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.
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 of an acoustic guitar is usually made of wood, such as spruce, cedar, or mahogany, and can come in different shapes and sizes, such as dreadnought, jumbo, or concert. The type of wood and the size and shape of the body can greatly affect the tone and projection of the guitar.
History Of Guitar Body Shapes
The history of guitar body shapes can be traced back to the Renaissance period, where early versions of guitars and lutes had small, round bodies with waist-like curves. As time progressed, guitar makers began experimenting with different body shapes to improve the instrument’s sound and playability.
One of the earliest examples of a non-round body shape was the Baroque guitar, which had a flat back and a rounded or pear-shaped body. This design allowed for greater resonance and volume.
In the early 19th century, the Spanish guitar became popular, which featured a more compact body with a narrower waist and a flatter back. This design allowed for greater ease of play and improved projection.
In the 20th century, the popularity of acoustic guitars continued to grow, and guitar makers continued to experiment with different body shapes. The dreadnought, a large-bodied guitar with a square shoulder design, was introduced by Martin Guitars in the 1930s and became one of the most popular body shapes of all time.
Other popular body shapes include the jumbo, which has a larger body than a dreadnought, the concert or parlor, which has a smaller body for greater comfort and portability, and the cutaway, which features a scooped-out section of the body to allow for easier access to higher frets.
Today, guitar makers continue to innovate with new body shapes and designs, but many of the classic shapes developed over the centuries remain popular among musicians and collectors alike.
What Are 3 Different Acoustic Guitar Body Types?
There are many different acoustic guitar body types, but here are three of the most common:
- Dreadnought: This is the most popular acoustic guitar body type, known for its large size and square shoulders. It was first introduced by Martin Guitars in the 1930s and has since become a standard for many guitar makers. Dreadnought guitars produce a loud, powerful sound with a strong bass response.
- Concert/Parlor: These are smaller-bodied guitars that are comfortable to play and have a brighter sound with less bass than dreadnoughts. Concert/parlor guitars were popular in the early 20th century and have recently made a comeback due to their ease of play and portability.
- Jumbo: These guitars have a large, round body shape that produces a deep, resonant sound. Jumbo guitars are favored by players who want a powerful, full-bodied sound and are often used for playing rhythm guitar in larger ensembles.
Which Guitar Body Shape Is Best?
There is no one “best” guitar body shape, as the choice of body shape depends on personal preference, playing style, and the sound that the player is looking for. Each body shape has its own unique characteristics and can produce a different tone, volume, and projection.
For example, dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful bass response and volume, making them a popular choice for strumming and playing in a band setting. Concert/parlor guitars, on the other hand, have a brighter tone with less bass and are favored by fingerstyle players and those who prefer a more intimate sound.
Jumbo guitars are great for players who want a big, bold sound with lots of volume and resonance. However, their large size can make them less comfortable to play for some people.
Ultimately, the choice of guitar body shape should be based on personal preference and the type of music you want to play. It’s best to try out several different types of guitars to find the one that feels and sounds best to you.
Choosing the Shape That’s Right For You
Choosing the right guitar body shape for you depends on several factors, including your playing style, preferred sound, and comfort level. Here are some tips to help you choose the shape that’s right for you:
- Determine your playing style: If you are primarily a strummer or play in a band, a dreadnought guitar may be the best choice for you, as it has a powerful bass response and can cut through a mix of instruments. If you prefer fingerpicking or play solo, a smaller body shape like a concert/parlor guitar may be a better fit.
- Consider your preferred sound: Different guitar body shapes produce different tones and volumes. If you want a deep, resonant sound, a jumbo guitar may be a good choice, while a concert/parlor guitar is known for its bright, clear tone. If you’re not sure what kind of sound you want, try out different guitars to see which one you prefer.
- Think about comfort: Guitar body shapes come in different sizes, and it’s important to choose one that feels comfortable for you to play. If you have smaller hands or are a beginner, a concert/parlor guitar may be easier to play than a larger dreadnought or jumbo guitar.
- Try before you buy: The best way to determine which guitar body shape is right for you is to try out several different types of guitars. Visit a music store and play a variety of guitars to get a sense of their sound, feel, and comfort level.
Ultimately, the choice of guitar body shape should be based on your personal preferences and playing style. Take your time and choose the guitar that feels and sounds best to you.
