Every seasoned guitar player out there remembers what it was like on the day they got their first guitar into their hands. This occasion can be life changing for some, but not always. The acoustic guitar you choose to buy can have a huge effect your approach to the instrument.

As Acoustic Guitars can vary considerably in comparison to electric and classical. I have listed a few examples of the most highly recommended acoustic guitars for beginners.

Yamaha Acoustic Guitars

Within the past several years, due to the improvements in manufacturing in the East and the lowering in cost of materials, the Japanese electronics giant, Yamaha, has supplied the music market with quality, professionally crafted guitars. They have numerous models, catering for beginners and also advanced players.

The Yamaha FG730S is an example of what Yamaha can offer at a low price. Starting around $300, this model has a solid spruce top, giving it excellent tone, with a rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Acoustics in this sort of price range are usually hampered with high action, how close strings are to the fret board, making playing difficult for beginners. This Yamaha guitar's strings are set at a huge distance from the frets, without affecting the powerful sounds.

Ibanez Acoustic Guitars

Ibanez, a familiar name at the lower end of the guitar rack, that is known for their durability and value for the money you spend. They also offer popular all in one packages, which include everything you need to get started, such as picks, extra sets of strings, a strap and an instructional DVD.

However, their cheaper models tend not to compare well with other major brands - lacking the sound and playability that will help you to enjoy the instrument. In order to get the best that Ibanez has to offer you will have to pay a bit extra. Their AEL10E model, at close to $399, comes with a fitted pickup, which gives you the option of connecting it to an amplifier. It has won many fans for its low action and distinct sounding body - built with a spruce top and rosewood fret board and bridge. Although not as powerful as the Yamaha FG70S, a common drawback in acoustic-electric models, it does provide a nice tone when plugged into your amplifier.

Alvarez Guitars

Alvarez Regent series is increasingly becoming a popular choice for beginners, as they offer good craftsmanship at a lower price compared to equivalents in other brands. The Dreadnought body with a spruce top provides this acoustic with a strong, rounded sound that you cannot get from either the Yamaha or Ibanez.

When you hear this Alvarez guitar for the first time, it seems that the Regent series is an attempt of Alvarez to imitate more expensive brands, as it does provide a nice, distinct tone, but does not quite have the depth of a Yamaha guitar sound. The Regent series starts at $220 dollars, making it one of the cheapest spruce-topped beginner guitars you can buy.