Fingerstyle is a wonderful guitar playing technique in which the strings are directly plucked with fingernails or fingertips. The acoustic guitars are best for learning this playing style, and it offers several advantages. For instance, if you are playing fingerstyle guitar, you won’t have to carry the plectrum.
Besides, you would be able to play several non-adjacent strings, all at the same time. It allows you to deliver a more expressive performance with a vast variety of strokes. Fingerstyle guitar also enables you to enjoy a diverse range of strums.
What are the Best Fingerstyle Guitars to Buy?
2) Donner 39 Inch Classical Guitar DCG-1
- Right-hand Design
- Full-sized Guitar
- Solid Dreadnaught Body Shape
- Richer and brighter sound
- Affordable Price
1) Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Full-sized Guitar
- Vibrant Tone
- Rosewood bridge with compensated synthetic bone saddle
- Chrome Hardware
3) Taylor Guitars Big Baby Taylor
- Beautiful outlook and decent design
- Loud and Vibrant Sound
- Solid Sitka Spruce
- Sapele Back/Sides
- High Quality
Moreover, the ability to pluck 5 strings simultaneously makes the chords play easily with no arpeggiation needed. Using a fingerstyle guitar also helps you to play a high note and a low bass note together at the same time. Thus, you can easily play double stops including a sixth, a fifth, an octave or some other intervals that match the harmony.
Considering the ease of playing and the advantages of choosing the fingerstyle guitars, you should buy one for yourself. The trend of fingerstyle technique is rapidly increasing, and if you also want to learn it, you should invest in a good quality guitar. For enjoying a comforting and high-class playing experience, it is essential to choose the right one.
Just like for buying any other musical instrument, structural quality and sonic characteristics should be your top concerns while selecting a fingerstyle guitar. You should also set a budget range to narrow your search down. It will make the selection more comfortable and less time-taking for you.
Your selection will affect your performance. Therefore, you should be very careful in this regard. We know that it is not easy to select one guitar from such a large number of available options. For making the buying decision easier for you, we have shortlisted some of the best fingerstyle guitars.
All these are selected owing to their easy functionality, excellent sound quality, excellent tonal characteristics, and high durability. Take a look at their functional features and buy the one that best addresses your playing needs.
16 Best Fingerstyle Guitar Reviews and the Best Fingerstyle Guitar Brands
1) Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Fender Musical Instrument Corporation is a reputable American manufacturer of guitars, other string instruments and amplifiers. It was established in 1946. Since the foundation, Fender has maintained high standards regarding quality and structural design.
It is among the market leaders, and the FA-115 is one of their most selling models of acoustic guitars. It is a full-sized guitar with robustly built dreadnought body that delivers a vibrant tone.
The structural composition includes a bridge of solid rosewood, top of laminated spruce, x bracing, and synthetic bone saddle. Some other specs include chrome hardware, 20 fret fingerboard and dot inlays. Besides, the steel strings added to produce a loud and clear sound. The guitar is easy to play, and initial level players should give it a try for an enhanced learning experience.
The size dimensions are 43 x 16.8 x 6.5 inches. Moreover, the weight is 9.2 pounds. The FA-115 is an economical option which comes complete with straps, picks, extra strings set, instructional DVD and a chromatic tuner. Lastly, a gig-bag is also added for carrying the guitar which makes the hauling comfortable and students can easily bring the guitar to their classes.
2) Donner 39 Inch Classical Guitar DCG-1
Donor proudly stands among the most reliable manufacturers of guitars. The DCG-1 is a right hand, a full-sized guitar which comes with everything needed to start playing. The guitar has solid dreadnaught body shape, and the sides and back comprise sturdy African Mahogany wood.
The top consist of African spruce wood while the neck is made of mahogany and has C shape. Some other structural specifications include 20 frets, concentric rings, dot inlays, and steel die-cast tuning machines. The guitar is made to deliver a comfortable learning experience. You will also get a 30 days money back guarantee with this model.
