7 Best Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars for Beginners

Choosing your first left-handed acoustic guitar can be tricky, especially when so many models look similar on paper.

To make things easier, I’ve narrowed the options down to 7 left-handed acoustic guitars that offer excellent value for beginners and intermediate players. There are options for every budget, from affordable starter bundles to higher-quality instruments that could easily last you for years.

Disclosure: If you purchase a guitar through one of the links in this guide, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Best Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars

Not sure which one to choose? The Donner DAG-1CL is the easiest recommendation for beginners who want everything they need in one package. If you can spend a little more, the Fender CD-60S and Yamaha FG820L are excellent choices if you want a higher-quality acoustic that you are unlikely to outgrow quickly.

Need to plug into an amp or record directly? Start with the Vangoa VGE-1, Ibanez AW54LCE, or Ibanez AEG70L.

Now let’s take a closer look at each guitar.

1. Donner DAG-1CL

Best Starter Bundle

If you are looking for an affordable first acoustic guitar with everything you need to get started, the Donner DAG-1CL is an easy option to recommend.

The guitar has a full-size dreadnought body with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, giving it a versatile sound that works well across most styles of music. It also features a cutaway for easier access to the higher frets.

Where the Donner really stands out is the bundle. Along with the guitar, you get a padded gig bag, clip-on tuner, strap, spare strings, picks, capo, and other useful accessories. For a first-time buyer, that means there is very little else you need to purchase separately.

The main drawback is the lack of electronics, so you cannot plug the guitar directly into an amp or audio interface. If that is important to you, the Vangoa VGE-1 in the next section is the better fit.

Key Features:

• Body: African Mahogany w/ Sitka Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Purpleheart Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: Strap, Clip-On Tuner, Capo, Picks, Spare Strings, Cleaning Cloth, Allen Key, Lessons (via mobile app).

What I Like/Dislike About The Donner DAG-1CL

Like:

• Excellent value for a complete beginner package
• Includes almost everything you need to get started
• Cutaway provides easier access to the upper frets
• Versatile dreadnought design
• Looks more expensive than its budget price suggests

Dislike:

• No electronics for connecting directly to an amp or audio interface
• Full-size dreadnought body may feel large for younger or smaller players

Want a closer look before buying? Check out my full Donner DAG-1CL review or watch the video below to see and hear the guitar in action.

Overall, I recommend the Donner DAG-1CL as my pick for the best left-handed acoustic guitar package. For the money, it really can’t be beat and should give you a perfect introduction to the world of guitar.

2. Vangoa VGE-1

Best Acoustic-Electric Bundle

If you like the idea of the Donner bundle above but want the option to plug into an amp or record directly, the Vangoa VGE-1 is the better choice.

This full-size dreadnought features a spruce top with sapele back and sides, plus a 4-band EQ and under-saddle pickup. That gives you much more versatility than a standard acoustic, particularly if you plan to perform, record, or experiment with effects later on.

Like the Donner, the Vangoa comes as a complete starter package. You get a padded gig bag, clip-on tuner, capo, spare strings, strap, picks, cable, and other useful accessories, so there is very little else you need to buy.

I was also impressed by the VGE-1 when I reviewed it. The satin neck feels smooth, the action on my example was comfortably low, and the black finish with its decorative binding gives the guitar a more premium appearance than its price might suggest.

The main downside is that the black satin finish shows fingerprints very easily. The EQ unit is also upside down when viewed from the playing position on the left-handed model. Neither is a major issue, but both are worth knowing about.

Key Features:

• Body: Sapele w/ Spruce Top
• Neck: Okoume w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
• Electronics: EQ-7545R 4-Band (Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence Sliders)
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: Clip-On Tuner, Capo, Spare Strings, Cable, Cleaning Cloth, Strap, Picks, Adhesive Scratchplate.

What I Like/Dislike About The Vangoa VGE-1 Acoustic

Like:

• Excellent value for a complete acoustic-electric guitar package
• Built-in electronics for amplification and recording
• Includes almost everything a beginner needs
• Smooth satin neck and comfortable playability
• Attractive black finish and detailing

Dislike:

• Full-size dreadnought body may feel bulky for smaller players
• Black satin finish shows fingerprints easily
• EQ controls are upside down on the left-handed version

For a more detailed look at the sound, playability, electronics, and accessories, check out my full Vangoa VGE-1 review.

You can also watch the video below to get an idea of how the Vangoa sounds.

It’s worth noting that the Vangoa is also available without electronics for a little less. Check it out on Amazon.

3. Fender CD-60S

Best Affordable Solid-Top Acoustic

If you can spend a little more than the starter bundles above, the Fender CD-60S is a noticeable step up and a great choice for your first “proper” acoustic guitar.

