7 Best Fingerstyle Guitars

Fingerstyle guitar playing has been around for decades, and is still very popular today. Usually, fingerstyle guitars tend to be smaller with broader fingerboards. Naturally, you can play fingerstyle on any acoustic guitar (or even electric, for that matter!)

And although classical guitar playing technically is fingerstyle, the term is reserved for patterns and parts played mostly in popular music styles such as folk, country, bluegrass, etc. Fingerstyle playing is also a common tool for more accomplished songwriters that have a bit more technical ability on the instrument.

Almost all of the top guitar brands produce instruments designed specifically for fingerstyle. Additionally, there are endless smaller and boutique guitar companies that also produce these instruments.

With so many choices to pick from, where do you even begin? We’re here to help. Keep reading below.

Read more about our review process.

Our Top 3

The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany is our Top Pick for this list. With an X-braced soundhole construction with a Tropical Mahogany top and Laminated Sapele for the sides, this Taylor delivers great tone and playability. 

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top is our Budget Choice. This vintage-inspired guitar produces a forward tone on a smaller frame and pays homage to the instruments of the ’30s and ’40s, while giving you nice sound and playability. 

Finally, the Gibson Acoustic L-00 Studio is our Editor’s Choice. With outstanding craftsmanship and tone, this guitar is for dedicated professionals that value quality, and want an instrument that sounds as good as it plays.


Individual Reviews

Top Pick
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

Taylor GS Mini Mahogany

Quality and craftsmanship at a smaller size.

Taylor needs no presentation among guitar players. It is one of the most respected brands and has produced scores of quality instruments for decades. The GS Mini is yet another example of that, and gives you Taylor tone and features on a compact size.

The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany features X-braced soundhole construction with a Tropical Mahogany top and Laminated Sapele for the sides, for a great tone. With a low action across its ebony fingerboard, you get Taylor playability on a well-rounded guitar that delivers the tone this brand is known for.

This guitar is basically a scaled-down take of their popular Grand Symphony body shape. At just over 36 inches, this guitar is easy to transport, and a good choice for folks who have smaller hands.

We tried the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany and were impressed by the big sound it produces, particularly for a smaller instrument like this. In true Taylor fashion, we got great intonation and consistent clarity. The projecting sound on this instrument is rich and full and could be mistaken for a bigger guitar’s sound.

Regarding playability, this guitar was comfortable to play. We liked the shorter 23.5-inch scale length with the Taylor NT neck shape for extra comfort. Whether we played fingerstyle or with a pick, the GS Mini was a breeze to play at all times.

In short, this guitar offers you Taylor quality and craftsmanship at a smaller and more convenient size. It delivers a good tone with warmth and projection and nice playability, and ships with a softshell case. 

Verdict: The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany features an X-braced soundhole construction with a Tropical Mahogany top and Laminated Sapele for the sides, for a great tone. With a low action across its ebony fingerboard, you get Taylor playability on a well-rounded guitar that delivers the tone this brand is known for.


Budget Choice
Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top

Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top

A vintage inspired instrument with a forward tone.

This guitar pays homage to the instruments of the '30s and '40s, with not only its smaller size but also its retro vintage look. It comes from one of the most traditional instrument brands, and one that is still producing quality solutions for musicians to this day.

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top acoustic guitar features a smaller frame with a body length of 18″, a width of 13″ and a body depth of 3.875″. With these particular proportions, you get a unique looking acoustic that is also easier to handle, especially for kids or smaller folks. 

When we first picked up this guitar, we got a kick out of its unique vintage look and particular feel. Once we started playing some fingerpicking patterns, we got a present tone that was a bit bright and with forward mids.

We really liked how resonant its basswood top, back, and sides were, and even at low volumes, we got nice natural projection. This remained true for the entirety of the fretboard, although we found this guitar shines best with open chord parts. 

The G9500 is a comfortable instrument, with Nato as the wood of choice for the neck and a C shape. The fingerboard also felt nice and familiar as is made of walnut. With a radius of 12″, 18 frets and a scale length of 24″, this Gretsch felt great during our tests. 

In short, a guitar with a unique look and overall feel, but that sounds good and feels nice. It is a good choice for beginners, as well as players with smaller hands looking for something affordable. 

Verdict: The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top acoustic guitar features a smaller frame that results in a unique-looking instrument with a vintage touch. This guitar is not only affordable but also a great choice for kids or folks with smaller frames.


Editor's Choice
Gibson Acoustic L-00 Studio

Gibson Acoustic L-00 Studio

Outstanding tone and feel for dedicated professionals.

