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7 Best Acoustic Guitars for Playing Blues

best acoustic guitars for blues

There are many options when considering the best blues acoustic guitars for your needs. However, which one do you select when looking at the best acoustic guitars for blues?

If you are looking for a good blues acoustic guitar for that purpose it can be difficult to find a high-quality one as there are so many options on the market and it leaves you so confused.

You’ll find all kinds of acoustic blues guitars and there are some good buys that sound great, but the number of options is overwhelming.

I’ve said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice. Stevie Ray Vaughan missed on both counts, but I never noticed. B. B. King

This article hopes to provide information on this question to help guide you through the buying process, which for newcomers can be a bit overwhelming.

Features that we consider important to the purchasing process include weight, key, warranty information, and materials. You should take the time to research before committing to a purchase.

In a hurry? Here are quick links of our top 7 recommendations of best acoustic guitars for blues:

  1. Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar
  2. Taylor Baby Acoustic Guitar
  3. Martin LX1E Little Acoustic Guitar
  4. Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar
  5. Fender CD -60S Acoustic Guitar
  6. Cordoba C9 Crossover Acoustic Guitar
  7. PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus AX20E

Whatever your budget, here you can find an ideal choice of the best blues acoustic guitars and all other areas of your life that demand pristine performances.

Product name
Our Top Pick
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar
Runner-up
Taylor Baby Acoustic Guitar
High-quality
Martin LX1E Little Acoustic Guitar
Best Value Pick
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar
Most Affordable
Fender CD -60S Acoustic Guitar
Photo
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Taylor BT2e Baby Mahogany w/Electronics
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar, Natural
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner,...
Others
Attractive and lightweight design
Comfortable to hold and play with for long hours
Made with premium quality woods providing a rich
Produces a warm loud tone perfect for a variety of blues styles
Solid top at a low price
Others 2
Provides excellent overall value, particularly for novice players
High-quality woods that sound even better with age
Very pleasing clear, warm and rich tone
Great for players with smaller hands as well
Beginner-friendly
Rating
-
-
Our Top Pick
Product name
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar
Photo
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Others
Attractive and lightweight design
Others 2
Provides excellent overall value, particularly for novice players
Rating
-
Check Price
Runner-up
Product name
Taylor Baby Acoustic Guitar
Photo
Taylor BT2e Baby Mahogany w/Electronics
Others
Comfortable to hold and play with for long hours
Others 2
High-quality woods that sound even better with age
Rating
Check Price
High-quality
Product name
Martin LX1E Little Acoustic Guitar
Photo
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
Others
Made with premium quality woods providing a rich
Others 2
Very pleasing clear, warm and rich tone
Rating
-
Check Price
Best Value Pick
Product name
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar
Photo
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar, Natural
Others
Produces a warm loud tone perfect for a variety of blues styles
Others 2
Great for players with smaller hands as well
Rating
Check Price
Most Affordable
Product name
Fender CD -60S Acoustic Guitar
Photo
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner,...
Others
Solid top at a low price
Others 2
Beginner-friendly
Rating
Check Price

Check out my personal favorites and see what arouses your interest. My list of the best blues acoustic guitars includes affordable, expensive, beginner-friendly.

These are some of the best acoustic guitars for blues you can buy today.

Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar

The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar provides excellent projection/volume with clear articulation at any volume.

If you are an experienced player looking for a backup guitar or a beginner this guitar is perfect for you.

The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO is a great acoustic guitar. Its beautiful vintage Starburst design adds a bit of style as you play.

The comfortable, lightweight design allows for easy performance that will appeal to any musician.

Select Spruce top and mahogany body help to produce excellent sound quality.

Perhaps the best affordable acoustic battleship on the market, the Epiphone Hummingbird PRO replicates its Gibson 1960 Hummingbird model in all the right ways.

It is a beautiful, vintage-looking guitar with much more than aesthetics. Gibson’s Hummingbird has been a favorite guitar of several famous musicians, and the Epiphone remake allows beginning players to find out why.

It’s SlimTaper “D” neck profile is super comfortable for chords and riffs alike, and its solid spruce + mahogany tonewood combination offers a sound you might have to pay hundreds more for.

The Hummingbird PRO can work in almost every genre of acoustic music, but it really shines in the blues with its loud, earthy voice with just the right amount of high-end sound.

And while electronics is nothing to rival Taylor’s piezo system, the Hummingbird is more than enough for small concerts or home recording sessions.