It measures 42.2 x 19 x 6.6 inches. Besides, the weight is only 8.85 pounds which is easily manageable by the new and learning players. If you want to purchase an affordable yet sturdy option, here is what you need. The complete package includes a footstool, a set of guitar strings, guitar cap, a polishing cloth, winder, and guitar picks. Additionally, a carry bag is also included in the package to make the portability easier for players.
3) Taylor Guitars Big Baby Taylor, BBT, Natural
Take a look at this exquisite model of fingerstyle guitar presented by Taylor. Whether you want to choose an easy to play the guitar or a long-lasting one, it has got you covered. Beautiful outlook, decent design, loud and vibrant sound, and a mellow tune makes this one an appropriate model for both the new and intermediate players.
The structure is made to last longer and comprises top-rated tonewoods for enhancing the sound quality. The dreadnaught style body has solid spruce top combined with back and sides made of Sapele.
Smooth functioning, enhanced responsiveness, and warm sound add to the perks of playing Taylor guitar. In short, the guitar offers a perfect combination of longevity, strength, and remarkable sonic quality.
The size measurements include 43.5 x 16.2 x 7.2 inches. Moreover, the guitar has a moderate weight and carries 11.25 pounds. It is an economical option for the players who don’t want to compromise on the quality. Grab it and enjoy a full sound with superb projection. Interestingly, you will also get a free carry bag with the guitar for easy portability.
4) Fender CD-60SCE All Mahogany Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Dreadnaught Body Style – Natural Finish
Here is another excellent model of right-hand guitar manufactured by Fender. Just like other models, this guitar also reflects high-quality and elegant design. It is among the most recommended options for playing fingerstyle guitar.
Whether you need an economical option or a reliable one, the CD-60SCE has got you covered. The guitar has a cutaway body which makes the access easy to the upper fret. It has dreadnaught body style and offers a pleasant outlook. The natural finish adds to the aesthetic appeal.
Besides, the strong structural design adds to high durability. The body comprises a sturdy mahogany top, coupled with mahogany back and sides which imparts warmth to the sound. The fingerboard edges are rolled, and the neck is designed to make the play easy. The guitar delivers a warm tone and a loud sound with enhanced clarity.
The size dimensions include 43.4 x 19 x 6.8 inches. Also, the weight is only 8.85 pounds. The CD-60SCE is a suitable choice for both the initial level players and the growing learners. This guitar is a moderate price one with excellent sound, warm tone, and solid structure.
5) Fender 6 String CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar-Dreadnaught Body Style-Natural Finish
Here is another outstanding model of right-hand guitar manufactured by Fender. If you want to play fingerstyle easily and enjoy enhanced sound with a mellow tone, the CD-60SSCE is a great option. It is made with particular attention to smooth functioning and exhibits remarkable craftsmanship.
Robust quality woods are used to make it last longer. The dreadnaught body has a cutaway style which makes the play easy. Like most of the models, the top consists of spruce wood and scalloped bracing.
Moreover, the sides and back comprise of mahogany wood. For your comfort, the neck is made easy to play, and features rolled edges of the fingerboard. It comes in a natural finish and gives a decent look. The low-budget players would love to use it.
The size dimensions are 46.1 x 19.2 x 7.4 inches. Besides, it carries only 7.3 pounds weight. Buy CD-60SSCE without any hesitation and enjoy a pleasant musical experience at a very affordable price. Fender always offers high value for your investment, and this model is the best that you can get at such a low rate.
6) Takamine GD20-NS Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural
Takamine Guitars is a Japan’s famous guitar manufacturer which is known best for the production of acoustic guitars with steel-strings. This private company was founded in1959, and over the time, the brand has gained high reputation regarding structural quality, strength, and sonic characteristics. Here is a marvelous guitar by Takamine which is made with particular attention to robustness.
The structure comprises cedar top, mahogany back and sides, bridge saddle, bone nut, and rosewood fingerboard. The neck also consists of solid mahogany. Satin finish adds an attractive appeal, and the guitar offers a smooth and pleasant feel.
