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Guitar Types: Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Others

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Nathan Thompson

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Introduction

The guitar is one of the most popular and versatile musical instruments in the world. Though its origins can be traced back several thousand years, the modern guitar as we know it today emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the acoustic guitars of blues and folk to the electric guitars of rock and roll, the guitar’s evolution reflects the growth of popular music over the past century.

Understanding the different types of guitars is crucial for any developing guitarist. The guitar you choose impacts the tone, playability, and your overall musical experience. While there are commonalities across all guitars, each variety has its own unique sound, feel, and playing style. Whether you want to strum acoustic folk, shred electric rock solos, or lay down smooth jazz lines, there’s a guitar tailored specifically for that purpose. Taking the time to learn about the major guitar categories will help you pick an instrument well-suited for your goals and musical tastes. You’ll also gain knowledge to modify your gear and improve your skills as you progress.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars produce sound from the vibration of their steel or nylon strings amplified naturally by the hollow body of the guitar. They are a diverse category with many variations suited to different playing styles and musical genres. Some of the most common acoustic guitar types include:

Dreadnought

The dreadnought is the most popular acoustic guitar shape. It features a wide body and square shoulders that produce a bold, projecting tone perfect for strumming and flatpicking styles. Dreadnoughts are commonly used in rock, folk, country and bluegrass. Iconic models like the Martin D-28 and Gibson Hummingbird exemplify the quintessential dreadnought sound.

Jumbo

Jumbo acoustic guitars have even deeper bodies than dreadnoughts, which gives them a massive, booming voice. The expanded size produces louder volume and richer bass frequencies, making jumbos ideal for solo performers. Legendary models such as the Gibson J-200 and Martin D-45 are known for their thunderous jumbo tones.

Parlor

Parlor guitars are small-bodied acoustics that produce a focused, articulate sound. Their compact size makes them great for fingerstyle playing and more intimate musical settings. High-end parlors from makers like Taylor and Martin offer exceptional craftsmanship in a portable package.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars produce their sound using pickups and an amplifier rather than relying solely on the vibration of the strings. There are several main types of electric guitars, each with their own unique tonal characteristics.

Solid-body

Solid-body electric guitars are composed of a solid piece of wood with pickups mounted directly on the body. The solid body construction produces increased sustain and allows for higher volume and gain levels without feedback issues. The tone of solid-body guitars is bright and cutting, ideal for rock, metal, and blues. Famous solid-body models include the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul.

Semi-hollow

Semi-hollow electric guitars have a solid center block in the body with hollow wings on the sides. This design provides some of the warm, rounded tone of a fully hollow-body guitar while also offering increased sustain and resistance to feedback at higher volumes. The versatile sound of semi-hollow guitars makes them suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Iconic semi-hollow models include the Gibson ES-335 and Epiphone Casino.

Hollow-body

Hollow-body electric guitars are completely hollow inside, giving them a rich, nuanced tone. The hollow body allows the wood to resonate freely, producing a warm, smooth sound. However, hollow-body guitars are prone to feedback at high volumes. Their mellow tone makes them ideal for jazz, blues, and fusion styles. The Gibson ES-175 and Gretsch White Falcon are examples of legendary hollow-body guitar models.

Archtop

Archtop guitars have an arched wooden top and back construction inspired by violin family instruments. This design provides excellent acoustic properties that enhance the warm, rounded tone and natural resonance of the guitar. Archtops are most commonly used in jazz, swing, and gypsy jazz. Famous archtop guitar models include the Gibson L-5 and Epiphone Emperor Regent.

Bass Guitars

Bass guitars are an essential part of any ensemble, providing the low end and rhythm that drives the music forward. There are several main types of bass guitars to consider based on your musical needs.

Precision Bass

The Fender Precision Bass is one of the most iconic bass guitars ever made. First introduced in 1951, the "P-Bass" features a solid body and split-coil pickup that provides a focused, punchy tone perfect for rock, pop, funk, and more. The Precision Bass has a scale length of 34 inches and a slim, fast neck that makes it comfortable to play. Its versatility and reliability have made it a staple bass for recording sessions and live performances.

