Acoustic guitars are a staple in the world of music, offering a range of sounds that can suit various genres and playing styles.
For anyone considering buying one or simply wanting to understand the instrument better, knowing the different types of acoustic guitars available is crucial.
This article aims to provide a detailed guide to the various types of acoustic guitars, their characteristics, and their suitability for different musical styles. No matter where you are on your journey, this information can help you make an informed decision.
Acoustic Guitar Sizes at a Glance
| Shape | Width (Lower Bout) | Sound Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parlor | ~13″ | Mid-focused, punchy | Fingerstyle, Blues, Travel |
| Concert / 00 | ~14″ | Balanced, articulate | Smaller players, Recording |
| Grand Auditorium / 000 | ~15-16″ | Versatile, clear highs | The “Do It All” strummer/picker |
| Dreadnought | ~16″ | Boomy bass, loud | Bluegrass, Strumming, Rock |
| Jumbo | ~17″ | Huge volume, deep low end | Heavy Strumming, Country |
Types Of Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars come in a variety of shapes, each offering its own sound and playability. Below are some of the classic types of acoustic guitars that have stood the test of time, each with its own set of characteristics and best uses.
Parlor
- Characteristics: With its small body and focused sound, the Parlor guitar is perfect for solo performances and offers excellent portability.
- Best for: Blues, folk, and fingerstyle.
Parlor guitars are one of the oldest styles of acoustics. Dating back to the late 19th century! They have a smaller body than most other acoustic guitars. This is because they were originally designed for use in small parlors or drawing rooms.
The parlor, being smaller, also had a softer mid-range sound. It’s the perfect choice for entertaining guests. And so they are often prized for their sweet, mellow tone. Many players favor them because they can work well for fingerpicking styles or blues.
Concert
- Characteristics: Smaller than the Dreadnought, the Concert guitar offers a more balanced tone and is easier to handle, making it ideal for smaller players.
- Best for: Folk music and fingerstyle playing.
Concert-sized guitars are slightly larger than the parlor. But, they are still smaller than traditional dreadnought or jumbo acoustic guitars. They are often more comfortable to play than larger guitars and have a balanced tone.
They can work well for a variety of styles. The concert size is popular with fingerstyle players. They appreciate their responsiveness and clarity. With this size, the scale length becomes longer.
Yet, the string tension is still lower than a dreadnought. So you get strings that are easy to press and a larger frequency range that can add flexibility to your sound.
Auditorium
- Characteristics: Falling between the Dreadnought and Concert in size, the Auditorium guitar offers a balanced sound that’s well-suited for both strumming and fingerpicking.
- Best for: Versatile musicians who play a range of styles.
Auditorium guitars are slightly larger than the concert size. They have a rounded shape that provides a fuller, more balanced sound.
They are versatile instruments that can be used for a variety of playing styles. This includes fingerpicking, strumming, and flatpicking. They are popular with acoustic and folk musicians due to their rich, warm sound.
Grand Concert
The grand concert is louder and offers more benefits. They were introduced in 1984 to meet the needs of fingerstyle players. They are perfect for anyone who wanted more comfort and a pronounced version.
The body is still smaller than the dreadnought-style guitars. They have lower string tension and a slightly smaller scale length. The tapered waist and wider neck are a fingerpicker’s dream.
The grand concert doesn’t have a huge bass sound, but is fine-tuned to keep the overtones in check. This is all thanks to the tapered waist.
The Grand concert is an excellent choice when there are a lot of other instruments in a mix. It’s a perfect fit for performances or recordings. So when looking at acoustic guitar sizes and shapes, you should consider this design.
Grand Auditorium
The grand auditorium is another mid-sized acoustic guitar. It was designed to be well-balanced in sound. This is where a finger, and a flat picker, can come together and meet in the middle.
Introduced in 1994 by Taylor acoustic guitars, it became popular for its versatility. Musicians have embraced the smaller body shape and well-balanced sound.
The grand auditorium’s body shape can cover many playing styles. It can also hold up well in many genres of music. It also has some great features like electronics on board and a cutaway. These options alone make this a versatile acoustic with a comfortable scale length!
Grand Symphony
Introduced in 2006, the grand symphony body style delivers a rich and powerful sound. It’s pretty much a full-sized guitar! The dimensions of the guitar are larger than that of the grand auditorium. This gives it a boost in sound and volume.
The lower bout is a bit larger than the auditorium body style. It also has a wider waist, expanding the bass and lower mid-range.
The string tension is tighter. A driving pick attack will produce fullness, volume, and sustain. This makes it popular for strummers, but responsive enough for fast picking runs as well!
Dreadnought
- Characteristics: Known for its large body and robust sound, the Dreadnought is a versatile choice that excels in both strumming and fingerpicking.
