from
2 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The guitar’s compact size makes it ideal for practicing intricate pieces comfortably in any setting.
Neck Width
Its narrow neck and distinct tone allow seamless transition across genres from classical to rock.
String Type
Combines the warmth of nylon strings with a modern feel, perfect for both casual and serious players.
#3

Yamaha SLG200N NT Nylon String Silent Guitar with Hard Gig Bag, Natural

Rating
9.4
Tonewood
Neck Width
Scale Length

Most important from
593 reviews

Tonewood
This guitar delivers beautiful tones with a high-end look and feel, combining craftsmanship and technology seamlessly.
Neck Width
It offers excellent balance and comfortable neck ergonomics, making it easy and enjoyable to play for extended sessions.
Scale Length
The guitar’s size and scale length closely mimic traditional classical guitars, supporting proper finger placement and technique development.
String Type
Replacing the stock strings and ensuring proper saddle contact with the piezo pickup significantly improves the amplified sound, balancing bass and treble beautifully.
Body Size and Shape
It functions not only as a superb travel guitar but also as a versatile instrument suitable for stage performance in casual venues.

The Yamaha SLG200N NT is a nylon-string classical guitar made with mahogany wood for the body, neck, and fretboard, delivering a warm and rich tone favored in classical playing. Its 26-inch scale length is slightly shorter than a standard classical guitar, which makes it easier for smaller hands and beginners to play comfortably. Featuring nylon strings, it provides a soft and mellow sound ideal for classical styles. The body is slim and silent, designed primarily for quiet practice or travel, so it produces minimal acoustic sound but performs well when plugged into headphones or an amplifier. Yamaha’s SRT-Powered pickup system offers a natural amplified tone and includes studio-quality effects, making it suitable for stage use or jamming with others. The neck width is typical for classical guitars, supporting fingerstyle techniques comfortably.

A limitation of this guitar is that its near-silent acoustic nature means it is not suited for those seeking a traditional loud, full-bodied acoustic sound without amplification. Additionally, its relatively light weight and slim body may feel different compared to full-sized classical guitars. This instrument is well-suited as a quiet practice tool, a travel-friendly option, or a reliable stage guitar with versatile sound shaping, but it may not fully satisfy those looking for a purely acoustic experience with strong projection.

Rating
9.4
Tonewood
Neck Width
Scale Length

Most important from
593 reviews

Tonewood
This guitar delivers beautiful tones with a high-end look and feel, combining craftsmanship and technology seamlessly.
Neck Width
It offers excellent balance and comfortable neck ergonomics, making it easy and enjoyable to play for extended sessions.
Scale Length
The guitar’s size and scale length closely mimic traditional classical guitars, supporting proper finger placement and technique development.
String Type
Replacing the stock strings and ensuring proper saddle contact with the piezo pickup significantly improves the amplified sound, balancing bass and treble beautifully.
Body Size and Shape
It functions not only as a superb travel guitar but also as a versatile instrument suitable for stage performance in casual venues.

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.

FAQ