ACOUSTIC GUITARS
Start with a guitar. Start making music.
There’s something timeless about an acoustic guitar.
No amplifier. No complicated setup. Just six strings, a pick, and the ability to make music almost anywhere.
Whether you're learning your first chords, writing your first song, accompanying your voice, or simply looking for an instrument you can pick up whenever inspiration strikes, an acoustic guitar is one of the most rewarding places to begin.
Find the acoustic guitar that makes you want to play.
WHY START WITH ACOUSTIC?
Simple. Portable. Versatile.
An acoustic guitar gives you everything you need to start playing without requiring a lot of additional gear.
Take it to the living room. Bring it to a friend's house. Sit around a campfire. Write at the kitchen table.
It's ready whenever you are.
Acoustic guitars are especially popular for:
Singer-songwriters
Folk and country
Pop
Rock
Worship
Fingerstyle
Casual playing
Songwriting and composition
The best part? You can start with the guitar itself.
FIND YOUR FIT
Not every acoustic guitar feels the same.
Body size, neck shape, scale length, tonewoods, and overall construction can all affect how a guitar feels and sounds.
As a beginner, don't worry about understanding every specification.
Start by thinking about how you want to play.
FULL-SIZE ACOUSTIC — Yamaha FG800J
$259.99
The classic choice.
A full-size acoustic gives you the traditional guitar experience with a larger body and full-scale neck. It's a great choice for adults and players who want an instrument they'll continue growing into.
Great for:
Songwriting • Strumming • Performing • Long-term playing
This is the strongest full-size beginner recommendation from the current Guitar Center listings. It has a solid spruce top, dreadnought body, 25" scale, and is specifically positioned by Guitar Center as suitable for aspiring/beginning guitarists.
SMALL-BODY & TRAVEL GUITARS - Yamaha JR1
$179.99
Smaller guitar. Big inspiration.
Smaller acoustic guitars can be easier to hold and transport while still delivering a satisfying playing experience.
They're especially appealing to beginners who find a full-size guitar uncomfortable—or anyone who wants a guitar that's easy to take anywhere.
Great for:
Beginners • Travel • Smaller players • Casual playing
This is an excellent choice for your Small-Body & Travel section. Guitar Center lists the JR1 at $179.99, with a reduced 21¼" scale designed for smaller hands, and it includes a Yamaha gig bag.
ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC - Yamaha FGX800C
$419.99
Acoustic when you want it. Amplified when you need it.
An acoustic-electric guitar combines the simplicity of an acoustic with the ability to plug into an amplifier, PA system, or recording setup.
It's a smart option if you think you'll eventually want to perform, record, or play with other musicians.
Great for:
Performing • Recording • Live playing • Singer-songwriters
This is the one I'd use for your Acoustic-Electric recommendation. It has a solid Sitka spruce top, cutaway body, built-in Yamaha System 66 electronics, 3-band EQ, and tuner. Guitar Center describes it as an ideal first guitar that can grow with the player into live performance and recording.
⭐ OUR BEGINNER PICK
Yamaha JR1 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar
Small enough to handle. Serious enough to keep playing.
The Yamaha JR1 is a great example of why a smaller guitar can be such a smart starting point.
Its 3/4-size design makes it easier to hold and reach the frets, while its acoustic construction gives beginners the familiar sound and feel of a traditional guitar.
EXPLORE THE YAMAHA JR1 →
🎸 3/4-SIZE GUITARS
Great for: Beginners • Kids • Smaller hands • Travel • Campfire playing
Yamaha CGS103A 3/4-Size Classical Guitar - $159.99 · Guitar Center
A smaller guitar with a warm, musical voice.
The Yamaha CGS103A is a 3/4-size classical guitar designed to make playing comfortable for younger musicians and players with smaller hands.
Its nylon strings offer a warm, gentle tone, while the compact size makes it easier to hold and play than a full-size classical guitar. It’s a great introduction to classical guitar and an excellent option for developing proper technique.
Great for:
Kids • Beginners • Classical • Fingerstyle • Smaller hands
Mitchell Launch O100JR Auditorium Junior Acoustic Guitar - Natural $159.99 · Guitar Center
Compact size. Full-on acoustic fun.
The Mitchell Launch O100JR is a comfortable junior-sized acoustic guitar that makes playing more approachable without feeling like a toy.
Its smaller body is easier to hold and play, making it a smart choice for younger musicians, beginners, or anyone who prefers a more compact instrument for travel and casual playing.
Great for:
Beginners • Kids • Smaller hands • Travel • Songwriting
Yamaha JR2 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar - Tobacco Sunburst $199.99 · Guitar Center
Small in size. Big on adventure.
The Yamaha JR2 gives you the feel and sound of an acoustic guitar in a compact 3/4-size design that's easy to hold, play, and take anywhere.
It's a fantastic choice for younger players, beginners, travelers, or anyone who wants a smaller guitar without giving up the fun and feel of a real acoustic instrument.
Great for:
Beginners • Kids • Travel • Smaller hands • Campfire playing • Songwriting
WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED?
Keep your first setup simple.
You don't need a mountain of gear to start playing acoustic guitar.
We recommend starting with:
Guitar
Your instrument and the most important part of the setup.
Tuner
An easy way to keep your guitar sounding right while you're learning.
Picks
Try different thicknesses and find what feels comfortable.
Guitar Strap
Especially useful if you'll be playing standing up.
Extra Strings
Eventually, every guitarist breaks a string. Having a spare set is a good idea.
Gig Bag or Case
Protect your guitar when you're carrying or storing it.
DON'T OVERTHINK IT.
Your first guitar doesn't have to be your forever guitar.
Your first acoustic guitar is about one thing:
Getting you to play.
You can upgrade your instrument later. You can experiment with different body sizes, tones, strings, pickups, and playing styles as you develop.
Right now, you just need a guitar that feels good in your hands, sounds good to your ears, and makes you want to pick it up tomorrow.
READY TO START?
Explore our acoustic guitar picks at Guitar Center.
From affordable beginner instruments to professional acoustic guitars, Guitar Center has options for virtually every player and budget.
Prices and availability may change. Sweet Spot Gear recommendations may contain affiliate links.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED?
Keep your first setup simple.
You don't need a mountain of gear to start playing acoustic guitar.
We recommend starting with:
Guitar
Your instrument and the most important part of the setup.
Tuner
An easy way to keep your guitar sounding right while you're learning.
Picks
Try different thicknesses and find what feels comfortable.
Guitar Strap
Especially useful if you'll be playing standing up.
Extra Strings
Eventually, every guitarist breaks a string. Having a spare set is a good idea.
Gig Bag or Case
Protect your guitar when you're carrying or storing it.
DON'T OVERTHINK IT.
Your first guitar doesn't have to be your forever guitar.
Your first acoustic guitar is about one thing:
Getting you to play.
You can upgrade your instrument later. You can experiment with different body sizes, tones, strings, pickups, and playing styles as you develop.
Right now, you just need a guitar that feels good in your hands, sounds good to your ears, and makes you want to pick it up tomorrow.
READY TO START?
Explore our acoustic guitar picks at Guitar Center.
From affordable beginner instruments to professional acoustic guitars, Guitar Center has options for virtually every player and budget.
Prices and availability may change. Sweet Spot Gear recommendations may contain affiliate links.