Pros
  • An accurate remake of the 1960s Gibson acoustic model
  • Attractive and lightweight design
  • Acoustic-electric capabilities for gigging and recording
  • Provides excellent overall value, particularly for novice players
  • Loud, even tone in all ranges
Cons
  • Pickup wires can become loose if mistreated
  • Flashy, fancy pickguard art
Taylor Baby Acoustic Guitar

The Taylor Baby BT2e is perfect for beginners who just want a comfortable guitar to help them learn easily.

It is a small guitar, as the word “mini” might suggest, and it has a wonderful bright sound and plenty of clarity throughout the guitar’s note range.

The guitar is very comfortable to play for people of all ages and is enhanced by the NT neck which helps make it even more playable.

Pros
  • Provides a good sound quality
  • Comfortable to hold and play with for long hours
  • Long-lasting tuning
  • Easy to carry
  • High-quality woods that sound even better with age
Cons
  • The shorter scale makes for more string tension
  • Synthetic nut and saddle material
Martin LX1E Little Acoustic Guitar

The Martin blues guitar is a great guitar for both beginners and avid players alike, this instrument will add style to any piece of music that is played on it.

It has high-quality craftsmanship, with an emphasis on producing great sound on a smaller guitar.

The Martin Acoustic Guitar is an excellent guitar for traveling, practicing, kids, or those just starting out on their guitar journey.

You can feel confident using this with the guitar’s consistent tone, and the sheer amount of vibrancy and clarity that it provides.

The guitar is ideal for players who are slightly smaller in stature. As for aesthetics, it also looks great thanks to its beautiful East Indies rosewood fingerboard.

It’s also a pretty small guitar, so for a sound of this level, it’s pretty impressive.

There’s plenty of dynamic range, too, with some bass notes that sound good. However, it does not come with an onboard preamplifier.

The guitar is easy to carry in a portable hard case. It’s also relatively cheap when it comes to the Martin 15m range.

Definitely worth a try for those guitarists who really want to improve their blues sounds.

Pros
  • Made with premium quality woods providing a rich
  • Pure, clear tones in all registers
  • perfect for a classic blues sound
  • Durable construction
  • Very pleasing clear, warm and rich tone
Cons
  • Some consumers have complained that the action is a bit high
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar

If you are looking for a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, then the Gretsch G9200 is your best choice.

This guitar draws attention with its timeless and unique details. But that’s not all, the G900 can also produce layers and layers of rich rustic melodies, perfect for anyone who wants a bit of blues.

Although it is a relatively larger guitar. It plays comfortably, has an easy hold, and is a great overall example of a good resonator guitar.

The Gretsch G9200 is my favorite guitar on this list. My preference when listening to blues is to find the super old single-track recordings to hear the authenticity of the excitement in those pioneering players.

This acoustic Gretsch Boxcar Resonator gives you the ability to replicate that vintage sound at a cost that is only slightly higher than entry-level guitars.

The body is all mahogany, giving the mid-range salience you want to look for in good blues acoustics, and the f-holes and resonator in the soundboard emit a tone that makes me think of jumping on a train with nothing more than clothing. on my back and guitar in hand.

Gretsch does a great job on all of its replicas of vintage and vintage models, such as the semi-acoustic G5420, while somehow offering them at prices you used to think they could only buy low-end beginner guitars.

I am a huge fan of all your instruments and I think once you hear the G9200 Resonator it will be too.

Pros
  • Great for players with smaller hands as well
  • Authentic 1930s remake
  • Produces a warm loud tone perfect for a variety of blues styles
  • Considering it is one of the larger guitars in size on this list
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not as versatile in tone as the other guitars on this list
  • Placement of the 12th fret may be a bit difficult for some users to reach
Fender CD -60S Acoustic Guitar

Here’s a Fender guitar with a sleek, timeless design. If you want a guitar with subtle but great detail in sound, the Fender CD-60S is a good choice.

Made by a trusted brand, you can only hope for a well-built guitar and this one definitely meets your expectations.

It plays smoothly and produces a clear, high tone, an excellent choice for artists on stage.

Fret placement is easy and comfortable, even beginners can enjoy a good blues tune.

Pros
  • All-mahogany construction for warm, full midrange
  • Comes in a simple design and it has all the right things in the right places
  • Solid top at a low price
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Available in a left-hand version
  • Affordable resonator guitar
Cons
  • Low-quality tuning machines
  • A bit glassy in upper registers
Cordoba C9 Crossover Acoustic Guitar

Creating some of the best and best-known guitars on the market, Córdoba presents the C9 edition of its nylon-string acoustic guitar.

