In this article, we will look at the 5 Best fingerpicking guitars in the year 2024. Fingerstyle guitars are currently hot. They’re what got The Chieftains in the spotlight, and you probably know guitarist Ian Thomas from his collaboration with Glen Hansard and though he’s known for playing tin whistle, the Irish musician is also a skilled guitarist.
Not all fingerstyle guitars are guitars, in the same way, not all guitars are fingerstyle guitars. But there is one that delivers both, and this list of the best fingerstyle guitars in 2024 will take you through some of them. Some are well-known and have been around for decades, while others are newer models worth considering to buy today.
You’ll also find these touch-sensitive acoustic guitars to be helpful because they’re good for both playing classical music as well as other styles because of their clarity and tone. Read on to find out which guitars made our best fingerstyle list.
Your own list of the best fingerstyle guitars in 2024 will likely include some of his models. These finger-picking instruments also play well with other musicians, and many guitarists will enjoy playing in a band with a few instruments like these. Firstly, let’s know what fingerstyle guitars actually are.
What is a fingerstyle guitar?
Essentially, this is a guitar with frets similar to the ones on an acoustic guitar. The strings are typically nylon or steel and are played with the fingers of either your left or right hand. Other similar-sounding terms you may hear include classical, Celtic, fingerstyle, Flatpicking and fretless.
These instruments are usually made in small batches (only about 100). With this small production, however, comes a variety of unique tones and sounds. Some of the models on the list below are as simple and clean as possible while others contain both new and old elements.
You may also find one or more of these brands on our list of best bass guitars in 2024. Furthermore, we will know what criteria you must focus on while picking your own fingerstyle guitar.
Criteria used to evaluate the quality of a fingerstyle guitar:
1. Construction and body:
Fingerstyle guitars are usually made with solid woods to provide the best sound. Other important considerations are the nature of the wood, how it was aged and sealed, what kind of finish was applied, and how it will age in time.
2. Soundhole placement:
The design of a fingerstyle guitar’s soundhole is more important than that of most other acoustic guitars. This is because the hole should afford optimal sustain without compromising volume or clarity.
3. Fingerboard wood:
The fingerboard wood is what makes the guitar’s tone. If you have a subtle guitar, you probably want to avoid ebony or rosewood. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a powerful and explosive sound, then select from several other types of tonewoods.
4. Body shape:
There are several fundamental body shapes that give a unique tone to certain models. For example, an OOO body shape (full-size dreadnought) will have a different overall tone than a 000 or OM.
5. Electronics:
Fingerstyle guitars can be equipped with electronics. However, you may not get the best sound quality if you plan to plug in your guitar using an amp. This is because fingerstyle guitars may be more difficult to amplify than other acoustic models.
6. Price:
Just because a guitar is expensive doesn’t mean it will deliver on its promise. Therefore, if you want to get the best fingerstyle guitars in 2024, then it’s crucial that you avoid paying an exorbitant amount of money for one.
Now it’s time for you to know about some of the best fingerstyle guitars. The following is a list of the best fingerstyle guitars in 2024 and what made them great. You’ll also find information about their sound, price and almost everything. The only thing left for you to do is make your final decision.
The Best Fingerstyle Guitars in 2024
1. Takamine 6 string Acoustic Guitar:
Usually, it’s Takamine that makes them fingerstyle guitars. This is one of the few and best fingerpicking guitars that you can acquire at an affordable price and expect a lot from. The sound is both bright and full, and you’re also sure to get excellent balance.
Common features of this guitar include:
• Price: $ 200 – $ 500,
• A solid cedar top,
• Mahogany back & sides,
• Abalone rosette,
• Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dots,
• Mahogany neck with maple cap and,
• 20-fret rosewood fingerboard.
Some reviews suggest that this model has a fuller sound than other 6 string acoustics. If you’re on the lookout for a fingerstyle guitar that is both good for playing classical music and making other styles as well, then this is one to consider.
