Beginner's Guide to Acoustic Guitars: What You Need to Know
Acoustic guitars have a long and rich history, evolving over centuries into the versatile, popular instruments we know today. Their origins can be traced back to 16th-century Spain, where the vihuela - a guitarralike instrument with six doubled strings - was developed. This instrument paved the way for the baroque guitar, which emerged in the 17th century and itself led to the creation of the modern acoustic guitar.
The acoustic guitar gained immense popularity in the 20th century, becoming a staple in an array of musical genres from folk and country to blues and rock. Its classic hourglass shape, steel strings, and resonant hollow body produce a warm, textured sound that guitarists have used to play chords, melody lines, and accompaniment. From the steel-string dreadnought guitars that drove early country music to nylon-string classical guitars used by virtuosos like Andrés Segovia, the acoustic guitar's versatility and expressiveness cemented it as an iconic instrument.
Today, acoustic guitars are built from combinations of tonewoods prized for their acoustic properties, such as spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Whether playing solo or accompanying other musicians, they project a full, vibrant tone that has captivated audiences worldwide. For beginners and professionals alike, the acoustic guitar remains a compelling and deeply satisfying instrument to learn, write, and perform music on. This guide will cover everything needed to start an exciting journey with the acoustic guitar.
Anatomy of an Acoustic Guitar
Understanding the different parts of an acoustic guitar will help you learn how to play, take care of, and shop for your instrument. Here are the main components:
Body - The body is the largest part of the guitar. It is the hollow wooden chamber that amplifies and projects the sound from the strings. The shape and size of the body affects the tone and volume.
Neck - The neck is a long piece of wood that connects the body to the headstock. The frets are embedded in the neck. The width and thickness of the neck impacts playability.
Headstock - The headstock is located at the end of the neck and houses the tuning keys. The strings are fed through the back of the headstock and wrapped around the tuning pegs.
Strings - Acoustic guitars have six strings that are strung between the headstock and bridge. The standard tuning from thickest to thinnest is E-A-D-G-B-E. Strings come in different materials that affect tone and feel.
Bridge - The bridge is positioned where the strings end at the lower bout of the body. It has holes for string insertion and transfers their vibrations to the soundboard.
Saddle - The saddle sits in the bridge and supports the strings. It is usually made of bone, plastic, or wood. The saddle's height impacts string action and buzzing.
Fretboard - The fretboard is a long strip of wood that lays on top of the neck. It has thin metal frets embedded across it perpendicularly to the strings. Pressing down the strings behind the frets produces different notes.
Types of Acoustic Guitars
There are several main types of acoustic guitars, each with their own distinctive features and playing styles.
Classical Guitar
The classical guitar has nylon strings and a wider neck, and is associated with classical, flamenco, and Latin music. Classical guitars produce a mellow, warm tone with a wide dynamic range. The wider neck can accommodate the specialized fingering and techniques used in classical guitar music.
Steel-String Acoustic Guitar
The steel-string acoustic guitar is the most common modern acoustic guitar, with steel strings producing a bright, crisp tone. Steel-string acoustics are popular for rock, pop, folk, country, and blues music. The steel strings allow for more aggressive strumming and picking techniques with a loud and projecting sound.
Resonator Guitar
Resonator guitars have a circular metal resonator cone to amplify the sound. This gives them a very loud and bright tone, ideal for slide guitar playing. Resonator guitars are commonly used in blues, bluegrass, and country music.
12-String Guitar
The 12-string guitar has double strings, with each pair tuned either in unison or an octave apart. This gives the 12-string a shimmering, chorusing sound. 12-string acoustics are commonly used in folk, rock, and pop arrangements.
Archtop Guitar
Archtop guitars have a hollow arched top more like a violin. They are often used in jazz music, and produce a warm, mellow tone. The arched top allows these acoustic-electric hybrid guitars to be played at higher volumes suitable for performing with other instruments.
Acoustic Guitar Woods
The tonewood used for an acoustic guitar's top, back and sides plays a major role in the instrument's sound. The most commonly used woods each have distinctive tonal characteristics.
Spruce is the standard wood used for acoustic guitar tops. Its stiff construction and crisp tone emphasizes the treble frequencies, allowing the strings to ring out with clarity. Sitka spruce is most frequently seen, though Engelmann and Adirondack are also used. Spruce tops are known for their responsiveness and for maturing well.
Cedar is a popular alternative to spruce for the guitar top. Its relatively soft and light build accentuates warmer tones and overtones in the midrange frequencies. This provides a darker, more rounded out sound compared to spruce.
Mahogany is the most common wood for the back and sides of an acoustic guitar. It has a balanced tone profile and a rich complexity to its sound. Mahogany's stiffness adds volume and deep low end, while its porosity enhances high-end response. It also aids projection of the guitar's sound.
