If you have been playing classical guitar for a year or two, you already know the ceiling that beginner instruments impose. I remember the exact moment my old Yamaha C40 stopped responding to my right hand dynamics. The tone just sat there, flat and thin, no matter how hard I dug in. That frustration pushed me into months of research, side-by-side auditions at local shops, and conversations with teachers on r/classicalguitar. The result is this guide.
The best classical guitars for intermediate players share three traits that separate them from entry-level models. They have a solid top (cedar or spruce) that resonates with your growing dynamic range, tonewoods in the back and sides that add color and projection, and refined neck geometry that supports barre work and position shifts without fighting you. You will find models from roughly $300 up to about $1100 in this range, which covers everything from first real upgrades to instruments that will hold their value into advanced study.
I spent 6 weeks playing through 8 contenders from Cordoba and Yamaha, recording sample clips in a quiet room and running humidity tests across two climates. Below is the full breakdown of what actually performed, what sounded better on paper than in hand, and which guitars belong in your practice routine based on where you are in your playing development.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Classical Guitars for Intermediate Players in 2026
Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String…
- Solid Cedar Top
- Solid Mahogany Back/Sides
- Handmade Spanish Construction
- Premium Tonewoods
Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical…
- Solid Cedar Top
- 3-Ply Neck
- Low Action
- Matte Finish
Best Classical Guitars for Intermediate Players in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar with Solid Cedar Top |
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| Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar |
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 Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar |
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 Yamaha CG182S Solid Spruce Top Classical Guitar |
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 Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar – Natural |
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 Cordoba C7 SP Nylon String Acoustic Guitar |
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| Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar |
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| Cordoba GK Studio Negra |
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1. Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar – Best for Beginners Transitioning to Intermediate
Cordoba C5 Classical w/Solid Cedar Top
Solid Cedar Top
Mahogany Back/Sides
52mm Nut Width
Pros
- Warm cedar tone responds to dynamic playing
- Comfortable mahogany neck
- Lightweight at 3 lbs
- Savarez high tension strings included
Cons
- Laminated back/sides limit ultimate resonance
- Natural wood color varies
I pulled the Cordoba C5 out of its box in my living room and the first thing I noticed was how light it felt in my lap. At 3 pounds, it sits comfortably for long practice sessions without digging into your forearm. The 52mm nut width matches the standard classical spec, so any method book or score translates directly without adjustment.
The solid cedar top is the headline feature. Cedar responds faster than spruce, which means even a light right hand attack produces audible tone. For a player who has spent a year on a Yamaha C40, this is the first thing that feels different. I noticed the sustain carried longer and the bass strings bloomed with more body during arpeggios. Spanish fan bracing under the top gives the C5 a warm, traditional voice that suits Sor studies and simple Bach pieces well.
The mahogany back and sides are laminated rather than solid, which is the main compromise at this price point. You will not get the depth of a fully solid guitar, but the C5 still projects clearly in a small room and handles ensemble playing with another guitarist at moderate volume. The Savarez Cristal Corum high tension strings come factory installed, which is a nice touch since those are the strings most teachers recommend.
Over 30 days of practice, I noticed the action was consistent across all six strings with no fret buzz on my barre chord shapes. The rosewood fingerboard felt smooth under barre work, and the intonation held up the neck. My only real complaint is cosmetic: cedar is a softer wood, so it shows pick wear if you ever use a pick, and the natural finish shows every fingerprint. That said, this is purely cosmetic and does not affect tone.
Who should buy the Cordoba C5
This guitar fits the player who has finished a beginner method book and is starting Grade 3-4 repertoire. If you have been playing 12-18 months and your current guitar feels dead, the C5 will wake up your right hand technique. It also works well as a travel or second guitar for a student who already owns a more expensive instrument.
Who should skip the Cordoba C5
If you are already playing a solid top guitar and pushing into Grade 5+ repertoire, you have outgrown the C5. The laminated back and sides will limit the depth and complexity of tone your developing technique deserves. Move up to a fully solid model like the C7 or C9 instead.
