7 Best Intermediate Acoustic Guitars (Our Top Picks)
Did you know that Acoustic guitars are sold 18% more than electric guitars worldwide?
Most intermediate-level guitar players aren’t usually satisfied with just a beginner instrument. Instead, they look for a guitar that can accommodate a wide range of playing styles and music genres. On top of that, intermediate guitar players typically desire a guitar with better playability and superior sound quality compared to a beginner model.
When we talk about intermediate acoustic guitars, we are referring to models made for players who have a substantial grasp of the basics.
The top intermediate acoustic guitars typically offer great value for money, providing impressive features without you having to break the bank. These acoustics are usually known for their solid tops, onboard preamps, and ability to handle semi-professional and professional use. Typically, the most reputable guitar manufacturers produce them.
There are a lot of great and high-quality options for intermediate acoustic guitars. However, we’ll narrow it down to our top picks. We will look at their tone, quality, pricing, and versatility.
Let’s dive in to learn more about the best intermediate acoustic guitars on the market.
7 Best Intermediate Acoustic Guitars That Will Make Your Practice More Effective
1. ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Pro Series
If you’re an intermediate guitarist, check out the ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Pro Series. Zager Guitar has a long history of producing high-quality guitars, and the ZAD900CE is another example of their expertise.
It has a solid Sitka spruce top, with rosewood inlays and a bridge crafted of rosewood. Its adjustable truss rod allows guitarists to shape the neck to their liking, making it ideal for different playing styles.
If you’re seeking a guitar with a powerful and audible low-to-midrange sound, the ZAD900CE is a fantastic pick. Each piece of abalone and pearl is hand-made. The gold Grover tuners stand out as well. Its hand-carved bracing allows you to move seamlessly over the soundboard, providing a richer sound.
The ZAD900CE is an excellent option if you want to move up from a beginner’s guitar but don’t want to break the bank.
This guitar will be a faithful companion for any musician for years to come, thanks to its exceptional build quality, musical tone, and easy playability.
Pros
- Built-in genuine Fishman transducer and automatic tuner system
- Hand-carved bracing
- Highly rich sound quality
Cons
- There are better instruments available, but they’ll cost you more
2. ZAD80CE “AURA” Black Lacquer Special Edition Solid Cedar/Rosewood Acoustic Electric Pro Series
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, great-sounding, and easy-to-play acoustic guitar as an intermediate guitarist, the ZAD80CE “AURA” Black Lacquer Special Edition can be a fantastic pick.
Denny has a leg up on most guitar builders thanks to his 60 years of experience playing, performing, and teaching guitar. The needs of a professional player are familiar to Denny, as he is one himself.
Based on his research into what makes a high-quality guitar, he developed the Zager ZAD80 Series.
Among the best guitar sounds today is the result of a combination of factors including:
- a solid wood body
- high-quality hardware
- a custom neck shape that fits comfortably in the hand
- string spacing that lets you move faster on the fretboard while simultaneously preventing buzzes and rattles
- unique bracing system
According to professionals who have used the ZAD80CE Pro Series, it is on par with or even better than instruments that will cost around $3,000+.
What makes it better? Simply put, it is easier to play.
Also, it will cost you less because you are purchasing it directly from our workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The 80CE is always ranked in the top five percent of all acoustics produced worldwide, thus it’s worth reading reviews and comments from artists about. A lifetime warranty is included because it is a lifetime instrument.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Stylish build
- Slim neck shape feels natural in hand, making chording easier
- Genuine Grover tuning machines (best in the world)
- The crisp and full-bodied sound
Cons
- No significant downsides
3. Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar
Another excellent option for guitarists at the intermediate level is the Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Acoustic Guitar. Like other Epiphone instruments, this guitar is well-made and reputed among guitar players.
A solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a slender taper “D” profile neck set this guitar apart from the competitors.
Did you know that acoustic guitars with a “D” profile have a neck that is slightly thicker than the norm, making them easier to handle and operate? Since it is not as wide, a slim taper makes for a more comfortable grip.
The Hummingbird PRO also includes the popular Fishman Sonitone pickup system. Live performances require a high-quality sound system, and the aforementioned setup lets you connect your guitar to one.
Pros
- Manufactured with mahogany and solid spruce
- “D” shaped neck
- Perform live with the Fishman Sonitone
Cons
- The “D” neck isn’t suitable for all
- The unique taste of the Fishman system
4. ZAD50CE Solid African Mahogany Acoustic Electric
ZAD50CE Solid African Mahogany Acoustic-Electric is an intriguing option as an intermediate acoustic guitar. It is an outstanding choice for intermediate guitarists.
Doesn’t matter if you’re an intermediate guitarist or a beginner, if you’re searching for a mid-range instrument with decent specs, this is a fantastic pick.
The smooth, wild mahogany back and sides are the guitar’s most striking feature, and they contribute to its distinctive tone by combining the richness of mahogany with maple’s crisp definition.