What is the difference between acoustic guitar bodies?
Acoustic guitar bodies come in different shapes and sizes, and each shape has its own unique characteristics that affect the guitar’s tone, volume, and projection. Here are some of the key differences between acoustic guitar bodies:
- Size: Acoustic guitars come in various sizes, from small concert/parlor guitars to large jumbo guitars. The size of the guitar affects its volume and resonance, with larger guitars generally producing a fuller, more powerful sound.
- Shape: Acoustic guitar shapes include dreadnought, jumbo, concert/parlor, and more. The shape of the guitar affects the balance of treble and bass frequencies, with some shapes emphasizing bass response and others emphasizing clarity and brightness.
- Top wood: The type of wood used for the guitar’s top (or soundboard) affects its tone and projection. Spruce is a common choice for its bright, clear sound, while cedar is known for its warmth and richness.
- Back and sides wood: The wood used for the guitar’s back and sides also affects its tone. Mahogany produces a warm, balanced sound, while rosewood provides clarity and projection.
- Bracing: Bracing inside the guitar affects its resonance and sustain. X-bracing is common on dreadnoughts and produces a strong, balanced sound, while scalloped bracing allows for greater volume and projection.
Overall, the differences between acoustic guitar bodies can have a significant impact on their sound and playability. It’s important to choose a guitar that feels and sounds good to you, based on your personal preferences and playing style.
What is the best acoustic guitar body shape for beginners?
The best acoustic guitar body shape for beginners depends on personal preference and playing style, but there are some shapes that are generally considered more beginner-friendly.
A concert/parlor guitar is a good choice for beginners, as it is smaller in size and has a narrower neck, making it easier to play for those with smaller hands or shorter fingers. They are also lightweight and more comfortable to hold and play for extended periods, making them a great choice for beginners who are still building up their finger strength and endurance.
In addition, concert/parlor guitars are known for their clear, bright tone, which makes them well-suited for fingerstyle playing and more delicate styles of music. They may not have the same volume and bass response as larger dreadnought or jumbo guitars, but for beginners who are still learning the basics, a concert/parlor guitar can be a great place to start.
Ultimately, the choice of guitar body shape should be based on personal preference, comfort, and playing style. It’s important to try out several different types of guitars to find the one that feels and sounds best to you.
What is the difference between classical and acoustic guitar body?
The main difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar body is their design and construction, which affects their sound and playing style.
Classical guitars have a wider neck and a flat fingerboard, which makes them easier to play for fingerstyle techniques like classical and flamenco music. They also have a smaller body with a more rounded shape, which produces a warm, mellow tone with a shorter sustain. Classical guitars have nylon strings, which are softer and easier on the fingers than the steel strings used on acoustic guitars.
Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, have a slimmer neck and a curved fingerboard, which makes them better suited for strumming and playing chords. They also have a larger body with a more angular shape, which produces a bright, clear tone with a longer sustain. Acoustic guitars typically have steel strings, which produce a brighter, louder sound than nylon strings.
In addition, classical guitars often have a decorative rosette around the soundhole and may have ornate inlays or designs on the fretboard, while acoustic guitars may have a simpler, more utilitarian design.
Overall, the differences between classical and acoustic guitar bodies are primarily in their construction and design, which affects their sound and playing style. Both types of guitars have their own unique characteristics and are well-suited for different types of music and playing techniques.
What is the difference between acoustic guitar and hollow body?
The main difference between an acoustic guitar and a hollow body guitar is the way they produce sound and the style of music they are typically used for.
An acoustic guitar is a type of guitar that is played unplugged, meaning it does not require any electronic amplification to be heard. It has a large, hollow body that resonates and amplifies the sound produced by the strings. Acoustic guitars are typically used for playing folk, country, and other acoustic styles of music.
A hollow body guitar, on the other hand, is an electric guitar that has a similar body shape to an acoustic guitar, but it is designed to be played with amplification. It has a hollow body that is made of wood, and it contains electronic pickups that pick up the sound of the strings and send it to an amplifier. Hollow body guitars are commonly used for playing jazz, blues, and other genres that require a warm, mellow tone.
Another difference between the two is the string type they use. Acoustic guitars generally use steel strings, while hollow body guitars use lighter gauge strings that are easier to bend and play.