This acoustic guitar was handcrafted by Gibson's select luthiers in their Montana facility and displays great attention to detail at every level. This instrument is for folks that value quality, and want a guitar that sounds as good as it plays.

The Gibson Acoustic L-00 Studio features a superior level of design and craftsmanship, with a walnut back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top on a traditional hand-scalloped X bracing construction. 

We started our tests by playing some fingerstyle jazz chord solos arrangements a la Joe Pass. We were immediately surprised by the robust bottom end that this guitar has, especially as it is a smaller-sized instrument. This was particularly good for solo playing, and especially for fingerpicking. Besides, this guitar projects a nicely-balanced tone with a silky warmth to it.

We plugged this guitar into our Roland JC-120 to see how the pre-installed LR Baggs’ Element Bronze electronics responded. This system features a low-profile under-saddle transducer that comes with a flexible sensing element that is remarkably responsive to string vibrations. 

We got a warm, open, responsive and dynamic amplified acoustic tone. Besides doing away with the quack that some piezos produce, this LR Baggs system gave us delicate high-end, and focused lows.

The playability on this guitar is also second to none. We loved the typical Gibson 24.75″ scale length and the feel of the SlimTaper mahogany set neck. It gave us great intonation that was consistent across the instrument. 

The 12″ radius walnut fingerboard was very responsive to our playing and felt very nice as well. With 20 frets and the nice addition of mother-of-pearl dot inlays, this guitar not only feels great but is also gorgeous.

Verdict: The Gibson Acoustic L-00 Studio is a fantastic choice for professional players looking for quality and willing to pay for it. It features outstanding attention to detail and delivers a superior tone, features and playability.


Also Consider
Martin 00-X2E

Martin 00-X2E

Natural sound on a smaller-bodied Martin.

Martin produces some of the most sought-after acoustic guitar models and has been doing so for decades. The 00-X2E is for folks that want to have Martin craftsmanship and tone at a lower size and price.

The Martin 00-X2E features a grand concert body with a spruce top with high-pressure Laminate back and sides. With a Scalloped X-bracing construction and Satin finish, this guitar gives you authentic Martin tone and characteristics.  

We started our tests by playing a few finger-picked arpeggios on open chords. This Martin gave us a rich low end, and the overall sound was balanced and with a nice clarity. This is an asset for any guitar, especially for one that you intend to use for fingerpicking or as a solo instrument.

We then moved on to play some more intricate parts higher up in the neck. The OO-X2E maintained its balanced voice and gave us a nicely present tone where the mids can shine, still with a full low end. The intonation was consistent and this guitar also did a great job staying in tune. 

For plugging into an amp or PA, this Martin comes with Fishman MX electronics. This system features a pickup mounted on the soundhole, where the volume and tone controls are nicely tucked in.  

Plugged into our Roland JC-120, the Fishman electronics captured the natural acoustic tone of the 00-X2E. That said, we would have liked to have a bit more EQ control and perhaps a notch filter, for adjusting well. to different rooms and scenarios. 

We like how this guitar feels. It was relatively comfortable with a scale length of 24.9″ and with the neck featuring Martin’s Modified Low Oval profile on a 16″ radius. Overall, a nice guitar that delivers the Martin sound and feel, ideal for songwriters and finger pickers. 

Verdict: The Martin 00-X2E comes with a grand concert body and characteristic Martin tone and feel at a lower price. With Fishman MX electronics, you can also plug it in for live gigs, making it a versatile and affordable guitar with Martin quality.


Also Consider
PRS SE A40 Angelus

PRS SE A40 Angelus

Great projection with authentic PRS feel.

PRS has emerged as one of the premier guitar makers in the last three decades. Their SE line offers more affordable guitars made overseas, but still, maintains the PRS ethos. This one is no exception and sounds and feels more expensive than its price suggests.

The PRS SE A40 Angelus features an X-brace/classical hybrid bracing method and is PRS’s own blend of techniques employed by famous acoustic guitar luthiers throughout history. The principle behind this bracing technique is to pair resonant tops with reflective and stiff backs and sides. This results in a mighty tone that responds better to your playing style.

Regarding the tonewoods, this PRS features a solid spruce top with laminated ovangkol back and sides. The neck features Paul Reed Smith’s wide neck shape and is carved from choice mahogany. To round it off, an ebony fretboard gives you smoothness and rich tones. 

We played some classic fingerstyle tunes like “Blackbird” and got a nice response with a projecting and balanced sound. The frequency spectrum was well represented in the sound of this guitar, and we felt it responded well to our playing subtleties. 