Features such as a sturdy body made of solid wood, top-notch hardware, a comfortable custom neck shape that fits the player’s hand, string spacing that facilitates rapid fingerwork while muting buzzes and rattles, and a unique bracing system that generates a top-tier tone are all present in this guitar. This combination provides a unique and outstanding experience to every guitar player.
The ZAD50CE guitar may leave a lasting impression on you the moment you lay your eyes on it. The superb craftsmanship, distinctive and rich tone, and general greatness of the instrument make it an extraordinary choice for anyone looking for a new acoustic guitar and faithful music companion.
Pros
- Distinctive wild mahogany sides and back
- Ivory binding detail and zipper stripe down back
- Hand-laid abalone inlay rosette with pearl fret markers
- Sleek, elegant design
Cons
- May require extra maintenance
5. Taylor American Dream AD17 Acoustic Guitar
The American Dream Series from Taylor is one of a kind. This guitar is the product of meticulous design, expert craftsmanship, the use of premium materials, and the determination to keep prices low so that working musicians can afford them.
With its spruce top and solid ovangkol back and sides, this Grand Pacific dreadnought produces a warm and reminiscent traditional acoustic guitar sound.
This guitar features a V-class bracing, which brings an improvement in intonation throughout the neck and an increase in volume and sustain. At the same time, you’ll have an easier time keeping a firm grasp thanks to the chamfered body edges.
This guitar is not only beautiful to look at, but it also feels fantastic in your hands.
Subtle Urban Sienna staining on the back and sides, a three-ring rosette in Hawaiian koa, and a fake tortoiseshell pickguard are just a few of the sleek visual accents on this guitar. Moreover, a thin matte finish further adds to the guitar’s resonance.
In the end, more than any one particular feature, you will be impressed with the level of craftsmanship that went into this instrument as a whole.
Pros
- Excellent materials
- Spruce top and ovangkol back
- V-Class bracing for full sound and sustainability
- Body edges are chamfered for comfort
Cons
- Sound becomes unclear at loud volumes
- The price can be too high for many
6. ZAD20 Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Natural
The ZAD20 is an excellent choice for performers who often perform in live settings. This versatile and user-friendly guitar is perfect for any style of music, be it jazz, pop, rock, bluegrass, country, folk, or blues.
This guitar comes with high-end mahogany. The guitar will last a long time, sound better than the budget options, and be less likely to warp or sustain damage.
Given the price, one would expect nothing less than the best, and the ZAD20 will more than live up to that expectation. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
A great deal of care and attention to detail went into manufacturing this guitar, making it a professional-grade instrument. Because of its sturdy construction and excellent tone, the ZAD20 is an ideal gigging guitar for intermediate players. Unless you’re on the right track in your musical career, it wouldn’t be wise to invest in this instrument.
You need a sturdy guitar that can endure the wear and tear of traveling and live concerts if you’re already a gigging musician, but if you are someone who’s just starting, this guitar may be a little too pricey for you.
Regardless, the ZAD20 is a top-notch acoustic guitar, and any guitarist will be pleased with it for years to come.
Pros
- The superb quality of sound
- Exquisite mahogany build
- Impressive longevity
Cons
- Offers exceptional quality, but less immediate name recognition than some industry giants.
7. ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Smaller “OM” Size Tobacco Sunburst
The ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Smaller “OM” Size Tobacco Sunburst is the last option on this list, and this instrument is an excellent pick for those just starting or who are looking for an intermediate-level guitar.
ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Smaller “OM” Size Tobacco Sunburst guitar features a smaller “OM Size” orchestra model, as it is 15% smaller than the full size. It looks more similar to Martin OOO and Taylor Grand Auditoriums.
The narrower hourglass form is more comfortable to have on since it rests lower on the lap and is thus easy to tuck under the arm. A slimmer body produces a somewhat thinner sound without being too much for studio microphones.
The sound of a solid wood structure gets better with age. You may slide down inside the box for improved playability thanks to the Venetian cutaway design.
The guitar also offers enhanced volume and clear sound with its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and an onboard tuner. At the same time, the “easy-to-play neck” of the Zager Guitar makes it an excellent pick for any musician. Such neck designs are great for those with small or large hands since the fingerboard edges of the guitar are rolled.
Finally, if you want to amp up your acoustic guitar without distorting its natural sound, richness, or resonance, the Fishman pickup/preamp system is a great option.
If you are seeking an inexpensive, easy-to-play acoustic guitar that doesn’t skimp on sound quality but won’t empty your bank account, you can opt for this guitar.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Easy to play
- Robust build and versatile neck
- The system includes a Fishman tuner and transducer
Cons
- Not good enough for professional gigs
Who Qualifies as an Intermediate Guitarist?
Those who have mastered the guitar basics but are still not quite at the advanced level are considered intermediate guitarists. In most cases, they can play different chords and can strum simple songs.
