The 25 Best Fingerstyle Guitars In 2024 For Any Budget

If you are interested in getting a fingerstyle guitar, you should know that there are plenty of options you can find today. This includes both acoustic and electric models. Your primary goal would be to find an instrument that is easy to play without a pick, and that sounds good. 

Naturally, it is up to you to determine the budget and type, but you will be able to find instruments in almost every possible price range. Once you determine your price range, you can start looking for a guitar. 

The good thing is that you will be able to find a great fingerstyle guitar in nearly any price range. 

Takamine EF341SC

• Acoustic
• Bruce Springsteen model
• Dreadnought shape
• Cutaway
• Maple body and sides with solid cedar top
• Rosewood fretboard
• T4BII preamp with pickup and tuner
• High gloss black

Takamine is a popular brand that offers both quality and great design. And if you are looking for a standard guitar that will serve you well, it is a great option. The model is a signature Bruce Springsteen guitar made of maple, and it is a dreadnought guitar with a cutaway. 

This will make it easy to play without a pick, but the instrument is highly versatile and you can play any genre on it. It is also equipped with a T4BII preamp with a pickup, and it has a built-in tuner you can use. 

Taylor 114ce

• Acoustic
• Grand Auditorium shape
• Cutaway
• Walnut body and sides with solid cedar top
• Maple neck with ebony fretboard
• Expression System 2 pickup
• Natural

Taylor is another incredible brand with various price ranges. You can find cheaper models and professional instruments that are expensive. This model here is Taylor 114ce, and it is a Grand Auditorium guitar with a single cutaway. 

It has a body made of walnut with a solid cedar top, maple neck, and an ebony fretboard. It is a bit more comfortable for playing due to the smaller body, especially if you compare it to dreadnought models. 

Gibson J-45 Standard

• Acoustic
• Round Shoulder
• No cutaways
• Mahogany body and sides with solid cedar top
• Rosewood fretboard
• L.R. Baggs Element VTC
• Vintage Sunburst

Of course, if you are looking for a professional instrument, you can always get a Gibson. As you probably know already, Gibson guitars are quite expensive, but the company has a rich history, and it offers excellent guitars. 

The model here is a Round Shoulder guitar, it has a mahogany body, and there are no cutaways. The size is a bit smaller compared to the standard dreadnought, but it is still big. There is also an L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup system too. 

Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey

• Acoustic
• Parlor
• No cutaways
• Basswood body and sides with basswood top
• Nato neck with walnut fretboard
• Gretsch Deltoluxe pickup system
• Smokestack Black

Gretsch offers something a bit different, and it is a parlor guitar. As you probably know already, the body is significantly smaller compared to dreadnought guitars, and it is perfect for younger players. But at the same time, it is still a full-size guitar you can use for fingerstyle genres. 

The model is made of basswood with a nato neck and walnut fretboard. It is also equipped with a Gretsch Deltoluxe pickup system, and the guitar is ideal for blues. Needless to say, you can play other types of music on it as well. 

Gibson L-00 Standard

• Acoustic
• 00
• No cutaways
• Mahogany body and sides with solid sitka spruce top
• Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
• LR Baggs VTC pickup system
• Vintage Sunburst

Gibson L-00 Standard is a limited edition guitar, and it has a 00 body shape. It is comfortable, and versatile, and it looks amazing. This is one of the best options for those that dislike huge guitars such as dreadnought, and the quality is exceptional. 

The model also has an LR Baggs pickup system, which will allow you to easily plug it into the amp. Naturally, the price is higher since this is a professional model, but if you can afford it, it is an excellent option. 

Ovation Celebrity

• Acoustic
• Oval
• Single cutaway
• Maple top
• Nato neck with ovangkol fretboard
• Ovation Slimline pickup and OP4BT preamp with built-in tuner
• Cognac Burst

Ovation is a unique brand that offers guitars unlike any other. The majority of models are with an oval backside, making it more comfortable for playing. This version has a multi-soundhole instead of the traditional one, a single cutaway, and it’s made of a super shallow lyrachord. 

