Countless options are available when finding the best classical guitars for intermediate players.
As an intermediate player, you have already surpassed the beginner level. You are now looking for a guitar that will provide you with more advanced features and a higher-quality sound.
This blog post has compiled a list of the top 15 best classical guitars for intermediate players available today.
We have considered various factors, including sound quality, craftsmanship, playability, and affordability, to help you decide when selecting your next guitar.
From traditional Spanish-made instruments to modern designs, we have included a range of guitars to suit all tastes and budgets.
Get ready to take your playing to the next level with one of the top 15 best classical guitars for intermediate players.
Table of Contents
- Best Classical Guitars For Intermediate Players
- Cordoba C7 Classical Guitar
- Kremona Sofia Classical Guitar
- La Patrie Etude Classical Guitar
- Takamine GC5-NAT Classical Guitar
- Alhambra 4P Classical Guitar
- Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar
- Cordoba C9 Classical Guitar
- Ibanez GA6CE Classical Guitar
- Fender CN-140SCE Classical Guitar
- Washburn C5CE Classical Guitar
- Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar
- Kremona Verea Cutaway Classical Guitar
- Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar
- Takamine GC-6CE Classical Guitar
- Yamaha CG122MSH Classical Guitar
- What makes a guitar suitable for intermediate players?
- Should I buy a guitar with a cutaway or without a cutaway?
- What is the price range for the best classical guitars for intermediate players?
Best Classical Guitars For Intermediate Players
Cordoba C7 Classical Guitar
Cordoba’s commitment to providing finely crafted instruments at an affordable price has made them a popular choice for musicians of all skill levels.
Their entry-level classical guitar, the Cordoba C7, is especially noteworthy. It’s designed for beginner and intermediate players but can easily keep up with more experienced players.
The body and neck of the Cordoba C7 are constructed from high-quality materials that provide excellent durability and sound.
The top is solid European spruce, and the back and sides are Indian rosewood. A mahogany neck adds strength to the design.
To finish things off, Indian rosewood binding provides a striking contrast against the lighter spruce top.
Regarding hardware, Cordoba used traditional components like a rosewood bridge and bone saddle (made from Indian rosewood).
The tuning machines are nothing special, but they do the job without fail.
Cordoba chose each component for its usefulness in delivering a satisfactory playing experience.
As for sound, there’s no denying that classical guitars have some of the most beautiful music.
The Cordoba C7 doesn’t disappoint here either; it produces a robust and expressive tone that lacks nothing in volume or response range. Trebles come out bright, while lows remain nicely balanced and focused.
Fingerpicking on this instrument is a dream, thanks to its rich tones from the Indian rosewood body and mahogany neck combination.
Kremona Sofia Classical Guitar
The Kremona Sofia is a handcrafted guitar that boasts exceptional tonewoods, making it one of the best options for intermediate players seeking a quality instrument.
In addition, this guitar is part of the Kremona Artist Series, which features guitars made entirely of solid tonewoods that have been carefully selected worldwide.
The Sofia is a unique blend of red cedar (top), solid sapele (back and sides), African mahogany (neck), and Indian rosewood (fingerboard, bridge, and headstock), which gives it a unique and distinct sound.
In addition, this guitar is crafted by Kremona’s most experienced luthiers, ensuring it is expressive and lively.
The guitar also features a rigid dovetail neck joint, delicate rosewood purfling, a wooden rosette, bone nut and saddle, and gold-plated machine heads with amber buttons.
These appointments add to the guitar’s overall aesthetic and exceptional sound quality.
The Sofia has a satin polyurethane finish with a glossy top, making it a beautiful instrument to look at and play.
It has 19 frets and a 650 mm scale length, with a nut width of 52 mm. The guitar comes with Kremona Arete Strings and a CGHC deluxe hard case, making it an excellent option for musicians traveling with their instrument.
La Patrie Etude Classical Guitar
The La Patrie Etude is a classical guitar model designed with both beginners and experienced players alike in mind.
From the solid cedar top to the carved rosewood bridge, this guitar offers gorgeous craftsmanship at an incredibly accessible price.
The body of the Etude is crafted from a solid cedar top laminated with cherry back and sides, along with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard.
It’s equipped with a satin polish finish for increased breathability, which lets the guitar age naturally over time. The overall build quality of this instrument belies its cost and offers intermediate players excellent value for money.
