When it comes to guitar types, there are a variety of types that you can choose from.
Each guitar has its unique sound and capabilities, making it perfect for different people and styles of music.
In this blog post, we will go over the different guitar types available on the market today.
So whether you’re a beginner just starting or an experienced player looking for something new, read on to learn more about guitar types and what might be the best fit for you.
What are the different types of guitars available?
First, let’s start with guitar types that are more commonly known and some of their popular relatives. These include:
As you can see, they all have something in common – strings!
There is a set number of strings on each type and each one produces its unique sound as well as gives it a distinct name.
However, there are other guitar types out there such as the ukulele which consists of four strings instead of six like those mentioned above.
This type has become extremely popular due to its size and is easy to use for beginners who might not be comfortable playing an acoustic or electric just yet (we will get to more of that shortly).
In this article, we will break down the guitar types available and talk about who would use them and what type of music you would use them for.
Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar is the most popular type of guitar and has been around for centuries.
This guitar is typically played unplugged, meaning that there are no electronic components to it – just the natural sounds of the strings being plucked.
Some well-known artists who use acoustic guitars include Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Jason Mraz.
So why is the acoustic guitar so popular?
Acoustic guitars are perfect for a wide range of music styles such as country, folk, and bluegrass.
Additionally, they’re great for singer/songwriters as they provide a full and rich sound when accompanying vocals.
Acoustic-Electric Guitar
As the name suggests, the acoustic-electric guitar is a hybrid of an acoustic and an electric guitar.
This guitar has a built-in pickup which allows you to plug it into an amplifier or PA system for amplified sound.
So why would you want an acoustic-electric guitar?
An acoustic-electric guitar is perfect for live performances as it gives you the flexibility to go from unplugged to amplified sound with ease.
While this guitar does have some benefits over its acoustic counterpart (such as being able to play with more distortion), it typically doesn’t produce as organic of a sound.
12 String Acoustic Guitar
As the name suggests, a 12 string acoustic guitar has twelve strings as opposed to six.
This guitar is typically bigger and heavier than other acoustic guitars and produces a richer, fuller sound.
The 12 string acoustic guitar typically has two sets of six strings.
This allows for a wider range of notes and chords, making the guitar perfect for accompaniment or solo performances.
Additionally, the extra strings make the guitar sound fuller and richer than a standard acoustic guitar.
Lastly, they’re just plain fun to play! Who wouldn’t want an extra set of strings on their guitar?
Some well-known bands who use 12 string acoustic guitars include The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
If you’re looking for a guitar that will make your music stand out from the rest, then a 12 string acoustic guitar might be perfect for you.
Resonator Guitar
A resonator guitar is a type of acoustic guitar that has a metal cone or plate mounted in the body.
This cone amplifies the sound of the strings, making the guitar louder than other acoustic guitars.
Resonator guitars are typically used in blues and country music and can be played unplugged or amplified.
If you’re looking for a guitar that will help you stand out from the rest, then a resonator guitar might be perfect for you.
Classical Guitar
Another common guitar type is the classical guitar which looks quite different than your average
The classical guitar is very similar to the acoustic guitar, but typically has nylon strings instead of steel.
This means that it produces a softer and more mellow tone than other types of guitars.
Some well-known artists who use this type include John Williams (famous for his work in Star Wars) and Lindsey Stirling.
The classical guitar is perfect for playing classical and Spanish-style music.
Classical guitars have wider necks as opposed to their acoustic counterparts which makes it easier to produce a wider range of notes.
They’re also typically smaller than acoustic guitar but larger than the ukulele (which we will discuss shortly).
So what is it about classical guitars that makes them so special?
They are perfect for playing complex pieces with quick fingers as well as intricate solos due to the wide neck allowing you to play more complicated melodies.
If this sounds like your cup of tea then you might want to consider investing in one – just make sure that you have an experienced guitar player nearby who can teach you how they work!
Electric Guitar
The guitar that you’re probably most familiar with is the electric guitar.
Electric guitars are typically strung with steel strings and can be used unplugged (although you won’t hear anything) or plugged into an amplifier for amplification of sound.
Just like many other guitar types, there are different variations of this guitar!
The electric guitar is perfect for anyone who wants to rock out!
It’s loud, it’s powerful, and it sounds amazing when plugged into an amplifier.
If you’re looking for a guitar that will make you the life of the party, then an electric guitar might be right up your alley.
There are also many different types of guitars that fall under this guitar type.
With that said, let’s take a look!
Solid-Body Guitar
A solid-body guitar is a type of electric guitar that has a solid piece of wood for its body.
This type of guitar is the most popular and common – you’ve probably seen them being played on TV or in concerts.
Solid-body guitars are perfect for anyone who wants to rock out and they come in many different shapes and sizes.
Some well-known guitarists who use this type include Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.
So what is it about solid-body guitars that makes them so great?
They’re loud, they’re powerful, and they sound amazing when plugged into an amplifier!
They can also be used for a variety of different styles including jazz fusion, pop-rock, punk rock, and more – perfect if you like to experiment with your music.