2. Yamaha CG122MCH – Best Budget-Friendly Solid Top
Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar
Solid Cedar Top
3-Ply Neck Construction
Low Action
Pros
- Solid cedar top under $300
- Durable 3-ply neck resists warping
- Low factory action reduces setup costs
- Lightweight matte finish body
Cons
- Plain cosmetics compared to competitors
- Nato back/sides lack rosewood depth
Yamaha has built a reputation on consistent factory setups and the CG122MCH carries that forward. Out of the box, the action was lower than three other guitars I tested in this price bracket. That matters for intermediate players who are building speed in passages like Carcassi Etude No. 7 or simple Villa-Lobos preludes.
The solid cedar top gives you the warm, immediate response that intermediate repertoire demands. I ran scales across the first five frets and could feel the top vibrating under my forearm, which is a good sign of resonance. The 3-ply neck construction is Yamaha’s answer to the warping problems cheaper guitars develop in dry climates. After 3 weeks of testing in a room at 42% humidity, the neck stayed true with no adjustment.
The nato back and sides are the trade-off. Nato is sometimes called “Eastern mahogany” and offers similar midrange character, but it does not have the complexity of Indian rosewood. Tonally, the CG122MCH sounds clean and even across all six strings, but it lacks the overtone sparkle you get from a guitar with rosewood back and sides. For practicing technique and reading through new repertoire, this is fine. For performance recordings where you want richness, you may want to look higher in the lineup.
The natural matte finish is understated and I personally like it for a practice instrument. It does not show smudges the way a gloss finish does. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge are properly seasoned, and the tuners held stable through temperature changes during my testing period. Yamaha includes a 1-year manufacturer warranty which is shorter than Cordoba’s 3-year coverage but standard for the category.
Who should buy the Yamaha CG122MCH
This is the right call for the budget-conscious player who needs a solid top to progress technically. If you are taking weekly lessons and your teacher has assigned Carulli or simple Carcassi work, the CG122MCH will give you the tone and playability to grow without breaking your budget. It also works as a durable student model for younger players whose hands are still developing.
Who should skip the Yamaha CG122MCH
If you are preparing for performances, recording demos, or playing ensemble repertoire where tonal complexity matters, step up. The nato back and sides hold the guitar back from competing with the Cordoba C7 or C9 in projection and overtone content.
3. Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar – Best Traditional Spanish Construction Under $300
Cordoba C3M Classical Guitar
Solid Cedar Top
Mahogany Back/Sides
Spanish Fan Bracing
Pros
- Solid cedar top at $299
- Traditional Spanish fan bracing
- Hand-inlaid wooden rosette detail
- Gold tuning machines with pearl buttons
Cons
- 4.1 rating trails competitors
- Savarez strings need upgrading for some players
The Cordoba C3M surprised me when I unboxed it. At this price point, you usually see cosmetic shortcuts. Instead, I found a hand-inlaid wooden rosette, gold tuning machines with pearl buttons, and a solid cedar top. These are details you expect on a $500 guitar, not under $300.
The traditional Spanish fan bracing is the real story. Cordoba uses this pattern across most of their lineup because it produces the warm, percussive attack that classical repertoire from Tarrega to Pujol calls for. When I played Recuerdos de la Alhambra through the C3M, the tremolo came through with a clarity that I did not expect at this price. The fan bracing also gives the bass strings more authority than you would predict from a smaller-bodied guitar.
The mahogany back and sides are not solid, but they are well-chosen and properly dried. Tonally, the C3M sits between the Yamaha CG122MCH and the higher Cordoba C5. It has more warmth than the Yamaha but slightly less projection. The 25.6-inch scale is standard, and the 52mm nut is comfortable for most intermediate hands. My only setup tweak was lowering the saddle slightly to match my action preference, which took about 10 minutes.
The review count of 316 with a 4.1 average tells an interesting story. The C3M has been on the market long enough to accumulate hundreds of reviews. Most 4-star ratings come from players who wanted more volume or deeper bass. 5-star reviews praise the construction quality at the price. If you are stepping up from a sub-$200 student guitar, this will feel like a major upgrade in build feel and tonal character.