The hardware on this guitar includes GraphTech-compensated saddles for perfect intonation and a premium Tusq nut for maximum sound quality.
The tuning pegs are standard yet reliable; classical guitars tend to hold their tuning better than electric or steel-string models.
This versatile little guitar comes into its own when played using fingerstyle techniques, allowing the player access to warm low tones and sweet treble sounds without needing any extra electronics.
Though it may not be ideal for picked leads or strumming patterns, its clear articulation ensures that it’ll bring out each note you play perfectly, regardless of your technique.
Intermediate players will appreciate this guitar’s excellent tone and responsiveness, while novice players will feel comfortable with its slightly wider fretboard size.
Its unique combination of premium materials, subtle aesthetic touches, and great value makes it one of the best classical guitars available today!
Takamine GC5-NAT Classical Guitar
The Takamine GC5-NAT is an elegant and well-balanced classical guitar that boasts deluxe cosmetic appointments, solid-top construction, and a warm and resonant sound.
It is an excellent option for intermediate players looking for a refined and versatile classical guitar.
The GC5 features a fan-braced solid spruce top with black walnut back and sides, producing a rich and balanced tone characteristic of Takamine classical guitars.
The mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard provide excellent playability and comfort, while the dovetail neck joint offers better resonance and structural stability.
The GC5 also has a beautiful inlaid mosaic rosette, synthetic bone nut and bridge saddle, laurel headcap, gold tuners with white pearl buttons, and a luxurious gloss finish.
These appointments add to the guitar’s overall aesthetic and exceptional sound quality.
With a nut width of 2″ (50.8 mm), the GC5 is a comfortable guitar to play and can accommodate various playing styles. It has a natural finish and a classical body shape, characteristic of traditional Takamine classical guitars.
The fan bracing and body shape deliver a clear tone and a strong voice, making it an excellent option for solo performances, ensembles, or recording sessions.
Alhambra 4P Classical Guitar
Crafted with a solid red cedar top, laminated rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, this guitar produces a sweet, full-bodied sound comparable to instruments that cost significantly more.
The use of rosewood for the back and sides, along with the ebony fretboard, is a new development for Alhambra and has been received with enthusiasm by guitarists worldwide.
The Alhambra 4P features high-quality precision tuners and a melamine nut and saddle, ensuring that it is durable and easy to play.
The ebony fingerboard is highly resilient, withstanding the wear and tear of regular use.
The top is finished with four layers of light varnish that provide excellent projection without compromising its durability.
The guitar comes with D’Addario EXP44 Extra Hard Tension strings installed, which are suitable but not the best choice for bringing out the instrument’s full potential.
This Spanish-made guitar has a scale length of 650mm and a nut width of 52mm, providing excellent playability for intermediate players.
It also comes with an Alhambra Deluxe Soft Case, ensuring your investment is well-protected while traveling.
Overall, the Alhambra 4P Classical Guitar is an excellent choice for intermediate players looking for a high-quality instrument that delivers a sweet, full-bodied sound.
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar
The Yamaha C40II is one of the best classical guitars for intermediate and beginner players available on the market.
Constructed with a spruce top and meranti back and sides, its Nato neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience while delivering natural resonance and tone.
This beginner’s guitar still offers excellent build quality at an affordable price, allowing players to explore their musical interests without worrying about breaking the bank.
Its easy-to-play design is ideal for those getting started on their guitar journey and will reward regular use with improved sound quality over time.
This feature-packed classical guitar has features usually only seen in pricier models, such as a natural finish to bring out natural warmth in the sound.
And while many prefer the look and feel of more expensive models, you need help to beat the value for money that you get from this affordable Yamaha beginning classical instrument.
There isn’t a better option for those looking to start learning guitar but need more funds than the Yamaha C40II classical guitar.
It provides fantastic value for money and offers all the quality one could ask for in an entry-level instrument.
No matter your skill level, this classical guitar should be your first choice when deciding which one to pick up – you won’t be disappointed!
Cordoba C9 Classical Guitar
The Cordoba C9 presents an impressive package of quality, beauty, and playability that is hard to beat for under $1000.
Crafted as part of the renowned Luthier Collection, this full-sized classical guitar boasts all solid wood construction, with a Spanish fan-braced top made from solid Canadian cedar and solid mahogany used for the back and sides – all finished in high gloss.
