Learning fingerpicking style of playing the guitar sounds and is way cooler compared to just plucking the strings. Even better if you get your hands on one of the best Martin Guitar for Fingerstyle and strumming, since the Martin brand is a household name in the guitar world.
WITH Over 150 different Martins models available, the question comes, which one is the best for fingerpicking?
We can help you find the perfect Martin guitar models that meet your fingerpicking blues style than others.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Martin Guitars for Fingerpicking: Comparison Chart
| Image | Name | Top wood | Back and sides wood | Onboard electronics? | Price |
| Martin LX1E Little Martin | Solid Sitka spruce | Mahogany high-pressure laminate | Present | Check Price | |
| Martin X Series 2015 DX1AE | Solid Sitka spruce | Mahogany high-pressure laminate | Present | Check Price | |
| Martin X Series 2015 LX Little Martin | HPL | HPL | None | Check Price | |
| Martin D-10E Road Series | Sitka Spruce | Sapele | Present | Check Price | |
| Martin D-13E Road Series | Sitka Spruce | Siris | Present | Check Price |
Best Martin Guitar for Fingerstyle and Strumming
While some may advise you try out the different Martin guitars to see which one fits your fingerspicking style of guitar playing. IT IS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TRY OUT ALL 200 MODELS THAT MARTINS OFFERS.
Instead, you can begin your choice with these handpicked models we’ve selected for their suitability with fingerpicking.
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Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka
Features
- Although small in size, this guitar produces big tone, high on quality and versatility.
- Has a warm satin finish
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides
- Perfect for student learners, travel, or for just playing around the house or campfire.
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Do not let the name fool you. The Little Martin plays big in terms of musical quality.
Little Size
From a fingerpicking point of view, the small dimensions of the guitar is actually good.
That is because picking the strings of guitars using fingers uses up more strength than using a pick. An elderly or child guitarist may find pleasure playing the Little Martin instead of a standard-sized guitar.
Plus, the small size makes this guitar more portable and lightweight. That means you can take it WHEREVER and play it WHENEVER without worrying about the size.
This affords you more opportunity to practice and become better at fingerpicking faster. It even comes with a nice padded bag for easier carrying.
Lastly, the obvious advantage of a small guitar is that smaller players can handle it better. It is awesome for smaller hands too.
Great Sound
The sound is a terrific. It can deal with medium-gauge strings. The sound is beautiful to the ears and resonates as well.
The onboard electronics lets you play at concerts and for recoding too.
Great for Newbies
Because this is small and affordable, it makes it a great option for beginners. Guitar fingerpicking for newbies can take time to learn, and with this instrument you’d have a great time.
Since it’s terrific for beginners, it doesn’t mean it won’t play for beginner. Do not forget that till this day, Ed Sheeran still plays this particular guitar model.
What I Like
- Light and Simple to carry around
- Perfect for kid’s smaller hands
- Elderly players can use this for fingerpicking
- Produces great tone
- Resonant
- Comes with onboard electronics
What I Didn’t Like
- It lacks balance to play when standing
- At first trial, it may be hard to get used to.
- People with larger fingers might find it difficult to move around the strings.
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Martin X Series 2015 DX1AE
Features
- D-14 Fret body design
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Rosette: Multiple Black/White Boltaron with Red Fiber
- Top bracing pattern: A-Frame ”X-1”
- Top braces: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16”
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It boats of a D-14 fret body design that a lot of us are familiar with. With this dreadnought body shape, you can have a similar design that helps you learn more about fingerpicking.
It is quite affordable too, but then that just makes it one of the best Martins guitars for fingerstyle blues.
Sound
To some, this might be good or bad since it doesn’t resonate very well, according to some, but that’s not always a bad thing. That means when you practice, you won’t bother your neighbors.
Others would prefer the projection of the Martin DX1AE.
The top wood here is solid Sitka spruce, and the sides are produced with high-pressure laminate. The sound you get is rich and beautiful, and it doesn’t sound cheap.
The solid spruce top is basically a bit thicker than what you’d find in the guitars in this price range. This really helps in making the sound louder, and with a bit more bass.
You can run more practice in your room, and only you can hear the mistakes you make while trying to master fingerpicking.
You need not feel embarrassed, since newbies are prone to make mistakes. It can take a while to get the hang of things.
This acoustic-electrical guitar does not limit you to playing softly only. You can plug this into your amplifier and a nice set of speaker, and you’re good to perform and record.
Versatile Playing
This is perfect for fingerpicking, but then again, it’s a guitar that you can use for just about any playing style you want.
This guitar has proven to be durable too, and so you wouldn’t be scared as it hits the wall every now and then.
The turners have proven to be reliable as well, so you don’t need to keep retuning the strings. This has proven true for even fingerpicking, which might stress the strings more than strumming.
This features a 25.4-incg scale, a nut width of 1 and 11/16 inches, and a 16-inch radius. You should have no issues running your fingers around the black fretboard, no matter how frenetic your fingerpicki9ng gets.
The craftsmanship speaks volume on this guitar. This Martin guitar for finger style blues is solid, and perfect for your needs.
