best 3/4 acoustic guitar

YUP! These 10 Best 3/4 Acoustic Guitars Still Sound Amazing!

Updated on April 1, 2022 by Dan Harper

Looking to introduce your little ones to the acoustic guitar experience? Look no further than the 3/4 size acoustic. It’s basically an acoustic guitar shrunk to 75 percent of the standard body volume. This, combined with an overall length of 36 inches and price range of $100 – $250 makes these best 3/4 acoustic guitar options ideal for the diminutive frames of young learners.

Quick Links To My Top 3/4 Acoustic Guitar Recommendations

Here is a quick list of our recommendations:

A 36-incher can also be a great investment, you know. It’ll save you from having to bring along your bulky, unwieldy, and likely-to-break full-size ax on every trip. On that note, why not let us help you find the top 3/4 acoustic guitar for your needs?

Read more – 3/4 acoustic guitars vs full sized – more best 3/4 guitar options from Kozy Panda

My Top 3/4 Acoustic Guitars Reviews

Yamaha JR2TBS 3/4 Acoustic (Best 3/4 For Beginners)

Oh boy, isn’t this a pretty guitar and what we consider to be the top option in this category! With a flame-orange top demarcated by a glossy black edging, the Yamaha JR2TBS looks like it fell off a painting. It’s not the kind of look we’re used to seeing on sub-$200 guitars. But then again, Yamaha’s FG Series — upon which the JR2 is modeled — has always been a cut above the rest.

The JR2 doesn’t just look like a chip from the old block — it sounds the part too. Strum a chord on the steel strings and you’re met with a warm tone with sweet mids and crisp highs. It’s not quite the level of a standard FG, but the sound is surprisingly hefty given the JR2’s shrunken footprint. The laminate bowl still delivers thanks to Yamaha’s use of solid spruce for the top.

Specs

  • Downsized “FG-Style” Body
  • 21.25 inch scale; 20 frets with Dot Inlays
  • 6 Steel Strings
  • Rosewood Bridge
  • Open Chrome Tuners

Not everyone will be pleased with Yamaha’s efforts to keep the guitar footprint compact. The neck, for instance, hardly provides any room for fingerstyle. But then again, no one buys a 3/4-sized acoustic for the versatility. The Yamaha JR2 is meant for your road trips, campfire sing-alongs, and anywhere else you might want to relish playing an affordable guitar.

Pros:

  • Full-size tonal range
  • Effortless playability
  • Perfect guitar for beginners or kids

Cons:

  • String spacing might not be ideal for someone with wider fingers or big hands.

Here are some more beginner 3/4 sized acoustic guitars to check out.

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Yamaha JR2TBS

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior Acoustic Guitar (Best For A Child)

The name of this guitar suggests that this is yet another Yamaha FG sub-species among our list here. Indeed, the JR1 FG Junior has a great deal in common with its sibling above. It’s a steel-stringed dreadnought downsized to 75{0794a961920d97099aea99cac5a861228867c4461e5cf936a4873e99fb4a0da6} volume, sporting the same spruce top and with the scale shrunk to 21.25 inches.

Unlike its stablemate, though, the JR1 utilizes Meranti for its back/sides. This gives it a more robust feel, albeit at the cost of diminished resonance. The soundboard doesn’t vibrate as freely, and the tone is notably lacking in volume as a result. But the overall sound is nonetheless pretty good for a 3/4-size guitar. The mid-range is solid, trebles are crisp-clean, and the bass still has enough weight to register in your ears.

Specs

  • Mini Dreadnought Guitar Body
  • 21.25″ Scale
  • Rosewood Fingerboard; 20 Frets marked by Dot Inlays
  • 6 light-gauge Steel Strings
  • Rosewood Bridge; Urea Nut & Saddle
  • Open Chrome Tuning Machines

Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha JR1 FG Junior guitar if you’re looking for an introductory unit. It’s very easy-going in terms of handling, but still sounds and feels like a grown-up guitar.

Pros:

  • High-quality, beginner-friendly.
  • Convenient to carry and store.

Cons:

  • Not as loud or robust as a full size.

Here are some more excellent 3/4 sized guitars for children as well.
Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior

Oscar Schmidt OG1FYS 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar (Great Value!)

Washburn acoustic guitars subsidiary Oscar Schmidt has always been a favorite among aspiring guitarists. The OG1FYS, featuring a dreadnought body scaled down to 75 percent, is perfectly suited for younger learners and those who want a travel-friendly ax.

