The 7 Main Types of Guitars: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right One

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

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Choosing the right guitar can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you're faced with so many different types of guitars. But worry not, this guide is here to help you navigate the world of guitars and find the perfect one for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 7 main types of guitars and their unique characteristics, so you can make an informed decision on which type of guitar best suits your needs and preferences.

1. Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are one of the most popular types of guitars for beginners and experienced players alike. They're versatile, produce a natural sound, and don't require any additional equipment to be played. Here's what you need to know about acoustic guitars:

Construction: These guitars are made with a hollow wooden body, which allows the sound to resonate inside the guitar and produce a rich, warm tone.
Strings: Acoustic guitars typically have six steel strings, giving them a bright and clear sound.
Playing styles: Acoustic guitars are well-suited for a wide range of musical genres, including folk, country, pop, and rock. Their natural sound makes them great for singer-songwriters too!
Popular models: Some well-known acoustic guitar models include the Martin D-28, Gibson J-45, and Taylor 314ce.

Acoustic guitars are an excellent choice if you're just starting out or if you enjoy playing a variety of music styles. Their natural sound and versatility make them a staple in the world of guitars.

2. Classical Guitars

Classical guitars, also known as Spanish guitars or nylon-string guitars, are different from acoustic guitars in several ways. They are primarily used for playing classical music, but their unique sound also lends itself to other genres like flamenco, jazz, and folk. Let's take a closer look at what sets classical guitars apart from other types of guitars:

Construction: Like acoustic guitars, classical guitars also have a hollow wooden body. However, they typically have a smaller body, a wider neck, and a flat fingerboard.
Strings: Classical guitars use nylon strings instead of steel strings, resulting in a softer, more mellow sound. The three lower strings are usually wrapped in silver or other metals to add extra tension.
Playing technique: These guitars are usually played using fingerpicking techniques, as opposed to using a pick. This allows for greater control over the individual notes and dynamics of the music.
Popular models: Some famous classical guitar models include the Yamaha C40, Cordoba C5, and La Patrie Etude.

If you're interested in playing classical music or exploring other genres that benefit from the unique sound of nylon strings, a classical guitar could be the perfect choice for you. Their distinct tone and playing technique make them a popular choice among guitarists who want to diversify their musical repertoire.

3. Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are a favorite among rock, blues, and metal musicians, but they can also be used in many other music genres. They are known for their versatile sound and the ability to amplify the guitar's signal using an external amplifier. Let's explore some key features of electric guitars:

Construction: Unlike acoustic and classical guitars, electric guitars have a solid body made of wood, plastic, or composite materials. This design helps reduce feedback when the guitar is played at high volumes.
Electronics: Electric guitars use pickups—magnetic devices that convert the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to an amplifier, which shapes the sound and increases its volume. Many electric guitars have multiple pickups, giving players the ability to switch between different sounds.
Playing techniques: Electric guitars offer a wide range of playing styles, including fingerpicking, strumming, and using a pick. They also allow for techniques such as bending, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and tapping, which can add extra expression to your music.
Popular models: Some iconic electric guitar models include the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, and Ibanez RG series.

Electric guitars are an excellent choice if you want to experiment with different sounds and playing styles. They can be used in various music genres, making them a versatile option for musicians looking to expand their range of types of guitars.

4. Bass Guitars

Bass guitars play a crucial role in providing the foundation for a song's rhythm and harmony. They are typically used in various music genres, such as rock, pop, jazz, and funk. Let's take a closer look at the main characteristics of bass guitars:

String count: Bass guitars usually have four strings, but they can also come in five, six, or even more strings. The additional strings provide a wider range of notes and can be useful for playing different musical styles.
Scale length: Bass guitars have a longer scale length compared to regular guitars, which contributes to their deeper, lower-pitched sound. The increased string tension also makes them feel different to play.
Construction: Bass guitars can be found with both solid and hollow bodies. Solid-body basses are more common and provide a more focused sound, while hollow-body basses offer a warmer, more acoustic-like tone.
Electronics: Similar to electric guitars, bass guitars use pickups to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to a bass amplifier, which is specifically designed to handle lower frequencies.
Popular models: Some well-known bass guitar models include the Fender Precision Bass, Music Man StingRay, and Rickenbacker 4003.