- Best for: Rock, country, and bluegrass music.
The dreadnought acoustic guitar was developed by C.F. Martin & Co. in 1916 and is the most common style. The deep low-end, mid-range, and articulate treble, have caught the attention of musicians.
With a wider waist and larger body style, the dreadnought will sit higher in your lap. But might be big for smaller musicians. Yet, the powerful tone and loudness are often reason enough to overlook the size.
Options like onboard electronics and a cutaway begin to serve the player’s needs. This makes the dreadnought an even more powerful tool. Over the years, manufacturers have refined the shape to make it more comfortable. Making it easy for anyone to get into a dreadnought.
The dreadnought body style is recommended for musicians who need a workhorse of a guitar. One that meets most demands no matter what the situation.
From recording to touring or campfires and travel, this is a well-rounded model. It’s the most common for a reason in the full-sized guitar category.
Jumbo
The jumbo acoustic size adds even more volume and frequency response. It’s perfect for those who want more! This body style has a larger lower bout and a more pronounced waist. It’s produced with small differences depending on the manufacturer.
The jumbo can still get some good response from a light touch, but the real volume is created when you give it more!
If you are a smaller musician, it may be a challenge to play the jumbo guitar. Reaching over the larger waist and getting comfortable could be difficult. Even though the scale length is similar to a dreadnought
But if you can swing it and want that extra punch from your instrument, the jumbo is where it’s at as a full-sized guitar!
Specialty Types
When you’re looking to go beyond the standard acoustic guitar options, a world of specialized instruments awaits.
Classical
If you’re into intricate fingerstyle techniques, the Classical guitar is a natural fit. Its nylon strings and wider neck produce a soft, warm sound that’s perfect for complex picking and strumming. It’s commonly used for classical compositions and Latin music.
Travel
Travel guitars are designed specifically for portability. With a smaller size and often a compact shape. They can fit in an airplane overhead compartment or a backpack. They usually have a shorter scale length than other guitars.
This can make them more comfortable to play for those with smaller hands. However, due to their smaller size, they may not have the same level of projection. Volume levels are often lower than larger guitars.
Mini Acoustic
Mini guitars are often marketed as children’s or practice instruments. They are easy to handle and can be a good option for those with very small hands. Or even those who are just starting out with the instrument. However, due to their small size, they may not have the same level of sound quality as larger guitars.
Some also come with electronics and other options that provide a great experience. The GS mini is a smaller version of the grand symphony body style produced by Taylor. When properly designed, a mini acoustic can be a great experience.
Baritone
If you’re looking to explore deeper tones, the Baritone is tuned lower than standard guitars. It offers a deep, resonant sound that adds depth to any musical arrangement. It’s often used in jazz and experimental music to add a different kind of depth to compositions.
Silent Guitar
The silent guitar is a unique type of acoustic designed for practice, recording, and performance situations where minimizing external noise is crucial. Some of these guitars are equipped with a headphone output, allowing the player to hear the sound without disturbing others.
Silent guitars typically feature a slim body design that reduces the resonance and volume of the instrument. This allows the player to practice or perform with minimal acoustic sound.
12-String
The 12-String guitar is like having two in one. With its double set of strings, it produces a rich, full sound that adds a layered, chorus-like effect to your music. It’s especially popular in folk, rock, and pop genres where a fuller sound can make all the difference.
Resonator
For those who love slide guitar, blues, or bluegrass, the Resonator is a solid choice. Instead of a wooden soundboard, it uses a metal resonator to amplify the sound. This results in a loud, metallic tone that can easily stand out in a mix of instruments.
Acoustic Guitar Sizes
Small-size acoustic guitars are generally defined as having smaller bodies than others. It makes them easier to handle and play for those with smaller body frames or for travel purposes. There are several types of small-size acoustic guitars. Below you will find the most common sizes.
Mini Guitars
Mini guitars, also known as half or 3/4 size, are a popular choice for those seeking a compact and portable instrument.
These guitars maintain the essential characteristics of a full-sized acoustic while offering the convenience of a smaller size. Mini guitars typically come in a few different sizes to cater to various needs and preferences.
Piccolo Guitars
Piccolo or requinto guitars, are another type of mini with a unique, higher-pitched sound. These instruments usually have a scale length between 18 and 20 inches, making them even smaller than the 1/2 size guitars.
They are typically tuned a fourth or fifth higher than a standard guitar, resulting in a brighter tone. Piccolo guitars are often used in ensemble settings or for solo performances where a distinct and higher-pitched sound is desired.
Their compact size and distinct tonal qualities make them an interesting and versatile option within the mini guitar category.