So why might someone want to play the electric guitar over other guitar types such as acoustic or classical?
The answer: versatility! (and Rock and Roll)
Electric guitars are versatile instruments which means that it sounds good no matter how you choose to play them (rock out, soft melodies, etc.)
Semi-Hollow Body Guitar
A semi-hollow guitar is a type of electric guitar that has an “S” shaped sound chamber carved into the body.
While it may look similar to solid-body guitars, there are some notable differences!
One of the main differences between a solid-body guitar and a semi-hollow guitar is that the latter has a hollow chamber carved into it.
This chamber gives the guitar a warmer, more mellow tone than other electric guitars.
Semi-hollow guitars are perfect for anyone who wants to play blues or jazz music as they produce a richer sound than solid-body guitars.
Another difference between these two types of guitar is that semi-hollow guitars are typically lighter in weight than solid-body guitars – making them perfect for those who want to play live shows!
Bass Guitar
A bass guitar is a stringed instrument used by guitarists to hold down the rhythm in their band.
Bass guitars typically have four strings, although there are five, six, seven, and even eight bass guitars.
Bass guitars are perfect for guitarists who want to play in a band and hold down the rhythm!
While they may not be as popular as electric or acoustic guitars, bass guitars are still an important part of many bands.
Five and Six String Bass Guitars
A five and six-string bass guitar has an extra string (or two) that is higher in pitch than the other four (or five) strings.
The extra strings are typically used to play melodies and add more depth to the music.
They are perfect for the bassist who wants to play in a band and add more depth and melody to their songs.
They’re also great for solo performances as they give you more range when playing bass solos.
Ukuleles
The Ukulele is a guitar-like instrument that originated from Hawaii!
It’s small and fun but it sounds just as good (if not better) than its larger guitar relative.
This type of guitar typically has four strings and many have more frets to allow you to play different notes on them – perfect for those who want to experiment with their music or learn new songs!
They’re easy to hold and learn, making them an ideal guitar for beginners.
There are different types available so let’s see what they are.
Soprano
These are typically smaller than other types and have a higher pitch – which means it’s perfect if you want to play light, soft melodies or sing along with your guitar!
Concert
These are bigger but still easy to carry around.
It has a lower sound quality compared to the soprano but it will be more powerful when played through an amplifier!
Tenor
These Uke’s are for those who love playing music at home by themselves as its larger body gives out a rich, deep tone.
Baritone
These come with a guitar-like neck and are perfect for those who want to experiment with their music.
So there you have it!
The different types of Ukuleles are available – each with its unique sound and purpose.
Banjos
The Banjo is a guitar-like instrument that originated from Africa.
It’s typically associated with folk, country music, and bluegrass because of its distinctive twangy sound!
Banjos come in four-string or five-string varieties – both can be played by guitarists who want to experiment but the latter has more range and depth than the former.
Banjo Guitar
A banjo guitar is a guitar-like instrument with the same amount of strings as a regular 6 string guitar.
The Banjo Guitar is perfect for guitarists looking to experiment with music or those who want a guitar that can provide them with an extra level of sound when playing live.
If you know how to play chords on the guitar then you will know how to play chords on a six-string banjo as it’s the same finger positioning.
Mandolin
The Mandolin is a guitar-like instrument that originated from Europe.
It typically has eight strings, four courses of two strings each, and is played with a plectrum.
Mandolins come in different sizes – like the soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone – so there’s one for everyone!
There are also different types of mandolins available including flat top, carved top, round back, and A-style.
So if you want to try something new or add more depth to your music then the Mandolin might be perfect for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what type of guitar is right for me?
There isn’t a guitar that is perfect for everyone, as each guitar has its unique sound and purpose.
However, if you’re not sure what type of guitar to get then it might be best to go for a standard acoustic guitar. This is because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of genres including country, folk, pop, and rock.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of an acoustic guitar, you can then experiment with other types of guitars such as electric guitars or banjos!
How do I know what type of guitar is right for certain music?
Again, there isn’t a guitar that is perfect for every type of music.
However, if you’re looking to play classic rock or blues then an electric guitar might be the best option for you.
If you want to play bluegrass then a banjo guitar would be the ideal choice.
If you want to play folk music then an acoustic guitar is the perfect option!
For pop music then an acoustic guitar or electric guitar might be suitable, depending on the sound you’re going for.
What’s the hardest type of guitar to learn?
There isn’t a guitar that is harder to learn than another – it depends on the person.
Some people find acoustic guitars harder to play because of the strength needed to hold down the strings
While others might find electric guitars more difficult because the music they are trying to play is more challenging.
I can tell you for me, the Banjo is the most challenging that I have attempted to play.
Conclusion
So there you have it!
There are a variety of guitar types that sound great and will be perfect for different genres.
So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitar player, there is a guitar out there for you!
Happy playing!
There are different types of guitars available that will be perfect for different genres.
So if you’re not sure what type of guitar to get, it might be best to go with a standard acoustic guitar.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of an acoustic guitar, then experimenting with other guitar types might be right up your alley!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post!
I hope it was helpful.
Remember to always HAVE FUN!
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