What I Like
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Tone is terrific
- Comfortable to play
- Versatile for any playing style
- It is super durable
What I Didn’t Like
- It is not majorly designed for fingerpicking
- May not be as resonant as some might like
READ MORE: Best Vintage Baritone Saxophone
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Martin X Series 2015 LX Little Martin
Features
- Features a Stratabond neck
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Yes, as you already know, this is a Little Martin too. However, it is different from the first Little Martin on this list.
Material
The primary difference between the two is the top wood in the LXM is built with high pressure laminate instead of solid Sitka spruce. This does affect the sound somewhat, but it’s too subtle for many beginners to even notice.
The HPL is tougher when it comes to taking a beating. It also isn’t affected as much by quick changes in temperature and humidity.
What that means is that it is great for outdoor and camping use. It’s such a hardy little guitar.
The other big difference here is that you don’t have any electronics. That makes it even more affordable, and it’s great for casual use.
Same Benefits
Like the first one, the size here is great for smaller hands, and works even better with children.
This guitar doesn’t require much strength when in play. It is able to pick the strings with small efforts which is great if you’re getting older.
Traveling with this guitar is easy too, especially with the padded bag. Packing it or carrying t around all day won’t make your hand ache.
In fact, its size is perfect for the overhead cabin on a plane.
Terrific Tone
Despite its small size, its sound can be likened to its bigger counterparts. You can project the sound just as much as a typical guitar can.
That means your friends and family can enjoy your playing, especially as you get better at fingerpicking.
Ultimately, this Little Martins is one you can get for newbies, seniors, and children. The smaller size makes it easier to get used to.
What I Like
- Allows for simple travel
- It produces a terrific tone
- Resonant as bigger guitars
- Suits smaller hands and weaker fingers
- Looks cute
What I Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t look as “serious” as regular guitars
- People with large fingers might find it harder
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Martin D-10E Road Series
Features
- Solid Sitka Top w/ Solid Sapele Back & Sides
- 14 Fret Dreadnought Shape
- High Performance Neck
- Fishman MX-T Electronics
- Includes Soft Shell Case
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This is yet another Popular yet affordable Martin guitar to try. It looks premium and radiates a certain subtle elegance to its looks.
The wood is great too, but the overall simplicity of the aesthetics brigs a certain kind of minimalist charm too.
Of course, some may laugh that it isn’t really “affordable” at all. Yet, you have lots of Martin guitars with much higher price tags.
Plus, if you think you’re spending more on the D-10E, you’re getting more in return.
Fantastic Tone
This features a Sitka spruce wood for the top, and then you have a sapele wood for the back and sides. The end result is a gorgeous guitar that produces a rich, and warm tone.
This sound encourages you to play and get better as you practice. In the end, this sounds really well, and in fact, you might consider this among the best sounding Martin guitars on the market.
Exercise care with this as you travel. That is because the all-wood build makes it susceptible to humidity damage.
Easy Playing
Fingerpicking style is easiest on this guitar compared to other guitars we’ve analyzed here. It does help that it comes with a wide fingerboard (1.75 inches at the nut), that provides you with more spaces between the strings.
The benefit of this is that it prevents accidental plucking of strings you have no desire to play. Additionally, the fingerboard lets you enjoy a smooth movement for your fingers as you change chords and pluck the strings.
lElectronics
This also features the Fishman MX-T electronics, that lets you plug into an AMP for performances and recordings. A feature that is most useful when you’ve become better at fingerpicking, as the style showcases off your skills beyond merely strumming the strings.
The onboard soundhole tuner mutes the output automatically, so you can retune anytime you want and won’t need to use a pedal.
What I Like
- Sound is fantastic
- The look is elegant
- All its body is made out of wood.
- Comes with electronics
- Comes with a soft case
What I Didn’t Like
- It is a tad costlier than many guitars for beginners
- More susceptible to humidity damage
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Martin D-13E Road Series
Features
- 14 Fret Drseadnought Shape
- High Performance Neck
- Solid Sitka Gloss Top w/ Solid Siris Back & Sides
- Fishman MX-T Electronics
- Includes Soft Shell Case
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Now, we have come to the most expensive Martin on this list. This is not as expensive as the D-10E, though Martin marketing officials still insist on naming it as one of their “affordable” guitars.
Wood Construct
This guitar is made with Sitka spruce wood as the top wood, and then you have Siris for the side and back areas. The tone it produces is body balanced and clear.
It lacks the Road series guitars but has a super solid fretboard, and it feels comfortable to hold too.
That is important to fingerpicking, which can get hard. In the end, if you get this and begin with fingerpicking, you needn’t worry.
Room for Improvement
That is not to say that this guitar is perfect in every way though.
The saddle and nut components are made with Coran plastic, and you may want to replace that with bone instead.
This also features a Fishman MX-T Electronics. Not much but it does the work!
What I Like
- Beautiful to look at
- Produces a great tone from the Siris wood
- Plays clear and loud, with lots of sustain
- Feels comfortable to play
- Nice soft case for travel
What I Didn’t Like
- It’s not cheap to some
- Plastic nut and saddle
We’ve come to the end of our best Martin Guitar for Fingerlings and strumming review on the market today. Support us by commenting below and sharing this post with friends and family.
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