When shopping for an acoustic guitar, one of the most important factors to consider is the body type. The shape and size of a guitar's body not only affect the instrument's appearance but also significantly influence its sound and playability. This guide will walk you through the most common acoustic guitar body types (dreadnought, jumbo, concert, grand concert, auditorium, grand auditorium, and parlor) so you can make an informed choice based on your music style and personal preferences.
1. Dreadnought
What is a dreadnought guitar? The dreadnought is one of the most popular and versatile guitar shapes, originally developed by Martin Guitars in 1916. Its large, deep body and wide waist give it a bold, balanced tone with plenty of projection, making it perfect for strumming and playing in a band setting. Dreadnoughts are often the go-to choice for country, rock, and folk musicians who want a rich, full sound that can cut through other instruments.
- Sound: Strong bass response and well-balanced mid and high frequencies.
- Playability: Suits players who enjoy powerful strumming; however, its size might feel bulky for smaller guitarists.
- Examples: Martin D-28 (pictured above) and Gibson J-45
2. Jumbo
What is a jumbo acoustic guitar? Known for its massive size and booming sound, the jumbo body shape is designed to produce powerful volume with a rich, deep low end. Often associated with Gibson's SJ-200 model, the jumbo is ideal for players who want a guitar that commands attention. Its body shape lends itself well to vigorous strumming and country music but can be more challenging for fingerstyle players due to its size.
- Sound: Pronounced bass with high volume and a wide tonal range.
- Playability: Excellent for dynamic playing and full-bodied strumming, but may feel cumbersome for some players.
- Examples: Gibson SJ-200 (pictured above), Epiphone EJ-200, and Guild F-50.
3. Concert
What is a concert size guitar? The concert guitar, also known as "0" style guitars, is smaller and more compact than dreadnought or jumbo models. Its focused sound and responsive nature make it perfect for fingerstyle playing and solo performances. Concert guitars are often favored by blues and folk players for their bright tone and clear articulation, and their smaller size can make them more comfortable for extended playing sessions.
- Sound: Bright and well-defined, with a balanced tone that works well for fingerpicking.
- Playability: Comfortable for most body types and easier to handle due to its smaller size.
- Examples: Martin 0-18 (pictured above), Taylor GS Mini, and Yamaha FS800.
4. Grand Concert
What is a grand concert acoustic guitar? The grand concert (often referred to as "00") offers a bit more volume and tonal depth compared to the standard concert size while retaining a similar playability and focused sound. The grand concert body is still relatively compact, making it comfortable for most players, but it has a bit more resonance and volume, making it more versatile for both fingerpicking and light strumming.
- Sound: Slightly deeper and more resonant than a concert guitar, with clear mids and balanced highs.
- Playability: Perfect for fingerstyle players and well-suited to smaller players or those seeking a comfortable fit.
- Examples: Martin 00-18 (pictured above), Taylor 312, and Gibson L-00.
5. Auditorium and Grand Auditorium
What is an auditorium acoustic guitar? The auditorium (000) and grand auditorium (GA) shapes are mid-sized guitars with a balanced tone and greater versatility. These body styles are often used for a variety of playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking, and are popular among singer-songwriters for their dynamic response and balance between low and high frequencies. The grand auditorium offers a bit more volume than the auditorium due to its slightly larger body.
- Sound: Balanced, with a more dynamic range than smaller body shapes; excellent for both strumming and fingerpicking.
- Playability: Great for versatility in playing styles and comfortable for extended playing sessions.
- Examples: Martin OM-28 (pictured above), Taylor 214ce, and Yamaha AC5R.
6. Parlor
What is a parlor acoustic guitar? The parlor guitar is a slender, compact body shape that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Parlor guitars are also generally smaller than a "0" or "00" style guitars and they are known for their midrange-focused tone and vintage charm. They are also ideal for light strumming, fingerpicking, and blues -- perfect for intimate settings and can be a great travel option due to their smaller size.
- Sound: Midrange-focused with a mellow, warm tone; not as bass-heavy as larger body types.
- Playability: Very comfortable to hold and play, especially for players who prefer a smaller guitar.
- Examples: Gretsch Jim Dandy (pictured above), Fender CP-60S, and Recording King RPH-05.
Acoustic Guitar Strings
Here at Woodtone Strings, we design strings that are easier on your fingers. We use string tension give you the optimal relative volume between strings while giving you the perfect balance of tone and playability.
If you aren't familiar with our strings, we would highly recommend our most popular set of strings -- Country Series low-tension acoustic guitar strings. They're exactly halfway between standard light gauge strings 12/53 and standard medium gauge strings 13/56 -- they are gauged 12.5/54.5 which gives you a little thicker tone than lights but still easier to play than mediums. Also, we design them to have lower tension which makes them easier on your fingers and easier on the neck of your guitar.
Conclusion
Each body shape has its unique sound qualities and playability characteristics. The right choice depends on your playing style, body size, and preferred tone. If you're someone who loves deep, booming sounds and strumming, the jumbo or dreadnought might suit you best. For fingerstyle or solo playing, consider a concert or grand concert. And if you're looking for a guitar to take on the road, mini acoustics or travel guitars are ideal.
Experimenting with different body types is the best way to find the one that matches your musical needs. Visit a local music store to test a few, listen to the differences, and find the acoustic guitar that feels just right.