2. Taylor Big Baby Acoustic:
If you’re in the market for a great fingerstyle guitar, then you might want to consider this model. Taylor has made a lot of great instruments over the years, and one of them is this Big Baby Acoustic. It was designed especially for players who have smaller hands, and it weighs only about 3 pounds.
The instrument has a 000-size body, and though it may not sound like other 6 or 12 string guitars, it is really worth getting. It’ll give you a nice and natural sound, and it’s also pretty versatile.
Some of the available colours for this model are black, cherry sunburst, gold sparkle, rosewood (with silver sparkle options) and tiger flame maple.
Common features of this guitar include a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany (on the back and sides), rosewood fingerboard and bridge, rosewood headpiece, black pickguard and chrome tuners.
Taylor guitars are also easy to play. If you’re looking for an acoustic-electric guitar for fingerpicking, then this may be a good choice. The bridge design is also innovative since it keeps the strings in position without having to break them (a common problem among other models).
Features of Taylor Big Baby Acoustic:
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Body: 000-size
• Top: solid Sitka spruce
• Back and sides: mahogany
• Fingerboard and bridge: rosewood
• Headpiece: rosewood
• Finish options: black, cherry sunburst, gold sparkle, rosewood (with silver sparkle options) and tiger flame maple.
3. Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
This has become one of the best fingerstyle guitars in the market. So what makes it so popular? The fact that Fender wanted to make an instrument that is easy to play while still being affordable.
This model comes with a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, maple neck, ebony fretboard, and chrome tuners. It’s a fairly authentic-sounding acoustic-electric guitar. It also has a relatively thin neck and is well-suited for players with small hands.
The guitar’s sound output is fairly clear, and it’s easy to play. Fender guitars have also become quite popular over the years, so you may already recognize the name. Some of the available colours are blue burst, black, natural gloss and silver burst.
Features of Fender CD-60 Dreadnought:
• Acoustic-Electric Guitar:
• Price: $329
• Type: Acoustic/Electric/Semi-Acoustic
• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Body Material: Spruce Top, Maple Back and Sides and Rosewood Neck
• Body Finish: Natural Gloss or Satin Finish over Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Bridge Type: – Fixed Floating Tremolo with Stop Tailpiece (Comes with 2-Point Truss Rod) and Dressed Ebony Fretboard with 12 XJ.
4. Washburn D75:
This is a great fingerstyle guitar for those who have smaller hands. The model was designed in 2002 and has one-piece mahogany back and sides. It also has a slim neck with a modern C shape.
Another beautiful aspect of this model is the way the top is shaped. It’s semi-hollow, so it gives you the warmth of an acoustic while still getting enough volume to get you by.
The Washburn D75 is fitted with a mahogany neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and a rosewood bridge. It also has a high-gloss finish that makes it look pretty decent.
Some of the available colours include black and cherry sunburst.
Features of Washburn D75:
• Mahogany neck
• Slim neck profile for easy playability
• Mahogany back/sides for a warm tone
• Semi-hollow classical guitar body design for great volume output
• Dimension: 15″ x 11.5″
• Scale Length: 24.75″
• Top Wood: Mahogany
• Back & sides: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Finish: High gloss transparent
• Price: This is the cheapest guitar on our top list. It costs as low as $250.
5. Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar Natural:
This is another great model for those who are looking for an instrument that is easy to play. Yamaha has done a good job in designing guitars that have relatively slim necks.
This model has a mahogany back and sides and also a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard. It’s big enough to accommodate most players of all ages, and it also comes with geared tuners, a built-in tuner, and a pickup system with volume control.
Some of the available colours are natural and navy blue.
Features of Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar Natural:
• Dimensions: 38.5 x 16.75 x 4 in
• Top: Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Acoustic and electric guitar with nato back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, 1-12” high-output humbucking pickup with volume control, chrome hardware and die-cast tuners.
• Price: This is the most expensive model on our list. It costs around $1000.
