Get to grips with the best fingerstyle guitars in our complete guide to the best acoustic guitars for fingerstyle and fingerpicking for all levels and budgets! 

If you're a fingerstyle guitar player, you know how important it is to have an instrument that complements your playing style. The right guitar can make all the difference, allowing you to create beautiful, intricate melodies that simply wouldn't be possible on other types of guitars. In this blog, we'll be exploring what makes a good acoustic guitar for fingerstyle playing.

First and foremost, a good fingerstyle guitar needs to have a balanced and responsive tone. When you're playing fingerstyle, you're using your fingertips to pluck the strings rather than a pick. This means that you need an instrument that can produce a wide range of tonal colours and respond to the nuances of your playing.

The body shape of the guitar is also an important factor to consider. Generally speaking, guitars with smaller bodies tend to be more comfortable for fingerstyle playing. This is because they're easier to hold and allow you to reach all the strings without straining your arm.

The type of wood used to make the guitar is another important consideration. Different woods have different tonal characteristics, so you'll want to choose one that produces the kind of sound you're looking for. For example, spruce is a popular choice for fingerstyle guitars because it has a bright, clear sound that works well for intricate melodies.

Finally, the action of the guitar is also important. The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. When the action is too high, it can be difficult to play cleanly and accurately. On the other hand, if the action is too low, you may experience fret buzz. Ideally, you want to find a guitar with a comfortable action that allows you to play with ease.

In this blog, we'll be exploring some of the best acoustic guitars for fingerstyle playing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, we'll help you find an instrument that meets your needs and budget. So, stay tuned to discover your new favourite guitar!

Best Fingerstyle Guitars

In this blog we’ll be looking at the following acoustic guitar brands for fingerstyle playing:

  • Ferndale
  • Epiphone
  • Taylor
  • Martin

We’re starting off with a budget-friendly option that punches far above its weight, and one of the firm favourites with the Experts at PMT...

Ferndale Guitars

For those players who demand high-quality without breaking the bank, we recommend Ferndale Guitars.

By prioritising the things that really matter and avoiding gimmicks, Ferndale is able to produce guitars that perform well above their price point. The carefully considered tonewoods and premium construction are ideally-suited to fingerstyle playing, with a stunning array of options to suit players of every kind.

No matter if you’re a beginner busker or a professional fingerpicker, you need to try a Ferndale guitar out today!

Get to grips with the guitars here:

Epiphone Acoustics

Epiphone acoustic guitars are known for their excellent build quality and affordable price points, making them a popular choice for many fingerstyle players. They offer a range of body styles and wood choices, allowing players to find an instrument that suits their preferences and playing style.

Additionally, Epiphone guitars often feature slim necks that make it easier to navigate complex fingerstyle patterns. With a reputation for producing guitars with balanced tones and clear projection, Epiphone is a great choice for players who want a reliable and affordable instrument that can handle a variety of fingerstyle techniques.

Find them all here:

Taylor Guitars

Taylor guitars are known for their exceptional build quality, tonal clarity, and sustain, making them a popular choice for serious fingerstyle players who are willing to invest in a high-quality instrument.

With a reputation for crafting guitars with innovative design features and a focus on sustainable materials, Taylor guitars often offer a more sophisticated playing experience. Their necks are known for their comfortable playability, and their body designs allow for exceptional tonal balance across all ranges. For those with a little more budget, investing in a Taylor guitar is a smart choice that can help elevate your playing to the next level.

Check out the full collection here:

Martin Guitars

Martin guitars are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite tonal clarity, and unrivalled sustain. With a history that dates back over 180 years, Martin guitars are widely considered to be the standard-bearer for acoustic guitars, particularly when it comes to fingerstyle playing. Their guitars feature high-quality materials, such as premium tonewoods, and they are crafted using techniques that have been honed over generations of luthiers.

Martin guitars offer exceptional playability and projection, allowing players to create intricate, nuanced fingerstyle melodies with ease. For top-end fingerstyle players who demand the best, Martin is the perfect choice for an unparalleled playing experience.

Discover the complete Martin Guitars range below:

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right acoustic guitar for fingerstyle playing requires careful consideration of several key factors. A balanced and responsive tone, comfortable body shape, appropriate wood choice, and comfortable action are all crucial elements to consider when selecting an instrument.

Ultimately, the best fingerstyle guitar for you will depend on your playing style, preferences, and budget. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can find an acoustic guitar that complements your fingerstyle playing and helps you create beautiful, intricate melodies.


Visit your local PMT Store or call us on 0151 448 2089 to speak to one of our Experts about your needs, and find the latest guitar gear online now – including a huge selection of pre-owned and more!