The body’s comprised of a laminate spruce top that sits on a bowl crafted from layered catalpa. Though not the most exotic combination, it still looks terrific in the yellow sunburst finish. Other color options include black, red, blue and natural. Attached to the body is a mahogany neck topped with a rosewood fingerboard. Both are proportioned to provide a comfortable grip which, combined with the shortened scale, makes the unit very easy to handle.

Specs

  • Three-quarter-sized Dreadnought guitar body; Standard X-Bracing
  • 23.3″ Scale; 18 frets with Dot Inlays
  • 6 Standard Steel Strings
  • Rosewood bridge
  • Chrome Die-cast Tuners
  • Includes a gig bag case

Sound output is even better. The guitar has a lively tone punctuated by pithy basses and crisp trebles. It’s not as plangent as a full-sized ‘nought, but it doesn’t feel watered-down either.

Pros:

  • Accessible, introductory size.
  • Beautiful finish that stays in tune well.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t sound as full as larger models.

Our Rating –
4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Oscar Schmidt OG1FYS 3/4 Size

Yamaha APXT2 Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar

It’s your favorite 3/4 size acoustic-electric guitar condensed into three-fourths of the usual size. The APXT2 beginner acoustic is inspired by Yamaha’s bestselling APX500II. It brings the hybrid experience on a smaller platter — one that’s perfectly-suited for diminutive players and constant travelers.

The APXT2 has a similar physique to its elder sibling, albeit with a few changes on the tonewood recipe. The lower body is now made of meranti as opposed to mahogany; probably one of the changes needed to keep the price low. Not to say that the sound feels watered-down, though — the APXT2 still pumps out a solid tone even when unplugged.

Specs

  • “APX Thinline” Body Shape
  • 22.835 inch scale; 21 Frets; Dot Fingerboard Inlays
  • Steel Strings (6)
  • Rosewood Bridge; Plastic Nut/Saddle
  • Covered Tuning Machines
  • Electronics: System 68 contact Pickup with ART-based preamp

On paper, the onboard guitar electronics package might seem like an unwarranted accessory on a unit that’s designed to go off the grid. You’ll nonetheless appreciate the ability to plug in whenever the opportunity presents itself; at your local coffeehouse, for instance.

Pros:

  • This guitar is great for the price point.
  • The solid spruce top offers a good sound and durability.
  • The light mahogany back and sides give the guitar a nice touch.

Cons:

  • String height is high on this guitar, and might not be good for beginners.

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Yamaha APXT2

Fender FA-15 3/4 Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit With Gig Bag And More

From Eric Johnson to Eric Clapton, Fender Guitars have graced the hands of some of the world’s famous guitarists. But the company also makes great acoustics for those who’re just learning the ropes.

The FA-15 sports a downsized dreadnought body that yields a meaty, well-rounded sound and made from quality materials. You can’t even tell that the entire bowl is made of laminate (Agathis for the top & Sapele for back/sides). The C-shaped Nato neck offers comfortable handling for small palms, and is topped with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. Although guitar string action feels a little high out of the box, you should be able to fix that easily with a quick rub on the bridge and a truss rod adjustment.

Specs and features

  • Non-cutaway 3/4 Dreadnought Body with X-Bracing
  • 23.3-inch Scale; 18 frets with White Dot Inlays
  • Fender Dura-Tone 880L Coated Bronze Strings (6)
  • Rosewood Bridge; Synthetic Bone Nut
  • Chrome Die-Cast Tuners to keep the guitar in tune

Now, the omission of an onboard pickup means the FA-15 will be limited to solo practices and small venues. But that’s just what makes it ideal for learners; you get to see how exactly the guitar responds and fine-tune your technique accordingly. And because it’s a Fender, you can be sure that it’ll hold up to the unseasoned touch.

Pros:

  • Solid top.
  • Comfortable guitar neck and larger fingerboard makes it easier for beginners to play chords and scales on the upper part of the neck, without having to move their hand far.
  • Smaller body (3/4 size) is perfect for children or adults with smaller hands.

Cons:

  • Fret board is not as large as a full size guitar (many people say this is a pro because it’s more comfortable).

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Fender FA-15

Cordoba C1M 3/4 Classical Guitar (Nylon Strings)

We move on to Cordoba’s latest nylon string guitar addition to their Protege Line of high quality classical budget-range guitars. The C1M eschews the mini-dread shape in favor of a compact classical body finished in matte polyurethane. The top is a fan-braced laminate spruce piece, while back and sides are made of veneer mahogany.

Conventional wisdom dictates that laminate tonewoods on a petite bowl would lead to a subpar sound. But the C1M classical guitar still somehow manages to deliver the goods. It sings with the mellow warmth of a full-size classical with all notes clearly-defined.