The gorgeous detailed appointments give the instrument a timeless style. A pearloid/ebony rosette and wooden purfling around the top, back, and sides add an extra touch of class.
At the same time, Cordoba’s Premium Gold tuning machines feature black ebony-style buttons with a 14:1 gear ratio.
A bone saddle sits on the rosewood bridge with a matching bone nut, strung up with quality Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension 500CJ strings.
The neck also features a comfortable C shape profile, a flat rosewood fretboard fitted with a dual-action truss rod plus 19 total frets, and a 2.04″ nut width.
These features provide an incredible performance experience at a fantastic price point.
Players can expect beautiful tones bolstered by warm mids that are even across all registers, making it suitable for most styles of nylon-stringed playing – be it jazz, classical, or flamenco, you name it!
In addition, it’s mellow but articulate simultaneously, responding well to various techniques such as fingerpicking or flat picking – ideal for those who like to explore different sounds!
The Cordoba C9 offers incredible value for money that justifies its reputation as one of the best – and most expensive – classical guitars available today.
Ibanez GA6CE Classical Guitar
The Ibanez GA6CE is a classically-inspired guitar that offers players a unique blend of acoustic and electric sound elements.
Built with a single cutaway design, this guitar packs many features into a small package.
Its spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide excellent tonal projection, while the mahogany neck allows for precise intonation from the 19 frets on its rosewood fingerboard.
In addition, the gold hardware on the headstock and the rosewood bridge system add to the sound’s sustain.
It also comes equipped with an internal Piezo pickup system and onboard EQ, which grants players further access to their tone-shaping abilities.
The beauty of this guitar is that despite being so well suited for experienced players, it can be used by those who are just starting since its playing experience is straightforward and enjoyable.
It features low action, which reduces fret buzz while still yielding a beautiful classical tone when played alone or combined with the ample range of sounds found through its built-in pickups and EQ settings.
What truly makes this guitar stand out, however, is its feature set and price tag, which makes it one of the most valuable models on the market right now, considering what you get for what you pay.
So whether you want to start playing or expanding your collection, this model should be a strong contender, given all the significant components in such a small space.
Fender CN-140SCE Classical Guitar
Intermediate-level guitarists searching for the convenience of steel string spacing in a classical guitar should consider the Fender CN-140SCE.
It features an exceptional combination of sound and playability, making it an outstanding choice for developing musicians.
The guitar features a thinline concert body with a single cutaway, allowing players to access the higher frets easily.
In addition, the guitar’s solid cedar top with classical fan bracing and Ovangkol’s back and sides produce a warm and mellow tone perfect for the living room and stage performances.
The guitar’s easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges makes it comfortable for players of any skill level.
The neck profile is the same as all other Classic Design models, which means the wide necks typically found on classical guitars have been replaced. The result is a guitar that is easy to play and provides excellent sound quality.
The Fender CN-140SCE also features Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp electronics, which provide straightforward and powerful tonal control.
This feature makes it easy to plug in the guitar when needed and enhances the overall sound quality.
Additionally, the guitar comes with a hardshell case, which provides excellent protection for the instrument during transport or storage.
Washburn C5CE Classical Guitar
The Washburn C5CE Classical Guitar is an exceptional instrument well-suited for players of all levels.
With a spruce top and catalpa back and sides, this guitar delivers a rich, full-bodied tone perfect for classical and flamenco music.
One of the critical features of the C5CE is its quarter-sawn scalloped Sitka spruce bracing, which enhances the guitar’s tone and projection.
The mahogany neck is smooth and comfortable to play with, and the 19-fret design makes it easy to navigate the fingerboard.
Additionally, the guitar’s mosaic rosette adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.
One of the standout features of the Washburn C5CE is its nylon strings, which provide a smooth, whole tone that is easy on the fingers. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners learning to play the guitar.
In addition to its impressive acoustic sound, the Washburn C5CE is equipped with the Washburn EVT active pickup system, including an onboard tuner.
This allows players to easily adjust their tuning on the fly, making it an excellent choice for live performances and recording sessions.
Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar
Many guitar players will concur that classical guitars are a different animal than your standard acoustic.
Unlike regular acoustics, it takes finesse to master this unique instrument.
The Cordoba C5 is an example of a distinctive yet affordable classical guitar, earning it a spot among the recommended picks for beginners.
The C5’s body and neck are where the guitar truly excels.