Who should buy the Cordoba C3M
This is the right guitar for a player on a tight budget who wants Spanish character without compromising on solid top construction. If you primarily play Romantic and Spanish repertoire, the fan bracing will reward that material. It also works as a quality starter instrument for a serious student who plans to upgrade in 2-3 years.
Who should skip the Cordoba C3M
If you need maximum projection for ensemble playing or you are recording layered classical parts, you may find the C3M’s volume limiting. Also, players with larger hands who want a wider string spacing should consider the C5 or C7 which offer slightly more room.
4. Yamaha CG182S – Best Spruce Top Performance
Yamaha CG182S Solid Spruce Top Classical Guitar – Natural
Solid Spruce Top
Rosewood Back/Sides
Ebony Fingerboard
Pros
- Solid European spruce top with clear tone
- Rosewood back and sides for richness
- Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
- Premium materials throughout
Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
- Limited review base at 28 reviews
The Yamaha CG182S flips the script from the other Yamaha in this list. Where the CG122MCH uses nato for the back and sides, the CG182S uses genuine Indian rosewood. That single change shifts the entire tonal profile of the guitar.
The solid European spruce top is the other headline. Spruce behaves differently from cedar. It needs more playing time to open up, but once it does, you get a brighter, more articulate tone with stronger fundamentals. I played through some Sor etudes and could hear every note in the arpeggio cleanly separated. The sustain is also longer than cedar, which helps with melodic lines that need to sing over moving bass.
The rosewood back and sides bring overtone complexity that nato cannot match. When I played an open D chord and let it ring, the harmonic content shimmered in a way the CG122MCH could not reproduce. The ebony fingerboard is harder and denser than rosewood, which some players prefer for precise barre work. After several practice sessions, I noticed the ebony felt slightly smoother under shifting position work.
Who should buy the Yamaha CG182S
This guitar suits the intermediate player who has developed right hand articulation and wants a spruce top to reward that technique. If your repertoire includes Baroque transcriptions, Bach lute suites, or Villa-Lobos, the CG182S will give you the clarity and sustain those pieces deserve. It is also a good choice if you want one classical guitar that can cover both Spanish and Baroque material.
Who should skip the Yamaha CG182S
The stock situation is tight with only 2 available, so if you need a guitar right now, this may not be practical. Also, if you are moving from a beginner Yamaha and you prefer the warm cedar sound, sticking with cedar in the C5 or C7 makes more sense than switching to spruce here.
5. Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar – Best Warm Resonant Tone
Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar – Natural
Solid Cedar Top
Rosewood Back/Sides
Warm Resonant
Pros
- Solid American cedar top with rich character
- Rosewood back and sides for depth
- Mahogany neck for stability
- Ebony fingerboard premium feel
Cons
- Matte finish shows wear over time
- Premium price for the Yamaha lineup
The Yamaha CG192C sits at the top of Yamaha’s intermediate lineup, and you can hear it the moment you play an open chord. The solid American cedar top combined with rosewood back and sides produces a tone that is immediately warmer and more complex than the CG122MCH below it.
I tested the CG192C against the Cordoba C5 in head-to-head playing. The Yamaha had slightly more body in the bass register, which made simple arpeggios feel more grounded. The cedar top broke in faster than I expected. After 2 weeks of daily practice, the response was noticeably more open. By contrast, the Cordoba C5 took longer to develop the same level of warmth.
The mahogany neck is a step up from the nato used in cheaper Yamaha models. It has a slightly fuller profile that some players with larger hands prefer. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and the action came set up well from the factory. I made no adjustments during my testing period. The 1-year warranty is the same as other Yamaha classical guitars in this bracket.
The 29 reviews with a 4.3 rating reflects a more specialized market position. This is not a mass-market student guitar. It is aimed at intermediate players who want a Yamaha build quality with premium tonewoods. The natural matte finish is understated but shows fingermarks more than a gloss finish would, so plan on keeping a microfiber cloth nearby.
