Acoustic Guitars

Picking the Right Acoustic Guitar Shape for You

The acoustic guitar is one of the most popular instruments on earth and provides the vital foundation for many music genres, including country, folk, alternative, reggae, and more. Most people may be familiar with traditional 6-string and 12-string acoustic guitar shapes, but there is a whole world of model types to consider. In your search for the best acoustic guitar, you can select from a variety of styles and construction methods with options to help everyone — from flamenco fingerstylists to rock performers — find their perfect guitar.

Why Acoustic Guitar Shape Matters

A guitar’s structural features greatly impact its tone, playability, and volume. Here's how the specs stack up and what they mean for your sound and playing experience.

Body Depth

Increasing the depth (thickness) of a guitar usually increases bass, overall volume, and comfort. Guitars may range from two to five inches or more in depth, depending on the body style: thinline, Grand Concert, etc.

Brace Location

The location of the bracing between the lower bout and the soundhole shifts the rigidity of the upper and lower areas of the soundboard. Moving the bracing down toward the bridge and lower bout reduces overall bass and midrange, resulting in emphasized higher-frequency responsiveness and clarity. Moving the bracing forward toward the soundhole allows the soundboard area of the lower bout to be more flexible, resulting in increased bass-heavy resonance and overall volume.

Bracing

Thinner or scalloped bracing increases bass, warmth, and sustain by allowing more wood vibration. Thicker, non-scalloped bracing increases stiffness for a brighter, more focused sound with increased projection.

Cutaway

Because an upper bout or forearm cutaway decreases the guitar’s overall air volume and total top surface area, the tone may be slightly brighter and less bassy.

Lower Bout Size

The increased air volume and larger surface area of a larger lower bout produce a louder, more resonant, and bass-heavy tone.

Scale

Smaller guitars tend to be the quietest. Mid-sized guitars tend to have a greater ability to cut through a thick mix. Large-sized guitars tend to offer greater low-end response and overall volume.

Shoulders

Round-shouldered guitars may be slightly warmer in tone, which some strummers prefer. Square shoulders tend to have greater projection, making this a great choice for flatpicking.

Waist

Guitars with a narrow waist often have a more focused, midrange sound. Boxy or square waists maintain a larger total internal air volume, increasing bass, volume, and projection.

What Are the Common Acoustic Guitar Body Shapes?

While the names and distinctions of guitar body shapes sometimes differ by brand, these general shapes range from bright and focused (for fingerpicking) to loud and bass-heavy (for strumming). Here’s the list, from smallest to largest.

Mini

These smaller-frame guitars are scaled-down, travel-friendly models often based on other guitar shapes.

Parlor

A parlor guitar’s shallow depth and smaller size provide an intimate, mid-focused tone commonly used for blues, folk, and fingerstyle playing. Some models feature a slightly elongated body to increase volume.

Classical

Typically similar in size to a concert guitar, the classical guitar uses nylon strings and a wide fretboard. It features a mellow, warm tone suited for classical guitar and flamenco styles.

Concert

This articulate shape typically has a narrow, tapered waist and a shallow body that is wider than a parlor. Similar in size to a classical guitar, its well-balanced midrange tone provides responsive treble articulation that’s especially beneficial for fingerpicking. Even at a full strum, its volume is soft enough not to drown out a singer. Some brands offer a larger-sized Grand Concert version featuring a slightly wider body and a slightly larger lower bout for additional low-frequency boost.

Auditorium

With a similar waist and a slightly longer body than a concert, the auditorium offers increased volume and a more even balance of low, mid, and high frequencies. Having a slightly deeper body than an orchestra, an auditorium’s lows cut through with balance and thump, while the highs add articulation. Its midrange scoop allows vocals to cut through, making it a popular all-purpose strumming choice for singer-songwriters and worship leaders. Some brands offer a Grand Auditorium size featuring a slightly larger lower bout for enhanced lows.

Orchestra

This in-between shape typically combines the tone-warming rounded shoulders of an auditorium model with the balanced sound and volume of a dreadnought in a slightly more compact frame. The grand orchestra size is slightly bigger than an auditorium. Some guitar builders do not distinguish between auditorium and orchestra shapes.