Despite being an entry-level model, the craftsmanship is noteworthy, containing a selection of tonewoods such as Canadian cedar and laminate mahogany on its top and back, respectively.
Additionally, the neck consists of a full-sized classical scale mahogany piece, which contributes to the lightweight feel of the instrument.
The hardware for the Cordoba C5 also manages to keep up with its quality build thanks to its rosewood configuration and solid bridge – both integrating seamlessly into its design for optimal performance.
Similarly, although the saddle is made from artificial material, it does not hinder playability.
Moreover, intonation and tuning retention maintained by average die-cast tuning machines far surpass expectations in this price range.
As expected with nylon stringed instruments, sound quality amplifies craftsmanship details more so than steel acoustics do; thus, making it easy to discern how “off” or good an instrument is at first strum.
However, this was not the case with the Cordoba C5 – as warm tones emitted from the lower end spectrum were rich yet balanced well against trebles accenting it further, making fingerpicking easier but never putting strums at a disadvantage.
In short, buying a classical guitar as your first ever may not be advisable.
However, those embarking on this journey can grab the Cordoba C5 confident of getting an affordable solution capable of developing even further with their skill set.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that this brand has become one of the most respected names in the market since surpassing all expectations from beginner-level players until those ready for stage performances!
Kremona Verea Cutaway Classical Guitar
If you’re an intermediate musician looking for a traditional nylon-string guitar that can both look great and sound great – especially in a live setting – it can be tough to find the perfect instrument, even with a higher budget of $1,000.
However, the Kremona Verea Cutaway from the Performer Series may be your ticket to the stage!
The body of the Verea is constructed using only top-notch tonewoods such as solid cedar and rosewood, with precise wood binding and a hand-inlaid rosette pattern around the sound hole.
In addition, the neck is made with Honduran cedar and Indian rosewood fretboard for superior tone and action quality. And what’s more, its adjustable truss rod allows maximum playability when set up correctly.
It also includes an incredibly flexible Fishman Presys Blend active system that combines an under saddle piezo transducer with an integrated condenser microphone, a 3-band EQ, unique phase control, chromatic tuner, and volume dial.
Moreover, it comes with smooth gold-plated tuners with genuine rosewood buttons for making those fine adjustments.
Plus – it has incredible unamplified sound too! Its deep, clean tone across all frequencies makes it seem like it could compete alongside guitars much pricier than its $1000 price tag.
When plugged into an amp or PA using the Presys Blend system, you have a classical nylon monster that will impress any audience.
Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar
Founded in 1997, Cordoba has been focused on producing only the highest-quality classical guitars on the market.
One of their finest creations is the C3M from their Iberia series. It’s a full-sized nylon stringed instrument that stands apart for its affordability and excellent craftsmanship.
The guitar’s body features a solid cedar top with a hand-inlaid rosette surrounding the sound hole, mahogany back and sides, and Spanish 7 fan bracing for enhanced resonance and sustain.
The neck is crafted from nato wood, fitted with a rosewood fingerboard, and 19 frets, giving you an impressive 25.6-inch scale length overall.
As for hardware, it includes an impressive range of features, such as a bone saddle at the bridge to support its rosewood bridge design, plus six nickel tuning machines, making accurate intonation much more manageable.
Sonically, this classical guitar offers richer and brighter tones than commonly found in its price range.
However, this lively tone remains consistently tuned as long as you look after it properly and compliments your playing style through superior resonance and sustain.
Cordoba’s C3M is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for an affordable instrument of the highest caliber.
It features excellent craftsmanship, reliable hardware components, an aesthetically pleasing design, and a sonically appealing tone that offers sustained resonance and stays in tune consistently.
Additionally, it comes with a reasonable price tag, making it even more attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
Takamine GC-6CE Classical Guitar
The Takamine GC-6CE is a solid mid-range classical guitar catering to classical players.
Classical guitarists tend to have different preferences compared to electric guitarists, and this guitar caters to their needs.
The guitar has a wide neck that makes it comfortable to play, and it boasts a combination of black walnut and spruce tonewoods that produce an excellent tone.
Despite no bells and whistles, the GC-6CE produces a consistent, pure, and clean sound apart from its onboard electronics. This quality sound is something that we loved about the guitar.
Therefore, it is an ideal step-up guitar for an intermediate player looking to upgrade from an entry-level instrument.
