The acoustic guitar is a versatile and timeless instrument that has been at the heart of many music genres, from folk and country to rock and blues. Unlike electric guitars, acoustic guitars don't require an amplifier, as their hollow body naturally amplifies the sound of the strings. This makes them a great choice for beginners, offering a more straightforward and intimate playing experience. With just a pick or fingers to strum, players can create everything from soft, melodic tunes to lively rhythms. Whether you're looking to strum around a campfire or develop your musical skills, the acoustic guitar is an accessible and rewarding instrument to learn.
There are three main types of acoustic guitars. Steel String Acoustic, Nylon String (called a "Classical Guitar"), and Acoustic-Electric Guitars.
An acoustic guitar is known for its hollow body, which amplifies the sound of the strings without the need for electronic equipment. It typically features steel strings, which produce bright, resonant tones and are popular across many genres, from rock to folk. The body is made from wood, with common materials including spruce for the top and mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides. The guitar has a distinct shape, often with a larger body for a fuller sound. The fretboard, which is where the player presses down on the strings, is typically made of wood like rosewood or ebony, offering a smooth surface for easy navigation. The bridge holds the strings in place, and the tuning pegs are used to adjust pitch. Overall, an acoustic guitar is designed to produce rich, vibrant sounds naturally.
The classical guitar, while similar in appearance to an acoustic guitar, has a few key differences. The most noticeable is the use of nylon strings instead of steel, which gives the classical guitar a softer, mellower tone. This type of guitar is traditionally used in classical and flamenco music, but it also works well for fingerstyle playing due to its relaxed string tension. The body of a classical guitar is often smaller than that of an acoustic guitar, with a wider neck, providing more room for intricate finger placements. Classical guitars are also known for their use of a slightly different playing technique, with players often using their fingers rather than a pick. The overall sound produced is warmer and less sharp, offering a more subdued resonance compared to an acoustic guitar.
An acoustic-electric guitar combines the best of both worlds by incorporating built-in electronics that allow you to amplify the sound while still retaining the natural tone of the acoustic guitar. These guitars are equipped with pickups, which can be piezoelectric (under the saddle) or magnetic, and sometimes include a built-in preamp for tone control. This makes them an ideal choice for live performances or recording, as they provide both the option to play unplugged and the ability to be amplified when needed. Acoustic-electric guitars typically have a similar structure to standard acoustic guitars, with a hollow body and steel strings, but with the added convenience of being able to plug into an amplifier or sound system. This versatility makes them a popular choice for musicians who need flexibility in different performance settings.
Top (Soundboard)
Spruce (most common): Known for its bright, clear tone and excellent projection.
Cedar: Softer than spruce, giving a warmer, mellower tone with a quicker response.
Redwood: Known for its warm, complex tone, similar to cedar but with a bit more brightness.
Back and Sides
Rosewood: A highly sought-after tone wood known for its deep, rich sound with good bass response and clarity in the high end.
Mahogany: Offers a more focused, woody sound with less bass than rosewood, but a strong midrange and warmth.
Maple: Bright-sounding wood that’s often used for its aesthetic appeal, especially in certain types of acoustic guitars. Provides a more balanced, clear sound with less warmth.
Koa: Offers a balanced tone with characteristics of both rosewood and mahogany, with a bit of brightness and warmth.
Neck
Mahogany: The most common neck wood, providing a solid, stable foundation and contributing to a warm tone.
Maple: Often used for necks that need more stiffness and strength. Maple necks can sound brighter.
Rosewood: Less common for necks but sometimes used for its rich tone and smooth feel.
Mahogany with a Maple Laminate: Sometimes a combination is used to enhance strength while maintaining the warmth of mahogany.
Fingerboard
Typically made from rosewood, ebony, or sometimes maple. Ebony is preferred for its smooth feel and dense nature, providing a bright, clear tone. Rosewood offers a warmer, smoother feel.
For more information about tone woods, see this article.
Body Shape
The body shape of an acoustic guitar influences its sound, comfort, and style. There are several common shapes you’ll see, and each has its own unique characteristics.
