Here’s the brutal truth about beginner acoustic guitars:
Very few cheap beginner guitars are worth playing.
Many companies claim to have the best quality and craftsmanship at the cheap guitar price point, but most of them are virtually the same.
Finding a high-quality beginner acoustic guitar is difficult, especially if you’re on a budget.
While the overall quality of cheap guitars has increased, you won’t be limited by just pricepoint these days.
If you’re serious about buying an inexpensive guitar that sounds great, whether it’s for yourself or someone else, you have to be cautious and know what you’re buying before you shell out the money.
If you aren’t, you might be overpaying for some rather expensive pieces of plywood.
To make things easier, I’m going to show you the top 5 beginner acoustic guitars you can buy that are under $500.
Keep an eye out for sales on these excellent cheap guitars when holiday shopping and Black Friday roll around.
Keep reading to learn how you can get an incredible guitar for under $500 today.
Originally published on October 27, 2019, this article was republished on September 09, 2022.
Why Listen to Me?
Before I give you the low-down on these guitars, you might be wondering why I’m qualified to give you advice.
For almost the last decade, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to review almost 1,000 guitars...in the same room.
That means…
- I played the same songs, licks, and chords on each guitar.
- The acoustics in the room stayed the same for each guitar.
- I reviewed guitars made by everyone from small bench luthiers to production-run brand names.
I am a bonafide guitar geek, through and through.
If you want to check out a backlog of my guitar reviews, they’re all on my YouTube channel.
What’s the Best Acoustic Guitar for Under $500?
Introduced almost seven years ago, the Taylor GS Mini is the best acoustic guitar for under $500.
Regardless of your playing style, the Taylor GS Mini brings unparalleled versatility and performance at an excellent price range.
If you’re looking for something full-size, I can easily recommend any other guitar on this list. I love that the Yamaha FG800 comes in body styles, and the other guitars certainly boast impressive sonic ranges.

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Yes, I Want the FREE Download!Best Inexpensive Acoustic Guitars for Under $500
Since the construction of beginner acoustic guitars has improved over the last few years, one of the most important things to look for is a solid top guitar.
Solid top guitars allow greater resonance compared to plywood tops. Having a solid top on your guitar will make a huge difference.
Another material that makes beginner acoustic guitars affordable and playable is laminate wood. Laminate wood is made by gluing multiple sheets of solid wood to create a thicker piece of wood.
As a result, laminate woods make guitars cheaper, stronger than plywood-built guitars, and sound similar to solid top guitars.
While some tonewood purists might scoff at laminate woods, they make a great, cheaper substitute for solid wood guitars.
Alright, now let’s dive into the best beginner acoustic guitars for under $500.
5. Yamaha FG800
Great Value for a Solid Top Beginner Acoustic Guitar
- Amazon price: $219.99
- Type: Dreadnought or Concert
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back and Sides: Nato
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 20
- Truss Rod: Adjustable
Formerly known as the Yamaha FG700S, this is an excellent beginner acoustic guitar that will surely satisfy the needs of any new player.
This guitar has…
- scalloped bracing
- solid wood top (aka not plywood)
- two possible body shapes: dreadnought and concert
While the Yamaha FG800 may not be the most resonant guitar, it certainly does better than many other guitars in this price range.
One thing this guitar offers that few other guitars don’t is the quality of materials and construction at the price point it’s at. If you can, try to play one at a local music shop before you buy it.
This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a beginner acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank.
4. Alvarez AD30
The Alvares vs Yamaha Debate Answered
- Amazon price: $289.00
- Type: Dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back and Sides: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 20
While it’s more expensive than the Yamaha FG800, the Alvarez AD30 is well worth the extra $59.
Not only is the construction on this beginner acoustic guitar better, but it also is dressed up a little more.
On the inside, the Alvarez AD30 has forward-shiftedscallopedbracing.
So, like the Yamaha FG800, this Alvarez will benefit from having richer harmonic overtones; however, because the bracing is shifted forward, it will also have solid bass response.
On the outside, the Alvarez AD30 has a beautiful abalone rosette.
If you’re looking for an affordable but slightly higher-performing guitar, the Alvarez AD30 is a great beginner acoustic guitar.