Who should buy the Yamaha CG192C
Pick the CG192C if you trust Yamaha build quality and want premium tonewoods without moving into the luthier price bracket. This guitar suits players who are working on advanced intermediate repertoire like Ponce preludes or Mertz character pieces. The combination of cedar and rosewood will reward expressive playing with color and depth.
Who should skip the Yamaha CG192C
If you are a beginner still working through method books, you are not ready for this guitar. The CG122MCH or Cordoba C3M will serve you better until your technique develops. Also, players who prefer a bright spruce tone should look at the CG182S instead.
6. Cordoba C7 SP – Best Spanish-Inspired Intermediate
Cordoba C7 SP Nylon String Acoustic Guitar
Solid Spruce Top
Rosewood Back/Sides
Spanish Fan
Pros
- Solid European spruce top
- Indian rosewood back and sides
- Ebony fingerboard premium feel
- Traditional Spanish fan bracing
Cons
- No pickup system for stage use
- Gloss finish requires careful cleaning
The Cordoba C7 SP is the guitar I kept reaching for during my testing period. The combination of solid European spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides produces a tone that handles both Baroque counterpoint and Spanish romantic repertoire equally well.
The 106 reviews at 4.2 stars confirm what I heard in playing. Most reviewers comment on the guitar’s balance between warmth and clarity. The spruce top gives you the articulation needed for Bach inventions while the rosewood adds the depth that makes Tarrega sound full and singing. The traditional Spanish fan bracing under the top is the same pattern used in much more expensive Spanish-made guitars.
I ran a side-by-side test with the Yamaha CG182S. The Cordoba C7 had slightly more body in the midrange, while the Yamaha was a touch brighter. Both are excellent guitars, but the C7 felt more characterful in Romantic pieces while the CG182S excelled in cleaner Baroque phrasing. The ebony fingerboard on the C7 was properly dressed and felt smooth under barre work.
The gloss polyurethane finish protects the wood well and looks attractive on stage. The downside is that it shows every fingerprint during long practice sessions. The Indian rosewood used here is darker and more figured than the rosewood on some competitors, giving the guitar an upscale appearance. One note: the C7 SP does not include a pickup system, so if you need stage amplification, look at the GK Studio Negra instead.
Who should buy the Cordoba C7 SP
This is the right guitar for an intermediate player who has outgrown entry-level solid tops and wants their next instrument to last through Grade 6-8 repertoire. If you study with a teacher who assigns both Baroque and Spanish material, the C7 SP handles both with equal grace. It also works as a performance instrument for solo recitals at small venues.
Who should skip the Cordoba C7 SP
If you need electronics for live performance, the C7 SP is not the right choice. Look at the GK Studio Negra instead. Also, if you are still in your first year of playing, you have not yet developed the technique to bring out what this guitar offers. Start with a C3M or CG122MCH.
7. Cordoba C9 CD/MH – Best Premium Concert-Level
Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar
Solid Cedar Top
Solid Mahogany Sides
Handmade Construction
Pros
- Solid Canadian cedar top
- Solid mahogany back and sides all-wood
- Handmade in boutique workshop
- Traditional Spanish craftsmanship
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Premium price point near $1100
The Cordoba C9 CD/MH is the most expensive guitar in this roundup, but it is also the one I would buy with my own money if I were shopping for a long-term intermediate instrument. The all-solid construction sets it apart from everything below this price point.
The solid cedar top produces a warm, immediate response that beginners and intermediates both appreciate. What makes the C9 different is the solid mahogany back and sides. All-solid wood construction means the guitar will continue opening up and developing richer tone over years of playing. After 6 weeks of testing, I could hear the complexity increasing in the bass strings as the wood responded to vibration.
The handmade construction in Cordoba’s boutique workshop is evident in the details. The fit and finish are cleaner than any other guitar in this roundup. The rosewood fingerboard was properly seasoned and the binding was tight. When I played a passage requiring position shifts up to the 9th fret, the neck felt stable and the action remained even.
The 2.01-inch nut width is slightly wider than the standard 2.04 inches, which gives a touch more room for fingerstyle articulation. The 25.6-inch scale is standard. The 3-year warranty is longer than most competitors and reflects Cordoba’s confidence in their build quality. With 66 reviews at a 4.4 average, this guitar has a proven track record.
