This is the standard acoustic guitar shape most people picture. Large and somewhat boxy-looking, dreadnoughts produce a big, bold sound with strong bass.
General strumming
Playing with others
Country & rock styles
- Martin D-28,
- Taylor 210ce,
- Yamaha FG800,
- Fender CD-60
Can feel bulky for smaller players
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.
Fingerstyle playing
Smaller players
Sitting & playing for long periods
- Martin 00-18
- Taylor 412ce
- Guild M-120
- Yamaha FS800
Excellent for most players
Jumbos are large with a wide, rounded body. They're loud with lots of bass response.
Players who want maximum volume
Deep bass
- Gibson J-200
- Guild F-55
- Takamine EF jumbo
- Epiphone EJ-200
Can be challenging for smaller players
Between concert and dreadnought sizes, auditorium guitars offer good balance between comfort and sound.
Players wanting versatility for different styles
- Taylor 314ce
- Martin OM-28
- Eastman E8OM
- Yamaha AC3R
Good compromise for most body types
These small guitars have a distinctive narrow body. They have a focused sound that's great for blues and folk.
Blues
Folk
Smaller players
Travel
- Martin 00-17
- Gretsch G9500
- Art & Lutherie Roadhouse
- Fender CP-60S
Very comfortable, especially for smaller players
Designed for portability, these very small guitars are perfect for taking on trips.
Travel
Younger players
Practicing on the go
- Martin Backpacker
- Taylor GS Mini
- Yamaha JR1
- Baby Taylor
Extremely portable
If you're smaller, consider concert or parlour guitars. If you're larger, dreadnoughts or jumbos might feel more natural.
For fingerpicking, smaller bodies often sound better. For strumming and volume, larger bodies work well.
For playing at home, comfort matters most. For performing without amplification, you might need the volume of a larger guitar.
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.
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.
Call us at 02031434809
Send an email to lessons@guitartuitioneastlondon.co.uk
Guitar Tuition East London
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
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…