Jazz Bass

The Fender Jazz Bass arrived in 1960 and features an offset waist body and two single-coil pickups. Compared to the Precision Bass, the Jazz Bass has a slimmer neck and a brighter, more articulate tone well-suited to its nameake genre as well as pop, funk, and fusion styles. The dual pickups allow for a wider range of tones, from deep and round to bright and aggressive. Iconic bassists like Jaco Pastorius have cemented the Jazz Bass’s reputation as an incredibly versatile instrument.

Acoustic Bass

Upright acoustic basses have been a mainstay in jazz, bluegrass, folk, and other acoustic genres for decades. Acoustic bass guitars aim to provide a similar double bass tone and experience in a more portable and affordable package. Acoustic basses have hollow bodies constructed from tonewoods like spruce that produce a rich, deep, woody sound. They require specialized amplification solutions to prevent feedback. While not as resonant as a true double bass, acoustic bass guitars excel at delivering warm low end in acoustic and folk ensembles.

Short-Scale Bass

Short-scale basses, typically with a 30-32 inch scale length compared to the standard 34 inches, are ideal for smaller bassists or those with smaller hands. The shorter neck and string length reduce tension while increasing comfort and playability. Short-scale basses have a focused, punchy tone and often use lighter string gauges. While they may lack some of the depth of full-scale basses, short-scale models excel at fast, articulate playing styles and are easier to transport. Popular short-scale models include the Fender Mustang Bass and Gibson EB-0.

Specialty Guitars

Specialty guitars offer unique sounds, expanded range, and innovative playing experiences compared to standard acoustic and electric guitars. From exotic body shapes to alternate stringing, these instruments provide guitarists with creative new tones and techniques to explore.

Resonator Guitars

Resonator guitars like the Dobro feature a large spun metal cone under the bridge that amplifies and shapes the guitar’s sound. This gives resonator guitars a loud, bright, and "boxy" tone that cuts through the mix. The resonator design suits slide guitar techniques and is a staple of blues and bluegrass music. Popular resonator models include the square-necked Dobro and the National resonator guitar with its triangular body shape. Learning to play slide and fingerpick are essential skills for resonator guitarists.

Baritone Guitars

Baritone guitars have extended scale lengths around 27 inches compared to the typical 25.5 inch scale. This expanded range allows baritone guitars to be tuned lower while maintaining normal string tension. Common baritone tunings include B to B and A to A, extending their range down to the A below standard guitar tuning. The extended lower range lends itself well to heavier styles of rock, metal, and djent. Baritone models like the Fender Jaguar Baritone and the Schecter C-7 Hellraiser Baritone provide thick, rumbling tones in a more ergonomic 6-string format compared to 7- and 8-string guitars.

Extended Range Guitars

Extended range guitars offer guitarists even more strings to work with, including 7, 8, 9, and even 10 string models. This greatly expands the tonal options and range of the instrument. Many progressive metal guitarists utilize 8-string guitars tuned all the way down to F# for massively heavy djent riffs and chugs. Brands like Ibanez, Jackson, and Schecter offer signature extended range models designed with metal in mind. However, jazz fusion players are also exploring the possibilities of 8 and 9-string guitars. Learning to navigate the wider necks and stretching to reach lower strings presents new challenges and requires an adaptive technique.

Guitar Body Shapes and Styles

Common Acoustic Body Shapes

Acoustic guitars come in a variety of distinctive body shapes, each with their own tonal properties and playing feel. Some of the most popular acoustic body styles include:

  • Dreadnought – With its wide waist and shoulders, this large body style produces a booming, projecting tone perfect for strumming and flatpicking styles. Iconic dreadnoughts include the Martin D-28 and Gibson Hummingbird.