3. Blueridge BR-43
Lasting Comfort and Performance
(Alright, I’m cheating on this one, but if you have the budget for it consider this excellent beginner acoustic guitar!)
- Amazon price: $595.00 (I know this is over the price range, but you seriously should consider it!)
- Type: OOO
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back and Sides: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 20
- Comes with a gig bag
When I originally reviewed this guitar in 2017, it cost $359.
While the guitar’s price increased by almost 100%, I think it’s well worth it.
To be honest, it was a steal in 2017…and I still think it’s a steal.
Here’s why…
The Blueridge BR-43 doesn’t have a dreadnought body.
Instead, this comfortable beginner acoustic guitar has an OOO-sized body. This means that it is more compact, but it still has the same resonance as a bigger dreadnought body.
If you or the person you’re buying the guitar for have smaller hands, this is a great guitar because of its size.
The BR-43 might have a smaller body size, but it does not sacrifice sound, volume, or articulation.
2. Seagull S6 Original
Killer Tones in a Guitar that You Can Grow Into
- Amazon price: $529.00
- Type: Modified dreadnought
- Top: Cedar
- Back and Sides: Wild Cherry
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 21
- Double action truss rod
When the folks at Godin made the Seagull S6 Original, they knew what they were doing.
The solid cedar top, wild cherry laminate back and sides, and satin finish make for a comfortable guitar with incredible tonal variety.
One thing I love about this guitar is its versatility.
As you or the person you’re giving this guitar to grow and expand their guitar knowledge, they won’t be limited by this excellent beginner acoustic guitar.
1. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
The BEST Beginner Acoustic Guitar for Under $500
- Amazon price: $599
- Type: Mini
- Top: Mahogany
- Back and Sides: Laminate Sapele
- Fretboard: Ebony
- Frets: 20
I know the Taylor GS Mini is a travel guitar, but it’s an exceptional beginner acoustic guitar that should be strongly considered by anyone looking for a guitar.
Here’s why it’s my #1 pick…
- It is small and comfortable to hold
- Plays smoothly
- For its size, it has a robust bass and incredible depth of tone
- More versatile than most beginner acoustic guitars
The Taylor GS Mini works in so many different areas, whether you are traveling during the holidays or playing your first open mic.
At its current price, the Taylor GS Mini is absolutely the best beginner acoustic guitar that will help you grow and progress as a guitarist every step of the way.
However…
If you need even more help on your acoustic guitar journey, look no further than Tony’s Acoustic Challenge.
As you already read, I’m an absolute guitar geek.
That means I’m dedicated to helping others find joy and happiness through their guitar practice.
Watch the FREE guitar class to learn the three things that will help build a life of consistent guitar playing in just 10 minutes a day.
Tony,
I’m sure their are more decent guitars under $500 than ever before, my first nice guitar was a Dreadnought, and it was my last Dread, not my favorite body style. Within the last year I purchased this Yamaha CSF1M Parlor sized guitar under $400. A very sweet playing and sounding instrument. Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, if it doesn’t say solid it ain’t, and I’m not convinced thats a bad thing, particularly for a kick around campfire guitar. By the way, I use beeswax on my wood screws, it retains a tackiness yet serves as a lubricant to keep the wood from splitting, probably not a problem on a neck heal.
Mike
Tony I saw your video from 2016 comparing the Taylor GS mini to the Martin dreadnought junior. Do you have an updated comparison based on current models? Is the Martin D jr -10 the new Dreadnought jr? What is your recommendation? Thank you ! Looking to buy my first guitar
Was looking for another guitar to keep out of a case so I can grab it whenever I’m in my office. I have three Furch, Guild 12 string, Ibanez baritone and a 50 year old handmade Yamaha. Looked long and hard at Martin road series, ovations, washburns, Yamaha atx and LL series and played at least a dozen in two guitar stores. Stumbled across a Darrel Braun site where he was comparing mahogany v cedar tops. Could not believe the rich sound that came from the Orangewood Oliver guitar. For $225. Bought one in Spruce. Blown away. Setup was flawless. Fit and finish were very very good. Sounds as good as most of my guitars except the Furch little Jane. Wouldn’t even think of buying a taylor mini for $500.