Last updated: September 22, 2024As passionate musicians and guitar enthusiasts, we understand that choosing the right acoustic guitar is a significant decision. To help you make an informed choice, we have created this comprehensive guide to the different types of acoustic guitars, highlighting their unique features, tonal characteristics, and suitability for various playing styles.
Before diving into the various types of acoustic guitars, it’s essential to understand their basic anatomy. The main components of an acoustic guitar include the following:
With this knowledge, we can now explore the various types of acoustic guitars.
The dreadnought is arguably the most popular and versatile acoustic guitar shape. It was introduced by the Martin Guitar Company in 1916 and quickly gained prominence due to its powerful sound projection and balanced tonal characteristics. The dreadnought’s broad shoulders, deep body, and square bouts contribute to its distinct look.
Dreadnought guitars are known for their rich, deep bass response and strong mid-range. They provide a well-balanced sound, suitable for various playing styles, including strumming, flat-picking, and fingerstyle.
Dreadnought guitars are ideal for musicians seeking versatility and projection. They are particularly popular among singer-songwriters, country and bluegrass players, and those who favor a strong rhythm guitar presence.
The Martin Guitar Company first introduced the dreadnought shape in 1916, named after the British Royal Navy’s powerful battleship, the HMS Dreadnought. Its innovative design provided increased volume and projection, making it a favorite among musicians who needed a powerful instrument for live performances and recording sessions. Over time, the dreadnought shape became a standard in acoustic guitar manufacturing and remains one of the most popular designs to this day.
Concert and grand concert guitars feature a smaller body shape compared to dreadnoughts, with a more rounded bout and narrower waist. These design elements provide a comfortable playing experience and a more focused, intimate sound. Concert guitars typically have a smaller body depth than grand concert models, resulting in slightly different tonal characteristics.
Concert and grand concert guitars produce a well-balanced sound with less bass response than dreadnoughts. They excel in mid-range clarity, note separation, and articulation. Their smaller body size provides a more controlled and focused projection, making them ideal for recording situations.
Concert and grand concert guitars cater to a wide range of playing styles and genres. They are particularly popular among fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and folk musicians who require a balanced, articulate sound with a comfortable playing experience.
Concert and grand concert guitars can trace their roots back to European classical guitar designs of the 19th century. Over time, various guitar builders adapted and refined these designs, resulting in the modern concert and grand concert shapes we know today. These smaller-bodied guitars have remained popular among musicians seeking a more intimate and controlled sound.
As the name suggests, Jumbo guitars are the largest of the standard acoustic guitar body shapes. They feature a deep body, broad shoulders, and a wide waist, providing an ample internal air volume that contributes to their powerful, resonant sound.
Jumbo guitars are known for their powerful projection and deep, rich bass response. They also offer a strong mid-range and sparkling treble frequencies, resulting in a well-rounded and balanced tonal palette. Due to their size, they can produce a significant amount of volume, making them ideal for live performance situations.
Jumbo guitars are perfect for musicians who need a loud, powerful instrument with a wide tonal range. They are popular among singer-songwriters, rock, country, and blues musicians, and those who perform live regularly. However, their large size might be uncomfortable for some players, especially those with smaller hands or shorter arms.
Gibson first introduced the jumbo guitar in the 1930s with the release of their iconic SJ-200 model. The large body design was intended to provide a powerful, resonant sound that could compete with the volume of other instruments in big band ensembles. Over the years, jumbo guitars have become a staple in acoustic guitar manufacturing, with many brands offering their own variations on this classic design.
Auditorium and grand auditorium guitars feature a mid-sized body shape that combines the best elements of a dreadnought, concert, and grand concert guitars. They have a distinctive hourglass shape with a narrower waist, providing a comfortable playing experience. The Martin 000 and Taylor’s Grand Auditorium models are prime examples of this guitar type.
These guitars offer a balanced and even tonal response, with a slightly scooped mid-range that emphasizes bass and treble frequencies. This results in a clear and articulate sound, suitable for various playing styles. Auditorium and grand auditorium guitars excel in projection and sustain, making them versatile instruments for both live performances and recording sessions.
Auditorium and grand auditorium guitars cater to a wide range of players and genres, from fingerstyle enthusiasts to singer-songwriters and those who prefer a well-balanced, articulate sound. They are popular among musicians seeking a comfortable and versatile instrument that can adapt to various playing situations.
The auditorium and grand auditorium body shapes were developed in response to musicians’ demand for a versatile, comfortable, and well-balanced instrument. Martin’s 000 models, introduced in the early 1900s, laid the groundwork for the auditorium shape. Later, in the 1990s, Taylor Guitars introduced their now-iconic Grand Auditorium design, which has become a favorite among many players.