The guitar also has an Ovation Slimline pickup that comes with a preamp, and it has a built-in tuner. Ovation Celebrity is highly versatile, which means you can play any music genre and technique on it. Including fingerstyle. 

Gibson ES-335

• Electric
• Semi-hollow
• Double cutaway
• Maple/poplar/maple 
• Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
• Custom AlNiCo III unpotted humbuckers
• Fixed bridge
• ‘60s Cherry

Playing fingerstyle doesn’t mean you have to go for an acoustic guitar, and there are plenty of electric models you can check out. And one of the best guitars you can find is Gibson ES-335. It is an iconic semi-hollow guitar that is quite popular for blues, jazz, and rock. 

It has two Alnico humbuckers, a fixed bridge, and a large maple body. Needless to say, the price for the original Gibson ES-335 is quite high, and even the reissue is not affordable for everyone. But it is one of the best models you can get. 

DAngelico Premier

• Electric
• Hollow
• Single cutaway
• Maple body 
• Maple neck with ovangkol fretboard
• Duncan Designed Floating Mini-Humbucker
• Fixed bridge
• Satin Walnut

DAngelico is another interesting brand that offers guitars in various price ranges, and this one’s great for intermediate and advanced players. You won’t need to spend a fortune on it, but it is still a great model worth checking out. 

The guitar has a hollow body made of maple with a single cutaway. It is also equipped with a Duncan Designed mini-humbucker, that will allow you to create different tones. Naturally, the body of the instrument is larger, which might be an issue for some players. 

Gretsch G5420T Electromatic

• Electric
• Hollow
• Single cutaway
• Maple body 
• Maple neck with laurel fretboard
• FT-5E FilterTron humbuckers
• Bigsby
• Orange Stain

Gretsch guitars are always a great option. Especially when you can find a model that’s under $1,000. And the G5420T Electromatic is just that. It is a hollow-body instrument with a single cutaway, maple neck, and laurel fretboard. 

It is also equipped with two FT-5E FilterTron humbuckers, and a Bigsby if you want to experiment even further. The guitar is great for blues and jazz, and it might be perfect for fingerstyle.

Fender AM Pro II Strat

• Electric
• Solid-body
• Double cutaway
• Alder body 
• Maple neck with maple fretboard
• V-Mod II single coils
• Tremolo
• Dark Night

Fender is one of the biggest guitar manufacturers in the world, and everyone knows of Stratocasters. It is a highly versatile guitar, and you can use it for nearly anything. And the AM Pro II Strat is no different. 

The guitar has a maple neck, three vintage-modified single-coil pickups, push/pull potentiometers, a 2-point tremolo, and a well-known design. And as Mark Knopfler and Jeff Beck proved time and again, it is a great guitar for fingerstyle. 

National Reso-Phonic

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Solid steel 
• Maple neck with ebony fretboard
• No pickups
• Roundneck
• Raw Steel 

National guitars are iconic. And you are probably aware of their popularity. This is a resonator guitar, and it has a body made of solid steel. The guitar is inspired by models from the thirties, and it is an excellent option for fingerstyle. 

Of course, the guitar has a unique sound thanks to its solid steel body, and you will be able to get creative with it. The only downside for some players is that the price is high. You will need to spend a lot of money to get it. 

Dobro Hound Dog

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Maple body
• Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
• No pickups
• Roundneck
• Vintage Brown matt

If you like resonator guitars but don’t want to go for a full-metal model, you can get Dobro Hound Dog. The guitar is made of maple with a steel spun cone, Old School Dowel Style neck profile, and round neck. 

The instrument is versatile, but it truly shines if you play blues on it. Another thing worth mentioning is that Dobro is a part of Epiphone, which is a popular budget brand. But the guitar still offers great quality and an amazing tone. 

