It can be difficult to find the best fingerstyle guitar. There are many different models on the market that you can choose from. To make it easier, I’ve created this guide to help you find the best fingerstyle guitars. There are several things you should know before purchasing one of these guitars.
Manufacturers have actually increased their manufacturing quality and at the same time lowering prices. You can get a very solid, reliable, and great-sounding guitar that’s ideal for musicians, all at a reasonable price.
In this article, I have listed the best fingerstyle guitars that will help you achieve great finger playing results, and also keep in mind that they will allow you to tune them and always sound loud and clear, exactly how you would like!
Here are our top 5 Best Fingerstyle Guitars in 2022
- Taylor 214ce
- Fender Paramount PM-3
- Yamaha L-Series LL6 Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Takamine GD20-NS Acoustic Guitar
- Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar
Whatever your budget, here you can find an ideal choice of the best fingerstyle guitars and all other areas of your life that demand pristine performances.
🏆 Quick Look at the Best Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitars 🏆
The 5 Top-Rated Fingerstyle Guitars: Our Picks
Its review time! Choosing the right guitar style for finger play can be a challenge, with so many different brands and prices available.
Sometimes it is difficult to know how a certain model compares with other similar models in the same price range. There will be cases where you may find that a guitar has an excellent tone but is very uncomfortable to play and you must sacrifice comfort for sound.
We invested a lot of time and effort in compiling this guide. We’ve spent 57 hours searching for the best fingerstyle guitars on the market, and we’ve used various sources, such as reviews and reviews from professional musicians, to provide the information you need.
We have examined the size, materials used, weight, and other key features such as style and warranty, as the perfect ukulele needs to tick all the right boxes. To make your life as easy as possible, we have compiled a comparison chart and in-depth reviews of each product.
You can blindly trust us because the more research you do, the more knowledge you get. We investigate for our loving clients as for the best.
Therefore, we must choose one that fits perfectly. We visited many guitar stores, talked to various professionals and manufacturers, and finally got our top five.
However, there are plenty of finger-playing guitars on the market that sound great and feel comfortable enough to play for hours without pain or discomfort.
We list some of the best affordable guitars that offer comfort and sound quality.
Here, we will provide a review of the best fingerstyle guitars in detail so you can shop knowing everything. Let’s get started.
1. Taylor 214ce
The Taylor 214ce has been on the market for quite some time, however, it wasn’t long before professional guitarists recognized its potential, and there was a sudden overkill regarding this guitar.
In terms of the design, this guitar is made of multiple kinds of wood.
So keep in mind that the price is not as affordable as the previous models because sometimes the price has to be higher to get better intonation and overall performance.
For those looking for a high-quality finger-playing instrument, they can’t go wrong with a Taylor. The Taylor 214ce Grand Auditorium is an excellent choice for any finger picker.
It even comes with a rigid pouch, so you don’t have to buy an additional case. I like this instrument because it has a cut. This makes it easier to hit the higher frets and play nice arpeggio lines higher up the neck.
The upper part of the guitar is made of solid Sitka spruce. The sides and back have layers of Koa wood. These tonewoods give this instrument good resonance as well as playability.
To improve the dynamics and volume of what you are playing, it has an updated bracing system. The instrument also has a built-in pickup system so you can plug it into an amplifier.
The collection controls are near the neck, making them easily accessible. I also like the smooth ebony fingerboard. This makes it easy to move from one chord to another while selecting fingers.
The fingerboard responds to your fingers and is quite comfortable. For those with some experience in picking fingers behind them, this Taylor Guitar is one you want to have.
The Fender Paramount PM-3 is primarily geared towards beginners who want to learn finger-touch skills, however, its overall design quality and performance are good enough to easily compete with most mid-priced guitars.
Therefore, it is a win-win situation, you will not spend a lot of money to feel the benefits of playing on a quality guitar.
Fender produces great guitars, and this dreadnaught is no exception. For those on a budget, the Fender Paramount PM-3 Dreadnaught is priced right.
The instrument has a solid mahogany top and laminated mahogany on the sides and back. It is an excellent choice for the first time player as well as for those with limited income.
You get a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard that’s easy to play. It has solid die-cast tuners that help stabilize tuning. The instrument has a nice mid-range sound, which is forceful.
It is perfect for choosing fingers and other guitar styles. You have to buy a case with this guitar since it is not included.
This is one of the best finger-style guitars for the money and a quality Fender product you can trust.
The Yamaha L-Series LL6 is an acoustic-electric guitar that has been highly praised by guitarists on the market.
