If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar that really suits you, you’re in the right place. At Mat Guitars, we’re active musicians ourselves and we try guitars every day. In our catalogue, you’ll find a wide range of models for every level, from beginners to professionals, including prestigious brands such as Martin, Guild and Fender. We help you clear up the most common questions in a simple, straightforward way. And if you prefer, just get in touch and we’ll help you find the right model for your style and budget. Learn more.
An acoustic guitar is a guitar that produces its sound naturally through the resonance of its body, usually with steel strings. It’s a very comfortable option for playing at home, accompanying vocals, writing songs, practising without an amplifier or recording ideas easily.
If you’re looking for a bright sound with attack and presence, an acoustic guitar is usually a better fit than a classical guitar. If you also want to connect it to an amplifier, mixing desk or PA system, the most practical option is to look at an electro-acoustic guitar.
Read moreShow lessBody shape is one of the most important decisions when buying an acoustic guitar. It affects comfort, volume, bass response and how the guitar feels when playing seated or standing. You can insert the acoustic guitar body type comparison table below this text.
Read moreShow less| Guitar type | Typical sound | Recommended for | Related options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreadnought | Volume, bass, punch and good projection for strumming. | Accompanying vocals, pop, rock, country, folk and guitarists looking for a full-bodied acoustic guitar. | Dreadnought guitars, Martin, Yamaha |
| Concert / Auditorium | Balanced, defined and comfortable, with good response for chords and arpeggios. | Versatile playing, seated playing, fingerstyle, songwriting and guitarists looking for balance. | Concert and Auditorium guitars, Ibanez, Cort |
| Jumbo | Big sound, plenty of body and a strong sense of projection. | Powerful accompaniment, open strumming and musicians looking for a large-bodied acoustic guitar. | Jumbo guitars, Guild |
| Parlor | A more intimate, defined and controlled sound, with a comfortable feel in a compact body. | Blues, folk, fingerstyle, playing at home and guitarists looking for comfort. | Parlor guitars, Lâg, Fender |
| Mini / Travel | Compact, practical and easy to carry, with less body than a larger acoustic guitar. | Travelling, practising, having a more manageable guitar or looking for a reduced-size format. | Mini acoustic guitars, Martin, Yamaha |
| 12-string guitars | Brighter, more immersive and with a richer harmonic feel. | Wide-sounding accompaniment, pop, folk, textured arrangements and richer acoustic tones. | 12-string acoustic guitars |
The size and shape of the body have a big impact on how the guitar feels. A Dreadnought usually delivers more volume; a Concert or Auditorium guitar tends to be more balanced; and a Parlor guitar prioritises comfort and definition.
A traditional acoustic guitar is perfect for playing at home, practising or recording with a microphone. If you’re going to play live, rehearse with other musicians or connect to a mixing desk, it’s worth looking at electro-acoustic guitars.
The top has a major influence on the guitar’s response. A solid top usually offers more dynamics and nuance; a laminated top can be a practical, stable and perfectly valid option for beginners if the guitar is properly set up.
If you’re just starting out, prioritise comfort, stable tuning and easy playability. You can check out acoustic guitars for beginners or acoustic guitar packs if you need an instrument and basic accessories.
For home use or songwriting, an acoustic guitar without electronics may be enough. For stage, church, rehearsal rooms or direct recording, an electro-acoustic guitar with a preamp makes connection and sound control much easier.
A gig bag or hard case protects your guitar; the right acoustic guitar strings can make a big difference to feel and tone; and a strap is useful if you’re going to play standing up.
Choose a guitar that feels comfortable, stays in tune well and has a body size that does not feel too big. An acoustic guitar for beginners should make you want to play, not force you to fight with the instrument. If you’re unsure, a Concert or Auditorium guitar, a comfortable Dreadnought or an acoustic guitar pack can all be good options depending on your budget.
Read moreShow lessIf you’re going to play chords and sing, look for an acoustic guitar with good projection and presence. Dreadnought guitars usually work very well for strumming and accompaniment, while Auditorium or Concert guitars offer a comfortable balance if you want something more versatile.
Read moreShow lessFor fingerstyle playing, it’s usually best to look for a balanced, comfortable guitar with good note separation. Auditorium or Concert body shapes and Parlor guitars can be very enjoyable to play because they respond well to dynamics and do not rely only on volume.
Read moreShow lessIf you’re going to play live, an electro-acoustic is the most practical option. It lets you connect to an amplifier or mixing desk without relying on external microphones. Here, it’s worth considering the quality of the preamp, the comfort of the body and whether you need a cutaway for easier access to the higher frets.
Read moreShow lessIf portability is your priority, a Mini or travel acoustic guitar is easier to carry and store. It will not have the same body and depth as a full-size guitar, but it can be very useful for practising, taking on holiday or always having close at hand.
Read moreShow lessIf you’re left-handed, it’s best to look directly at specific left-handed acoustic guitar models. Simply changing the strings on a right-handed guitar is not always enough, as the nut, bridge, compensation and setup can all vary.
Read moreShow lessMartin is a classic reference in acoustic guitars, ideal if you’re looking for characterful sound, strong response and tradition. You can check out the Martin Road Series or the Martin Standard Series.
Fender is a great fit if you’re looking for a comfortable, recognisable and easy-to-play acoustic guitar, especially if you come from electric guitar. Standout ranges include the Fender California Series and Fender Classic Design Series.
Yamaha is a safe bet for players looking for a reliable, comfortable guitar with a well-balanced price-to-quality ratio. You can compare models from the Yamaha FG800 range or the Yamaha APX600.
Takamine is a very interesting brand if you’re looking for an acoustic or electro-acoustic guitar for live performance, rehearsals or plugged-in playing. The Takamine G Series is one of its best-known lines.
Read moreShow lessAn electro-acoustic guitar is an acoustic guitar with a built-in amplification system, usually a pickup and preamp. It can be played unplugged like a regular acoustic guitar, but it can also be connected to an amplifier, mixing desk or live sound system.
Read moreShow lessFor beginners, it’s best to choose an acoustic guitar that is comfortable, stays in tune and is easy to play. Rather than looking for the loudest or most expensive model, it’s better to choose a guitar that does not tire your hand and encourages you to practise regularly.
Read moreShow lessIf you want volume and bass response, a Dreadnought or Jumbo can be a good fit. If you prioritise comfort, balance and playing seated, an Auditorium, Concert or Parlor guitar may be more suitable.
Read moreShow lessAn acoustic guitar usually has steel strings and offers a brighter sound, with more attack and projection. A classical or Spanish guitar uses nylon strings, with a softer feel and a warmer, rounder sound.
Read moreShow lessYes, it can be worth it if you’re looking for more response, dynamics and nuance. A solid top is usually more interesting when you already know you’re going to play regularly. For beginners, a good laminated guitar can also be a valid option if it is properly set up.
Read moreShow lessA cutaway is worth considering if you’re going to play solos, melodies or chords higher up the neck. If you mainly play open chords, strumming or accompaniment, it’s not essential.
Read moreShow lessThe most useful accessories are a gig bag or case, spare strings, picks, tuner, strap and capo. If you’re going to play live, you may also want an acoustic guitar pickup or a dedicated acoustic guitar amplifier.
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