What's the Easiest Acoustic Guitar to play? (our pick)
The Taylor GS Mini
The GS Mini's smaller size, comfortable fretboard, and Taylor quality make it one of the most popular acoustic guitars, offering added value for those who need (or simply prefer) a smaller body size. It's the easiest acoustic guitar to play while still delivering the quality we're looking for.
If you want to find the easiest acoustic guitars to play, there are several practical features you need to focus on, primarily the following:
- Body size
- Body shape
- Neck shape
- String gauge (thickness)
These four factors will determine how easy (or not) an acoustic guitar will play. This is what I'm using to make the recommendations on this page. Keep in mind that I'm also trying to give you a high-quality guitar, in addition to a guitar that's easy to play.
You can have both.
We need:
- Smaller body size
- Concert-style (or parlor) body shape
- C-shaped neck
- Lighter string gauge
Here are my top four recommendations based on the aforementioned criteria.
Read more: Best Acoustic Guitars Overall
4 Easiest Acoustic Guitars to Play (our top picks)
Guitar | Model | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor GS Mini | 86.7 | |
 | Taylor Baby Taylor (BT1 or BT2) | 80.3 | |
 | Yamaha CGS103 | n/a | |
 | Martin LXK2 | 80.1 |
Compare More Acoustic Guitars
If you want to add some more guitars to the comparison bar at the bottom of this page, you can search for them here. We don't have everything, but we have a lot and add to our database regularly.
We link to Sweetwater and other retailers we trust to support Guitar Chalk and keep it ad-free. If you click through one of our orange buttons, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks to all for your generous support over the years! ~ Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬
1. Taylor GS Mini (easiest and best overall)
The GS Mini series is very easy to play and one of the best-value acoustic guitars we can recommend. While there are several different tonewoods to choose from, that won't have much of an impact on how easy it is to play. A smaller, parlor-style body with a thin upper bout and the Taylor NT neck design will keep hand fatigue to a minimum. However, I'd recommend replacing the .056 strings with a .048 set.
The Taylor GS Mini hanging out at the base of the Seattle Space Needle. Pretty cool. Image via Saintshouse
PERFECT FOR: Lots of styles and skill levels, though particularly idea for melodic fingerpicking techniques, live performances, and indoor jam sessions.
TONE
87
PREAMP/CONTROL
85
VERSATILITY
85
PRICE/VALUE
90
- Tonewood combinations look great (especially Koa)
- Tone is both bright and warm at the same time. Good balance
- Sounds great for melodic, fingerpicking styles
- Price is a solid value
- ES-B pickup/preamp system is a nice addition
- None for the price
Taylor GS Mini Price Guide
Prices updated Mon, September 25th, 2023.
Price Compare
Alert
History
Price History for Taylor Gs Mini-E Rosewood Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Statistics
| Current Price | $799.00 | September 22, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $799.00 | April 14, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $799.00 | April 14, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $799.00 | April 14, 2023 |
2. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor (easiest 3/4 size acoustic)
The BT2 Baby Taylor is considerably more affordable than the GS Mini and features a 3/4 body size, which is one of the smallest sizes available before transitioning into kids' guitars. That being said, the BT2 is a suitable choice for children who require a smaller size or adult players who simply prefer it. With its smaller upper and lower bout and thin body design, it's exceptionally easy to play. Additionally, you have the option to choose between an electronic and a non-electronic version.
PERFECT FOR: Beginners, kids, travel, and practice
TONE
85
PREAMP/CONTROL
85
VERSATILITY
80
PRICE/VALUE
90
- Mahogany top
- Taylor X-bracing
- Great for beginners, kids and travel
- Great price point
- Tone is a little weaker than the GS Mini
Taylor BT2 Price Guide
Prices updated Mon, September 25th, 2023.
Price Compare
Alert
3. Yamaha CGS103 (easiest to play budget acoustic)
One issue I haven't addressed yet is nylon strings. These are commonly used on classical guitars, and they are much gentler on your fingers compared to steel strings. The trade-off is that classical guitar fretboards tend to be slightly larger, but this isn't an issue for most adults; in fact, it provides a bit more space to work with between the strings. The CGS103 has the added benefit of being very budget-friendly—it's by far the most affordable option on this list.