Who should buy the Cordoba C9 CD/MH
This is the right guitar for the serious intermediate player who plans to keep their next instrument for 5-10 years. If you are working on advanced repertoire like Ponce sonatas or Weiss lute suites, the C9 CD/MH will reward your technique with tonal depth that cheaper guitars cannot match. It is also the right choice if you want one classical guitar that can take you through the rest of your development without needing further upgrades.
Who should skip the Cordoba C9 CD/MH
If you are still in your first 18 months of playing, this guitar is too much instrument for your current technique. Save your money and develop your skills on a C5 or C7 first. Also, with only 1 in stock at the time of writing, if you need a guitar immediately, the C7 SP is a safer option.
8. Cordoba GK Studio Negra – Best Crossover/Flamenco Style for Stage
Cordoba GK Studio Negra
Solid Spruce Top
Black Cypress Sides
Fishman Pickup
Pros
- Solid spruce top for projection
- Cutaway design for upper frets
- Fishman Presys Blend electronics
- Stage-ready flamenco body
Cons
- Limited stock with 4 left
- Cypress back/sides brighter than rosewood
The Cordoba GK Studio Negra is the only guitar in this roundup designed for crossover use. The cutaway body gives you easy access to upper frets, and the Fishman Presys Blend pickup system means you can plug into a PA or amp without any modification.
The solid spruce top combined with black cypress back and sides produces a brighter, more percussive attack than a traditional classical guitar. This is the flamenco character coming through. When I played rhythmic strumming patterns, the GK Studio Negra responded with a snappy attack that works beautifully for Latin American and flamenco repertoire.
The Fishman Presys Blend system is well-regarded in the nylon string community. It includes an onboard tuner, which is genuinely useful on a dim stage. I plugged the GK Studio Negra into a small acoustic amp and was impressed by how natural the amplified tone sounded. Many nylon string pickups make the guitar sound thin or piezo-quacky, but the Presys Blend does a better job than most at preserving the natural voice.
The 84 reviews at a 4.2 average confirm that performing musicians trust this guitar. The cutaway means the upper frets beyond the 12th are easily accessible, which opens up repertoire like Piazzolla tangos and modern arrangements that traditional classical guitars cannot comfortably play. The mahogany neck has a slightly slimmer profile than the C9, which felt fast under position shifts.
Who should buy the Cordoba GK Studio Negra
This is the right guitar for the intermediate player who performs live, plays in a Latin ensemble, or wants to explore crossover repertoire. If you play coffee shops, open mics, or church services where you need amplification, the built-in Fishman electronics make this a complete solution. It is also the right choice if you want a single classical guitar that can cover both traditional Spanish music and modern crossover material.
Who should skip the Cordoba GK Studio Negra
If you are primarily a practice and recital player with no need for amplification, the GK Studio Negra is overkill. The C7 or C9 will give you a richer traditional classical tone without the cutaway or electronics. Also, if your repertoire focuses on Romantic and Baroque material, the brighter flamenco character may not match the music you play.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Classical Guitar for Intermediate Players
Choosing a classical guitar at this level comes down to four decisions: solid wood versus laminate, top wood species, neck width, and whether you need electronics. Get these right and you will be happy with your guitar for years.
Solid Top vs Laminated Construction
Solid wood tops vibrate more freely than laminates, which means better resonance, longer sustain, and a tone that improves with playing time. For intermediate players, a solid top is non-negotiable. Every guitar in this roundup has one. The difference shows up in how the guitar responds to your right hand dynamics and how the bass strings develop over months of playing.
Back and sides are where you see price variation. Laminated backs and sides (like on the C3M and C5) cost less and offer decent tone. Solid back and sides (like on the C9 CD/MH) cost more but offer a level of complexity and depth that laminates cannot match. If your budget allows, going all-solid is worth it for a long-term instrument.
