UBCNews - Business - Best Classical Guitars For Fingerstyle Players: Experts Name Their Top Picks

Episode Date: January 19, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're getting into something that's near and dear to a lot of guitar players' hearts—classical and fingerstyle guitar. And specifically, we're talking about the selection available for nylon string instruments. With me is a guest who really knows the ins and outs of this world. Thanks for joining me! Sam Ash City: Hicksville Address: 278 Duffy Ave Website: https://www.samash.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're getting into something that's near and dear to a lot of guitar players' hearts, classical and fingerstyle guitar. And specifically, we're talking about the selection available for nylon string instruments. With me is a guest who really knows the ins and outs of this world. Thanks for joining me. Happy to be here. You know, I've been playing classical and fingerstyle for about 15 years now, and it's one of those styles that really opens up the guitar. in ways that a pick just can't. Right, exactly. So for those listening who maybe aren't familiar, what makes finger style and classical guitar

different from, say, strumming with a pick? Great question. When you use your fingers instead of a pick, you gain so much more control over each note's tone and volume. It's almost like playing six keyboards layered on top of each other. You can craft these intricate, rich sounds, harmonies that just aren't available when you're picking. when you're picking. Plus, nylon strings are softer, which makes them forgiving for beginners

learning basic finger-style techniques. That's fascinating, and I've heard that nylon string guitars are particularly well-suited for finger-style players. Is that accurate? Absolutely. Nylon strings have a warmer, mellower tone compared to steel strings, and they respond beautifully to finger-picking. They're commonly used in classical music, but they work across so many genres, Flamenco, Bossa Nova, even contemporary arrangements of pop songs. Mm-hmm. Interesting. So if someone's looking to get into this style, where do they even start? There are so many options out there, different brands, price points, materials. How do you narrow it down? Well, it helps to know what's available. There's a wide selection of classical acoustic guitars from brands like Yamaha, Cordova, Taylor, Takamine, H. Jimenez, Washburn, Michael Kelly, and Epiphone.

That's a solid range. And I'm guessing the price varies quite a bit too. Definitely. You can find guitars starting under $150 for beginners, all the way up to over $2,000 for professional level instruments. So there's really something for every budget. Actually, when I bought my first nylon string guitar, I went with a $200 Yamaha. Played it for three years before upgrading, and it taught me everything I needed to know. I love that, so you don't need to break the bank right away. Now, when you're choosing a classical guitar, what are the key things to look at, like materials and construction? The top material is huge. You'll commonly see spruce, cedar, and mahogany. Cedar tends to produce a warmer, more responsive tone, while spruce offers clarity and projection. Then there's the fingerboard, rosewood, ebony, ogle, composite, and powfero are the main options. The Lebany is denser and gives you a brighter sound, while Rosewood is warmer. That point about top materials and tone really sets up our next piece.

How specific guitars deliver on playability and sound. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Looking for the perfect classical or nylon string guitar? Since 1924, Sam Ash has served musicians with a vast selection of quality instruments. Their online platform offers classical acoustic guitars across brands like Yamaha, Cordoba, Noba, Taylor, and more, with prices from under $150 to over $2,000. Their team of professional musicians and experienced technicians provides expert consultations and technical advice.

Plus, flexible financing and fast shipping make high-end instruments more accessible. Find your ideal fingerstyle guitar at samash.com. Picking up on tone and materials, how do you actually test a guitar to know if it's right for your playing style? Good question. Playability is just as important as tone. You want to check the action, how high the strings sit above the fretboard, and how comfortable the neck feels in your hand. For fingerstyle, you need a guitar that responds well to a light touch, but still has enough resonance and sustain. Right. And I imagine certain guitars are built specifically with finger style in mind? Oh, for sure. Take something like the Michael Kelly Forte Port Nylon. It features port technology, which gives you a bold resonant tone that's perfect for finger-picking. Or the C-7C-C-E.

It's built with a solid Canadian red cedar top and Indian rosewood back-and-sides, producing a warm, balanced voice with lively projection. That's interesting. So the bracing matters, too? Absolutely. The C-7C-E uses Spanish fanbracing, which lets the cedar top resonate freely. You get a well-balanced sound with rich mid-range, articulate highs, and warm bass response, ideal for both classical and contemporary finger-style arrangements. I see, go on. What about Yamaha? They seem to come up a lot in this space.

Yeah, Yamaha is a go-to for many players. Any models in particular? Well, their CG-192C has a solid cedar top that delivers warm, responsive tone. And then there's the Yamaha NCX-3 and the Takamini GC3C, C, which are often recommended for finger-picking. At the higher end, the Taylor 3 4th C-E-N is a nylon crossover guitar for more discerning players. So, have you ever wondered if there's one perfect guitar out there, or is it really about finding what fits your style and budget? It's definitely the latter. Every player is different.

Some prefer a warmer sound, others want more clarity and projection. Some need electronics for live performance. Others are strictly acoustic. The key is to look at different options and get expert advice. when you can. In other words, what works for one guitarist might not work for another. It's all about personal preference. Makes sense. And, you know, having access to knowledgeable staff who understand classical guitars can really make the difference, right? Totally. When you're making an investment, whether it's $200, $2,000, you want someone who can guide you through tone, playability, and what's going to work for your hands and your music. That expertise is invaluable. Unless you enjoy buying

guitars that end up collecting dust in the corner, which let's be honest, most of us have at least one of those. Ha! True. So to everyone listening, if you're thinking about picking up a classical or nylon string guitar for finger style, what's your one piece of advice? Try before you buy if you can, or at least do your research on materials and brands. And don't be afraid to start with something affordable. There are great options under $300 that'll get you playing and learning. You can always upgrade as your skills develop. That's solid advice.

And just to recap, nylon strings offer control and warmth. There's a wide range of brands and price points, and materials like cedar and spruce shape your tone. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the right guitar is out there for you. Absolutely. And honestly, playing fingerstuffs is such a rewarding experience.

You're not just strumming chords. You're creating melodies, harmonies, and textures all at once. It's like unlocking a whole new dimension of the guitar. Well said. Thanks so much for sharing your insights today. This has been really helpful, and I think our listeners are going to walk away with a much better understanding of what to look for.

My pleasure. Happy to help. And to all of you tuning in, thanks for listening. Until next time, keep trying new. things, keep playing and find the instrument that speaks to you.