  • Jumbo – Even larger than a dreadnought, the jumbo shape has a deep bass response thanks to its size and is extremely loud and resonant. Jumbos like the Gibson SJ-200 are ideal for solo performers.

  • Parlor – This small, compact body style has an intimate, articulate voice perfect for fingerstyle playing. Vintage parlor guitars from Martin and Gibson are highly prized.

  • Classical – Designed to play nylon strings, classical guitars have a wider neck, lighter bracing, and a mellow, rounded tone. Famous makers include Ramirez and Rodriguez.

Electric Guitar Body Styles

The body shape of an electric guitar affects its ergonomics and tone. Some iconic electric guitar body styles include:

  • Stratocaster – With its double cutaway horns and contoured body, this versatile shape is comfortable to play sitting or standing. The tone is articulate and clear.

  • Les Paul – Chunky and heavy, the Les Paul shape produces a thick, warm tone thanks to its mahogany body and set neck. An extremely popular electric guitar design.

  • SG – Similar to a Les Paul but lighter and slimmer, the SG (Solid Guitar) shape provides comfort and playability. The tone is snappy and aggressive.

  • Telecaster – With its single cutaway and flat body, the Tele shape provides twangy, cutting tones perfect for country, rock, and blues.

Tonewoods Explained

The wood used for a guitar’s body significantly impacts its tone. Some examples:

  • Mahogany – Dense and heavy, mahogany has a strong midrange focus perfect for blues and rock. Used on Les Pauls and SGs.

  • Maple – Bright and crisp, maple provides excellent clarity and note definition. Often used for necks and tops.

  • Rosewood – Dark and rich, rosewood boosts the lows and low-mids for a deep, complex sound. Commonly used for back and sides.

  • Spruce – Lightweight and resonant, spruce is the standard top wood for steel-string acoustics. It has vibrant highs and excellent projection.

The combination of woods and construction techniques results in each guitar’s unique tonal personality.

Guitar Accessories and Components

Guitar accessories and components play a crucial role in shaping tone, playability, and the overall performance of any guitar. From strings to pickups to amplifiers, these supplementary gear choices have a major impact on a guitarist’s sound.

Types of Guitar Strings

The strings on a guitar have a huge influence on its tone and playability. The core types of guitar strings include:

  • Steel strings – Made of steel wrapped around a steel or nickel alloy core. Standard for most acoustic guitars and electric guitars. They produce a bright, defined tone with strong projection.

  • Nylon strings – Softer nylon used for classical and flamenco guitars. Nylon has a warmer, more mellow and subdued tone. Easier on the fingers for beginning players.

  • Fluorocarbon strings – Synthetic alternative with a tone between steel and nylon. More durable than nylon but smoother feel than steel. Popular for acoustic guitars.

  • Flatwound strings – Flat steel ribbon wrap reduces string noise. Often used on standup basses and sometimes electric guitars for a vintage jazz tone.

  • Coated strings – Steel strings with a polymer coating to reduce finger noise and extend string life. Provide a smooth playing feel.

The gauge, or thickness of each string, also affects the guitar’s playability and sound. Heavier gauges are louder and sustain longer but are harder to fret. Lighter gauges are easier to play but sacrifice volume and bass response.

Guitar Pickups Explained

The pickups on an electric guitar work to capture the vibration of its strings and convert it into an electrical current that can be amplified. Pickup types include:

  • Single coil pickups – Bright, crisp tone. Prone to hum and noise. Examples: Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster.

  • Humbucker pickups – Dual coils for hum-cancelling. Thicker, higher output sound than single coils. Examples: Gibson Les Paul, SG.

  • P-90 pickups – Single coil design that is fatter sounding than Fender-style single coils. Found on guitars like the Gibson Les Paul Junior.

  • Active pickups – Require a battery-powered preamp to boost output level. Increased sustain and high gain tones. Often seen in metal and hard rock genres.

Pickup placement also impacts tone. Neck pickups offer a warm, round sound while bridge pickups provide more bite and treble cut. Mixing pickup configurations expands a guitar’s tonal palette.