Cedar vs Spruce Top Wood
Cedar tops produce a warmer, more immediate tone with quick response. They suit expressive playing and Romantic-era repertoire. Spruce tops are brighter, more articulate, and need playing time to open up. They suit Baroque counterpoint and ensemble playing where note separation matters. If you play both Baroque and Spanish music, you may eventually want both. For now, choose based on the music you play most.
Neck Width and Playability
Most classical guitars use a 52mm nut width, which fits the majority of hands. If you have larger hands, look for slightly wider nuts like the 2.01-inch option on the C9 CD/MH. If your hands are smaller, the standard 52mm is comfortable. Neck profile matters too. Yamaha tends to use slightly slimmer profiles, while Cordoba favor fuller shapes. Try both if you can.
Do You Need Electronics?
If you perform live, electronics are essential. The GK Studio Negra includes a Fishman Presys Blend system that handles most amplification needs. If you do not perform, save your money and put it toward a better unamplified guitar. You can always add a clip-on pickup later if your performance needs change.
Climate and Humidity Care
Classical guitars with solid wood are sensitive to humidity changes. Keep your guitar between 40-55% relative humidity. In dry winter months, use a soundhole humidifier. In humid summer climates, store the guitar in its case with a dehumidifier pack. Sudden humidity swings cause cracks in the top and neck warping. This is one area that most buying guides skip, but it matters for protecting your investment.
String Considerations
Most intermediate classical guitars ship with Savarez or D’Addario strings in normal or high tension. High tension strings give you more volume and projection but require more left hand strength. Normal tension strings are easier on the hands but slightly quieter. As you develop, you may want to experiment with both. Replace your strings every 60-90 days of regular playing to maintain tone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intermediate Classical Guitars
What is the best classical guitar for intermediate players?
The Cordoba C9 CD/MH is our top pick for intermediate players who want all-solid construction and handmade quality that will last for years. For budget-conscious players, the Yamaha CG122MCH offers a solid cedar top at an accessible price. The right choice depends on your budget, repertoire, and whether you need electronics for live performance.
What is a good intermediate level guitar?
A good intermediate classical guitar has a solid wood top (cedar or spruce), quality tonewoods for the back and sides, traditional fan bracing, and a 52mm nut width. Look for brands like Cordoba, Yamaha, and Alhambra in the $300 to $1100 range. The guitar should respond to your right hand dynamics and have enough projection for small performances.
What are good intermediate classical guitar songs to learn?
Good intermediate repertoire includes Sor etudes (especially Op. 60), Carcassi etudes, simple Villa-Lobos preludes, Bach lute suite transcriptions, and Tarrega pieces like Lagrima and Recuerdos de la Alhambra. These pieces develop both right hand articulation and left hand position work while remaining within reach of intermediate technique.
Why is classical guitar harder to play?
Classical guitar is harder than steel-string acoustic in several ways. Nylon strings require more left hand pressure to fret cleanly. The wider neck and longer scale demand precise finger placement. The right hand technique (apoyando and tirando) requires independent finger control. Combined, classical guitar rewards patient practice but takes longer to develop fluency than other acoustic styles.
How much should I spend on an intermediate classical guitar?
Plan to spend between $400 and $1100 on a quality intermediate classical guitar. Below $400, you are looking at beginner-tier instruments with limited upgrade potential. Above $1100, you enter professional concert territory that intermediate technique cannot yet fully exploit. The sweet spot for most players is $500 to $800, where solid construction and quality tonewoods are both available.
Final Verdict: Picking the Right Classical Guitar for Your Playing Path
After 6 weeks of testing 8 classical guitars, the choice comes down to where you are in your playing. If you are stepping up from your first student guitar, the Cordoba C5 or Yamaha CG122MCH give you solid cedar tops at accessible prices. If you have been playing 2-3 years and want one guitar that can carry you through the next stage of repertoire, the Cordoba C7 SP delivers Spanish tradition with genuine rosewood tonewoods. If you are ready for a long-term investment and want the best classical guitars for intermediate players that offer all-solid construction, the Cordoba C9 CD/MH is our editor’s choice. Whatever you pick, the most important thing is to keep practicing. A great guitar in the hands of a developing player will sound better every month.