Let's face it, learning to play guitar can be tricky and frustrating. The last thing you need is your first guitar making your life harder. Things such as a terrible steel-string action can dissuade enthusiastic young ones in the space of a few minutes, while eager older players might tap out even quicker.

After all, around 90% of beginners stop playing the guitar after a year of initially picking it up. So what should beginners do? Whom should they trust with their fervent desire to learn Classical Gas? Step in Yamaha. For nearly three decades, many beginners have trusted Yamaha, especially their best-selling model, the C40.

This guitar has been a go-to recommendation for teachers worldwide, helping countless students earn their stripes. Now in its second iteration, the C40II, this popular model shows no signs of slowing down. Being a classical guitar, the C40II is equipped with , which are traditionally utilized in flamenco and classical music.

So, if you're starting out and interested in those genres, the C40II will be very appealing. However, since nylon strings are less harsh on uncalloused fingers than steel strings, it's also a great option for young beginners who are starting to dabble. Even for those who suffer from conditions like arthritis, the softness of nylon strings can make life a lot easier.

Being a time-served veteran of the learner's guitar market, it's easy to assume that the C40II is flawless, but is that really the case? Well, we wanted to find out. So, .