Types of Acoustic Guitars

Today aspiring guitarists have a wide selection of different types of acoustic guitars to choose from. These different models and sizes, however, are based on a few designs that have become standards over the years. In this article we will overview some of the more common types of acoustic guitars.

Dreadnought Guitar


The Dreadnought guitar is probably the most recognizable acoustic guitar. It is a large body steel string instrument excellent for rhythm playing in all popular genres. Higher end models typically have spruce top with mahogany or rosewood back and sides. Its large size translates into a huge sound making it suitable for playing in bands and other group situations.

Most guitar manufacturers offer some kind of Dreadnought model styled after C.F. Martin & Company's design first appearing in 1916. Some genres like bluegrass owe their characteristic sound to this type of acoustic guitar.

Jumbo Guitars

Jumbo guitars are another large body instrument good for stage and recording. The shape of its body, wider nut, and resultant sound make this style of instrument a good alternative to the Dreadnought. The Seagull Maritime SWS Mini-Jumbo by Godin, for example exemplifies a design suitable for finger-style playing, something that is more challenging on Dreadnought style guitars.

Smaller Body Guitars

Smaller body types of acoustic guitars such as the triple-O models by Martin, or other types of so-called Parlour guitars are excellent instruments for finger-style players, especially those who play without finger-picks or use a more classical technique. These types of acoustic guitars were the choice of early blues players.

Manufactures have many models and designations for these types of acoustic guitars. The smaller scale and basic build of the guitar puts the twelfth fret at or nearer the body than the larger Jumbos and Dreadnoughts. The wider spacing of the strings at the nut facilitate finger style playing. Due to their smaller size and resultant smaller sound, these instruments are well suited to intimate venues, the recording studio, and for solo playing.

Classical Guitars

Classical guitars, sometimes called Spanish guitars, come in a wide range of models, scales, and uses. The modern classical types of acoustic guitars and archetype were developed by Ramirez in the early 1960's, purportedly for the famous virtuoso Andres Segovia.

Nylon stringed guitars are designed for finger style playing. They have a wider neck than most steel string instruments with their twelfth fret at the body. The median scale for a classical instrument is about 650 mm although shorter and longer scales are common depending on their use.

The traditional Spanish sound of the Ramirez is a result of its cedar top. Spruce top instruments are also a standard tone wood employed by quality builders, lending the instrument a brighter sound. The back and sides of quality instruments are rosewood.

Flamenco Guitars

Flamenco types of acoustic guitars are a type of nylon string guitars used for playing, not surprisingly, flamenco music. This genre requires complex strumming patterns as well as percussive effects. To allow for these playing techniques, the instrument usually has a higher action than classical guitars, especially towards the bridge.

Its top is typically spruce, but the back and sides are traditionally cypress, giving it a lighter weight and characteristic sound. Purists of the genre call for traditional wood tuning pegs instead of the more modern metal tuners. Although they take some time to get used to, the all-wood construction of these types of acoustic guitars really lends to their unique sound and feel.

Gypsy Guitars

Another genre specific guitar, Gypsy guitars are stylized after the famous Selmer Guitars. These types of acoustic guitars were popularized by the music of Django Reinhardt and his unique playing style. These guitars are characterized by their d-shaped sound-holes, as well as a gentle arched top created by tension on the wood rather than by the carved body of jazz guitars. Its characteristic sound is augmented by the player's preferred choice of light, silver-plated, copper-wound strings, and heavy picks traditionally made of tortoise shell.

Best Acoustic Guitar Strings

The best acoustic guitar strings for your acoustic guitar will depend on your use and personal preference. Acoustic guitar strings come in a wide variety of brands, materials, gauges, and applications. If you are playing on a higher end guitar, perhaps even a custom model, the best acoustic guitar strings may be found from the builder or manufacturer. They will undoubtedly recommend a string type and gauge for your instrument.

The two main types of strings are nylon and steel string. Common materials used for steel strings are nickel, bronze, stainless steel and silk. Some manufacturers also like to market composite materials to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Probably the most important choice you will make in choosing the best acoustic guitar strings is its gauge. The gauge of a string refers to its diameter. As you may expect, string diameter increases from the first string to the sixth. The diameter will affect the relative feel of a guitar's action. The gauges are grouped from light, to moderate, and heavy. The model of a particular brand may include the diameter of the first and sixth string in its name. For example, D'Addario's EJ83L Light 10-44 tells us the first string is .10 inches in diameter and the sixth is .44 inches in diameter.

Many feel the best acoustic guitar strings for classical and flamenco guitars are nylon strings. They also come in a wide range of materials including composites. Traditionally, strings four to six have a nylon filament core and are wrapped in a silver or bronze plating. The strings are tied to the guitar at both the tuning peg and the bridge. You can, however, find models of nylon strings with a ball on the end for use on other types of acoustic guitars. Manufacturers usually classify their nylon strings by their tension, rather than diameter. Light, normal and hard tension strings are common designations.

The best acoustic guitar strings are available in different gauges. Light gauge strings start at .10 inches in diameter for the first string. Medium strings start at about .12 inches, and heavier strings usually start at .13 inches. The remaining string diameters will fluctuate a bit depending on specific models and brands.

For the acoustic player, what you play, how hard you play, and the volume you wish to produce, coupled with the action on the instrument will influence your choice for the best acoustic guitar strings. Generally speaking, lighter gauge strings result in a lighter feeling action, but a reduction in volume. Their sound is also thinner.

Larger guitars like Dreadnoughts, for example, are designed to be heard above other instruments in band and played with a pick. You may be playing mostly open chords and using a capo to change keys on this type of instrument. Lighter strings may break, which is extremely annoying at best, and can ruin a performance in the worst case. Use a heavier gauge that will take some beating on the instrument..

Smaller parlour instruments will require a lighter string, which will also be easier on the finger tips for finger style players. If you are making a recording where every musical nuance is picked up by close miking, as is every instrument noise, you will also benefit from a lighter gauge string. Adjust your playing style accordingly.

Finding the best acoustic guitar strings suitable for your instrument and playing style may take some time. Remember to change your strings often. Use this as an opportunity to experiment with different brands, materials, and gauges as you learn their different feels and tones.