The big upgrade here is the solid spruce top. Paired with mahogany back and sides, it gives the CD-60S a balanced, versatile sound that works well for everything from strumming chords to fingerpicking.

It is also particularly beginner-friendly thanks to Fender’s slim Easy-to-Play neck and rolled fingerboard edges. These small details help make the guitar feel more comfortable in the hands of a newer player.

Unlike the Donner and Vangoa packages, you are only getting the guitar here. There is no gig bag, tuner, picks, or other accessories included, so remember to factor those into your budget.

If you want a straightforward acoustic from a well-known brand and do not need built-in electronics, the CD-60S offers a lot of guitar for the money.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Fender CD-60S

Like:

• Solid spruce top
• Comfortable neck with rolled fingerboard edges
• Balanced sound suitable for a wide range of styles
• Excellent value from a well-known brand

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories included
• No electronics

4. Ibanez AW54L

Best Warm, Woody Tone

If you like the Fender CD-60S above but prefer a darker, more rustic look and a warmer sound, the Ibanez AW54L is a great alternative.

The AW54L features a solid okoume top with okoume back and sides. This gives it a warm, woody character that works especially well for strumming and fingerpicking, while the solid top helps it feel like a noticeable step up from cheaper laminate instruments.

Its open-pore finish also gives the guitar a natural, understated appearance that stands out from the more traditional spruce-top acoustics in this list.

There are no electronics or bundled accessories here, so this is best suited to players who simply want a good-quality acoustic without any extras.

If sound and appearance matter more to you than getting a complete starter package, the AW54L is one of the most distinctive options in this price range.

Key Features:

• Body: Okoume w/ Solid Okoume Top
• Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez AW54L

Like:

• Solid wood top
• Warm, woody sound
• Attractive open-pore natural finish
• Good option for both strumming and fingerpicking
• Distinctive alternative to a traditional spruce-top acoustic

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories included
• No electronics
• Full-size dreadnought body may feel large for smaller players

5. Ibanez AW54LCE

Best Solid-Top Electro-Acoustic

If you like the warm sound and natural appearance of the AW54L above but need built-in electronics, the Ibanez AW54LCE is the obvious step up.

It uses the same solid okoume top with okoume back and sides, but adds a cutaway body and Ibanez electronics. The cutaway gives you easier access to the higher frets, while the undersaddle pickup and onboard preamp let you plug straight into an amp, PA system, or audio interface.

The preamp also includes an onboard tuner, which is a useful convenience for practice and live playing.

Like the standard AW54L, this is a guitar-only purchase, with no gig bag or starter accessories included. You are paying extra for the electronics and cutaway rather than a bundle of extras.

If you want a warm-sounding solid-top acoustic that is ready for performing or recording, the AW54LCE is one of the most versatile guitars on this list.

Key Features:

• Body: Okoume w/ Solid Okoume Top
• Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
• Electronics: Yes – Preamp & Tuner
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez AW54LCE

Like:

• Solid wood top
• Warm, woody acoustic tone
• Built-in pickup, EQ, and tuner
• Cutaway provides easier upper-fret access
• Useful 1/4-inch and XLR outputs

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories included
• More expensive than the non-electric AW54L
• Full-size dreadnought body may feel large for smaller players

6. Ibanez AEG70L

Best Slim-Body Acoustic

If you find a full-size dreadnought a little bulky, the Ibanez AEG70L is a more comfortable alternative.

Its slim AEG body is shallower than a traditional dreadnought, making it easier to hold whether you are sitting or standing. The Comfort Grip neck also helps give the guitar an easy-playing feel that should appeal to beginners as well as more experienced players.

The flamed maple top gives the AEG70L a striking appearance, while the sapele back and sides help add some warmth to its naturally bright, clear sound.

It is also ready for performing or recording thanks to the Ibanez T-bar II pickup and AEQ-TTS preamp. The simple controls include volume, tone shaping, and a built-in tuner, so you have everything you need without an overly complicated control panel.

The main drawback is that no gig bag or accessories are included. At this price, I would have liked to see at least a basic gig bag supplied.

If comfort, electronics, and a slimmer body are higher priorities than maximum unplugged volume, the AEG70L is one of the best options in this list.

Key Features:

• Body: Sapele w/ Flame Maple Top
• Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
• Electronics: Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp w/Onboard tuner
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez AEG70L

Like:

• Slimmer body is comfortable to hold
• Comfortable neck profile
• Built-in pickup, tone controls, and tuner
• Eye-catching flamed maple top
• Good choice for performing or recording

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories included
• Laminate top rather than solid wood

7. Yamaha FG820L

Best All-Rounder

If you want a first acoustic guitar (or second!) that you are unlikely to outgrow anytime soon, the Yamaha FG820L is an excellent choice.

