AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 3/4 Size Classical Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ortega Family Series R121 3/4 Size ($222). Startone CG 851 3/4 gives you the most for the money at $55. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 45 models across 15 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 3/4 Size Classical GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
- Frets18 frets
This is a 3/4 size classical guitar with a spruce top and mahogany back, sides and neck. It has a walnut fretboard and a walnut bridge, and a gig bag comes with it. It suits a younger player, a beginner, or anyone who wants a smaller guitar that is easy to carry.
Pros
- Spruce top paired with mahogany back, sides and neck
- Walnut fretboard and 12-hole walnut bridge
- 3/4 size with a 590 mm scale suits smaller players
Cons
- Chrome machine heads are standard tuners, not locking tuners
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
The Ortega R122-3/4 is a 3/4 size classical guitar with a cedar top, sapele back and sides, and a walnut fretboard and bridge. Its 590 mm scale and 45 mm nut suit smaller hands and younger or beginner players. It comes in a natural silk-matte finish with a gig bag, so you can start playing and carry it easily.
Pros
- Cedar top gives this guitar a classical-style soundboard material
- Sapele back and sides paired with an Okoume neck
- Walnut fretboard and bridge with a silk-matte finish on the top
Cons
- Its 95 mm body depth and 3/4 size suit smaller players best
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
- Frets18 frets
You get a three-quarter size classical guitar with a spruce top and mahogany back, sides and neck. Its 590 mm scale and 45 mm nut width make it a good fit for smaller hands, so it suits a child or a younger player. The black gloss finish, gold-plated machine heads and included gigbag make it a neat, ready-to-go option.
Pros
- Spruce top with mahogany back, sides and neck gives a classic build
- Walnut fretboard and bridge add a dark, sturdy wood base
- White mother-of-pearl top bindings and pinstripe rosette add detail
Cons
- Three-quarter size with a 590 mm scale suits smaller hands and younger players best
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$285 now$285€255 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
- Frets19 frets
If you are a student, or buying for a young player, this 3/4 size classical guitar is a simple place to start. Its 590 mm scale length and smaller body suit smaller hands. It has a cedar top, catalpa back and sides, and a natural matte finish, with no pickup or electronics built in.
Pros
- Mahogany neck with a walnut fretboard
- Walnut bridge and nickel machine heads
- Compact 3/4 size with a 590 mm scale length
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$142 now$142€127 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This is a 3/4 size classical guitar with a laminated spruce top and laminated okoume back and sides. It has a mahogany neck, a walnut fingerboard with 18 frets, and comes with a gig bag. It suits you if you want a smaller, affordable classical guitar for learning or for carrying around.
Pros
- Laminated okoume back and sides give the body a sturdy build
- Laminated spruce top sits on a mahogany neck with a walnut fingerboard
- 18 frets on a walnut fingerboard make the neck easy to reach across
Cons
- Factory strings are Fender 100 Nylon Classical Tie-End, so replacements must match that type
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale580 mm (22.83")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This 3/4 size classical guitar suits you if you want a smaller guitar, such as a child, a teen, or an adult with small hands. It has a basswood body, a nato neck, a jatoba fingerboard, and nylon strings, in a matte light brown finish. With its 580 mm scale and 45 mm nut, it is built for a shorter reach, so it is a good match for learning the basics.
Pros
- Nylon strings suit classical playing and gentle fingers
- Black body binding gives a clean edge to the body
- Matte light brown finish with a simple, understated look
Cons
- Gig bag is not included and must be bought separately
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This is a 3/4 size classical guitar from Ortega's Student series, with a spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck. You get a walnut fingerboard and bridge, and its 590 mm scale is shorter than a full-size guitar, so it is easier to reach for a smaller player. It suits a young beginner or a child learning classical guitar on a budget.
Pros
- Mahogany back and sides give it a classic build from the Student series
- Spruce top is a traditional soundboard wood for classical guitars
- Walnut fingerboard and bridge add a contrasting look to the instrument
Cons
- Its 3/4 size makes it a poor fit for most adult players
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$173 now$173€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This is a 3/4 size classical guitar with a cedar top and mahogany back, sides and neck. You get a walnut fingerboard and bridge, chromed tuners, and a deluxe gig bag in a high-gloss natural finish. It suits a child, a teen or a small adult who wants a compact classical guitar that is easy to hold.