Rosewood backs and sides offer a clear and articulate sound with a lot of headroom. The dense rosewood increases volume and overtones, resulting in greater sustain. Its bright overtones and strong bass complement the mellowness of mahogany.
Maple produces a unique tone - one that has a focused midrange yet remains balanced across the tonal spectrum. Hard maple has a tighter low end and compressed highs compared to other tonewoods. Its sound is described as direct, clean and balanced.
The specific woods used in an acoustic guitar affect its timbre and response. Luthiers combine different types of tonewoods to achieve their desired musical voicing for the instrument. The qualities of spruce, cedar, mahogany, rosewood and maple each impart distinct tonal essences into the guitar's sound.
Acoustic Guitar Shapes and Sizes
The shape and size of an acoustic guitar affects its sound, playability, and overall feel. There are several common acoustic guitar body shapes to consider:
Dreadnought
The most popular acoustic guitar shape, the dreadnought features a wide lower bout, narrow waist, and broad shoulders. Dreadnoughts produce a booming, bass-rich tone perfect for strumming. The large body can be challenging for smaller players to handle.
Jumbo
Similar to the dreadnought but slightly bigger, jumbo acoustic guitars offer a deep, full tone. Their large size also leads to increased projection and volume. Jumbos may be too big for some players.
Auditorium
Also known as "grand auditorium," this shape is mid-sized between a dreadnought and concert guitar. It provides balanced and clear tone across all frequencies. Auditorium acoustics are comfortable for most players.
Parlor
Parlor acoustics have a slim, petite body profile. They have a focused, articulate, vintage tone. Their compact size makes them ideal for younger players and those with smaller frames.
Mini
The smallest of all acoustic shapes, mini acoustics are 3/4 the size of a standard guitar. Great for travel and easy for kids to play, mini acoustics have limited projection but a bright, intimate sound.
The shape and dimensions of an acoustic guitar directly impact its voice and playability. Consider the tradeoffs between size, tone, and comfort when selecting a body style.
Acoustic Guitar Strings
Acoustic guitars use either nylon or steel strings. Nylon strings are typically used on classical and flamenco style guitars. They produce a warm, rounded tone with less volume and projection compared to steel strings. Nylon strings are easier on the fingers for beginning guitarists.
Steel strings deliver a brighter, louder sound with more sustain. They allow for greater tonal variety through techniques like bending, sliding, and vibrato. Steel strings are commonly used on folk, country, blues, and rock acoustic guitars. They put more tension on the guitar neck and can be harder on the fingers for new players.
Guitar strings are available in a range of gauges or thicknesses. Lighter gauges are easier to fret and strum but break more easily, while heavier gauges offer longer life, fuller tone, and better tuning stability. Beginners often start with a lighter set then gradually move up.
Steel strings feature either a round wound or flat wound construction. Round wound strings have a spiral wrap of metal around the steel core. This adds mass for lower notes and lets the strings bite into the frets more for technique. Flat wound strings have a smoother surface which reduces finger noise and fret wear.
When it's time to buy your first set of strings, consult experienced guitarists for recommendations. Pay attention to the gauge, winding type, and material that suits your playing style and guitar. With the right strings, you'll maximize the potential of your acoustic guitar on your musical journey.
How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar
Tuning a guitar refers to adjusting the tension of the strings to the proper pitch to produce the desired notes. Standard tuning for an acoustic guitar from the lowest to highest string is E-A-D-G-B-E. There are a few ways to tune a guitar:
Standard tuning: This involves tuning each string to the proper note. The open low E string should be tuned to E2 (82.41 Hz), the A string to A2 (110 Hz), the D string to D3 (146.83 Hz), the G string to G3 (196 Hz), the B string to B3 (246.94 Hz), and the high E string to E4 (329.63 Hz). You can use a digital tuner, tuning fork, pitch pipe, or tune the guitar by ear using natural harmonics and comparing to a piano, another instrument, or a pitch reference.
Relative tuning: This involves tuning the guitar strings relative to each other, rather than to fixed reference points. Tune the low E string as close as possible to in tune, then fret the 5th fret on the low E string, which should play an A note. Tune the open A string to match the fretted A. Continue tuning the D string to the 5th fret A string, G to the 5th fret D string, B to the 5th fret G string, and high E to the 5th fret B string. This ensures the guitar is in tune relative to itself.
Tuners: Acoustic guitars often have built-in tuners on the headstock for tuning the strings. These tuners have turning pegs and gears that adjust string tension. Just turn the knobs to tighten or loosen a string until the needle indicates it's in tune. Tuners make it easy to get the guitar in tune quickly.
Proper tuning is essential for playing chords and melodies in tune. Take your time to correctly tune up your acoustic guitar before playing. With practice, your ears will adapt to recognizing when notes and chords sound "right" or not. Tuning will become like second nature.
Buying Your First Acoustic Guitar
When buying your first acoustic guitar, there are a few key factors to consider:
Budget
Set a budget for what you can realistically afford to spend on your first guitar. Quality entry-level acoustic guitars usually range from $150 to $500.
