Here are 5 awesome acoustic guitars for fingerstyle playing that won't break your wallet.
Are you a fingerstyle player looking for the best acoustic guitar for fingerpicking, but you're on a tight budget?
Lucky for you, there are some great options for fingerstyle guitar that don't suck.
Mind you, these aren't cheap guitars. Because if you're looking for something cheap to twang away on, you might as well go to Costco or Walmart and pick up an axe next to the gardening section.
But If that sounds icky to you, then read on and let's dive into 5 awesome acoustic guitars for fingerstyle that are great even if you are on a tight budget.
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What’s The Best Acoustic Guitar For Fingerpickers On A Budget?
Here are the 5 best acoustic guitars for beginners, ranging from budget-friendly options to versatile acoustic-electric models. I'll go into more detail further on when we explore the features of each guitar in more detail.
- Best budget grand concert for beginners: Ibanez PC15
- Best overall acoustic for value and quality: Takamine GLN11E
- Best acoustic-electric for those on a budget: Ibanez PF28ECE
- Best stylistic acoustic-electric for beginners: Washburn Festival Series EA15
- Best small-body cutaway acoustic-electric: Yamaha FG800
As always, I recommend focusing on proper fingerstyle technique to let the guitar's natural sound shine through. Since these are budget options, you may have to adjust the guitar and buy a new set of acoustic strings while you're at it.
Now, let's look at each of those models in more detail.
1. Ibanez PC15
Although the PC15 from Japanese guitar manufacturer Ibanez is certainly affordable, this acoustic guitar boasting a grand concert body shape may require minor adjustments to the neck when first pulled out of the box.
Featuring a spruce top, and back and sides made from Okume (a tropical wood that originates from the Congo), this acoustic guitar is perfect for beginners who aren't looking to plug their instrument in.
- Great value for beginners, especially those used to electric guitar.
- Includes an Allen wrench, replacement bridge pin, and saddle for setup.
- Minor build issues like glue traces on the neck are possible.
After slapping on a new set of strings and adjusting the neck to get rid of any buzzes, this guitar is a great budget option for learning fingerstyle and casual fingerpicking, with a more comfortable smaller body shape than the dreadnought PF15.
Photo by Jenna Wentz (Flickr)
2. Takamine GLN11E
If you're looking for a budget acoustic option which looks gorgeous, the GLN11E from the Japanese manufacturer Takamine fits the bill. The NEX body type, which is billed as a "scaled-down jumbo" delivers an exceptional 'big' sound while retaining easy action. This acoustic guitar from Takamine's G series will perform exactly as expected.
Featuring a top made of laminate okoume, and back & sides crafted from okoume (the neck is mahogany), this guitar exudes quality at an affordable price.
- Comfortable, smaller body shape perfect for fingerpicking.
- Reliable, consistent build suitable for playing right outside the box.
- Laminate, not solid top and mahogany means good quality wood but not top-tier.
Once again, you'll find that replacing the steel strings installed at the factory will elevate this guitar to a reliable, great-sounding instrument. You may perhaps find some minor adjustments are needed for your fingerstyle enjoyment.
3. Ibanez PF28ECE
Feeling stage-ready, but not willing to bust your wallet? This acoustic-electric guitar is very similar to the PF15 we just saw, but comes in a vibrant red sunburst finish that's definitely not going to go unnoticed.
The PF28ECE cutaway-shape body features a laminate spruce top and okume back & sides. Notably, the ECE version means this guitar features a reliable AEQ-2T preamp, allowing you to adjust the tone and volume to your sound after plugging in your instrument.
- Bright, clear tone with built-in electronics for live settings.
- Cutaway design allows easy access to higher frets.
- Minor adjustments or cosmetic issues like glue traces are possible.
With a fresh set of strings and slight adjustments, this guitar proves once again that Ibanez is a fantastic choice for fingerstyle players wanting acoustic-electric on a budget.
4. Washburn Festival EA15
Perfect for players with smaller hands and looking for a stylistic, professional-looking option, the Washburn EA15 from the festival series fits the need of a performing musician at a very reasonable price.
Its compact, "mini-jumbo" size delivers a surprisingly warm and focused tone, and the build quality means this steel-string acoustic is playable right out of the box.
- Small body design ideal for comfort and younger players.
- Built-in Barcus Berry electronics features a built-in tuner and EQ adjustments.
- The choice of engineered wood for the fretboard is disappointing compared to solid options like ebony.
Enthusiasts and professional fingerpickers alike will be awed by the flamed maple top and stylish cutaway shape of this acoustic guitar.
5. Yamaha FG800
If you're on a budget but you won't settle for anything but a solid spruce top, the Yamaha FG800 fits that description perfectly.
Boasting a traditional Western dreadnought shape with nato back and sides, it's a compact guitar delivering a powerful sound. However, I found the sound to be somewhat weaker and less well-balanced, particularly in the basses. compared to other, larger instruments.
- "Full" body shape from the F series delivers loud sound for the size.
- Excellent build quality, with solid spruce top and laminate back & sides.
- Sound quality and dynamic response weaker than more expensive models.
With a quick upgrade to better quality strings and slight tweaks to the action, this guitar provides a versatile and comfortable option for players seeking quality sound in a smaller sized instrument.
Should I Buy A Cutaway Guitar For Fingerstyle?
Although a cutaway shape does let you play in the higher register a little more easily, it doesn't mean you should immediately choose it without some considerations.
Most guitar cutaway bodies are a little thinner and a little smaller than the traditional dreadnought or Western shape, so they can be a little less comfortable to play sitting down for long periods.
In addition, a cutaway guitar is a more complicated construction, so if you're looking for a big sound from a cutaway, you'll need a more high-end instrument.
Personally, I've always preferred the feel of a dreadnought guitar, especially when playing for longer periods. But if you are OK with a smaller body guitar, then you can choose a cutaway.
You may also want to try a nylon string crossover guitar if you are starting out playing fingerstyle guitar and don't want a steel string option.