Parlor
Size: Small, typically with a narrow body
Sound: More intimate and soft-sounding, often with a pronounced midrange. It’s not as loud as larger guitars.
Who it’s good for: Great for fingerstyle players or those who want a more portable guitar. It's ideal for smaller players or those looking for a cozy, quieter sound.
Concert/Grand Concert
Size: Medium, smaller than a dreadnought. The Grand Concert has a slightly narrower waist. Typically its thinner.
Sound: Balanced sound with a little more emphasis on midrange frequencies. It’s bright but not as powerful as a dreadnought.
Who it’s good for: Ideal for beginners who want a versatile guitar that’s easier to handle than the larger dreadnought but still offers plenty of sound.
Auditorium/ Orchestra
Size: Smaller than a dreadnaught but larger than a concert, with a deep profile. Sometimes called a "Folk" guitar. The Orchestra model has a slightly narrower waist and a thinner profile.
Sound: It has a well-balanced tone, with a good mix of bass, mids, and highs, making it versatile for different styles, especially fingerstyle and light strumming. The Auditorium will have more bass in the sound.
Who it’s good for: If you want a balance of tone and comfort, it’s a good option for both strumming and fingerpicking. It’s popular among singer-songwriters.
Dreadnought
Size: Large and bold
Sound: Strong, rich, and full-bodied. It has a lot of volume and low-end resonance, making it great for strumming.
Who it’s good for: If you're looking to play in a group or need a loud, clear sound, this shape is a good choice. However, it may feel a bit bulky if you're a smaller player.
Jumbo
Size: Very large
Sound: Loud and powerful with deep bass and bright treble.
Who it’s good for: Great for performers or if you want to project a lot of sound. It’s often favored by players with bigger frames or those who want something with a full, rich tone.
Neck and Scale Length
Neck Width: Some guitars have a wider neck, which can make it easier for fingerstyle playing but may feel challenging for smaller hands. Others have a narrower neck, which is more comfortable for basic strumming and chord changes.
Scale Length: This refers to the distance between the nut (the top of the neck) and the bridge. Longer scale lengths usually mean more tension in the strings, making the guitar feel a little tougher to play but producing a brighter tone. Shorter scale lengths make the strings easier to press down and tend to produce a warmer sound.
Cutaway
A cutaway on an acoustic guitar provides easier access to higher frets, allowing for more versatility in playing complex melodies and solos. It also enhances the guitar's tonal balance by reducing the weight of the body, which can improve resonance and sustain. The tradeoff is that it can slightly reduce the overall volume and bass response due to the altered body shape.
Your Personal Body Size and Comfort
If you're just starting out, comfort is key. Larger guitars, like the dreadnought or jumbo, can be a bit cumbersome if you’re not used to playing, and they may feel too bulky for smaller individuals. Smaller guitars, like the parlor or concert size, are easier to handle and more comfortable to play if you're just getting started. Always consider how the guitar feels in your hands. Comfort is important for learning, so try different shapes to see which one suits you best.
Electronics
You may want to consider purchasing an instrument with electronics. A guitar with electronics allows you to easily boost your sound with an amplifier, making it ideal for performing in larger venues or with a band. It also provides more tonal flexibility, allowing you to adjust the volume and tone with built-in controls like bass and treble boosts. With electronics, you can easily connect to effects pedals or a PA system for enhanced sound options, or record directly and use the guitar in various musical setups without needing external microphones.
Even if you aren't interested in those things currently, having electronics in your instrument gives you the flexibility to do it later on down the road. You can also get electronics installed at a later date. More about electronics here.
Instrument Build Quality and Setup
Build Quality: Check the craftsmanship, including the fit of the neck, the finish of the body, and whether there are any visible defects. Good quality craftsmanship typically leads to better sound and longevity.
Playability: How easy the guitar is to play, including factors like fretboard smoothness, string tension, and overall feel. Test how comfortable it is for you to press down on the strings and move up and down the neck.
Action: Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Higher action can make a guitar more difficult to play but often produces better tone, while lower action is easier to play but may cause buzzing. Action can usually be adjusted with a setup. Many guitars are shipped with higher action, as it's easier to lower it by removing material from the bridge to suit the player's preference.