It features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, giving it a balanced sound with plenty of volume and warmth. Yamaha’s scalloped bracing also helps produce a strong low to midrange response, making the FG820L well suited to both strumming and fingerpicking.

Build quality is another big reason to consider the Yamaha. The body and fingerboard binding give it a more refined appearance than many guitars at this price, while Yamaha has a strong reputation for producing consistently good instruments in the affordable end of the market.

There are no built-in electronics, gig bag, or accessories included, so the FG820L is best suited to someone who would rather put their budget into the guitar itself than a starter bundle.

For beginners with a little more to spend, or intermediate players looking for an affordable second acoustic, the FG820L is a great all-around option.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Spruce Top
• Neck: Nato w/ 20 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Yamaha FG820L

Like:

• Solid wood top
• Warm, balanced sound
• Excellent build quality for the price
• Suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking
• A guitar that beginners are unlikely to outgrow quickly

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories included
• No electronics
• Full-size dreadnought body may feel large for smaller players

Acoustic Guitar Buying Advice

Still not sure which guitar is right for you? Here are the main things I would consider before buying your first acoustic.

Should I Get An Acoustic or Acoustic-Electric?

An acoustic-electric (or electro-acoustic) has a built-in pickup that lets you plug directly into an amp, PA system, or audio interface. Many models also include a built-in tuner.

If you expect to perform, record directly, or use an amp, the extra versatility is worth having.

If you only plan to play acoustically at home, there is no need to pay extra for electronics. A regular acoustic will give you more guitar for your money.

What Size Acoustic Guitar Should A Beginner Get?

Most of the guitars in this guide are dreadnoughts. This is the classic full-size acoustic shape, offering plenty of volume and a strong, full sound.

The downside is size. A dreadnought can feel bulky if you have a smaller frame or simply prefer something more comfortable.

In that case, consider a slimmer or smaller-bodied guitar such as the Ibanez AEG70L. Younger players may also want to check out my guide to the best 3/4-size left-handed guitars.

For a first guitar, comfort is more important than worrying about the subtle tonal differences between body shapes.

Solid Top or Laminate?

One of the biggest differences between cheaper and more expensive acoustic guitars is how the body is constructed.

Laminate uses several thin layers of wood and is cheaper to produce. It is also durable and less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

A solid top is made from a solid piece of wood and will generally offer a more responsive, dynamic sound. This is why guitars such as the Fender CD-60S, Ibanez AW54L, and Yamaha FG820L cost more than the entry-level bundles in this guide.

If your budget allows, I would prioritize a solid top over premium accessories or decorative features.

As for the type of wood, do not overthink it for your first guitar. Spruce tends to produce a clear, versatile sound, while woods such as mahogany and okoume generally sound warmer. Pick the guitar you enjoy playing and listening to.

Steel or Nylon Strings?

Choose the type of guitar that suits the music you actually want to play.

The guitars in this guide all use steel strings and are suitable for styles such as rock, pop, country, folk, blues, and most contemporary acoustic music.

If your main goal is classical or flamenco guitar, you will probably be better served by a nylon-string classical guitar instead. See my guide to beginner left-handed classical guitars for suitable options.

Do not buy a nylon-string guitar simply because you have heard that the strings are easier on beginner fingers. Your fingers will adapt quickly to steel!

How Much Should You Spend?

Buy the best guitar that comfortably fits your budget.

The cheapest starter bundles are a good choice if you are unsure whether you will stick with the instrument or need all of the essential accessories in one package.

If you can spend more, moving up to a guitar with a solid top is generally worthwhile. You are likely to get better materials, hardware, finishing, and overall sound quality.

You do not need an expensive professional instrument as your first guitar, but I would avoid choosing purely on the lowest possible price. A guitar that is difficult to play can make learning unnecessarily frustrating.

Consider A Guitar Setup

Even a good acoustic guitar can be uncomfortable to play if the action is too high or the setup needs adjustment.

If your new guitar feels unusually difficult to fret, ask the retailer or a local guitar technician to check the setup. A few small adjustments can make a big difference to how comfortable the instrument feels.

You can read my full guide to guitar setups for more information on what is involved.

Once you have chosen your guitar, check out my beginner guitar accessories guide for the other essentials you may need.

• Part One : Tips Before You Buy
• Part Two : Beginner Left Handed Electric Guitars
• Part Three : Beginner Left Handed Acoustic Guitars
• Part Four : Beginner Left Handed Bass Guitars
• Part Five : Beginner Left Handed Classical Guitars
• Part Six : Beginner Guitar Amps
• Part Seven : Effects
• Part Eight : Accessories
• Part Nine : Lessons