It also features smooth functioning and enhanced sound projection. The GD 20-NS is easy to play, and initial level players would love the added comfort and outstanding intonation. Besides, it is a suitable pick for low-budget players.
Its size dimensions are 44 x 6 x 20 inches. Also, the total weight is just 7ounces which is manageable by the new players. Last but not least, this guitar is accessible at a low price. Thus, if you want to deliver a pleasant performance but cannot spend a lot of money, here is a worth trying the instrument.
7) Eastman AC422CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
If you are looking for a high-end acoustic-electric guitar to deliver your best performance in fingerstyle, the AC422CE manufactured by Eastman is an appropriate option. It is a stunning option concerning quality, robustness, tonal properties, and playing feel.
The effortless playability makes the guitar a desirable choice. The basic specs include solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard, mahogany neck, and sides and back made of sturdy rosewood.
Furthermore, the guitar features hand-carved X bracing, ivoroid body binding, inlaid abalone rosette, pearl dot inlays,20 frets, and chrome plated tuners. Moreover, the gloss natural finish adds to a smooth feel and elegant outlook. It comes complete with a sturdy hardshell case for carrying the instrument.
The size dimensions include 50 x 20 x 8 inches. Besides, the guitar weighs 25 pounds. It is heavy, and the initial players won’t be able to handle it, but the professional players can carry the guitar easily.
You will find it an expensive option, but the quality of sound that it delivers exceptional tonal characteristics along with high structural strength is worth your investment. It is a perfect pick for pro players. Grab the AC422CE to showcase your talent and enjoy a brilliant sound.
8) Martin 000-15M – Natural
Martin is a reputable American manufacturer of guitars, and the brand signifies high durability and excellent sonic quality. The company was founded in 1833 and over these years, it has become a reliable name that manufacturers robust quality guitars while maintaining professional standards.
It is a right-handed guitar which features sturdy construction. Solid mahogany wood is used to make the body while the fretboard consists of rosewood. Some other specifications include 6 strings, dovetail neck joint, single ring rosette, and bone nut. The guitar is designed to deliver a warm sound. Also, the easy playability makes it worth trying.
The 000-15M is among the most selling fingerstyle guitars, and it is designed by keeping in mind the playing capabilities of pro players.
The 000-15M is a heavy guitar with 20.5 pounds of weight. Furthermore, the size measurements are 9.2 x 47.2 x 20.5 inches. The guitar comes with a Martin Hard case which enhances the portability and makes the storage easy. If you want a top-quality guitar for long-term use, here is the most suitable choice for you.
9) Washburn WD7S Harvest Series Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Washburn guitars is a well-recognized company that manufactures guitars and other string instruments. It is an old manufacturer that was first established in 1883, and since then, it has been known for providing highly durable quality and elegant designs. The WD7S is a brilliantly designed fingerstyle guitar with dreadnaught body shape. The smooth and satin finish and a decent outlook add to the visual appeal.
Moreover, the structure is made with exclusive attention to detail and the top consists of solid spruce. Also, the sides and back of the guitar are made with mahogany wood. This right-handed guitar is perfect for stage performances, and you will get to enjoy the professional quality sound at an unbeatable price.
The size dimensions are 46 x 18 x 7 inches. Furthermore, the weight is about 6.83 pounds. The players who want to purchase a good-quality guitar with enhanced longevity and vibrant sound, WD7S is an appropriate choice. Lastly, this is an appropriate choice for both the new and intermediate players.
10) Taylor 214ce 200 Series Acoustic Guitar, Rosewood, Grand Auditorium, Cutaway, ES-T
Taylor Guitars is a reliable American company that was founded in 1974. It is among the top manufacturers of acoustic guitars, and you can count on it concerning quality, price, and durability.
The 214ce is an excellent fingerstyle guitar. It has a beautiful cutaway shape and comes in natural color. The sophisticated outlook and robust structure make the guitar a desirable choice. This guitar is built to last long, and the top consists of high-grade Sitka spruce.