Besides the fact that this guitar sounded good with fingerpicking style, it also delivered when we played more forcefully, both with our fingers and with a pick. This PRS SE also had a nice bass response and good intonation during all of our tests.

We then plugged the SE A40 Angelus into our acoustic amp to try out the PRS-voiced Fishman Sonitone pickup. We got a dynamic and natural sound and were able to shape our tone a bit with the master volume and tone rotary controls

In short, a nice guitar with a strong and projecting tone, great for fingerstyle, solo work, and songwriters alike.

Verdict: The PRS SE A40 Angelus comes with an X-brace/classical hybrid bracing method and an onboard PRS-voiced Fishman Sonitone pickup system for plugging into amps or PAs. With excellent acoustic projection and nice playability, this guitar is a good choice for fingerpicking as well as other uses.


Also Consider
Yamaha FS820

Yamaha FS820

A great fingerpicking guitar for beginners.

Yamaha is one of the most respected brands among musicians in nearly all popular music instruments. The FS820 acoustic guitar displays the quality that we've come to associate with Yamaha and comes at a price that will be appealing to many students and beginners.

The Yamaha FS820 features a scalloped X-bracing design with a solid spruce top and laminate mahogany for the back and sides. This acoustic guitar is a bit smaller and thinner than a traditional dreadnought, so it’s best suited for folks that prefer smaller instruments, or young players starting out. 

We tried this guitar by playing a few finger-picking arpeggios and even a bit of soloing. On first impression, we liked the size of this instrument, as it was easy to hold in any position and go up and down the neck. 

Regarding the sound, the FS820 gave us a crisp high-end, and forward mids. This guitar has an intimate quality to it, which comes through in its gently voiced tone. This makes it a good choice for folk, bluegrass, and country, as well as for songwriters of any style.

Regarding playability, this guitar was comfortable and will be especially so for folks with smaller hands. The Nato neck on the FS820 responded well to our playing. We also liked how the 15.75″ radius and 25″ scale length felt. 

In short, a good acoustic guitar that delivers a good tone and nice playability. This guitar is best suited for folks with a smaller frame, and may feel a bit cramped for those with bigger hands. 

Verdict: The Yamaha FS820 features a scalloped X-bracing design with a solid spruce top and laminate mahogany for the back and sides. Smaller and thinner than a traditional dreadnought, it features prominent high-end and forward mids, making it a good instrument for acoustic playing in a variety of styles.


Also Consider
Alvarez AF60SHB Artist 60

Alvarez AF60SHB Artist 60

Superior tonewoods for superior tone.

Alvarez’s artist series is known for providing a good tone, a comfortable playing experience as well as stylish looks. The AF60SHB is no exception and relies on quality tonewoods that result in a fantastic tone for an affordable guitar.

The Alvarez AF60SHB Artist 60 is a folk/orchestra-style guitar designed with a slim tapered body and a forward shifted spruce bracing with asymmetric tone bars. For tonewoods, you get a solid hand-selected North American A+ Sitka spruce top with a gloss finish, and a laminate back and sides made of African mahogany on a satin finish.

For our tests, we played a few songs that feature fingerpicking patterns. From the first open chord, we got a nice tonal quality with this Alvarez guitar, which also responded well to our dynamics.

Even while playing gentle finger-picking parts, this Alvarez acoustic gave us a very present volume and great projection. As expected, the choice of Sitka spruce for the top made this guitar resonant and with a balanced overall tone. 

We also liked how this guitar felt in our hands. With a mahogany neck that is shaped with a hybrid soft V to C format, an Indian Laurel fingerboard, and a 14.96″ radius, the AF60SHB Artist 60 offers nice playability and comfort. 

The bone nut and saddle also make a difference in this guitar’s resonance and sustain, and the chrome Alvarez tuners are a welcome addition to a guitar that delivers on many fronts.

In short, an Alvarez acoustic that delivers good tone and playability, as well as other quality features. As good as it is, we wish that it had an electronic system so that it could be plugged into an amp for live performances. 

Verdict: The Alvarez AF60SHB Artist 60 is a folk/orchestra-style guitar designed with a slim tapered body and a forward shifted spruce bracing with asymmetric tone bars. For tonewoods, you get a solid hand-selected North American A+ Sitka spruce top with a gloss finish, and a laminate back and sides made of African mahogany on a satin finish.


How To Choose The Right Guitar For You

Guitars intended for fingerstyle playing are typically more undersized but have a more expansive fingerboard. There are plenty of fingerstyle patterns, some of which come from classical guitar playing, but they are mostly applied to popular music. 