Many guitarists at the intermediate level can play passable lead guitar, but might not be experts in soloing just yet. Being able to perform to a decent standard and knowing the fundamentals of music theory are the requirements for being deemed an intermediate guitarist.
You might be interested in exploring new styles or challenging yourself with advanced techniques if you’re an intermediate guitarist. You can always keep improving your guitar skills with the help of different resources, such as books on this subject, online lessons, and YouTube videos. As an intermediate guitarist, you can swiftly advance by practicing regularly and expanding the horizons of your music-listening experience to a wider range of genres.
Finally, if you want to move up the guitar skill ladder from intermediate to advanced, you’ll have to work harder and put in more effort. You can try devoting more time to practice, enrolling in private lessons, or becoming the apprentice of a more experienced player. The 10,000-hour rule works for becoming an expert in anything, and becoming a master guitarist is no exception.
6 Things to Consider While Buying Your Acoustic Guitar
Buying a guitar shouldn’t be too difficult a task, but there are a few little factors that can impact your playing significantly in the future. So, here are a few factors that you can take into consideration before choosing and buying your acoustic guitar-
- Guitar Body
The body shape of your guitar will have a significant impact on your comfort level and the volume and tone you can create when playing. So, keep this in mind while shopping for a new guitar.
For those who have small hands, a smaller guitar body should be the preferable choice. Some musicians find that dreadnoughts are too big for their hands, so they seek out acoustic guitars with smaller bodies, such as
- Concert Guitars
- Parlors
- 3/4 Sized Guitars
- Budget
It should go without saying that a higher price tag indicates a higher-quality guitar, even if we tried to provide some options that are a bit affordable in this article. In general, the more expensive instruments are better in terms of playability, sound quality, and versatility. So, if you are in the market for a high-quality intermediate-level guitar, you’ll need to spend some good money, as they don’t come cheap. You can go for more affordable guitars if you are a beginner, but for advancing to net levels, expensive top-quality guitars are a must. And make sure that the guitars provide great value for money.
- Strings
No matter the quality of your guitar, if you play with cheap strings, your tone will suffer. As you can change the strings on your acoustic guitar at any moment, you shouldn’t let that be your deciding factor. However, you should be aware that strings play a major role in the quality of your tone. So, the strings of the guitar should be an important factor to consider while getting one.
- Type of Wood
There are several varieties of wood used for manufacturing guitars, each with its distinct tone. Woods like maple, rosewood, and mahogany are commonly used in this aspect.
Because of its deep, rich tone, mahogany is a fan-favorite wood for acoustic guitars, while rosewood is also a popular choice due to its unique bright and crisp tone. A lot of people love the bright, crisp sound of maple, even though it’s not very common. Ultimately, you should pick the one that you like the most, as they all have distinct tonal qualities.
- Guitar’s Look
It’s no secret that playing a guitar with an appealing look makes it more enjoyable. So when you’re looking to buy an acoustic guitar, go for an aesthetically pleasing model if you’re in the market for one. This is particularly important to keep in mind if you’re just starting, as it’s human nature to want to play whatever instrument you think is cool.
However, this is one of the last things to consider while getting a guitar, but you still should keep this under consideration, as everyone has a different perspective on the appearance.
- Ease of Use
Avoid buying a guitar that is difficult to play and will cause you frustration whenever you attempt to practice its stride. Rather, look for a model that is easy to grasp and has a comfortable neck. With these features, learning the guitar and improving your talents will be a breeze.
What is the Reasonable Price Point for an Intermediate Acoustic Guitar?
Spend between $500 and $1,000 on an acoustic guitar if you want one that will survive a lifetime of playing. You can get a lot of use out of an acoustic guitar in this price bracket if you take good care of it. Spending that much will ensure that you receive an instrument of superior quality that can endure rigorous playing without sacrificing sound quality or comfort.
Intermediate players start to consider performing live at some point in their careers. If you’re into the idea, you’ll need a high-volume acoustic guitar that can cut through a crowd. On the other hand, $200–$300 can be a reasonable budget to stick to while you’re first starting. Especially if you aren’t sure you want to commit to playing guitar for the long haul, this is a good way to purchase a good instrument that you can learn without going into debt.
Upgrading to a higher-quality guitar is something you can do when you’ve determined that playing guitar is truly your passion. Spend as much as you like on an acoustic guitar, but be sure it has good sound quality and is easy and comfortable for you to play.
Final Words
The finest intermediate acoustic guitars are usually of high value, as they are well-balanced in terms of both quality and price. “Intermediate acoustic guitars with high value for money” is a highly competitive niche in which large brands compete against smaller ones, and every penny matters in this regard. So, for your convenience, we have made a list full of top-notch acoustic guitars, all of which can be great companions for an intermediate guitarist.
So, if you want to take the next step in your guitar-playing career, all of the instruments listed above are excellent choices for you.
Choose wisely, play to your full potential, and enjoy the experience. Happy playing!