Overall, while both acoustic and hollow body guitars have similar body shapes, they are designed for different purposes and produce different sounds. Acoustic guitars are played unplugged, while hollow body guitars are designed for electric amplification.
What is the most popular acoustic guitar size?
The most popular acoustic guitar size is the dreadnought. The dreadnought guitar was first introduced by the Martin Guitar Company in the 1930s and has since become one of the most popular guitar body shapes of all time.
Dreadnought guitars are known for their large, square-shouldered body shape, which produces a powerful, balanced sound with a strong bass response. They are well-suited for strumming and playing in a band setting, and their volume and projection make them a popular choice for many genres of music, from country to rock to blues.
The dreadnought’s popularity is due in part to its versatility, as it can be used for a wide range of playing styles and techniques. Many guitar makers offer their own variations on the dreadnought shape, with different wood choices, bracing patterns, and other features that can affect the guitar’s tone and playability.
While other guitar body shapes, such as the jumbo and concert/parlor, also have their devoted followers, the dreadnought remains the most popular acoustic guitar size overall.
Do solid body guitars sound better?
The answer to whether solid body guitars sound better than other types of guitars depends on personal preference and the style of music being played.
Solid body guitars are electric guitars that have a solid body made of wood or other materials. They are designed to be played with electronic amplification and produce a distinct, bright sound that is well-suited for rock, metal, and other genres of music that require a heavily distorted tone.
Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, are designed to be played unplugged and produce a natural, warm sound that is well-suited for folk, country, and other acoustic styles of music.
Hollow body guitars are electric guitars with a hollow body that is made of wood, and they produce a warm, mellow sound that is well-suited for jazz, blues, and other genres that require a more natural, organic tone.
Overall, while solid body guitars can produce a unique and powerful sound, they may not be the best choice for all styles of music or all players. The best guitar for you depends on your personal preference, playing style, and the sound you are looking for. It’s important to try out different types of guitars to find the one that feels and sounds best to you.
What size acoustic guitar is best for adults?
The size of an acoustic guitar that is best for adults depends on their individual preferences, body size, and playing style. However, the most common size of acoustic guitar for adults is a dreadnought.
Dreadnought guitars have a large, square-shouldered body that produces a powerful, balanced sound with a strong bass response. They are well-suited for strumming and playing in a band setting, and their volume and projection make them a popular choice for many genres of music, from country to rock to blues.
For adults who are smaller in stature or have shorter arms, a smaller-bodied guitar like a concert or parlor guitar may be more comfortable to play. Conversely, for larger adults, a jumbo-sized guitar may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the best size of acoustic guitar for an adult is one that feels comfortable to play and produces the desired tone and volume. It’s important to try out different sizes of guitars to find the one that feels and sounds best to you.
What size acoustic guitar is most comfortable?
The size of an acoustic guitar that is most comfortable depends on the individual’s body size, playing style, and personal preference. However, for many people, a smaller-bodied guitar like a concert or parlor guitar can be more comfortable to play than a larger dreadnought or jumbo guitar.
Concert and parlor guitars have a smaller body size and a narrower neck, which can make them easier to play for people with smaller hands or shorter arms. They are also lighter in weight, which can reduce strain on the shoulders and back during long playing sessions.
In addition, smaller-bodied guitars are often more comfortable to hold and play while sitting down, as they can fit more easily on the lap or between the legs.
However, for people who prefer a fuller, more powerful sound or who play in a band setting, a larger guitar like a dreadnought or jumbo may be more suitable. It’s important to try out different sizes of guitars to find the one that feels most comfortable and produces the desired tone and volume for your playing style.
Are 3 4 size guitars good for adults?
3/4 size guitars are generally designed for children or people with smaller hands and may not be the best choice for adults. While some adults may find 3/4 size guitars comfortable to play, they may not produce the full, rich sound that many adult players are looking for.
In addition, 3/4 size guitars often have a shorter scale length, which can make it more difficult to play certain chords and may require a different playing technique than a full-sized guitar.
However, there are some exceptions, and some manufacturers make high-quality 3/4 size guitars that are suitable for adult players. It’s important to try out different sizes of guitars to find the one that feels most comfortable and produces the desired tone and volume for your playing style.
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