There are several factors to consider before selecting an acoustic guitar. However, the first and most important is to find a guitar that you connect with. To that extent, it is imperative that you try a few instruments and start developing your own criteria. What type of guitar do you like? Do you have a preference for a certain brand? A certain size? Below are a few guideless to help you in this process.

The basics

Playability 

This refers to how comfortable the guitar is to play. Naturally, the answer can vary greatly depending on who is playing which guitar. You must try different guitars and play them all over the neck and see if it feels relatively comfortable to you. Play several guitars in one session to get a feel for their differences in playability.

Sound 

Ask yourself what kind of sound the guitar you have in your hands produces. Is it loud and clear? Is it understated and balanced? And what do you prefer?

Also, check for strings buzzing when playing open strings or fretted notes. Avoid guitars with weird buzzes or unwanted noises. 

Tuning 

This is a vital point that gets ignored often, especially by beginners. Simply said, does the guitar stay in tune? This applies for both open strings and fretted notes as well.

Also, if the neck on the guitar is poorly set, it will be nearly impossible to keep it consistently in tune. Make sure the guitar you like also stays in tune. 

Body Type

Dreadnoughts, Grand Concerts and Grand Auditoriums are the three probably most popular guitar bodies types. Below is a brief explanation.

Dreadnought 

These bodies have profound lows and crisp highs, but with a sound that is evenly balanced across the whole tonal spectrum. A Dreadnought is often preferred by players that value a nice blend of force and articulation. However cheaper Dreadnought bodies may sound a bit boomy, so make sure you test a few guitars.

Grand Concert 

These have a smaller body and are a common choice for fingerstyle enthusiasts. The sound they produce is not as loud however, but richer in the mid frequencies.

Grand Auditorium

If you want a body size that falls somewhere between a Dreadnought and a Grand Concert, then check out some Grand Auditorium guitars. These give you a nice balance across the frequency spectrum, particularly in the midrange. The result is a clear sound with well-defined notes that are suited for fingerstyle as well as strumming with a pick. 

Electronics

This is another aspect that demands introspection, in other words, ask yourself what you want the guitar for. Is it mostly to write songs and play for fun? Then you do not need to spend extra for electronics.

On the other hand, if you plan to play live you will need a built-in pickup system that you can connect to an amp or PA. And just like most things in life, the better the electronic system, the more it will cost you. That said, there are plenty of guitars that offer good choices that remain relatively affordable. 

Price

For many, price should be a top consideration when buying just about anything. As true as that may be, it is also important to understand that better-sounding guitars, that feature better tonewoods and nicer playability, tend to cost more than inferior guitars.

In an ideal world, you ask yourself what your guitar needs are in order to understand the price range you can expect. If you’re a beginner or a songwriter looking for an instrument that will inspire you, there are plenty of affordable options out there.


Final Thoughts

Fingerpicking guitar playing is a highly expressive technique. Besides good coordination and a nice touch, fingerpicking guitarists can also benefit from a guitar that responds to this unique way of playing.

As we stated, you can fingerpick on nearly any guitar, including electrics. However, some models will be more responsive than others. Choices like the body type, fretboard design, tonewoods used for the top, sides and back, and neck with fingerboard will also have an impact. 

The most important part is that you get an instrument that resonates with you, and that responds to your particularities and your musicality. Therefore, it is imperative to try several guitars before making a choice. 

To recap our top picks, the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany is our Top Pick for this list. With an X-braced soundhole construction with a Tropical Mahogany top and Laminated Sapele for the sides, this Taylor delivers great tone and playability. 

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top is our Budget Choice. This vintage-inspired guitar produces a forward tone on a smaller frame and pays homage to the instruments of the ’30s and ’40s, while giving you nice sound and playability. 

Finally, the Gibson Acoustic L-00 Studio is our Editor’s Choice. With outstanding craftsmanship and tone, this guitar is for dedicated professionals that value quality, and want an instrument that sounds as good as it plays. 

  • Rodrigo Sanchez

    Rodrigo is an award-winning songwriter (Best Popular Song Of 2018 for Ibermúsicas), and has worked with the prestigious EMI Music Publishing Latin America. He has production credits on artists such as Descemer Bueno, and has also composed alongside Grammy and ASCAP award-winners such as Sebastián De Peyrecave and José Luis Morín. For over ten years, he's been an editor/writer for Recording Magazine, and spent a year as head of translation for Brazilian magazine Musica & Mercado.