Parlor guitars feature a small, compact body size, with a narrow waist and rounded bouts. They typically have a shorter scale length, resulting in a comfortable playing experience and a more focused, intimate sound. Parlor guitars have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many manufacturers offering modern interpretations of these vintage-inspired instruments.
Due to their smaller body size, parlor guitars have a reduced bass response and a more pronounced mid-range. They produce a focused, intimate sound with excellent note separation and clarity. While their projection and volume might not match larger-bodied guitars, they still offer a satisfying and unique playing experience.
Parlor guitars are perfect for musicians seeking a compact, comfortable instrument with a focused, intimate sound. They are popular among fingerstyle players, blues musicians, and those who appreciate these small-bodied guitars’ vintage aesthetics and tonal characteristics.
Parlor guitars rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as they were well-suited for small, intimate gatherings in parlors and living rooms. Their compact size and unique tonal characteristics made them popular among blues and folk musicians of the era. In recent years, parlor guitars have experienced a revival, with many manufacturers producing modern versions that maintain these classic instruments’ vintage charm and sound.
Classical and flamenco guitars are both built using traditional Spanish guitar construction methods. They typically feature a smaller body size with a wide, flat neck and nylon strings. Classical guitars have a warm, mellow sound, while flamenco guitars produce a brighter, more percussive tone.
Classical guitars are known for their warm, mellow sound, which is primarily attributed to their nylon strings and traditional fan bracing pattern. They produce a rich, full tone with a wide dynamic range, making them ideal for the intricate fingerpicking techniques used in classical music. In contrast, flamenco guitars have a brighter, more percussive sound, with a faster attack and shorter sustain. This is due to their thinner soundboards, shallower body depth, and lower string action.
Classical guitars are primarily designed for classical music and traditional fingerstyle techniques. They are also popular among beginners, as their nylon strings and wide neck provide a comfortable playing experience. On the other hand, flamenco guitars are specifically designed for flamenco music and its unique techniques, such as rapid strumming, finger rolls, and percussive tapping. While both classical and flamenco guitars are well-suited for their respective genres, they can also be used for other styles of music, including jazz, Latin, and various fingerstyle techniques.
The origins of classical and flamenco guitars can be traced back to Spain in the 18th and 19th centuries. Guitar makers such as Antonio de Torres and José Ramírez pioneered innovations in guitar construction, creating the foundations for modern classical and flamenco guitars. Over time, these instruments evolved to meet the specific demands of their respective musical genres, leading to the distinct tonal characteristics we associate with classical and flamenco guitars today.
12-string guitars are essentially a variation of the standard 6-string acoustic guitar, with each string doubled to create a rich, chorus-like sound. The additional strings are usually tuned an octave higher than their counterparts, except for the two lowest strings, which are tuned in unison. 12-string guitars are available in various body shapes, including dreadnought, jumbo, and grand auditorium.
The defining feature of 12-string guitars is their shimmering, chorus-like sound, which is created by the natural phase interaction between the doubled strings. This results in a more resonant tone with added depth and harmonic richness. 12-string guitars excel at producing lush, open chords and intricate fingerpicked passages.
12-string guitars are perfect for musicians seeking a unique, full-bodied sound with added harmonic richness. They are popular among folk, rock, and pop musicians who want to add extra depth and texture to their music. However, due to the added string tension and wider neck, 12-string guitars can be more challenging to play, particularly for beginners or those with smaller hands.
The origins of the 12-string guitar can be traced back to Mexican and Italian instruments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the 1920s and 1930s, American guitar makers began producing 12-string guitars, which quickly gained popularity among blues and folk musicians. Over the years, various artists and bands, such as Lead Belly, The Byrds, and Led Zeppelin, have helped popularize the 12-string guitar and solidify its place in modern music.
Travel and mini acoustic guitars are designed for portability and convenience, featuring compact body sizes and shorter scale lengths. These instruments are perfect for musicians on the go, as they can easily be transported in a gig bag or even a backpack. Despite their small size, many travel and mini guitars offer impressive sound quality and playability.
Due to their smaller body size, travel, and mini guitars generally produce a more focused and intimate sound, with less bass response than larger-bodied instruments. However, advancements in design and construction techniques have allowed many travel and mini guitars to achieve a surprisingly full and balanced sound, making them viable options for both practice and performance.
Travel and mini guitars are perfect for musicians who need portable, compact instruments for practice, songwriting, or travel. They are also popular among beginners and younger players who may find the smaller size and shorter scale length more comfortable than a full-sized guitar.
The demand for portable and compact guitars has existed for centuries, with various luthiers and manufacturers experimenting with smaller body sizes and shorter scale lengths. In recent decades, advancements in guitar design and materials have allowed for the development of high-quality travel and mini guitars that maintain impressive playability and sound quality. Today, many well-known guitar brands offer their own travel and mini guitar models, catering to the needs of musicians on the go.