Acoustic vs. Electric Guitar Amps

Proper amplification is key to projecting a guitar’s sound. Acoustic guitar amps are designed for cleanly projecting the natural acoustic tone without coloring the sound. Electric guitar amps use tubes or transistors to add overdrive and distortion for shaping the amplifier’s tone. Effects like reverb, delay, and chorus can be used with both acoustic amps and electric amps to further augment the guitar’s native sound.

Many amps also allow you to plug in effects pedals between the guitar and amplifier to sculpt the tone. From overdrives and distortions to chorus, reverb, delays and more, effects pedals give guitarists immense sound customization options.

Guitars for Different Musical Genres

Guitars come in many different shapes and sizes to accommodate a wide range of musical genres and playing styles. Selecting the right guitar for your preferred musical style can make playing more inspiring, enjoyable, and efficient.

Best Guitars for Rock

When it comes to rock music, solid-body electric guitars often reign supreme. Their sustain and crunch from overdriven tube amps are ideal for hard-hitting rock rhythms and searing lead lines. Iconic rock guitar models like the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul offer the versatility to cover everything from metal to classic rock. Their comfortable contours, slick necks, and familiar controls accommodate the high-gain stage antics of legendary rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash.

Jazz Guitar Options

Jazz guitarists often favor hollow-body and archtop electric guitars for their warm, nuanced tones. The increased resonance allows every subtlety to come through clearly. Models with floating pickups and flatwound strings help nail an authentic jazz sound. Legendary jazz guitarists like Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass played Gibson ES-175 guitars, while others like Pat Metheny use semi-hollow instruments. Nylon-string acoustic guitars are also popular for their mellow tone, especially when playing solo.

Guitars for Country Music

The twangy, articulate tone of steel-string acoustic guitars makes them a staple of country music. Iconic dreadnought and jumbo acoustics from Martin, Taylor, and Gibson allow country guitarists to cut through the mix. Electric telecasters and semi-hollow guitars also lend themselves well to chicken pickin’ rhythms and country soloing. Country legends like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Brad Paisley helped define the country guitar sound across decades of music innovation.

Metal Guitar Specifics

Metal guitarists require powerful, high-output guitars built for heavy riffing and intricate solos. Extended range 7- and 8-string guitars provide the low-end chug while allowing intricate leads up top. Signature models from brands like ESP, Jackson, and Ibanez cater to metal guitarists’ needs for aggressive tones and playability. Pioneering metal guitarists like Dimebag Darrell, James Hetfield, and Zakk Wylde influenced generations with their relentless technicality and tone.

Classical Guitar Repertoire

Classical guitar music relies on nylon-string acoustic instruments to faithfully convey the genre’s history and tradition. Clear, warm, resonant tones allow the complex melodies, counterpoint, and rich harmonies to sing. Proper right and left-hand technique is required to execute challenging classical repertoire. Andres Segovia and Julian Bream helped popularize classical guitar through their virtuosic playing and expansive repertoire. Modern performers like Jason Vieaux continue advancing the classical guitar canon.

The right guitar for you depends greatly on your preferred musical genres and playing style. Thankfully many options exist to suit your specific needs and inspire creativity.

Choosing the Right Guitar

Considerations for Beginners

For guitarists just starting their musical journey, choosing the right beginner guitar involves balancing playability, quality, and affordability. As a novice, having an instrument that’s comfortable to hold and easy to play makes learning chords and techniques much simpler. Beginner guitars typically have slightly shorter scale lengths, lower action, and lighter gauge strings to reduce finger strain. While premium tonewoods and ornate appointments add beauty, they aren’t necessary for a first guitar. The most important thing is finding an inspiring instrument you’ll want to pick up and practice on daily. That said, very cheap guitars often have poor intonation and tuning stability that can be frustrating. Setting a budget between $200-400 provides quality and reliability while remaining affordable.