Richwood A-70-EVA

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Rosewood back and sides with solid spruce top
• Mahogany neck with ebony fretboard
• Fishman Presys+
• Natural Vintage Aged

Richwood A-70-EVA is an auditorium guitar, and it is incredible. Especially since it isn’t as expensive as some other models on the list. The guitar is made of rosewood with a solid spruce top, and it has a mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. 

It also comes with a Fishman Presys+ pickup system, making it easy to play on stage as well. All things considered, Richwood A-70-EVA is a great guitar, and it’s perfect for those looking for a fingerpicking instrument for a reasonable price. 

Yamaha FG800M

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Nato back and sides with solid spruce top
• Nato neck with walnut fretboard
• No pickups
• Natural matte

If you want a cheaper option without a pickup, you can still find incredible models out there such as Yamaha FG800M. Yamaha is known for making amazing guitars, and this is a perfect option for both beginners and experienced players. 

Naturally, the only downside is that you won’t be able to play it live just by plugging it into the amp, but there is a way to make it work even without pickups. The guitar has a dreadnought shape. 

Taylor Big Baby Taylor

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Nato back and sides with solid spruce top
• Nato neck with walnut fretboard
• No pickups
• Natural matte

Taylor is always a great option, and it is good to find a brand that has flexible prices and covers a variety of price ranges. The model here is a Taylor Big Baby, and it is a full-size guitar. The body is made of nato with a nato neck, while the fretboard is made of walnut. 

The guitar doesn’t have a pickup system, so you will need to find another way to amplify it. But the quality and design of the instrument are worth the price. While the body looks like a dreadnought model, the guitar is a bit smaller. 

Martin HD-28

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• East Indian rosewood back and sides with spruce top
• Select hardwood neck with ebony fretboard
• No pickups
• Natural 

Martin is one of the best brands when it comes to acoustic guitars, and each model is on a professional level. And so is the price. While you will need to spend a lot of money on it, it is worth it. 

The guitar is made of East Indian rosewood with a spruce top, and it has an ebony fretboard. The shape of the model is a dreadnought, with a natural gloss finish. And the guitar looks breathtaking. 

Martin OM-28

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• East Indian rosewood back and sides with spruce top
• Select hardwood neck with ebony fretboard
• No pickups
• Natural

Martin guitars come in all shapes and sizes, and if you are not a fan of dreadnought models, you can find something else. And a perfect example is Martin OM-28. It is an orchestra model, which makes it smaller than dreadnought with curvier edges. 

However, the guitar is still not as small as a parlor, and it is a full-size instrument. There are no pickups on it, but the guitar sounds incredible. It is one of the best models on the list, which also explains the price. 

Guild D-140

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Mahogany back and sides with spruce top
• Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
• No pickups
• Sunburst high-gloss

Guild is a brand that offers instruments in the mid-price range but there are more expensive models as well. This one is great for beginners and intermediate players, and it has a mahogany body and neck. 

The top is made of spruce, and it has a beautiful sunburst finish. Keep in mind that this guitar isn’t equipped with a pickup system, and you will need to search for an alternative if you want to play it on stage.

Taylor 214ce

• Acoustic
• Single cutaway
• Koa plywood back and sides with sitka spruce top
• Sapele neck with ebony fretboard
• Expression System 2
• Shaded Edgeburst Top

Taylor 214ce is a grand auditorium model and it looks similar to dreadnoughts, but it has a single cutaway. It is also made of a combination of koa plywood, sapele, and ebony. Playing the guitar will feel comfortable, and you will have access to higher frets thanks to the cutaway.

The guitar is also equipped with an expression system, with additional controls to adjust volume, treble, and bass. And it looks great. While the price is a bit higher, it is an instrument worth checking out. 