The Takamine GC-6CE is not the most exciting classical guitar in the world, but it doesn’t have to be. It is designed to deliver the core classical guitar experience without trying to do too much.
The guitar is built with care and attention to detail, and the craftsmanship is evident.
Yamaha CG122MSH Classical Guitar
The Yamaha CG122MSH Solid Spruce Top Classical Guitar is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality instrument at an affordable price.
As part of the CG series, the CG122MSH utilizes decades of hand-crafting experience and technology to offer a rich tone, superior playability, and an elegant appearance.
One of the standout features of the CG122MSH is its solid spruce top, which delivers a loud and warm sound that is sure to impress.
In addition, the matte finish of the guitar also contributes to the overall sound quality, as it allows for improved resonance and better transfer of string vibration to the guitar top.
In addition to its impressive sound, the CG122MSH offers superior playability thanks to its lower string action and 3-ply laminate neck design.
The lower string action allows for easy and comfortable play, while the neck design resists warping and twisting, providing more excellent stability against shape changes over time.
Another benefit of the CG122MSH is its elegant appearance, featuring a simple design sure to impress.
Its matte finish on the back of the neck provides a smooth and secure grip while contributing to improved resonance.
This same finish is applied to the bridge for even better sound quality.
Are you even an intermediate guitar player? This is a tough question to answer, so to know for sure we recommend you watch this YouTube video by Guitareo:
What makes a guitar suitable for intermediate players?
When choosing a guitar suitable for intermediate players, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, an intermediate player has likely progressed beyond the beginner stage and is now seeking a guitar with more advanced features and specifications.
This may include a solid top, preferable over a laminate top, as it produces a richer and more resonant sound.
Additionally, intermediate players may look for a guitar with a broader range of tonal possibilities, including an onboard pickup system or tone-shaping controls.
Comfort and playability are also essential factors for intermediate players.
As players develop their technique, they may require a guitar with a more advanced neck profile, such as a narrower nut width, to allow for more complex fingerings.
A comfortable neck shape and fingerboard radius can also make a big difference in the ease of playing.
Finally, intermediate players may also have specific preferences regarding the style of music they play, which could influence the type of guitar they choose.
For example, a classical guitarist may prefer a guitar with nylon strings and a traditional body shape.
In contrast, a fingerstyle player may select a guitar with a wider neck and more sustain.
Should I buy a guitar with a cutaway or without a cutaway?
A cutaway is a section of the guitar body cut away to allow easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.
Cutaways are common on steel-string acoustic and electric guitars but are less common on classical guitars.
If you’re an intermediate player comfortable playing higher up the neck, a guitar with a cutaway can be a good option.
The cutaway allows for easier access to the higher frets, which can be especially useful when playing complex pieces with a lot of finger movement.
However, a guitar without a cutaway may be better if you’re still working on your technique and must start playing higher up the neck.
This is because a guitar without a cutaway typically has a larger body, which can produce a fuller, more resonant sound.
Additionally, guitars without cutaways are less expensive than guitars with cutaways, as the latter often require additional bracing to maintain structural integrity.
Ultimately, buying a guitar with or without a cutaway depends on your needs and preferences as a player.
If you plan to play mostly classical pieces and are still deciding whether to get comfortable with higher frets, a guitar without a cutaway may be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you plan to play a broader range of styles and need more accessible access to higher frets, then a guitar with a cutaway may be the way to go.
What is the price range for the best classical guitars for intermediate players?
The price range for classical guitars for intermediate players can vary greatly depending on several factors.
Generally, a decent quality classical guitar for intermediate players will range from around $500 to $1500.
However, it’s important to note that a few factors can affect the price of a guitar.
First, the materials used to construct the guitar can significantly impact the price.
For example, guitars with solid wood tops and high-quality tonewoods for the back and sides, such as rosewood or mahogany, will typically be more expensive than guitars with laminated tops and back and sides from less costly woods.
Second, the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail can also impact the price of a guitar.
Guitars handcrafted by experienced luthiers with intricate details like ornate rosettes or decorative inlays will generally be more expensive than mass-produced guitars with simpler designs.
Finally, including electronics can also affect the price of a guitar.
Guitars with built-in pickups and preamps for amplification will typically be more expensive than guitars without electronics.
In love with guitars, and gear; expert in all things music! Been writing about guitars for about 5 years and counting. Born in the ’90s. Alma Mater: University of Havana. Always curious, trying to understand the world. #TeamFender