Popular acoustic guitar recommendations for beginners include the Yamaha FG800 and Fender FA-100. For electric, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster and Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II offer great bang-for-buck. Shopping used at guitar stores or online classifieds can also maximize value in a beginner’s price range.

Budget Concerns

For new players, budget is often the biggest limiting factor when choosing a guitar. Determining how much you can realistically spend on an instrument prevents disappointment and allows you to get the most guitar for your money. As a benchmark, decent beginner acoustic guitars start around $150, while basic electric guitar starter packs with an amp and accessories run $200-300. Raising your budget to $400-500 opens up greater quality, particularly with acoustic models. Electric guitars in the $500-600 range offer American-made instruments with premium components. Beyond $600, you enter pro-level territory with enhanced aesthetics, electronics, and attention to detail.

If cash is limited, buying a used guitar can provide substantial value. Try out different models at guitar shops to get a feel for them before checking sites like Reverb and Craigslist for discounted used versions. Be sure to inspect any used guitar thoroughly before purchasing, and negotiate a fair price based on condition and included accessories. With some hunting, $200 can buy a like-new acoustic, while $400 can grab a pro-grade electric. Setting a maximum budget and sticking to it helps land the best guitar you can afford.

Ideal Guitar Features Based on Skill Level

As you progress as a guitarist, your ideal instrument evolves to complement your developing skills. Beginners need playable, forgiving guitars to learn on stress-free. Intermediates will benefit from upgrades providing better intonation, tuning stability, and acoustic resonance or electric tone. Advanced players require pro-level specs to handle intricate techniques and channel creative expression. Understanding your current skill level helps narrow the focus when choosing a guitar.

For beginners, lightweight construction, low action, and thinner neck profiles maximize playability. Tone is less important than comfort and reliability. Intermediates can handle some heft and appreciate resonance-enhancing tonewoods, quality tuners, and electronics. Advanced players have the chops to wield specialized instruments like archtops, extended-range guitars, or premium boutique models. Let your skill level guide you, not impressive specs beyond your current needs. A guitar matching your ability inspires growth. An overpowered instrument only leads to frustration.

Trying Out Guitars In-Store vs. Online

Ideally, testing guitars in person at a local shop lets you experience comfort, playability and tone first-hand. You can tweak the controls and setup to suit your preferences. Unique neck profiles, finishes, and body shapes can make certain guitars feel "right". Online purchases lack this experience, forcing you to rely on reviews and specs alone. However, shops offer limited selections, so exploring online expands your options dramatically.

Thoroughly research any online guitar purchase, and use generous return policies to your advantage. Weigh all the specs, reviews, and videos to determine if a guitar matches your needs before buying. Share detailed playability feedback with the seller to receive the best instrument possible. While less ideal than in-store testing, careful online research makes finding your dream guitar possible, even without playing it first.

Conclusion

After exploring the diverse world of guitars, a few key takeaways emerge. Firstly, there are many more guitar types than most people realize, each with their own distinctive sounds, playing styles, and musical applications. The major categories covered include the warm, woody tones of acoustic guitars like dreadnoughts, jumbos, and parlor guitars; the bright, sustained notes of electric guitars like solid-bodies, semi-hollows, and archtops; and the deep, resonant rumble of bass guitars like the Precision, Jazz, and short-scale models.

Beyond these familiar types, a universe of specialty guitars exists, ready to broaden any player’s musical horizons. From the shimmering 12-strings to exotic extended-range models, there’s a guitar out there for every taste and playing style. Even within models like the classic Stratocaster or Les Paul, component choices allow for personalized tones tweaked to a guitarist’s creative vision.

With so many options to explore, the world of guitars is a never-ending journey of discovery. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to keep an open mind, try out different guitars, and find the right instruments to bring their musical dreams to life. From online guitar forums to local music shops, plentiful resources exist for deepening one’s guitar knowledge. With passion and perseverance, guitarists can continually hone their craft on ever-more-inspiring instruments. So plug in, play on, and let the musical adventure continue!