Shop electro-acoustic guitars for playing at home, rehearsing, recording or taking to the stage. Choose by body shape, comfort, preamp, cutaway and sound. At Mat Guitars, we help you compare models and brands with the know-how of a specialist guitar store. Learn more.
An electro-acoustic guitar is an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup system, usually a pickup and preamp, so you can play it unplugged or connect it to an amplifier, mixing desk or audio interface.
It’s a very practical choice if you want a guitar for home use, songwriting, rehearsals, recording or live performance. If you only plan to play unplugged, you could also consider a traditional acoustic guitar; if you want to plug in easily, an electro-acoustic guitar gives you more flexibility.
Read moreShow less| Comparison | Acoustic guitar | Electro-acoustic guitar | Which one to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main use | Playing at home, practising, songwriting or recording with a microphone. | Playing unplugged, but also connecting to an amplifier, mixer or audio interface. | Choose an acoustic guitar if you don’t need amplification. Choose an electro-acoustic guitar if you plan to play plugged in. |
| Unplugged sound | Depends on the body, top, strings and setup. | It also plays unplugged like an acoustic guitar, although each model may vary depending on its body shape and construction. | If you’ll always be playing unplugged, focus on comfort and a natural acoustic sound. |
| Amplified sound | Requires an external microphone or a pickup installed separately. | Already includes a pickup system, making it easier to plug in. | For live performance, rehearsals or direct recording, an electro-acoustic guitar is the more practical option. |
| Live and stage use | Can be used with a microphone, but needs more careful sound control and positioning. | Lets you control volume and EQ from the preamp or external gear. | If you’re going to play live, check out electro-acoustic models and acoustic guitar amplifiers. |
| Home recording | Usually recorded with a microphone to capture the natural sound of the body more accurately. | Can be recorded direct or combined with a microphone, depending on the result you’re after. | If you want a quick and simple recording setup, an electro-acoustic guitar makes the process easier. |
| Price and accessories | The budget usually goes into construction, woods, setup and acoustic sound. | Adds electronics, so it’s worth considering the preamp, cable, amp and accessories. | If your budget is tight, decide whether you really need a preamp from day one. |
| Quick recommendation | For playing at home, learning, songwriting or enjoying a natural acoustic sound. | For home use, live performance, rehearsals, recording and any situation where you want to plug in. | If you’re unsure and think you may end up playing plugged in, an electro-acoustic guitar gives you more versatility. |
If you’re going to play live, record direct or rehearse with other musicians, an electro-acoustic guitar will give you more control than an acoustic guitar without a preamp.
A Dreadnought delivers body and volume; a Concert or Auditorium is usually more balanced; a Parlor focuses on comfort and definition.
The preamp lets you adjust volume, EQ and, in some cases, tuning. You don’t need the most complex system: what matters is that it’s easy to use and fits the way you play.
A cutaway makes it easier to reach the higher frets. It’s useful if you play melodies, solos or arrangements higher up the neck. For open-chord accompaniment, it isn’t essential.
If you’re just starting out, check out electro-acoustic guitars for beginners or electro-acoustic guitar packs. Comfort should come before electronics.
To play plugged in, you’ll need a cable and, depending on your setup, an acoustic guitar amplifier. It’s also worth considering a gig bag, strings and a strap.
If you’re just starting out, prioritise a comfortable guitar with good tuning stability that’s easy to play. You can check out electro-acoustic guitars for beginners or electro-acoustic guitar packs if you want a practical starting point.
Read moreShow lessIf you’re going to strum chords and sing, look for a guitar with good projection and a preamp that’s easy to use. Dreadnought electro-acoustic guitars are often great for strumming, while Concert and Auditorium electro-acoustic guitars offer a comfortable, balanced feel.
Read moreShow lessFor fingerstyle playing, you’ll usually want a balanced guitar with good definition and a clear response on every note. Concert and Auditorium electro-acoustic guitars or Parlor electro-acoustic guitars can be very comfortable options.
Read moreShow lessFor live playing, an electro-acoustic guitar with a good pickup system, accessible preamp and comfortable body can save you a lot of hassle. If you’ll be playing standing up or need to move around, it’s also worth considering an acoustic guitar strap, suitable cabling and an acoustic guitar amplifier.
Read moreShow lessIf you need a more manageable guitar, take a look at Mini electro-acoustic guitars. They’re practical for travelling, practising or keeping a guitar close at hand, although they usually offer less acoustic depth than a full-size guitar.
Read moreShow lessMartin is a classic reference if you’re looking for an electro-acoustic guitar with acoustic character, good response and a strong tonal heritage. You can check out series such as the Martin Road Series or Martin X Series.
Yamaha is a great fit if you want a reliable, comfortable and well-balanced guitar for home use, rehearsals or live performance. Series such as the Yamaha APX600 or Yamaha LL6 are good reference points for comparison.
Fender is an interesting choice if you want a comfortable, recognisable electro-acoustic guitar with a modern feel. You can look at series such as Fender California or Fender Acoustasonic.
Takamine is a brand strongly associated with live performance and stage-ready electro-acoustic guitars. Its Takamine G Series is a well-known line for comparing body shapes, finishes and plug-in options.
Read moreShow lessThe main difference is that an electro-acoustic guitar includes a pickup system so you can connect it to an amplifier, mixing desk or audio interface. Unplugged, it works like an acoustic guitar; plugged in, it gives you better volume control for live performance or recording.
Read moreShow lessYes. An electro-acoustic guitar can be played unplugged just like a regular acoustic guitar. The electronics only come into play when you want to amplify it or record it direct.
Read moreShow lessFor beginners, a comfortable, stable and easy-to-play electro-acoustic guitar is the best choice. If it also includes a preamp, it will work for practising at home as well as trying rehearsals, recordings or small live performances when needed.
Read moreShow lessA cutaway is worth it if you’re going to play melodies, solos or chords higher up the neck. If you’ll only be playing open chords and accompaniment, it isn’t essential, although it can add extra comfort.
Read moreShow lessIf you want volume and bass response, a Dreadnought or Jumbo could be a good fit. If you want balance and comfort, an Auditorium or Concert is usually more versatile. If compact size is your priority, a Parlor or Mini may be more practical.
Read moreShow lessAs well as a gig bag or case, strings and a tuner, an electro-acoustic guitar should be paired with a good-quality cable, a strap if you play standing up, and a suitable amplifier or sound system if you’re going to play plugged in.
Read moreShow lessYes, an electro-acoustic guitar can be connected to an audio interface or mixing desk for simple recording. You can also record it with a microphone if you want to capture more of the natural sound of the body.
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