Different Acoustic Guitar Body Types: Finding Your Perfect Match
Confused about acoustic guitar body shapes? The body shape affects both how the guitar feels and sounds, so choosing the right one matters. Here's a simple guide to the most common types…
Dreadnought
This is the standard acoustic guitar shape most people picture. Large and somewhat boxy-looking, dreadnoughts produce a big, bold sound with strong bass.
Perfect for:
General strumming
Playing with others
Country & rock styles
Popular models:
- Martin D-28,
- Taylor 210ce,
- Yamaha FG800,
- Fender CD-60
Comfort:
Can feel bulky for smaller players
Concert
Concert guitars have a smaller body with a narrower waist. They're more comfortable to hold but don't produce as much volume as dreadnoughts.
Perfect for:
Fingerstyle playing
Smaller players
Sitting & playing for long periods
Popular models:
- Martin 00-18
- Taylor 412ce
- Guild M-120
- Yamaha FS800
Comfort:
Excellent for most players
Jumbo
Jumbos are large with a wide, rounded body. They're loud with lots of bass response.
Perfect for:
Players who want maximum volume
Deep bass
Popular models:
- Gibson J-200
- Guild F-55
- Takamine EF jumbo
- Epiphone EJ-200
Comfort:
Can be challenging for smaller players
Auditorium
Between concert and dreadnought sizes, auditorium guitars offer good balance between comfort and sound.
Perfect for:
Players wanting versatility for different styles
Popular models:
- Taylor 314ce
- Martin OM-28
- Eastman E8OM
- Yamaha AC3R
Comfort:
Good compromise for most body types
Parlour
These small guitars have a distinctive narrow body. They have a focused sound that's great for blues and folk.
Perfect for:
Blues
Folk
Smaller players
Travel
Popular models:
- Martin 00-17
- Gretsch G9500
- Art & Lutherie Roadhouse
- Fender CP-60S
Comfort:
Very comfortable, especially for smaller players
Travel Guitars
Designed for portability, these very small guitars are perfect for taking on trips.
Perfect for:
Travel
Younger players
Practicing on the go
Popular models:
- Martin Backpacker
- Taylor GS Mini
- Yamaha JR1
- Baby Taylor
Comfort:
Extremely portable
How to Choose the Right One for You
Ask yourself these simple questions:
1
What's your body size?
If you're smaller, consider concert or parlour guitars. If you're larger, dreadnoughts or jumbos might feel more natural.
2
What music do you play?
For fingerpicking, smaller bodies often sound better. For strumming and volume, larger bodies work well.
3
Where will you play?
For playing at home, comfort matters most. For performing without amplification, you might need the volume of a larger guitar.
Most importantly, try before you buy if possible.
A guitar might look perfect on paper but feel wrong in your hands. The right guitar should feel comfortable when sitting and standing, and you should enjoy its sound when you play.
Get in Touch to Book a Free Trial Session
Based in Stratford, East London, we offer expert guitar and bass tuition for all ages and skill levels.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Call us at 02031434809
Send an email to lessons@guitartuitioneastlondon.co.uk
Guitar Tuition East London
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