Specs

  • 3/4 size Classical Body
  • 24.2″ Scale; 19 frets
  • 6 Savarez Cristal Corum High-Tension Strings (Nylon strings)
  • Rosewood Bridge; Composite Nut
  • Tuners: Cordoba Classical Gold with Pearloid Buttons

This guitar has yet another trick up its sleeve; the ability to shape your tone within individual notes. You do this by varying the position of your playing hand and the “angle of attack” on the strings. Again, this is part of what you’d expect. But that the Cordoba C1M does it for a fraction of the price is impressive nonetheless.

Pros:

  • Lightweight guitar, perfect for traveling.
  • Spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
  • Mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard.

Cons:

  • Some people don’t like the gloss finish that this guitar has.

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Cordoba C1M

Donner 36” Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar 3/4 Size (A Great Cheap Budget Option!)

Donner’s 36-inch version of their Dreadnought Acoustic model seems perfectly suited for absolute beginners guitar. It comes with a gig bag, strap, tuner, capo, 4 picks, an extra set of strings, and a polishing cloth to keep the satin finish smooth and splendid.

Specs

  • 3/4 size Dreadnought Body with Scalloped Bracing
  • Scale Length: Unspecified
  • Ebony Fretboard; 20 Frets with Dot Inlays
  • 6 Strings (Bronze)
  • Die Cast Steel Tuning Machines

Moving on to the guitar itself, Donner have stuck to the usual laminate on the main body. Spruce makes up the top, while back and sides are wrapped in veneer mahogany. So don’t expect much in terms of resonance here — although, you can’t complain too much given the price tag. Not for your after-class practice sessions anyway.

On that note, we should reiterate that this unit comes with a bunch of accessories that will prove incredibly useful along your learning journey. And with its C-shaped maple neck topped with an ebony fretboard, the Donner 36-inch Guitar should be a joy to handle.

Pros:

  • This 3/4 size acoustic guitar is solidly built and has a high quality guitar sound.
  • This guitar comes with a strap, picks, and additional strings for free which could be a huge money saver if you need to replace any of these items.
  • It only weighs 4 pounds which can make it easier to drag around or hold for an extended period of time.

Cons:

  • The strings are very hard to tune and take a lot of time which could be frustrating if you struggle with this task.

Our Rating –
4/5

Check The Latest Price On The Donner 36” Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar 3/4 Size

Stagg 3/4 Size Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (Good For Adults)

While most people know them for their accessories, Stagg also have what it takes to put together a solid guitar. This becomes apparent once you take a look at the downsized version of their dreadnought acoustic. Featuring a basswood top paired with basswood back/sides, the Stagg 3/4 Size immediately makes it clear that it means business.

The sound is impressively balanced. It’s a crisp, mellow tone with strong basses accentuated by hefty mids and bright, sharp trebles. And while you might expect the sound to be a little diminished given the lack of body depth, this guitar sounds more or less like its grown-up cousins. If there’re any deficiencies, it will take a well-trained ear to pick them out.

Specs

  • Three-quarter size Dreadnought body
  • Nato neck, Poplar Fingerboard
  • 6 Steel Strings
  • Poplar Bridge, Hardtail Bridge System
  • Open Gear Nickel Hardware

Given Stagg’s choice of steel strings, this guitar might feel a little stiff for unseasoned hands. But that also translates to the ability to stay in tune for longer — which is crucial for learners and those who want to carry along the unit on their travels. Either way, the Stagg 3/4 Size Dreadnought Acoustic should be a sound investment.

Pros:

  • Great for children.
  • Good sound quality.
  • Nice shape and design.

Cons:

  • Smaller size may not suit some people’s preferences or expectations of a full size guitar.

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Stagg 3/4 Size Dreadnought Acoustic

Dean FLY SPR Flight Series 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic travel guitars don’t come any better than Dean’s Flight Series. Unlike most three-quarter-sized models, these guitars feel and sound properly-built from the ground up. You know, as opposed to feeling like a full-size unit that went through the wash and got shrunk in the process.

Each model in the range sports a mahogany bowl, and you get to choose your favorite wood for the top. Bubinga’s great if you want to make the most of the FLY SPR’s flat top. It has a lot more sustain to offer compared to spruce, being significantly denser. A bubinga top will further maximize resonance from the set-in mahogany neck, yielding a fuller, richer tone across the entire spectrum.

Specs

  • 3/4 size Dreadnought-style guitar body (Bracing Pattern Unspecified)
  • 22-inch scale; 19 frets with White Mother-of-Pearl “Flight” Inlays
  • 6 Steel Strings
  • Rosewood Bridge; Graph Tech BC6115 Nut
  • Seal Die Cast Tuning Machines

While you’d expect the mahogany build to be significantly heftier, the Dean FLY SPR doesn’t weigh you down at all. It’s just a feather north of 5 pounds when tucked into the provided gig bag.