Pros
- Cedar top paired with mahogany back, sides and neck.
- Walnut fingerboard and walnut bridge with an ABS saddle.
- Chromed tuners keep the headstock looking neat and matched.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width49 mm (1.93")
- Scale590 mm (23.23")
This is a 3/4 size classical guitar with a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides. It is recommended by the EGTA 2017/2018 and comes with Savarez Cantiga High Tension strings. It suits a smaller player who wants a classical guitar with a natural matt open pore finish.
Pros
- Solid Canadian cedar top gives this guitar its front panel
- Mahogany back and sides paired with a Nato neck
- Ovangkol fretboard and bridge with a double bore
Cons
- 3/4 size with a 590 mm scale suits smaller players, not full-size hands
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$229 now$229€205 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale580 mm (22.83")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a 3/4 size classical guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides and neck. You should give it a look if you want a smaller classical guitar with a solid top. It suits someone new to classical guitar or a player with smaller hands.
Pros
- Solid A+ spruce top for a responsive voice
- Mahogany back, sides and neck with a rosewood fingerboard
- Heel lock and bridge construction, made in Germany
Cons
- Only 580 mm scale length, so it is a 3/4 size instrument
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$337 now$337€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 45 3/4 size classical guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ortega RCE125SBK-3/4Ortega48↓ 7.5%$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 12
Cordoba Cadete 3/4-Size Classical NaturalCadete 3/4 Classical Iberia · Cordoba48↓ 1.0%$441€395$441€395Check ↗
- 13
Gewa Pro Arte GC75AGewa · 2 finishes47Stable$221€198$221€198Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4Thomann · 2 finishes46Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 15
La Mancha Granito 33-N-MB-3/4La Mancha45Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 16
La Mancha Rubinito LSM59La Mancha45Stable$175€157$175€157Check ↗
- 17
La Mancha Rubi CM/59-NLa Mancha45Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 18
La Mancha Rubi CM/59La Mancha45Stable$270€242$270€242Check ↗
- 19
La Mancha Rubi SMX/59La Mancha45Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 20
Ortega RCE125-3/4Ortega45Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 21
La Mancha Rubi S / 59La Mancha45Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 22
La Mancha Rubi CM/59 3/4 Armrest EditionLa Mancha45Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha CS40 IIYamaha · 2 finishes44Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 24
Manuel Rodriguez Caballero Principio SeriesC3/4Manuel Rodriguez44Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 25
Manuel Rodriguez E-57Manuel Rodriguez44Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 26
Manuel Rodriguez T-57Manuel Rodriguez44Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 27
Alhambra 1C HT 3/4 incl. GigbagAlhambra44Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez GA2-OAMIbanez43Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 29
Cordoba Protege C1M 3/4Cordoba43Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez GA5TCE3Q-AMIbanez43Stable$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 31
La Mancha Romero Granito 32-3/4La Mancha42Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 32
Caballero by Manuel Rodriguez Principio CA-PM 3/4Caballero by Manuel Rodriguez41Stable$202€181$202€181Check ↗
- 33
Alhambra 3C 3/4 Cadete NT incl.Gig BagAlhambra41Stable$594€532$594€532Check ↗
- 34
Yamaha CGS103A 3/4-Size Classical Nylon String NaturalCGS103A Classical Guitar · Yamaha39Stable$154€138$154€138Check ↗
- 35
Gewa Pro Natura Silver 3/4 MapleGewa39↑ 4.1%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 36
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 BundleThomann · 2 finishes30Stable$161€144$161€144Check ↗
- 37
Alhambra 1C HT 3/4 incl. Gigbag BundleAlhambra28Stable$441€395$441€395Check ↗
- 38
La Mancha Granito 33-N-MB-3/4 BundleLa Mancha27Stable$188€168$188€168Check ↗
- 39
La Mancha Rubi CM/59 BundleLa Mancha27Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 40
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 Bundle 3Thomann26Stable$140€125$140€125Check ↗
- 41
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 Blac BundleThomann26Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 42
La Mancha Romero Granito 32-3/4 BundleLa Mancha25Stable$165€148$165€148Check ↗
- 43
Thomann Classic Guitar 3/4 BK BundleThomann24Stable$164€147$164€147Check ↗
- 44
Pro Natura Silver 3/4 Maple BundlePro Natura24↑ 2.0%$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 45
Hamaril Acoustic Guitar Set 2Hamaril23Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
3/4 Size Classical Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 55 models we track, not a sample.