Besides, the back and sides of the guitar are made of rosewood which is a reliable option. The neck comprises Sapele wood, and the fingerboard is made of African Ebony. It is easy to operate guitar which is perfect for the intermediate players.
It measures 21 x 47 x 9 inches while the total weight is 15 pounds. If you are in search of some resilient option for long-lasting use, here is what you need. Try your hands on 214ce, and you would be pleased with the warm sound and pleasant tone.
11) Breedlove SOLO CONCERT Solo Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Breedlove is known best for high-quality hand-made guitars and some other musical instruments. Each of their instruments is made under strict quality control check to ensure that customers get only the best.
Here is one of their most selling fingerstyle guitars which are designed to address the playing needs of intermediate players. It has a cutaway body which backs effortless playability. The compact design, moderate weight, and smooth functioning makes the guitar a preferred choice.
Some other features include a built-in tuner and innovative sound hole. The articulate tonal range and powerful sound add to the perk of playing this stunning instrument. It has a sturdy body with a fingerboard made of Indian rosewood. You will enjoy the sweet sound and smooth operation, and the guitar offers high value for your investment.
The size dimensions include 46 x 8 x 19 inches. Moreover, the total weight is 13.2 pounds. Grab the solo concert acoustic-electric guitar and enjoy marvelous sound quality with easy playability. Last but not least, the guitar comes with a deluxe carry bag that makes it conveniently portable.
12) Fender Paramount PM-3 Standard Triple 0 – Natural
Here is another fantastic fingerstyle guitar by Fender. For the players who want to try something handy for better learning, PM-3 is a suitable guitar with a brilliant combination of style and strength. Not only it looks great, the sound quality and tonal properties are also wonderful.
The guitar reflects flawless workmanship, and the combination of excellent quality tone words impart clarity and strength to the sound. Like most of the top models, it also has Sitka spruce top while the back and sides are made of resonant mahogany wood.
Moreover, some other desirable features include an ebony fingerboard, nuts of real bone, pearl dot inlays, and nickel tuning machines. Furthermore, the scalloped X bracing aids in attaining sonic perfection. If you wish to purchase a long-lasting model, PM-3 is a great option indeed.
Its size measurements are 43 x 19 x 9 inches. Besides, the total weight of the guitar is 21 pounds. Buy this model for an effortless play, and you would be pleased with its functional efficiency, lovely tone, and high sound projection. The best part is, it is available at a very moderate price.
13) Yamaha A-Series A3M Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Soft Case, Vintage Natural
Yamaha is among the market leaders, and it is known for high quality and vast variety. The brand has been serving the industry with an array of top quality musical instruments, and you can trust the brand for quality, the value of money and pleasant appearance.
The guitar mentioned here is among the Yamahas most recommended models for intermediate players. It has Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing which adds richness and loudness to the acoustic sound.
Besides, the mahogany neck along with slim taper profile adds to the playing comfort and the fingerboard edges are hand-rolled. Moreover, it has dreadnaught body with cutaway style, and the back and sides comprise solid wood. Along with roust structural quality, the guitar has high aesthetic appeal.
It measures 42.5 x 21.7 x 6.1 inches in size. Also, the weight is only 6.8 pounds. Being lightweight, the A3M is highly suitable students. If you want uncompromised quality, convenient use, excellent playing feel, and powerful sound, this one best serves your needs. Moreover, it comes with a soft carry case.
14) Yamaha L-Series LL6 Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Rosewood, Brown Sunburst
Check out this beautifully designed acoustic-electric guitar manufactured by Yamaha. Just like the brand’s other models of guitars, it also exhibits attractive visual appeal, perfect workmanship and top-rated structural strength. The price is easily affordable, and the functional quality is truly amazing.
The students who want to learn to play fingerstyle with added convenience should give it a try. Premium quality spruce wood is treated with Acoustic Resonance Enhancement which is an excellent wood reforming technology and used to make the guitar’s top.