A small, cheap, Yamaha classical guitar is fantastic for kids and beginners. Image via Simp1elife
PERFECT FOR: Beginners, kids, lessons, practice, budgets, easy on fingers
TONE
n/a
PREAMP/CONTROL
n/a
VERSATILITY
n/a
PRICE/VALUE
n/a
- Nylon strings are great to learn on and very easy on your fingers
- 3/4 body size gives you a comfortable playing experience
- Wider fretboard can be an asset
- Very affordable
- At this price range, the quality is not there. This is strictly a learning/beginner guitar.
Yamaha CGS103AII Price Guide
Prices updated Mon, September 25th, 2023.
Price Compare
Alert
History
Price History for Yamaha CGS103AII 3/4-Scale Classical - Natural
Statistics
| Current Price | $149.99 | September 22, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $149.99 | August 6, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $139.99 | June 17, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $149.99 | August 6, 2023 |
| $139.99 | June 17, 2022 |
4. Martin LXK2 (easiest Martin acoustic)
I've been recommending the LXK2 for quite some time, despite it not having solid tonewood. Martin employs a high-pressure laminate (HPL) Koa tonewood for this guitar, imparting it with a distinctive tonal character and a stylish, dark aesthetic. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold while sitting, much like the other three guitars mentioned here. Once again, I'd suggest opting for a set of lower-gauge strings. Additionally, note that there are both preamp and non-preamp versions available.
The Martin LXK2 is a really popular parlor-style acoustic guitar. The smaller size makes it a comfortable practice and lesson acoustic. Image via Badlands Guitars
PERFECT FOR: Martin fans, upper beginner to lower intermediate players, indoor practice, lessons, lead and mixed acoustic styles.
TONE
80
PREAMP/CONTROL
74
VERSATILITY
76
PRICE/VALUE
84
- Easy to hold
- Koa tonewood provides a unique sound and look
- Great for beginners, kids and travel
- Great price point
- All wood is HPL
Martin LXK2 Price Guide
Prices updated Mon, September 25th, 2023.
Price Compare
Alert
Is it easier to play an electric guitar?
In most cases, playing an electric guitar is actually easier because electric guitar strings are more pliable and easier to press onto the fretboard, making bending notes simpler. However, this ease of play can vary depending on the specific acoustic and electric guitars you're comparing.
The reason many beginners steer clear of electric guitars is that, in addition to the guitar itself, you need to invest in an amplifier and cable.
However, you can get cheap electric guitar bundles with everything included.
Read more: Which electric guitar is easiest to play?
Is it easier to play a classical guitar?
Classical guitars are gentler on your hands because they use nylon strings, which are softer and more pliable compared to steel strings. Classical acoustic guitar fretboards also tend to have more space between the strings, making it easier for players with normal to larger hands to cover the fretboard and take advantage of the extra space and softer strings.
However, it's also a matter of personal preference. Whether it's classical or regular acoustic guitars, guitar necks will feel different subjectively, depending on the player.
Both classical and acoustic guitars can be easy to play.
Can a full size acoustic guitar be easy to play?
If you're searching for the easiest acoustic guitar to play, I wouldn't make a full-size dreadnought my first recommendation. Even as a regular-sized guy with extensive playing experience, I'm not particularly fond of full dreadnought guitars due to their bulky feel, especially since I'm more accustomed to electric guitars.
Nevertheless, if a full dreadnought is what you feel most comfortable with, particularly if you have longer arms, it can be easier to play.
Ultimately, the choice varies from person to person.
In general, though, if you're looking for ease of play, I'd recommend opting for something smaller.
Getting Used to Your Guitar
Remember that whichever guitar you spend time with, regardless of its shape or size, will become familiar to you. While it's important to begin with something that suits you physically, even if it's not a perfect fit, you'll eventually become accustomed to it. So, don't stress too much about achieving perfection.
Questions
Keep in mind that I provide these recommendations based on what I believe will likely work for a wide range of individuals. However, your ideal choice may vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Always conduct your own research and consider all relevant factors.
If you have any questions about these guitars, please don't hesitate to post them in the comments section below, and I'll do my best to assist you.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Roundups
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.