Are you a guitar enthusiast unsure of which acoustic guitar body size and style to choose? With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to make a decision.
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of acoustic guitar body sizes and styles, including their unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the differences between each type can help you make an informed decision and find the perfect guitar for your needs.
Related: best parlor guitars and 3 different ways to amplify your acoustic guitar.
So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of acoustic guitar body sizes and styles!
Types of Acoustic Guitar Body Shapes, Sizes & Styles
- Dreadnought
- Concert
- Jumbo
- Parlor
- Grand Auditorium
- Grand Concert
- Mini
- 12-String
- Baritone
- Resonator
1. Dreadnought Guitar
The Dreadnought guitar is the most popular and versatile acoustic guitar shape, with a large body and a wide soundboard that produces a loud and full sound. The Dreadnought is perfect for strumming and flatpicking, making it a great choice for a variety of playing styles.
Pros:
- Powerful sound that can fill a room or a stage
- Comfortable to play due to the larger body
- Good for both strumming and fingerpicking
- Versatile and can handle a wide range of genres and playing styles
Cons:
- Can be too large for some players, especially those with smaller frames or hands
- May not be as well-suited for delicate, intricate playing styles
Best guitar to buy: The Martin D-28 is considered the classic Dreadnought guitar and is a great choice for players who want a high-quality instrument with a rich, full sound.
2. Concert Guitar
The Concert guitar, also known as the “O” shape or orchestra shape, has a smaller body than the Dreadnought, which produces a more balanced and intimate sound. The Concert is great for fingerpicking and playing more delicate styles of music.
Pros:
- Comfortable to play due to smaller body size
- Good for fingerpicking and more delicate styles of music
- More portable and easier to travel with
Cons:
- May not be as loud as larger guitars
- Not as well-suited for more aggressive strumming styles
Best guitar to buy: The Martin 00-15M and Taylor 322ce are both great options for a high-quality Concert guitar. The Martin offers a more traditional sound with its all-mahogany construction, while the Taylor offers modern features like onboard electronics.
3. Jumbo Guitar
The Jumbo guitar has a large body and a deep sound, which produces a big and bold sound. Jumbo guitars are great for players who want a powerful, commanding sound.
Pros:
- Loud and powerful sound
- Great for strumming and fingerpicking
- Unique sound
Cons:
- May be too large for some players
- Can be difficult to play for players with smaller hands or frames
Best guitar to buy: The Gibson J-200 and Guild F-55 are both excellent Jumbo guitars that offer a rich, full sound. The Gibson J-200 is a classic choice, while the Guild F-55 offers a more modern sound with its rosewood back and sides.
4. Parlor Guitar
The Parlor guitar is a small-bodied guitar with a bright and articulate sound, which is great for fingerpicking and blues playing. Parlor guitars are ideal for players who want a more intimate, traditional sound.
Pros:
- Portable and easy to travel with
- Comfortable to play due to smaller body size
- Great for fingerpicking and blues playing
Cons:
- Not as loud as larger guitars
- May not be as versatile for different playing styles
Best guitar to buy: The Martin 0-18 and Taylor GS Mini are both excellent Parlor guitars that offer a balanced and articulate sound. The Martin is a traditional choice with its all-mahogany construction, while the Taylor offers modern features like onboard electronics.
5. Grand Auditorium Guitar
The Grand Auditorium guitar is a medium-sized guitar with a balanced and versatile sound, which makes it a great all-around guitar. Grand Auditorium guitars are ideal for players who want a guitar that can handle a variety of styles.
Pros:
- Balanced and versatile sound
- Comfortable to play due to medium body size
- Ideal for players who want one guitar that can handle a variety of styles
Cons:
- May not excel in any one particular style or genre
Best guitar to buy: The Taylor 814ce and Martin GPC-13E are both excellent Grand Auditorium guitars that offer a balanced and versatile sound. The Taylor offers modern features like onboard electronics, while the Martin is a traditional choice with its all-solid wood construction.
6. Grand Concert Guitar
The Grand Concert guitar has a smaller body than the Grand Auditorium and produces a more refined and articulate sound. Grand Concert guitars are ideal for players who want a guitar with a clear, articulate sound.
Pros:
- Clear and articulate sound
- Comfortable to play due to smaller body size
- Great for fingerpicking and more delicate styles of music
Cons:
- Not as loud as larger guitars
- May not be well-suited for more aggressive strumming styles
Best guitar to buy: The Taylor 912ce and Martin 00-28 are both excellent Grand Concert guitars that offer a clear and articulate sound. The Taylor 912ce features a cutaway design and onboard electronics, while the Martin 00-28 has a traditional design with all-solid wood construction.
7. Mini Guitar
The Mini guitar is a small-bodied guitar that is great for traveling or for players with small hands. Mini guitars are ideal for beginners and children who are just starting to learn how to play.
Pros:
- Portable and easy to travel with
- Great for beginners and children
- Surprisingly full sound for their size
Cons:
- Not as loud as larger guitars
- May not be suitable for players who want a more powerful sound
Best guitar to buy: The Taylor Baby Taylor and Martin LX1 Little Martin are both excellent Mini guitars that offer a full and rich sound. The Taylor features a solid Sitka spruce top and onboard electronics, while the Martin has a traditional design with all-solid wood construction.
8. 12-String Guitar
The 12-String guitar is a large-bodied guitar with double the strings of a standard guitar, which produces a rich and full sound. 12-String guitars are ideal for players who want a unique and distinctive sound.
Pros:
- Rich and full sound
- Great for strumming and fingerpicking
- Unique sound
Cons:
- Can be difficult to play and maintain
- May require more frequent tuning
Best guitar to buy: The Taylor 356ce and Martin D12-28 are both excellent 12-String guitars that offer a rich and full sound. The Taylor features onboard electronics and a cutaway design, while the Martin has a traditional design with all-solid wood construction.
9. Baritone Guitar
The Baritone guitar is a large-bodied guitar with a deep and rich sound, which is great for alternate tunings and experimental playing. Baritone guitars are ideal for players who want to experiment with different sounds and tunings.
Pros:
- Deep and rich sound
- Great for alternate tunings
- Unique sound
Cons:
- May be too large for some players
- May not be suitable for players who want a more traditional sound
Best guitar to buy: The Taylor 326e Baritone-8 and Guild Guitars BT-258E Deluxe 8-String Baritone are both excellent Baritone guitars that offer a deep and rich sound. The Taylor features an eight-string design and onboard electronics, while the Martin has a traditional design with all-solid wood construction.
10. Resonator Guitar
The Resonator guitar uses a metal cone to amplify the sound instead of a traditional soundhole, which produces a loud and distinctive sound that is great for blues and slide guitar playing. Resonator guitars are ideal for players who want a unique and distinctive sound.
Pros:
- Loud and distinctive sound
- Great for blues and slide guitar playing
- Unique sound
Cons:
- Limited tonal versatility
- May not be suitable for players who want a more traditional sound
Best guitar to buy: The National Reso-Phonic NRP Tricone and Dobro Hound Dog Deluxe are both excellent Resonator guitars that offer a loud and distinctive sound. The National Reso-Phonic features a vintage design with a metal body, while the Dobro has a more modern design with a wood body.
What is the body of an acoustic guitar?
The body of an acoustic guitar is the large, hollow chamber that sits below the guitar’s neck and strings. The acoustic guitar body is the part of the guitar that amplifies the vibrations produced by the strings, producing the guitar’s sound.
The body o