What You Need to Know About Different Types of Guitars

Because electric and acoustic guitars are so familiar, it is easy to overlook the broad range of guitar types in existence. Not every guitar is the same, and playing techniques can vary, giving any guitar player the opportunity to try something new and different. Those who are learning to play guitar, and even those who have played for a while, should take the time to examine the many options available.

Types of Acoustics

Under the heading of acoustic guitars, the most common types are flat-top, archtop and classical.

· The flat-top guitar, true to its name, has a flat top and back, along with steel strings. The flat-top is the type of guitar most often seen in use by folk, country, blues and bluegrass musicians.

· The archtop guitar has a curved top and either a flat or curved back. Generally, this steel-string model features f-holes, similar to a violin.

· The classical guitar is similar in appearance to the flat-top, but it usually has a wider fingerboard and is strung with nylon strings.

Acoustic guitars, however, cover a much wider range than just those three basic guitars. Among the other types of acoustic guitars are:

· Resonator guitars are similar to flat-top guitars, with the exception of the metal resonator mounted in the top. Typically, resonator guitars have two sound holes, either small round holes or f-holes, although some resonator guitars have three or four sound holes. The idea behind a resonator guitar is that an aluminum resonator cone inside the body would increase the volume of the guitar.

· Twelve-string guitars are flat-top guitars with twelve strings, generally arranged as six pairs of strings like a mandolin or lute. The highest pair of strings is tuned together, while the two strings in the other five pairs are tuned at octaves.

· Russian guitars are acoustic guitars with seven strings, rather than six. Popular among Russian guitarists in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the guitars were typically tuned to an open G major.

· Acoustic bass guitars have steel strings and are tuned the same as an electric bass guitar.

Types of Electrics