Median $207 — half of all 3/4 size classical guitars here cost less.
median of 49 models · 45 mm (1.77")–49 mm (1.93")
median of 8 models · 0.6 kg–0.6 kg
median of 17 models · 18–19
most common · 10 models
How to choose the best 3/4 size classical guitars
Scale Length
A 3/4 scale inherently means less low-end thump compared to a full-size. The shorter string length reduces the fundamental frequency, so you'll need to pay attention to bracing and wood selection to compensate - a thicker top bracing can help maintain some warmth.
Bracing Pattern
This is crucial. A poorly designed bracing pattern on a 3/4 guitar will sound boxy and lifeless. Look for a bracing style that balances responsiveness with structural integrity - fan bracing is common and often a good choice, but the specifics of the design matter.
Wood Selection
Spruce tops are the standard for brightness and projection, while cedar offers a warmer, more mellow tone. Back and sides are often mahogany, rosewood, or sapele. The quality of the wood (and how well it's seasoned) directly impacts the guitar's resonance and sustain. Don't expect top-tier exotic woods in this size range.
Action and Neck Profile
The action (string height) is particularly important on a smaller guitar. Too high, and it'll be a chore to play; too low, and you'll get fret buzz. The neck profile - whether it's slim, medium, or chunky - should feel comfortable in your hand and allow for easy chord shapes.
Overall Construction Quality
Check for clean fretwork, proper string spacing, and a well-fitted neck joint. Sloppy construction will lead to tuning instability and a generally unpleasant playing experience. Even at this size, attention to detail makes a difference.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a 3/4 size classical? Smart move - it's the sweet spot for a lot of younger players, or for those of us who just find a full-size a little unwieldy. Don't let the smaller size fool you; a good 3/4 classical can still deliver a beautiful, resonant tone and be surprisingly responsive. Finding the right one means understanding what compromises are made at this size and knowing what you're willing to trade off for playability.
A 3/4 classical is often a first guitar, so expect some compromises. The biggest trade-off is usually in the wood quality and bracing sophistication. Don't expect the same level of projection or tonal complexity as a full-size instrument.
Focus on finding a guitar with a comfortable neck, decent action, and a sound that inspires you to play - even if it's not the most 'amazing' tone you've ever heard. Spending a bit more on a better-built instrument will almost always pay off in playability and longevity.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 55 3/4 size classical guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is a 3/4 size guitar suitable for an adult?
Absolutely! If you find a full-size guitar too large or uncomfortable, a 3/4 size can be a great option. It's all about finding what feels best in your hands.
How long will a 3/4 size guitar last me?
It depends. A growing student might outgrow it in a few years, but a smaller adult could easily play a 3/4 size for many years. It's more about comfort and playing style than a strict age limit.
What's the difference between a 3/4 size and a parlor guitar?
While both are smaller than a full-size, a 3/4 classical is specifically designed for classical playing - nylon strings, wider neck. A parlor guitar is usually steel-string and has a different tonal character and playing feel.
Can I put steel strings on a 3/4 size classical guitar?
No, absolutely not. Classical guitars are built for the lower tension of nylon strings. Steel strings will likely warp the neck and damage the instrument.
What's the best way to determine if a 3/4 size guitar is the right size for me?
Ideally, try it out in person! If that's not possible, measure your arm length from the crease of your elbow to the tip of your hand. If it's under 22 inches, a 3/4 size is probably a good fit.