1/2 Size Guitars
The 1/2 size are generally around 30 to 32 inches in length. These guitars are an excellent option for children between the ages of 5 and 8, as they provide a comfortable fit for smaller people.
Due to their size, these guitars are also perfect for those who want an ultraportable instrument for practice sessions.
3/4 Size Guitars
The 3/4 size guitars are slightly larger than the half models, with a length of about 36 inches. These are suitable for older children or adults with smaller hands. But also those looking for a more compact and lightweight instrument for travel.
The 3/4 size retains much of the tonal quality of a full-sized guitar while being easier to handle and transport.
7/8 Size Guitars
The largest of the mini guitars, 7/8 size, are around 39 inches in length. These guitars provide a slightly bigger body and longer scale length, delivering a fuller sound and greater projection.
They are an ideal choice for players with smaller hands who still want the fullness of tone and volume that a full-sized guitar offers. But also for those who need a portable instrument without sacrificing too much in sound quality.
Which Body Shape Sounds Best?
Choosing a body shape isn’t just about comfort; it is about Physics.
As an engineer, I look at an acoustic guitar body as a Speaker Cabinet. The volume of air inside the box determines the “resonant frequency.”
- Small Box (Parlor): Pushes high frequencies and mids; cuts bass.
- Big Box (Jumbo): Pushes massive low-end air; can drown out mids.
Here is how the main shapes stack up across the frequency spectrum.
1. The “Mid-Range” Machines (Parlor & 00)
- The Sound: Focused, punchy, and “dry.” It lacks deep bass, which pushes the midrange frequencies forward.
- The Analogy: Think of an AM Radio or a Telephone. The voice cuts through clearly without any rumble.
- Best For: Blues, Slide Guitar, and Fingerstyle players who need every note to articulate clearly without getting muddy.
2. The “Studio Monitors” (Grand Auditorium & OM)
- The Sound: Perfectly flat EQ. You get enough bass to feel the music, but not enough to overpower the sparkling highs. This is the modern “Gold Standard” sound.
- The Analogy: Think of Studio Reference Monitors. They don’t color the sound; they just give you exactly what you put in.
- Best For: The “do-it-all” player. If you strum and pick, this is your safe haven. (Examples: Taylor 114ce, Martin OM-28).
3. The “Subwoofers” (Dreadnought & Jumbo)
- The Sound: Massive, booming low-end with a “scooped” midrange. The sheer size of the body moves more air, creating a natural volume boost and a bass response you can feel in your chest.
- The Analogy: Think of a Club PA System or a Subwoofer. It fills the room and supports a vocalist perfectly.
- Best For: Singer-songwriters and Bluegrass flatpickers. The scooped mids leave a perfect “sonic hole” for the human voice to sit on top of the mix.
Summary: The Tone Cheat Sheet
| Body Shape | Bass | Mids | Treble | Sonic Character |
| Parlor | Low | High | High | Vintage, Boxy, Punchy |
| OM / Auditorium | Medium | Medium | High | Balanced, Clear, Sweet |
| Dreadnought | High | Low (Scooped) | Medium | Loud, Boomy, Powerful |
| Jumbo | Max | Medium | Medium | Massive, Symphonic |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Type
When you’re in the market for an acoustic guitar, several factors come into play that can influence your decision. Here’s a rundown of some key considerations:
Sound
The type of music you want to play will largely dictate the kind of sound you need from your guitar. Some guitars are better suited for a robust, full-bodied sound, while others excel in clarity and focus. Make sure to try out different types to see which sound profile fits your musical style.
Playability
Comfort is crucial when it comes to playing an instrument. The guitar’s body size, neck width, and string type can all impact how easy it is to play. Smaller-bodied guitars like the Concert and Parlor are generally easier to handle, especially for beginners or those with smaller frames.
Price
Guitars come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Your budget will undoubtedly influence your choice, but it’s essential to find a balance between cost and quality. Sometimes, spending a bit more can give you a guitar that not only sounds better but will also last longer.
Skill Level
Your level of expertise can also guide your decision. Beginners might opt for guitars that are easier to play and less expensive, while more experienced players may look for specialized features that align with their advanced techniques.
Purpose
Are you looking for a guitar for casual play, live performances, or recording? Each setting may require different features. For example, a guitar with strong projection may be ideal for live performances, while a balanced sound is often preferred in recording settings.
Conclusion
Picking the right acoustic guitar size isn’t just important, it’s critical! Novice or veteran, it doesn’t matter! Sizing your guitar correctly is essential to your playing journey.
Consider it like solving a puzzle, there are many pieces to look at. How do you figure it out?
Testing out different guitar models is like trying on new shoes. You want to find the one that fits just right and feels like it was made for you. And don’t forget, it should also sound like music to your ears!
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