This guitar is made entirely of solid wood that creates a wonderful sound. It comes with a 2-way armor bar that will help you easily adjust the guitar.

The guitar has a very slim neck and a rosewood fingerboard.

Both aspects help the user to easily reach all chains, which can be challenging when you have smaller hands!

You can expect a well-built guitar and this one definitely delivers your expectations.

It has plenty of room in the soundboard, providing a welcome loud sound that is ideal for performing in large rooms or areas.

The guitar also comes with a polyfoam case that will help keep the guitar safe and a 3-year warranty for your peace of mind.

The guitar can really accomplish a lot for any blues guitarist and it has a beautiful traditional sound that will make your music sound great.

Pros
  • Lovely traditional sound
  • Fairly affordable considering the features
  • Comes with polyfoam case
Cons
  • To be honest, there aren’t really any downsides to this guitar
PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus AX20E

This Paul Reed Smith guitar could be your thing. Many mahogany guitars sound too warm, but surprisingly, the SE Angelus AX20E has great balance.

It is brilliant with great harmonics. The Fishman pickup under the saddle also gives this guitar a more natural acoustic tone.

These are all great guitar features for anyone interested in playing the blues.

The AX20E is also a great fingerstyle guitar, but its more focused range and output make it better for playing with scratchy rhythm and more aggressive Flatpicking techniques.

What I like most about this guitar is that it is great for finger play. It has a focused range, making it suitable for playing strummed rhythms and flat selection techniques.

These are all great guitar features for anyone interested in playing the blues.

While some mahogany guitars may sound too warm, the AX20E is bright and lively with rich harmonics and the depth of overdubbed acoustic layers.

The Fishman pickup under the saddle offers a natural acoustic tone with little embellishment, perfect for these guitars as they sound amazing on their own.

Pros
  • A good-quality mahogany guitar that doesn’t sound too bright
  • Perfect for fingerstyle playing and flat-picking techniques
  • Comes at a very affordable price considering all the value it gives
  • Beautiful Flame Maple top
  • Comfortable and easy to use
Cons
  • A few adjustments needed for some users to attain personal preference

Best Acoustic Guitar for Blues | Buying Guide

Before continuing to choose a guitar blindly, reading about its characteristics is a very important step and how it will affect the way you play.

In this buying guide, we will inform you of the various details to which you should pay special attention. Just like every note can make a difference: every feature of the guitar can also have an impact on your playing experience.

1. Weight and Size

As with any other instrument, acoustic guitars can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The size of your guitar will determine how easy it is to play, as it is important to be able to hold it comfortably, and it will also influence the type of sound you will get from the guitar.

As a general rule, larger guitars tend to have more natural amplification, making it ideal for playing in larger venues and in front of large crowds. That said, you should consider a slightly smaller guitar size if you’re going to be moving it around a lot.

You should also consider the weight of the instrument. This is even more prominent if you have a smaller frame.

For example, don’t go and give a child a massive adult-sized guitar because they just won’t be able to play it.

If you have a bigger body, go ahead and get a bigger instrument. It sounds simple, but consider what will feel and look best to you.

2. Setup and Maintenance

The configuration of acoustic guitars is a little different than electric guitars. The action on acoustics is usually adjusted by the truss bar or bridge.

It is necessary to sand the bride’s bone to reduce the action or add a small wedge under the bridge to elevate the action. These adjustments should be made by a qualified professional as they can be difficult to do on your own.

The main maintenance you will have to do on your guitar is to polish and clean it. You should use a small amount of luster and guitar cloth to clean your guitar.

If your guitar gets bumps or dents, a guitar technician can clean them. If the fingerboard becomes dirty, you can remove it with a soft cloth.

For rosewood fingerboards that tend to dry out over time, add a little linseed oil to the fretboard once a year to bring it back to normal.

3. String

Your main choice for ropes comes down to nylon or steel ropes. The chains you choose will be reduced to personal preferences. You will need to consider what kind of sound you want to achieve.

Usually, you’ll get a much calmer tone that sounds soft with nylon strings, and this works best for playing more classic types of music.

Steel strings tend to create a much louder sound with a deep sound. Generally, for this reason, steel strings tend to be more suitable for playing Blues music.

4. Accessories

Do you want your guitar to come with additional features and accessories? Usually, you can expect to find only one case, and some come with a humidifier.

