We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Guitar Classical 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert, Sapele

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.

#2

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

Rating
7.9
String Type
Action

Most important from
99 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
7.9
String Type
Action

Most important from
99 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.
#3

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
7.9
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
7.9
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.

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