Top Beginner Acoustic Guitars Under $500:

Why Acoustic Guitars Make the Perfect Gift

I created this post because I can’t tell you how many times during or after a gig people ask me the question what guitar should I get for my child? I’ll never forget the day I got my first guitar. My Uncle Steven gave me his old electric guitar with one string. I played that guitar for a year with one string before I was given my first acoustic guitar. What a difference that acoustic guitar made in my playing and knowledge of the instrument. Acoustic guitars serve as an ideal gift choice, as they’re a great way to get started. Due to their sentimental value, they can be a gift your child will remember for the rest of their lives. Giving your child an instrument for the can have a tremendous impact on them and set them on a musical journey that can bring joy to them, their friends, and their family for many years to come. I should know because after receiving my first guitar, I haven’t stopped playing. To this day not only am I still playing but I’m a lead singer and guitarist for a local rock band and I play out solo acoustic on a regular basis. I’ve written songs that are on Apple Music and Spotify and had one of them purchased by a major television network. Giving your child an instrument conveys a message of encouragement and support for their musical interests and aspirations. For many individuals, especially beginners, learning to play an instrument can be a profoundly enriching experience, providing a creative outlet that fosters self-expression. Acoustic guitars are especially appealing to beginner guitarists, allowing them to explore various musical genres and gets them on the path to rock!

Also, the social aspect of music cannot be overlooked. Playing an acoustic guitar often brings people together, fostering connections and shared experiences. All through high school I played at parties and jammed with friends. Music has the power to create lasting memories. I will never forget growing up with my acoustic guitar and all of the fun times I had with friends, the emotional outlet it offered when times were tough and the confidence it gave me as I learned and grew as a musician.

The rising popularity of acoustic guitars among beginners stems from several factors. Firstly, they are generally more accessible and less intimidating for those new to music. With fewer technical complexities compared to electric guitars, beginners can quickly learn basic chords and strumming patterns. Additionally, acoustic guitars are portable, enabling users to take their music anywhere, at any time, whether it’s playing at a party or the beach or even just bringing it over to your friend’s house to jam.

An acoustic guitar is an ideal gift if you feel you have an aspiring rockstar in the family. I play out a lot and one of the reasons I wrote this blog is to answer the question I get all the time at my gigs…what guitar should I buy for my child? So below is a list of guitars for under $500 to get you started. The list is obviously not exhaustive but is a good place to start. So go give the best gift you ever gave to your child..the gift to rock!! The other question I get at my shows is can you teach me guitar. I don’t do this for a living and I play alot of msuic so I don’t have a ton of time to teach. I am thinking about doing group lsssons on zoom and I’m in the process of creating a YouTube channel which will include lessons. Please email me if you’re intersted in being a part of a group lesson at Johnamabilemusic@gmail.com

Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitars Under $500

A few things to keep in mind while you conduct your search are quality, sound, and playability. I think all of these options fit the bill. At the time of this writing, these are the four top-selling acoustic guitars under $500 on Amazon. I am an affiliate with Amazon so if you do purchase an instrument or product from this site I will get paid. The prices are not higher on this site as Amazon’s pricing is set.

One standout option is the Yamaha FG800. This model features a solid Sitka spruce top and a nato/okume back and sides, delivering rich sound and excellent projection. Known for its comfortable playability, the Yamaha FG800 is perfect for those who are still developing their finger strength and technique. Its affordability combined with its reputation for durability makes it an exceptional choice for beginners.

Another excellent choice is the Fender CD-60S. This guitar boasts a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, offering a warm, balanced tone. Its easy-to-play neck and built-in Fishman electronics facilitate a smooth learning experience. The CD-60S is ideal for beginners who aspire to perform in a variety of settings, whether at home or on stage.

For those seeking a more compact option, the Taylor GS Mini presents an innovative solution. With its smaller body size, this guitar is particularly advantageous for younger players or anyone who prefers a less bulky instrument. The GS Mini features a solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides, ensuring a rich acoustic sound that resonates beautifully. Its portability makes it a perfect companion for travel and casual jam sessions.

Moreover, Guild D-240E stands out with its rich tones generated by its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany body. The D-240E includes a Fishman pickup system, making it a great option for those who might want to amplify their sound in the future. With its balanced sound and elegant appearance, it’s a wonderful entry-level option.

Selecting one of these guitars can significantly enhance the musical journey of any beginner. Each model provides unique features while ensuring that affordability does not compromise quality, making them suitable candidates for your Christmas gift list.

Essential Accessories for the New Guitarist

There are a few things that your guitarist might need to help get them started. While I started out with a guitar with one string, the other five might have been helpful. The guitar itself is the primary instrument, however, adding these accessories might make learning and playing much more enjoyable.

One of the most indispensable items for any guitarist is a set of guitar picks. They come in various thicknesses and materials, allowing beginners to experiment and find what suits their playing style best. Picks play a crucial role in developing strumming and picking techniques, making them a thoughtful addition to any guitar gift package.

Another great accessory is a tuner. An electronic tuner ensures that the guitar is always in perfect pitch, which is particularly important for the beginner guitar player. Accurate tuning will help new musicians enjoy playing more and sound better, thus motivating them to continue practicing. I personally use this Snark below and it’s probably the easiest tuner to use for a beginner.

A comfortable guitar strap can also make the journey go more smoothly. It enables the guitarist to play while standing, which can be necessary for performances or simply when jamming with friends. A good strap can provide the support needed to foster longer playing sessions without causing physical discomfort.

Lastly, instructional books are extremely important as they help new guitarists learn essential techniques and songs. There are a tremendous amount of free, instructional videos on YouTube and plenty of digital courses for purchase so it really is an exciting time to learn guitar. These valuable resources provide structured lessons and practice exercises, setting the stage for continuous improvement. In sum, providing these accessories alongside a new acoustic guitar not only elevates the gifting experience but also supports the beginner’s journey in developing their musical talents.