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10 Best Classical Guitars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Kremona Solea – All-Solid Classical Guitar – Handmade in Europe – Deluxe Hardshell Case Included

The Kremona Solea is a beautifully handcrafted classical guitar made in Europe, featuring a solid western cedar top and solid cocobolo back and sides, which usually provide a warm, rich tone with good projection. Its ebony fingerboard and bridge add to the guitar’s durability and smooth playability. The guitar has a 650 mm (about 25.6 inches) scale length, which is standard for classical guitars, offering a comfortable string tension for beginners and experienced players alike. It comes in a large body size, which tends to produce a fuller, resonant sound, ideal if you want a rich tone with good volume. The nylon strings are typical and suitable for classical music, providing a softer feel compared to steel strings, making it easier on the fingers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,208
Tonewood

Most important from
17 reviews

Tonewood
The warm and clear sound, enhanced by the solid cedar top and cocobolo back and sides, delivers great separation and volume suitable for serious classical players.
#2
10.0 score

Cordoba C5-CET Limited Nylon String AE Guitar

The Cordoba C5-CET Limited is a classical guitar designed for players who want a blend of traditional tone with modern stage-ready features. It features a solid spruce top paired with spalted maple back and sides, producing a bright yet warm sound with strong sustain. The thin body cutaway shape helps reduce feedback when amplified, making it a solid choice for live performance, especially with its built-in Fishman Presys II pickup.

Rating
10.0
Tonewood
Body Size and Shape
String Type

Most important from
58 reviews

Tonewood
The spalted maple back and sides create a stunning visual appeal that really showcases the wood grain under the high gloss finish.
Body Size and Shape
The lightweight and maneuverable body makes it comfortable for long playing sessions, especially appreciated by those with hand issues.
String Type
The included high tension strings provide a full, balanced tone right away, eliminating the need for immediate string replacement.
#3
9.4 score

Godin Multiac Nylon Encore Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar, Natural

The Godin Multiac Nylon Encore is a solid choice for classical guitar players who want a blend of traditional tone and modern electric capabilities. Its solid cedar top and silver leaf maple two-chambered body create a warm, rich sound, which is a plus for those who appreciate the full, resonant tone of classical guitars. The neck is made of mahogany with a 1.9-inch nut width, which is fairly standard and comfortable for most players, especially those used to classical nylon-string guitars. The 25.5-inch scale length is a bit longer than typical classical guitars, which could offer a slightly brighter tone and more string tension, but might feel different if you’re accustomed to shorter scales.

Rating
9.4
Neck Width
Tonewood
String Type

Most important from
50 reviews

Neck Width
The neck is notably comfortable with a slimmer profile and slim body, making it a joy to play for fingerstyle classical techniques.
Tonewood
The guitar delivers a warm, rich sound that remains impressive even when played unplugged.
String Type
String quality matters significantly; replacing the factory strings with higher-quality ones like D'Addario Pro Arte eliminates fret noise and enhances playability.
Body Size and Shape
The slim body and well-set string height contribute to an overall satisfying playing experience.

Top 10 Best Classical Guitars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Kremona Solea – All-Solid Classical Guitar – Handmade in Europe – Deluxe Hardshell Case Included

Tonewood: solid western cedar top, cocobolo sides
Scale Length: 650
Body Size and Shape: Large
String Type: Nylon
Action: Adjustable bridge system

Chosen by 1208 this week

Cordoba C5-CET Limited Nylon String AE Guitar

Tonewood: Spruce top, Spalted Maple back/sides
Body Size and Shape: Limited Cutaway Electric Thin Body
String Type: Nylon

Godin Multiac Nylon Encore Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar, Natural

Tonewood: Cedar top, Silver Leaf Maple body
Neck Width: 1.9-inch nut width
Scale Length: 25.5
Body Size and Shape: Two-chambered body
String Type: Nylon

Godin Multiac Nylon Natural HG

Tonewood: spruce top, chambered mahogany body
Scale Length: 25.5
Body Size and Shape: crossover size
String Type: nylon

Takamine GD-37CE PW 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Pearl White

Tonewood: Spruce top, Maple back, Mahogany neck
Scale Length: 46.9 Inches
Body Size and Shape: Dreadnought Cutaway
String Type: Alloy Steel

Cordoba C5 Classical w/Solid Cedar Top

Tonewood: Cedar top, Mahogany back and sides
Neck Width: 52mm
Scale Length: 25.6 inches
Body Size and Shape: Classical
String Type: Nylon

Godin Multiac Grand Concert SA Natural HG

Tonewood: Cedar top, Mahogany back and neck
Scale Length: 25.5 inches
Body Size and Shape: Concert-sized body
String Type: Nylon
Action: Adjustable double-action truss rod

Godin Multiac Series-ACS Guitar (Natural SG)

Tonewood: cedar top, chambered maple back
Scale Length: 25.5
Body Size and Shape: chambered maple body
String Type: Nylon
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Buying Guide for the Best Classical Guitars

Choosing the right classical guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one model from another. By focusing on these key specs, you can find a guitar that suits your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a classical guitar.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, particularly the top, back, and sides. This is important because different woods produce different sounds. For example, spruce tops are known for their bright and clear tone, while cedar tops offer a warmer, more mellow sound. If you prefer a brighter sound, go for spruce. If you like a warmer tone, cedar might be the better choice. The back and sides also contribute to the overall sound, with rosewood providing a rich, full tone and mahogany offering a more balanced sound.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a classical guitar affects playability, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands. Classical guitars typically have wider necks compared to other types of guitars. A standard classical guitar neck is about 2 inches wide at the nut. If you have smaller hands or are just starting out, you might find a slightly narrower neck more comfortable. Conversely, if you have larger hands or prefer more space between the strings, a standard or wider neck might be better.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the saddle and affects the tension and feel of the strings. Classical guitars usually have a scale length of around 25.6 inches. A longer scale length means higher string tension, which can produce a louder and more resonant sound but may be harder to play. A shorter scale length has lower tension, making it easier to play but potentially sacrificing some volume and resonance. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable for your playing style and hand strength.
Body Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the guitar body influence both the sound and comfort of the instrument. Classical guitars come in various sizes, from full-size to smaller, more compact models. A full-size guitar typically offers a richer, fuller sound, while a smaller body might be more comfortable to hold and play, especially for younger players or those with smaller frames. Consider your body size and how comfortable you feel holding the guitar when making your choice.
String TypeClassical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone. However, there are different types of nylon strings, such as high-tension and low-tension. High-tension strings offer more volume and a brighter tone but can be harder to press down. Low-tension strings are easier to play but may not be as loud or bright. If you're a beginner, you might prefer low-tension strings for their ease of play. More experienced players might choose high-tension strings for their enhanced sound quality.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. This is important because it affects playability and comfort. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings down, which is ideal for beginners or those who play for extended periods. Higher action can produce a cleaner sound with less buzzing but requires more finger strength. If you're just starting out or prefer a more comfortable playing experience, look for a guitar with lower action. If you're an advanced player seeking better sound quality, you might opt for higher action.

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