Guitar Shapes: A Comprehensive Guide
As guitarists, we are all familiar with the different shapes and sizes of guitars that make up today’s market. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first axe or an experienced player searching for the right guitar to express your style, understanding the shape of your guitar is critical. With that in mind, this guide covers all you need to know about the popular shapes and sizes of guitars. From acoustic to electric and everything in between, here’s your comprehensive guide to the world of guitar shapes. Let’s get into it!
The Classy Acoustic Guitar Shape
Ahh, the classic acoustic guitar shape: elegant, timeless, and unmistakable. But what makes a guitar an acoustic? The general form and construction of an acoustic guitar means it produces its sound from the vibration of the strings, opposed to the electromagnetic pickup used by electric guitars. As such, acoustic guitars have a very specific shape and body, usually featuring a deep hollow body for maximum sound projection and resonance.
While it’s possible to divide acoustic guitars into smaller sub-categories based on size, let’s instead take a look at a few of the more popular shapes and sizes you’ll come across.
The Dreadnought Shape
Undoubtedly the most recognizable of all acoustic guitar shapes, the dreadnought is best described as a large and chunky shape that really punches above its weight. It’s actually named after the HMS Dreadnought, the first of the modern battleships, and has become the most widely known acoustic guitar shape due to its huge sound. With solid construction, excellent sound projection and a loud, deep tone, it’s no surprise that the dreadnought is many players’ go-to acoustic guitar shape.
The Jumbo Acoustic Shape
Looking for an even bigger sound? Then it’s time to check out the jumbo-shaped acoustic guitar. This huge acoustic body has become extremely popular with the gangsta crowd, partially due to its menacing size. But beauty is more than just size when it comes to guitars, and the jumbo brings its own take on acoustic music. Boasting a deep sound with plenty of power, the jumbo acoustic is perfect for those moments when you need a bigger sound.
The Parlour Shape
The opposite of the dreadnought and jumbo, the parlour acoustic guitar has been around for centuries. Its exclusive shape is designed for maximum balance and projection, with a slightly smaller body to facilitate long, clear note sustain and a smooth upper range. This shape is also highly responsive to fingerstyle playing, and its sound won’t be overpowered by the rest of the band. All in all, it’s fair to say that the parlour shape is perfect if you’re looking for something that stands out in all the right ways.
The Auditorium Shape
Unique, slimmer, and incredibly responsive, the auditorium shape is definitely one to watch out for. Its tight and controlled sound is perfect for subtle and precise playing, with a bright tone and plenty of volume for live performances. The general shape of the auditorium forces the sound forward, ensuring it cuts through the mix.
The Classical Shape
No list of acoustic guitar shapes would be complete without mentioning the small but mighty classical shape. This trusty guitar is famous in Latin-American music, and has a unique sound, longer scale, and unique string tension. Its narrow neck and small fingerboard creates a slimmer sound, perfect for complex and intricate chord voicings.
Electric Guitar Shapes
Finally, let’s take a look at the different shapes and sizes of electric guitars. As previously mentioned, electric guitars produce their sound with the help of an electromagnetic pickup, meaning the body itself needn’t be as large as an acoustic in order to produce a good sound. As such, electric guitars come in a few distinct shapes and sizes, from small, compact bodies to larger and chunkier forms.
The Standard SG and Stratocaster Shapes
The classic electric guitar shapes are undoubtedly the SG and the Stratocaster. Both guitars have a distinct shape, with the SG being more angular than the Strat. If you’re looking for a bright, bitey tone and plenty of sustain, then the Stratocaster is the one for you. On the other hand, the SG offers a mixture of mellow and punchy tones, perfect for a variety of sounds.
The Telecaster Shape
The Telecaster shape is another classic design, and is comparable to the Stratocaster in terms of its sound. It’s oftentimes referred to as the ‘Holy Grail’ of electric guitars, and it’s easy to see why. From twangy bridges to smooth neck pickups and plenty of sustain, this guitar has become the go-to choice for many country, blues, and rock players.
The Les Paul and SG Doublecut Shapes
The Les Paul and SG doublecuts shape is another iconic design that’s grown in popularity over the years. The hallmark of this shape is the double cutaways at the top, allowing easy access to the high frets. These guitars are excellent for heavy rock tones, with plenty of sustain and control.
The Super Strat Shape
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, then you’ll want to check out the Super Strat shape. This futuristic design packs in a lot of features, such as a flat top and version of the classic ‘12 o’clock wheel’ found in Fender guitars. It’s perfect for those looking to build their own custom guitar, as well as experienced players who want something more extreme in their arsenal.
The 7-String Shape
Sometimes, one is not enough. For those who want a larger playing range, look no further than the 7-string guitar. This shape is a great way to explore alternate tunings, allowing you to get creative and use lower notes that can’t be achieved with a standard 6-string guitar. It often comes with 3 or 4 pickups, which gives you further control over your sound.
The Baritone Shape
The final shape we’re looking at is the baritone. Unlike a traditional guitar, the baritone has a longer scale length. This results in a deeper tone, but without sacrificing the playability of a regular guitar. It’s an excellent choice for those who want something that sits in between a guitar and a bass.
And with that, we’ve covered all the popular shapes and sizes you need to know about when it comes to guitars. From acoustic to electric and everything in between, this guide has hopefully given you a better understanding and appreciation for your guitar of choice. Now, let’s go shred. Smashing those strings never felt so good.