Archtop guitars feature a unique design, with a carved, arched top and back, f-holes, and a floating bridge. They are typically constructed with a solid wood top and laminated or solid wood back and sides. Archtop guitars were originally designed for jazz and big band musicians, as they provided a powerful, focused sound with excellent projection.
Archtop guitars produce a warm, resonant sound with a strong emphasis on mid-range frequencies. They have a natural compression effect, which helps to even out the guitar’s dynamic range and provides a smooth, even response. The carved top and f-holes contribute to the instrument’s distinct tonal character, offering a focused, cutting sound that can easily stand out in a band setting.
Archtop guitars are particularly well-suited for jazz, swing, and big band music, as their tonal characteristics complement these genres’ intricate melodies and harmonies. They are also popular among blues and rockabilly musicians who appreciate the guitar’s warm, cutting sound and vintage aesthetic. However, archtop guitars can be versatile instruments and may be suitable for various playing styles and genres.
The archtop guitar was first developed in the early 20th century by luthier Orville Gibson, who applied violin-making techniques to the construction of the guitar. This innovative design provided a powerful, focused sound that was well-suited for the jazz and big band music of the era. Over the years, archtop guitars have continued to evolve, with various builders refining and expanding upon the original design.
Resonator guitars are unique instruments that feature one or more metal cones (or resonators) built into the guitar’s body, amplifying the strings’ sound. They were initially designed to provide a louder, more powerful sound than traditional acoustic guitars, and they quickly gained popularity among blues, bluegrass, and country musicians.
Resonator guitars produce a distinctive, metallic sound with a strong emphasis on mid-range frequencies. The resonator cones provide a natural amplification effect, resulting in a loud, cutting tone with excellent projection. Different resonator designs, such as single-cone, tricone, and spider-bridge, can result in varying tonal characteristics, from bright and twangy to warm and mellow.
Resonator guitars are especially popular among blues, bluegrass, and country musicians, who appreciate their distinctive sound and powerful projection. They are also well-suited for slide guitar techniques, as their natural sustain and resonance provide a smooth, fluid tone. However, resonator guitars can be used in various musical contexts, and their unique sound can add depth and character to any performance.
Resonator guitars were first developed in the 1920s by John Dopyera, who sought to create a louder, more powerful acoustic guitar that could compete with the volume of other instruments in band settings. His invention, the resonator guitar, quickly gained popularity among musicians of various genres and has remained a staple in the world of acoustic guitar ever since.
Dreadnought and concert guitars are among the most popular acoustic guitar body shapes, each offering unique characteristics and advantages. To help you decide which type best suits your needs, let’s explore the key differences between these two popular guitar styles.
The most apparent difference between dreadnought and concert guitars is their size and shape. Dreadnought guitars are generally larger, featuring a broad, squared shoulder and a deep body. In contrast, concert guitars have a smaller, more rounded body with a narrower waist.
The larger size of the dreadnought gives it a more robust, powerful sound, while the smaller concert guitar offers a more focused, intimate tone. As a result, the choice between these two guitar types often comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and playing comfort.
Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful, bass-heavy sound and excellent projection. The larger body and deeper soundbox create a resonant, room-filling tone that is well-suited for strumming and Flatpicking. Due to their strong bass response and loud projection, singer-songwriters and accompanists often favor dreadnought guitars.
Concert guitars, on the other hand, produce a more balanced, warm tone with a greater emphasis on mid-range frequencies. Their smaller body size results in a more focused sound that is well-suited for fingerpicking and intricate playing styles. Concert guitars are popular among soloists and fingerstyle players who value clarity and nuance in their sound.
When it comes to playability and comfort, the smaller concert guitar may be more suitable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact instrument. The narrower waist and shallower body make it easier to hold and play, particularly when seated.
Due to their larger size, Dreadnought guitars may be more comfortable for players with larger hands or those who prefer a more substantial instrument. However, some players may find the size and depth of the dreadnought guitar challenging to manage, especially over extended periods.
Dreadnought and concert guitars are versatile instruments used across various musical genres. However, they each have their strengths when it comes to specific styles. Dreadnought guitars are popular among country, folk, and rock musicians who appreciate their powerful, bass-heavy sound and excellent projection. With their more balanced, focused tone, concert guitars are favored by fingerstyle players and those who perform in genres such as classical, jazz, and indie.
In conclusion, the choice between a dreadnought and a concert guitar ultimately comes down to personal preferences in terms of sound, playability, and comfort. By considering these factors and evaluating your individual needs and playing style, you can make an informed decision and choose the right guitar for you.