In fact, its popularity is so high that it made this unit one of the most purchased guitars on the market and in Amazon.
To understand what’s special, I suggest starting with the design.
This particular model employs the mahogany back and sides, the mahogany and rosewood 5-layer neck that is accompanied by an adjustable rod that adds a higher level of stability and strength to the guitar itself, and let’s not forget the importance of the L series.
Yamaha is known worldwide for its solid and reliable products. This company also manufactures acoustic guitars. The Yamaha L-Series Acoustic-Electric LL6 Guitar is an excellent choice for any beginner. It is made with Engelmann spruce, which has been hand-selected.
It has an acoustic resonance enhancement or A.R.E developed by Yamaha, which improves tone. the tone is further enhanced with a rosewood back and sides.
The neck itself is a traditional profile that is comfortable in your hand. It features a passive pickup so you can connect it to an amp if you prefer.
It has a non-scalloped bracing design that has been modified. This modification enhances the low end and gives the guitar a bright tone. You’ll get years of fun with this Yamaha acoustic.
For any beginner just getting into fingerpick, the Yamaha LL6 is the right choice.
The GD20-NS is made by one of the most recognized brands in the music industry, and this product is proof of excellent craftsmanship that combines an affordable price for quality performance, which by default means intermediaries and beginners. They will greatly benefit from having a guitar.
Design-wise, this model has an ergonomic, armored construction that includes a solid cedar top, mahogany back, side, and neck, as well as a 12 ″ radius rosewood fingerboard designed specifically to provide you with the best and most comfortable experience. Imagine, this is just a start!
Additionally, the hardware consists of a pinless rosewood bridge that sits on a solid bone saddle. What’s special is that these components generally don’t come with guitars in this price range, and honestly, I think Takamine has won a jackpot with this unit! So what are the benefits of having a pinless rosewood bridge?
Well, for starters, you won’t have a hard time changing the strings, and secondly, the sound quality and overall intonation is nothing short of sweet, and this means that single-note chords and performances will sound really good!
Now, let’s briefly explain the sound.
FYI, thanks to the cedar top and mahogany, the audio quality is high, warm and clear at the same time, and when we add the presence of bold bones, the resonance will be big enough to plug it in to play. for hours!
Finally, the 6 strings feel comfortable with your fingers, and what’s even cooler is that this guitar will allow you to add a personal touch and customize them anytime you want, updating them in the future if you think the lower action becomes too tall!
Overall, the Takamine GD20-NS is worthy of consideration as it has fantastic build quality, offers clear and high performance, and feels exceptionally comfortable making these three things a must for fingerstyle guitars. Guess what? This guitar has them all!
If you want to play with your fingers, a nylon rope is a great option. Since the strings are easier on your fingers, this makes the guitar ideal for a fingerstyle beginner.
It has a solid cedar top, which improves the tone of the guitar. It has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
It has great sustain and resonance thanks to the choice of wood.
The instrument is full size and handmade. The back and sides are made of mahogany wood.
Inside you will find traditional Spanish style fan reinforcements. It has a nice wooden rosette placed by hand.
The tuners are nickel-plated and feature traditional pearl buttons. It is a guitar that sounds good and is easy to play.
For those who want to play classic style, it is the right choice for you.
Things to Consider before Buying a Fingerpicking Style Guitar
In this buying guide, we will look at all the key aspects of that fingerstyle guitar. You want the perfect compromise between cost and quality, and we’ll show you how you can do it.
There are so many options to choose from. Plus, more information about ukuleles will help narrow down your options.
Fingerstyle guitars generally have some features in common that make them extremely good for players who like to pick individual notes.
The first thing is the wood that resonates very well. You may have noticed that most of the instruments on our list have a Spruce top of some kind for this very reason.
This helps really sound the individual notes being played and gives a little extra volume and a fuller sound to the instrument. Any guitar can resonate well when using a guitar pick, but it’s much harder to get that finger sound on the strings.
1. Comfort/playability
How does the neck of the guitar feel against your fingers? Is the neck too wide or too thin? This may be a matter of personal preference, just keep in mind that you should have a guitar that feels good in your hands and can play for a long time.
Also, remember that most guitars need to be calibrated after purchase for both comfort and good sound.
2. Size
The bulkier the body, the more resonance the guitar has, so keep that in mind if you are thinking of buying a small guitar.
Portability may be important to some buyers looking for a compact guitar that they can easily take to the road and store, and small guitars are truly perfect for that purpose.
But it all comes at a price – if you’re also looking for a guitar with a good amount of resonance, you probably won’t find it on small models.