Martin 000-15M

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Solid mahogany back and sides with sitka spruce top
• Mahogany neck with East Indian rosewood fretboard
• No pickups
• Natural

This is a 000 guitar, which looks rather similar to a parlor model. It is made of solid genuine mahogany, with a solid sitka spruce top. It also has a mahogany neck with an East Indian rosewood fretboard, and a natural finish. 

The guitar is incredible, and it’s one of the cheapest Martin guitars. But it still might be too high for some players. Martin 000-15M doesn’t have a pickup system, and you will need to amplify it in another way. 

Seagull Guitars Maritime

• Acoustic
• Single cutaway
• Mahogany back and sides with solid spruce top
• Mahogany neck with richlite fretboard
• Fishman Presys II
• Natural

Seagull Guitars is a newer company, at least compared to Gibson and Fender, and the first model was made in 1982. Over years, the company grew and started making numerous different guitars you can check out. 

And Maritime is one of many options. The guitar has a single cutaway, a modern concert hall body, and a Fishman Presys II pickup system. The body is made of mahogany with a solid spruce top, and it has a natural finish. 

PRS SE P20E Parlour

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Mahogany back and sides with solid mahogany top
• Mahogany neck with ebony fretboard
• PRS Voiced Fishman Sonitone pickup
• Satin Vintage Black Top

While the majority of people will think of Santana and electric guitars designed by PRS, the company offers acoustic models as well. And they are quite good. This model here is in parlor size, and it has a mahogany body. 

As with other parlor guitars, the body is significantly smaller which makes it perfect for all ages and experience levels. The guitar has traditional PRS bird inlays, and it is surprisingly affordable considering how good it is. 

Recording King RO-328

• Acoustic
• No cutaways
• Indian rosewood back and sides with solid spruce top
• Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
• No pickups
• Natural high-gloss

Recording King was founded in 1930, but it was discontinued in 1939. After a long hiatus, the brand returned in 2007, and the company works on models inspired by vintage instruments from the thirties. 

The RO-328 is a 000 guitar, which makes it more comfortable for playing compared to the larger models such as jumbo or dreadnought. There is no pickup system in it, but it is still worth checking out. 

Epiphone Casino

• Electric
• Semi-hollow
• Double cutaway
• Maple body 
• Mahogany neck with Pau Ferro fretboard
• AlNiCo P90 single coils
• Fixed bridge 
• Vintage Sunburst

Epiphone Casino is based on Gibson ES-335, specifically, the model John Lennon played in the sixties. It is also a perfect choice for those that love Gibson semi-hollow guitars but can’t afford them since this Epiphone is significantly cheaper. 

The guitar is well made, it has a maple body with a mahogany neck, and a beautiful Vintage Sunburst finish. It is also equipped with two alnico pickups, but this time, they are two P90s instead of standard humbuckers. 

Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin II

• Electric
• Semi-hollow
• Single cutaway
• Canadian wild cherry 
• Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
• Godin Custom humbucker
• Fixed bridge 
• Cognac Burst

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II is a hollow-body guitar, and it has a single cutaway with an archtop body. It’s made of Canadian wild cherry, and it looks quite good with its Cognac Burst finish. There are two humbuckers you can use, and both are designed by Godin. 

The instrument is highly versatile, and you can easily play nearly any genre on it. But if you are interested in fingerstyle techniques, it will give you just the tone you need. It also means that you will be able to play with more gain since these humbuckers can be quite powerful. 

Summary

Finding a perfect guitar can often be challenging. Even if you have a specific type in your mind, you will still be able to find numerous models that offer something similar. And of course, the price will play an important role in the decision as well. 

Fortunately, having enough options means that you will have better chances of finding just the model you need. And the same thing applies to fingerstyle guitars as well. You can get an acoustic model, go for hollow or semi-hollow instruments, or even buy a solid-body guitar. 

The only thing that matters is that you enjoy playing the guitar and that you are able to create a tone you will love using.

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Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API