Moreover, for the sides and back rosewood is used. The traditionally designed neck profile has a 5-ply structure and comprises rosewood and mahogany. It makes the play easy and adds more stability and strength. The elegant design and Brown sunburst color give the guitar a sophisticated outlook.
The size dimensions are 43.5 x 22.3 x 6.4 inches. It is very lightweight and carries only 7.5 pounds. Simply put, the guitar is easy to carry and handy to play which make it a preferred choice for new players. If you are looking for a cost-effective guitar for fingerstyle, the LL6 is the right choice.
15) Takamine Pro Series 3 P3MC OM Body Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case
We have also included a high-end model made by Takamine. It is specially made for the professionals and hence features seamless construction, stunning workmanship, perfect intonation, and vibrant sound. It is equipped with groundbreaking built-in electronics for smooth functioning and everything needed to deliver a flawless performance.
The top is made of solid cedar and has X bracing (hand-scalloped) in addition to ivory binding. Some other specs include mahogany neck, Sepele back, and rosewood fingerboard, dot in dot inlays and satin finish. The guitar is sturdy as well as beautiful, and the amber buttons on gold tuners add more to the attractive appearance.
Besides, the cutaway design makes the play easier by convenient access to the upper frets. Moreover, the built-in tuner, effective volume control, and a world-class preamp system make the guitar the right choice for a phenomenal performance.
The P3MC measures 43 x 18 x 6.5 inches. The weight is reasonable, and it carries about 14 pounds. Although the price is high, so is the functional efficiency. If you want a professional right-handed guitar for fingerstyle performance, it is worth a shot.
16) Martin X Series 2015 GPX1AE Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Martin’s GPX1AE is a preferred choice for students and intermediate level players as it is easy to carry, offers comfortable playability, fantastic tonal quality, sharp sound with high projection and high responsiveness. This is an acoustic-electric guitar which is an appropriate one for the fingerstyle play.
The natural finish gives a simple yet elegant outlook. It comprises Sitka Spruce top, mahogany sides and back, richlite fingerboard with 20 frets, and the neck consists of laminated birch wood.
Some other specifications are a sturdy pickguard, modern belly bridge, double ring rosette, and chrome tuning machines. The structure is robust and less prone to physical damage. Thus, you can enjoy practicing with it as long as you want.
Its size measurements are 45 x 18 x 6 inches. Also, the weight is about 13.23 pounds which is not much and students can comfortably carry the guitar. Simply stated, the GPX1AE offers sturdy structure, aesthetic appeal, and sonic perfection.
On top of that, the price is also reasonable. What else do you need? Grab GPX1AE and enjoy a highly expressive performance with phenomenal sound quality at a very moderate price.
Choosing the Best Fingerstyle Guitars
We have covered a diverse range of fingerstyle guitars including some of the top brands. Whether you need high structural quality or easy affordability, we have got you covered. All these models of fingerstyle guitars are among the most recommended options, and they offer a pleasant musical experience with easy playability.
Grab any of these as per your playing requirements and budgets, and you would love the structural strength and functional efficiency. In addition to the budget, some other factors that you should consider before making a buying decision include your tonal preference and comfort level.
2) Donner 39 Inch Classical Guitar DCG-1
- Right-hand Design
- Full-sized Guitar
- Solid Dreadnaught Body Shape
- Richer and brighter sound
- Affordable Price
1) Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Full-sized Guitar
- Vibrant Tone
- Rosewood bridge with compensated synthetic bone saddle
- Chrome Hardware
3) Taylor Guitars Big Baby Taylor
- Beautiful outlook and decent design
- Loud and Vibrant Sound
- Solid Sitka Spruce
- Sapele Back/Sides
- High Quality
If you want to buy a sturdy yet economical guitar, FA-115 is a highly suitable choice. Similarly, for those who want a high-quality fingerstyle guitar, Taylor Big Baby is an appropriate option. It is a bit expensive, but the quality is worth spending the money.