3. Tonewoods
If you’re interested in reading a detailed guide to tonewoods and how they impact guitar playability and tone, check out the full guide here.
The wood your guitar is built from has a great influence on the sound produced. The soundboard is the most influential component due to its large surface area and direct contact with the bridge that transfers string vibrations. While tonewoods are often the subject of much debate when it comes to electric guitars, acoustic guitars rely heavily on the materials used.
4. Price
As with any musical instrument, the higher the quality of the materials, and the more complex the design, the higher the price.
Fortunately, the models listed here belong to a category you could call “professional sounding acoustic guitars that don’t break the bank.” Sure, you’ll generally find more quality in higher price ranges, but there’s nothing worse than investing in a guitar that doesn’t sound as good as professional models and lament later.
Fingerstyle Guitars | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are fingerstyle guitars hard to learn?
A: It depends, and I can’t answer yes and no because the learning phase is always difficult. However, numerous fingerstyle techniques will help you understand and learn in the future how to play on these guitars.
Are fingerstyle guitars expensive?
A: Again, it depends. Fingerstyle guitars are available in a variety of different designs, quality, and prices, so you can buy an affordable, mid-priced, and premium one – it’s all up to you.
What are the advantages of fingerstyle guitars?
A: Honestly, there are a lot of advantages. Based on the ability to choose two notes at the same time, they are easy to play arpeggios and are more suitable for playing polyphonically.
Also, they don’t require much effort on the strings, there is less need for hand cushioning when playing chords, etc.
Which is the best fingerstyle guitar right now?
The best fingerstyle guitars really depend on what type of guitar you are looking for, what level of performance you are on, and how you want to use it. Our best choice for the best fingerstyle acoustic guitars is the Taylor 214ce.
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.
- Body Body type: Taylor Grand Auditorium Cutaway: Yes - Venetian Top wood: Solid Sitka Spruce Back & sides: Layered Rosewood Bracing pattern: Taylor Standard II Bracing (Forward Shift Pattern) Body finish: Gloss 6.0 Top, Satin 5.0 Back and Sides Orientation: Right-Handed Neck Neck shape: Standard Taylor Profile Nut width: 1 11/16" (42.8mm) Fingerboard: Genuine African Ebony Neck wood: Sapele Scale length: 25 1/2"
- Mahogany back and sides provide a rich and balanced tone
- Grade "A" Sitka spruce top for strong and balanced projection
- The Mahogany neck with Ebony fingerboard provide comfort and a sharp attack
- Fishman-designed preamp
- A hard shell case and Limited Lifetime Warranty is included to help protect your investment
- Hand-selected premium solid Engelmann Spruce top treated with A.R.E.
- A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) is an original wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha
- Rosewood Back & Sides
- 5-ply neck with high comfort traditional profile
- SRT Zero Impact (passive) Pickup
- Solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides
- Slim satin-finish mahogany neck and 12"-radius rosewood fingerboard provide great feel and playability
- Split-saddle design of the pin-less rosewood bridge provides superior intonation for sweeter-sounding chords and single-note runs
- Bone nut and bridge saddle
- Elegant Natural satin finish
- BEGINNER-FRIENDLY NYLON STRINGS: Lightweight and comfortable to play, nylon strings are much softer than steel strings, ideal for beginners
- FULL SIZE GUITAR: One of the most popular models and a staple in Córdoba’s Iberia Series lineup, the C3M is a full-sized, handcrafted guitar. Built with a solid cedar top (choice top wood for classical guitars) and mahogany back and sides
- TRADITIONAL SPANISH FAN BRACING: Fan bracing is preferred for classical guitars over lattice bracing, as it allows the guitar's top to vibrate more freely and provides a warmer and evenly balanced tone
- HIGH QUALITY FEATURES: The C3M also has a hand inlaid wooden rosette, a rosewood fingerboard, and gold tuning machines with pearl buttons. The "M" in the title stands for its light matte finish
- LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE: There's never been a better time to dive deep into the joy of music and hone your technique. With the Córdoba Live. Play. Learn. Series, you're one step closer to mastering all your favorite songs. Córdoba, alongside Evan Taucher, brings you a methodical and systematic approach to the art of the nylon string guitar. For more information, please visit the Cordoba website.
Final Words
All of these guitars are very excellent in use and highly rated throughout the market. Its performance and characteristics are remarkable.
I hope this list helps you in your search for the best guitar for finger playing. Try them all out and make sure they’re easy to play while giving you clear, full sound that will complement your personal playing style.
Blessings to you and your music!