Selecting the ideal acoustic guitar for your needs can be daunting, given the wide array of options available. To make the process more manageable, consider the following factors when choosing the right guitar for you:
Your playing style is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an acoustic guitar. Different types of guitars are better suited to specific playing techniques and musical genres. For instance, dreadnought and jumbo guitars are ideal for strumming and flatpicking, while concert and auditorium guitars are better suited for fingerstyle techniques. Make sure to choose a guitar that complements your preferred playing style to ensure the best possible performance and satisfaction.
Each type of acoustic guitar produces a unique sound, so it’s crucial to determine your preferred tonal characteristics before making a decision. If you want a guitar with a warm, balanced tone, consider a concert or auditorium model. A dreadnought or jumbo guitar might be a better fit if you prefer a more powerful, bass-heavy sound. Alternatively, a parlor or travel guitar could be the right choice if you’re looking for a focused, intimate sound.
Comfort is key when choosing an acoustic guitar, as it will greatly impact your playing experience. Make sure to select a guitar with a body size and shape that feels comfortable to hold and play, taking into account factors such as the guitar’s weight, neck width, and body depth. Smaller-bodied guitars like parlor, travel, and concert models are often more comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact instrument.
Your budget will undoubtedly play a significant role in your choice of an acoustic guitar. Keep in mind that high-quality instruments can be found at various price points, so it’s essential to balance your budget with your desired features and sound quality. Don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known brands, as they can often offer excellent value for money.
While sound and playability should be your primary concerns, aesthetics can also play a role in your choice of an acoustic guitar. Guitars come in various colors, finishes, and designs, so choose one that resonates with your style and preferences.
Your skill level can also influence your choice of an acoustic guitar. Beginners may benefit from starting with a more affordable, comfortable instrument that’s easy to play, such as a nylon-string classical guitar or a smaller-bodied steel-string guitar. As your skills progress, you may want to upgrade to a more advanced instrument that better suits your evolving playing style and preferences.
Whenever possible, try playing several different acoustic guitars before making a decision. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into each guitar’s sound, playability, and overall feel. If you cannot test guitars in person, consider reading reviews, watching video demonstrations, and consulting with more experienced players to better understand each guitar’s features and performance.
Steel-string guitars are typically used for rock, pop, folk, and country genres. They produce a bright, loud, and resonant sound with a strong emphasis on bass and treble frequencies. Nylon-string guitars, also known as classical or Spanish guitars, are traditionally used for classical music but can also be found in flamenco, bossa nova, and other genres. They produce a warm, mellow tone with a softer volume and less sustain compared to steel-string guitars.
The frequency of changing guitar strings varies depending on factors such as how often you play, your playing style, and the climate you live in. As a general rule, you should change your strings every three months or 100 hours of play, whichever comes first. However, if you notice that your strings have become dull, difficult to tune, or show signs of wear and corrosion, it’s time to replace them.
To ensure the longevity of your acoustic guitar, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Ideally, use a hardshell case or a padded gig bag for added protection. You should also maintain a consistent humidity level (between 45-55%) to prevent wood warping or cracking. Regularly clean your guitar with a soft, dry cloth, and consider using a guitar-specific cleaner or polish for the body and fretboard.
When choosing a guitar for a child or beginner, consider factors such as the player’s age, hand size, and comfort. Smaller-bodied guitars, such as 1/2 or 3/4 size models, are often more suitable for children and players with smaller hands. With softer strings and wider necks, nylon-string guitars can also be more comfortable for beginners.
While it’s possible to play electric guitar parts on an acoustic guitar, the sound and feel will be different due to the unique tonal characteristics of each instrument. If you want to achieve an electric guitar sound with an acoustic guitar, consider using an acoustic-electric model with built-in electronics that allow you to amplify the sound and add effects.
There are several ways to improve your acoustic guitar’s sound, including:
By implementing these tips and consistently practicing, you can improve your acoustic guitar’s sound and enjoy a more satisfying playing experience.
In conclusion, the world of acoustic guitars is vast and varied, offering a wealth of options to suit every player’s needs and preferences. By understanding the different types of acoustic guitars, their characteristics, and how they cater to various playing styles and genres, you can make an informed decision when choosing the perfect instrument for your musical journey. There is an acoustic guitar for every taste and style, from the powerful, bass-heavy tones of dreadnought and jumbo guitars to the warm, balanced sounds of concert and auditorium models.
As you embark on your quest to find the ideal acoustic guitar, remember to consider factors such as playing style, sound preferences, size, comfort, budget, and skill level. By weighing these elements and exploring various guitars firsthand, you’ll be well-equipped to select an instrument that meets your unique requirements and inspires your creativity and passion for music. So, take your time, test different guitars, and trust your instincts to find the acoustic guitar that resonates with you both musically and personally.