Dreadnought

This iconic shape was introduced by Martin in 1916 for the Oliver Ditson Company and under their own name in 1931, with the modern 14-fret design standardized in 1934. The square-shouldered, straight-waisted shape creates a full sound, made popular in country and folk music but used extensively across all genres. Its snappy midrange and strong, bass-forward low-end boom provide a balanced, recording-friendly tone with excellent projection. It is wider than an auditorium.

Jumbo

With a narrow waist and a larger, wider lower bout, the jumbo is known for its rich, boomy bass resonance and strong projection. It is most commonly associated with country music, though it is also used for rock. A grand jumbo has a slightly wider body.

Selecting the Right 6-string Acoustic Guitar

When you think of an acoustic guitar, you’re probably picturing a 6-string model. Having been around since the 1850s, it’s by far the most common. Sweetwater carries some of the finest handmade acoustic guitars featuring rare and unique tonewoods. Are you a beginner-level guitarist? No problem! We provide affordable models that will excite any beginner to start learning and inspire them to keep playing. Whether you’re a novice or a collector, Sweetwater carries an array of 6-string acoustic guitars that’ll fit your needs.

What’s Special About a 12-string Acoustic Guitar?

Are you a player who gravitates toward the grandeur of a 12-string acoustic guitar? So are we! The six additional strings on this acoustic guitar lend a lush, iconic ring to the guitar’s sound. The 12 strings are paired in courses: the bottom four pairs are tuned in octaves, while the top two are tuned in unison. Whether used upfront as a primary musical focal point or as a support instrument to fill out the sound, a 12-string guitar brings a robust, full-bodied character to any song. Check out our wide selection of 12-string acoustic guitars today!

Why Choose an Acoustic-electric Guitar?

Do you plan to play your acoustic guitar onstage? Adding pickups to acoustic guitars has been one of the most significant evolutions in their design history. A pickup allows you to project your tone to much larger audiences while reducing feedback issues more commonly associated with miking an acoustic guitar. Whether you’re a gigging pro or taking the stage for the first time, an acoustic-electric may be the versatile option you’re looking for if you want to perform or record. There’s no better place to find your next acoustic-electric guitar than on sale at Sweetwater, with a wide array of styles from the top brands.

Finding a Left-handed Acoustic Guitar

Trying to find reliable and affordable left-handed acoustic guitars can be a daunting task. With fewer options than your right-handed counterparts, looking for a left-handed acoustic guitar can be a challenge. Luckily for you lefties out there, Sweetwater carries a wide variety of left-handed acoustic guitars from the top brands. Check out our vast selection today and leave your troubles behind!

Prefer a Classical & Nylon-string Guitar?

The soft, mellow sounds of classical and nylon-string guitars produce a uniquely distinct tone, whether playing classical, flamenco, or mariachi styles. While an acoustic guitar with nylon strings is predominantly of the 6-string variety, the difference in string tension compared to steel-string guitars enables nylon acoustic guitars to utilize different tonewoods, bracing, and construction techniques. Sweetwater has the options you need, from unique designs and exotic tonewoods to classic body shapes!

Folk Instruments

With its simplicity, catchy melodies, and accessibility, folk music has captivated listeners for generations. Stringed instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, 4-string tenor guitar, ukulele, resonator, ganjo, and others have become staples of the genre for their open tunings, portability, and rustic sound. If you’re looking to start a folk band or simply want to write your own folk songs, then look no further than Sweetwater!

How to Shop for Acoustic Guitars at Sweetwater

As you can see, you have many acoustic guitar options to choose from. Luckily for you, Sweetwater carries all the top brands, including Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Breedlove, Alvarez, and more. Check out our helpful guides and YouTube channel to get you started on your acoustic guitar journey with the guitar shape that best matches your personal size for comfort and playing style. Don’t forget to contact your Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 with your questions!

Read Parts of a Guitar to learn more about headstock, neck, and body design.