Pros:

  • The natural finish is easy to maintain.
  • The guitar’s compact size makes it easier for beginners to develop good playing technique.
  • The neck is nice and fretted, making it easy to play chords with minimal buzzing.

Cons:

  • The strings are a bit high off the guitar fretboard, so you may struggle with barre chords.

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Dean FLY SPR Flight Series 3/4 Size

Luna Safari Series Muse Mahogany Starter Pack

Hmmmm… A 3/4-sized acoustic with an all-mahogany body? That should be interesting…

It’s not often that you come across something that can make a presence. But the Safari Series Muse from Luna will do that without breaking a sweat. Thanks to the pairing of mahogany bowl and mahogany neck, the downsized body has barely sacrificed any resonance. You still get the full-bodied dreadnought guitar tone, more or less.

Specs

  • 3/4 Size Dreadnought 6 string travel acoustic guitar style guitar body (Bracing Pattern Unspecified)
  • 22.5″ Scale; 19 Frets with Mother-of-Pearl Moon Phases Inlays
  • D’Addario .012-.053 Steel Strings
  • Walnut Bridge, Plastic Nut & Saddle
  • Sealed Die-cast Chrome Tuners

Mahogany construction has also allowed for a lightweight build that’s still sturdy enough to withstand a few knocks. There are no delicate electronics to be worried about, and the satin finish will help maintain the wood’s natural allure. So you’re basically free to carry the guitar with you everywhere — the manufacturer offers a free gig bag to that end.

Even with its stellar sound, the Luna Safari Series Muse still handles like a mini should. It’s amiable enough to accommodate guitar players of all statures and skill levels.

Pros:

  • Luna’s Safari Series are made with mahogany back and sides, which helps to create the Luna sound.
  • The fingerboard is made of rosewood, which provides a richer sound.

Cons:

  • Fingerboard may be sticky for some players due to the guitar being made of mahogany.

Our Rating –
4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Luna Safari Series Muse Mahogany

How Big Is A 3/4 Size Guitar?

The size of a 3/4 guitar is not standard, but is typically smaller than the full-size guitar – basically 3/4 scale. It is typically played by a younger player. Listed below are a few measurements of an average 3/4 size guitar, including: length, width, and height.

3/4 Acoustic Guitar Dimensions

  • Total length: 36″ (body 17.5″ and neck 18.5″)
  • Scale length – 22.8″

Look here for more information on 3/4 size acoustic guitar measurements.

How To Choose A 3/4 Sized Acoustic Guitar

If you are looking for a good 3/4 sized acoustic guitar, I would recommend the following advice.

  1. Consider the sound of the guitar. Some guitars are more bright or have a lot of bass sound, while others produce a mellower sound that is less likely to be heard in rock music.
  2. Think about how you plan on using the guitar and if you will need to change tuning often. They can only be tuned one way and will not stay in tune well if it is used for multiple tunings.
  3. You can typically find inexpensive acoustic guitars, but if you are seriously considering purchasing one, it is a good idea to look for a higher quality guitar. The guitars will be made out of better wood and with better craftsmanship. If the guitar is made out of wood that has a mahogany or walnut tone, then it will be more likely to sound better.
  4. You do not necessarily have to get a 3/4 sized guitar either, although some people prefer them for their smaller size and portability. You also may not want to get a 3/4 guitar if you are a beginner, as small guitars can be hard to play.
  5. If you are thinking about playing the guitar at some point and would like to but do not have the money, you could consider purchasing used models. You just have to watch out for damage and make sure that any musical instruments you purchase are in proper working order.
  6. Finally, it is important to make sure that the guitar is set up correctly for your playing style.

Some More Quick Choices:

  • Martin LX1 Little Martin – this is an excellent Martin guitar but I kept it off the main list because it is a bit over the price range I was considering for a 3/4 guitar.  However, this is an excellent choice too!
  • Vangoa 3/4 classical

Also, you might need strings too – check out these best strings for 3/4 acoustic guitars.

Wrapping Up These 3/4 Acoustic Guitars

Gone are the days when downsized types of acoustic guitars were nothing more than learning tools. As you’ve just seen, the best 3/4-sized models on the market today are as well-built as their “adult” counterparts. While the tighter frame does sacrifice a bit of volume, it’s a small price to pay for the enhanced portability.

Speaking of best acoustic guitar prices, it’s clear that you don’t have to part with a king’s ransom for a decent 36-incher. So, pretty much, all that’s left is to figure out your needs and find your ideal fit from our list. Good luck shopping!