Some guitars may come with things like stands or a polishing strap, for example. You’ll need to buy some accessories yourself anyway, but these are some good additions, you just need to consider if it’s important enough for you.

5. Warranty

You should always include a warranty with your guitar in case it breaks. Always check what your warranty covers to be protected if something happens to the guitar.

6. Budget

There is a whole range of blues guitars, so prices can vary greatly. Ultimately, you must decide the type of features that are important to you and the amount that you are willing to spend.

Do you want a high-end brand attached to your guitar? If so, it will probably cost more.

If you haven’t played the guitar long before and you’re just getting started, you can easily get a beginner acoustic guitar for under $500.

If you want something more mid-tier, they can be up to $1,500, while high-end models tend to be $2,000 or more.

So, which is the best blues acoustic guitar right now?

The best blues acoustic guitars really depends on what type of saxophones you are looking for, what level of performance you are on, and how you want to use it. Our best choice for the best acoustic guitars for blues is the Epiphone Hummingbird PRO.

We chose this one because it gives you everything you need for a pleasant guitar playing experience – great design is needed to go with the gear and most importantly, wonderful authentic sound. This combination of price, quality, and appearance makes this guitar our best option.

Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic/Electric Guitar
416 Reviews
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic/Electric Guitar
  • Solid spruce top
  • Mahogany neck and body
  • Grover Rotomatic tuners
  • Hummingbird pickguard
  • Fishman Sonitone electronics
Taylor BT2e Baby Mahogany w/Electronics
54 Reviews
Taylor BT2e Baby Mahogany w/Electronics
  • 6-string Acoustic-electric Guitar with Mahogany Top
  • Layered Sapele Back and Sides
  • ES-B Electronics - Natural
  • Mahogany Neck
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
195 Reviews
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
  • PROFESSIONAL SOUND: Martin’s Little Martin LX1E acoustic-electric guitar has a Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) construction. It is Martin’s smallest guitar and while small in size, it is very big on tone, quality, and versatility. It sounds great being played around the campfire or while practicing at home.
  • SUPERIOR APPEARANCE: The Little Martin LX1R acoustic-electric guitars are made with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides with a warm satin finish. These guitars are built with sustainable wood certified parts and a mortise and tenon neck joint, non-scalloped X-Brace, standard tapered neck, and chrome-enclosed gear tuners, making it look as captivating as it sounds.
  • Handmade from the highest-quality wood, Little Martin guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of strumming or picking. These solid-wood, acoustic-electric guitars deliver classic designs, professional sounds, and enjoyable playing.highest-quality wood, Little Martin guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of strumming or picking.
  • PLAYABILITY ENHANCED: In addition to Martin's iconic tone known worldwide, our guitars deliver enhanced playability that makes playing a pleasure, no matter your experience or skill level. Whether you're playing rock, country, folk, bluegrass, or jazz, these guitars deliver a natural playing experience that you will love.
  • PLAYABILITY ENHANCED: In addition to Martin's iconic tone known worldwide, our guitars deliver enhanced playability that makes playing a pleasure, no matter your experience or skill level. Whether you're playing rock, country, folk, bluegrass, or jazz, these guitars deliver a natural playing experience that you will love.
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar, Natural
71 Reviews
Gretsch G9200 Roundneck Boxcar, Natural
  • Round neck
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • 25" scale length
  • Rosewood fingerboard
Cordoba C9 Crossover Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Luthier Series, with Polyfoam Case
101 Reviews
Cordoba C9 Crossover Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Luthier Series, with Polyfoam Case
  • Offers a new spin on a Cordoba classic, the original C9
  • Crafted with solid Canadian cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides
  • Hand inlaid Mother-of-Pearl "Esteso" Rosette
  • The main standout feature is the guitar`s steel-string style neck
  • Includes Cordoba polyfoam case
PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus AX20E Full Size Single Cutaway Acoustic/Electric Guitar with...
24 Reviews
PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus AX20E Full Size Single Cutaway Acoustic/Electric Guitar with...
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Mahogany back & sides
  • Fishman Gt1 electronics
  • Prs trademark bird Inlays and headstock design
  • Includes high-quality hard-shell case

Final Words

Finally, if you want high-quality materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and a world-class tone, you should go for a professional guitar from any of the best guitar brands.

Whatever your wishes, you are now a more educated buyer and you will definitely be more satisfied with your instrument.

We hope this guide has helped you choose the best acoustic guitar for playing the blues!