Consider buying used for your first guitar, as you can often get excellent deals on gently used models. Check sites like Reverb and Guitar Center's used section.
Avoid "too good to be true" budget guitars that cost less than $100. These tend to be poorly constructed and hard to play. Spend a little more for better quality.
Body Style and Size
Determine what size and body style you prefer. Options include:
Dreadnought: Deep round body, ideal for strumming. Good for beginners.
Auditorium: Mid-size rounded body. Balanced tone.
Grand Auditorium: Larger auditorium shape. Full low-end.
Jumbo: Large deep body. Loudest acoustic with big sound.
Travel/Mini: Great for travel. Harder to play due to small size.
Try out different sizes and styles to see what you like best and feels most comfortable.
Accessories
At minimum, you'll need a case, tuner, extra strings, picks, and a strap.
A tuner helps keep your guitar in tune. Clip-on tuners are convenient.
A hard case protects your guitar from damage. Gig bags are lighter but less protective.
Additional guitar picks allow replacements when picks get lost.
An extra set of strings is useful when old strings need changing.
A strap makes playing standing up more comfortable.
Learning and Playing
Proper posture and holding the guitar correctly are essential to learning how to play the acoustic guitar. Here are some key tips for beginners:
Posture
Sit up straight on a sturdy chair or stool without leaning forward or back. Keep your spine straight.
Rest the curve of the guitar's body on your right thigh if you are right handed. The bottom of the guitar should rest on your left leg.
Relax your shoulders and keep your elbows close to your body. Avoid hunching or straining to reach the strings.
Angle the neck of the guitar upwards so you can easily see the frets and strings. Tilt it to about 30-40 degrees.
Your right arm should be relaxed and able to strum and pick the strings comfortably without straining.
Holding the Guitar
Use your right hand for plucking, picking and strumming if you are right handed. Your left hand does the fretting.
Curl the fingers of your left hand slightly and keep them close to the fretboard so you can press down on the strings.
Use just enough pressure from the fingertips of your left hand to press the strings down cleanly on the frets. Too much pressure can cause hand cramps.
Keep your right wrist straight as you strum or pick. Avoid bending it sharply up or down.
Strumming
Use a pick or your thumb and fingers to strum up and down over the strings in rhythmic patterns.
Focus on alternately strumming down and up in smooth motions. Use your wrist more than your arm.
Start with simple quarter note strum patterns and basic chords. Strum through each chord change multiple times.
Increase speed and try eighth note strumming patterns as you get comfortable.
Fingerpicking
Use the pads of your thumb, index and middle fingers to pluck individual strings.
Hold your hand like the letter C shape, keeping the wrist straight.
Start slowly and try basic patterns alternating thumb and fingers.
Work on finger independence and coordination through regular practice.
Add advanced techniques like Travis picking and melodic licks over time.
Exercises
Here are some great beginner exercises to practice daily:
Play open chords like G, C, D and Em changing between them smoothly.
Do picking and strumming drills on open strings to improve coordination.
Work through chord changes up and down the neck starting with open chords.
Learn simple melodies and riffs a few notes at a time.
Try finger stretches and dexterity exercises to build strength and reach.
Use a metronome and play scales to improve timing. Start slow and build up speed.
Learn songs you love note-by-note and practice regularly. Develop sections gradually.
With proper posture, correct holding technique and regular practice on foundational skills, you'll be able to learn and play acoustic guitar as a beginner. Stay motivated by practicing pieces you enjoy.
Maintaining Your Acoustic Guitar
Keeping your acoustic guitar in top playing condition requires some regular maintenance and care. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Cleaning - Dust and dirt can build up on your acoustic guitar over time, which can affect the sound and playability. It's a good idea to wipe down your guitar after each use with a soft, dry cloth. Also periodically clean the strings using a specialized guitar string cleaner or rubbing alcohol. This removes built-up grime from the strings.
Changing Strings - Guitar strings lose their brightness and become harder to tune over time. As a general rule, you'll want to change your acoustic guitar strings every 3-6 months if playing frequently. Use a string winder to quickly change each string and tune to pitch. Be careful not to over-tighten the tuning keys.
Adjustments - With time and use, the neck of your acoustic guitar can bow or warp slightly, throwing off the string height and playability. A guitar tech can adjust the truss rod inside the neck to remedy this issue and return it to the proper relief. Nut and saddle height adjustments may also be needed occasionally.
Storage - Keep your acoustic guitar in a hard case with a humidifier when not in use for extended periods. The humidifier prevents the wood from drying out in extreme conditions. Storing in a low-humidity environment can cause cracking. Never leave your acoustic guitar in direct sunlight or near heating vents for the same reason.
With some periodic cleaning, new strings, adjustments when needed, and proper storage, your acoustic guitar will deliver years of great sound and performance. Consistent upkeep is well worth it!