If you're interested in laying down the groove and providing the backbone for your band's sound, a bass guitar is the perfect choice for you. With various types of bass guitars available, you'll be able to find the right one to suit your playing style and preferences.

5. Archtop Guitars

Archtop guitars are a unique type of guitar that combine elements from both acoustic and electric guitars. They're known for their distinctive design and warm, resonant sound. Often associated with jazz and blues music, archtop guitars can be a great addition to your collection. Here are some key features of archtop guitars:

Design: The most notable feature of an archtop guitar is its curved top and back, which is where it gets its name. This arched design not only gives the guitar a visually appealing look but also contributes to its unique tonal qualities.
Construction: Archtop guitars are typically made with a hollow body, similar to acoustic guitars. However, some models also feature a semi-hollow body, which combines the resonance of a hollow body with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid body.
Sound: Archtop guitars produce a warm, rich sound with plenty of resonance. This makes them an excellent choice for jazz, blues, and other genres that emphasize melody and harmony.
Electronics: Many archtop guitars come equipped with pickups, allowing you to amplify your sound. Some models even feature built-in volume and tone controls for added versatility.
Popular models: Some famous archtop guitar models include the Gibson L-5, Epiphone Emperor, and D'Angelico New Yorker.

So, if you're looking to explore the world of jazz and blues or simply want a guitar with a distinctive design and sound, an archtop guitar might be the right choice for you. With various types of archtop guitars available, you're sure to find one that fits your musical preferences and style.

6. Resonator Guitars

Resonator guitars, also known as "Dobros" or "steel guitars," are a unique type of guitar that produce a distinctive, metallic sound. They were originally invented to provide louder volume before the advent of electric guitars and are now popular among blues, bluegrass, and country musicians. Let's take a closer look at the key features of resonator guitars:

Design: The most distinguishing feature of a resonator guitar is the metal cone (or cones) within the body. These cones amplify the vibrations of the strings, resulting in the guitar's signature sound.
Construction: Resonator guitars can be made with either wood or metal bodies, each offering a unique tonal quality. Wooden-bodied resonators tend to produce a warmer sound, while metal-bodied resonators deliver a sharper, more cutting tone.
Playing style: Resonator guitars can be played with a traditional pick or fingerpicking technique, but many players also use a slide to create a smooth, gliding sound. This playing style is commonly associated with blues and country music.
Types: There are three main types of resonator guitars — single-cone, tricone, and spider bridge. Each type features a different arrangement of cones and bridge systems, which affects the guitar's tone and volume.
Popular models: Some well-known resonator guitar models include the National Style O, Dobro Model 27, and the Regal RC-2.

If you're looking for a guitar with a unique sound that stands out in a mix, a resonator guitar might be the perfect choice for you. Its distinctive tone and versatility make it an excellent choice for musicians interested in exploring blues, bluegrass, and country genres.

7. Seven-String Guitars

Seven-string guitars, as the name suggests, have an additional string compared to the standard six-string guitars. This extra string expands the range of the instrument, allowing guitarists to explore new musical possibilities. Seven-string guitars are popular among various genres, including rock, metal, jazz, and even classical music. Here's what sets these guitars apart:

Extended range: The additional string on a seven-string guitar is typically a low B, extending the instrument's range and providing more tonal options for the player. This expanded range is particularly attractive to musicians who want to experiment with new sounds and techniques.
Playing style: The wider neck of a seven-string guitar can be challenging for some players, especially those with smaller hands. However, with practice and proper technique, many guitarists find the extra string opens up new creative possibilities.
Genres: Seven-string guitars are popular in various music genres, from heavy metal and progressive rock to jazz and classical music. They offer added versatility for guitarists who like to explore different styles.
Popular models: Notable seven-string guitar models include the Ibanez Universe, the Music Man John Petrucci JP7, and the Schecter Hellraiser C-7.

So, if you're looking to broaden your musical horizons and experiment with new techniques, a seven-string guitar might be just what you need. With its extended range and versatility, it's a great addition to any guitarist's collection, regardless of the genres you play.

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