By far the most common question we get is "which acoustic guitar should I buy?". In this guitar lesson, we'll be taking a look at the differences between many types of acoustic guitars and why you would choose one over another. There's no "best" acoustic guitar out there, but hopefully, this video will help you find the best one for you.
Budget
Generally, acoustic guitars can be broken down into 5 price brackets or tiers. Obviously, the more you spend the more guitar you'll get. But it's worth understanding how price impacts the differences between guitars so you can make the choice that best fits you.
Tone
What kind of sound are you going for? In many cases, body size will be the main factor in the way your guitar sounds. A bigger body results in a more full, bass-heavy sound. Smaller bodies tend to be more articulate and have less bottom end. Both lend themselves to different styles and in the end, it's really up to you.
Size
Beyond tone, the size of your guitar will also relate to your personal stature. If you're a smaller person, the larger guitars may feel uncomfortable. It's worth taking that into consideration when choosing your guitar. If the guitar doesn't feel good in your hands, chances are you'll be less likely to play it.
Acoustic vs. Acoustic-Electric
This topic seems to confuse a lot of guitar players. There is no structural difference between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar. An "Acoustic-Electric" guitar is simply a regular acoustic guitar with a pickup system so it can be plugged into a PA system or amplifier. Depending on what your goals are, you may or may not need an acoustic guitar equipped with electronics.
Solid Top
The top of an acoustic guitar is where you get most of your tone and volume. Not everyone realizes that just like furniture you can have solid wood or plywood guitars. This cuts down on the cost of the guitar, but it also generally cuts down on the tone and volume of the guitar.
Solid Back & Sides
The back and sides of a guitar can be plywood or solid wood as well, and that’s another factor that contributes to the overall cost. Having solid back and sides usually puts you into a much more expensive price range. Laminated back and sides can be much stronger, but it's likely you'll sacrifice some tone.
Look & Feel
It's important that you get a guitar that looks and feels good to you. And that means you may like something different than everyone else. There's nothing wrong with that. Choose a guitar that you actually want to play and improve on.
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