Welcome to our article in which we explore the many different guitar types every music lover should know.
Initially emerging in Europe from the 16th century Renaissance lute, the stringed guitar has developed into a fundamental part of music across the globe, appearing in various styles from classical to rock.
Today, guitars are integral to many musical genres, appreciated for their versatile sound and widespread appeal.
In this article, we will examine 20 unique types of guitars, each distinguished by its specific features and uses.
From the refined Classical Guitar to the robust Six-String Bass, we’ll look at how each type contributes to the rich tapestry of music. Join us as we explore the history, artists, development, and current status of the guitar in today’s music scene.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars produce sound from their hollow wooden bodies, giving them a natural tone that is different from electric guitars.
They don’t have electronic parts, so their sound is clear and pure, making them great for music styles like folk and country.
Unlike electric guitars, which can use amplifiers to change their sound, acoustic guitars are played as they are, which is perfect for quieter, more personal music settings.
1. Classical Guitar
Uses Nylon strings, favored for classical and flamenco music due to its soft, warm tones.
The Classical Guitar is an acoustic instrument known for its hollow body construction, which helps amplify the sound acoustically. Unlike many modern guitars, it uses nylon strings instead of steel, which contributes to its softer, mellower sound.
This type of guitar typically features a top made of cedar or spruce, with the back and sides usually crafted from rosewood or mahogany. These materials are chosen for their ability to enhance the guitar’s warm, resonant tone.
Originating from the early forms of guitars in Spain, the classical guitar has a rich history and is primarily used in classical music.
Its design and sound make it particularly suitable for playing complex fingerstyle music, which involves plucking individual strings with the fingertips or fingernails. This guitar is central to much traditional and folk music across various cultures.
Famous classical guitarists like Andrés Segovia and John Williams have been significant in popularizing this instrument globally.
The classical guitar remains a favorite choice for many due to its gentle sound and versatility in solo and ensemble settings.
2. Steel-String Acoustic Guitar
Produces a brighter and louder sound, ideal for folk, country, and rock.
Of all the different guitar types, the Steel-String Acoustic Guitar is probably the most widely played. Known for its simple but robust construction and vibrant sound its light-weight hollow body makes it a great starter instrument for beginners.
Unlike classical guitars, which have nylon strings, this guitar uses steel strings. This contributes to its bright and loud tone, making it a favorite in music styles like rock, folk, and country.
The body of a Steel-String Acoustic Guitar is hollow, which allows the sound to resonate inside before projecting outward, creating a fuller sound. Typically, these guitars are made from woods like spruce or cedar for the top, and rosewood or mahogany for the sides and back. The neck is usually constructed from mahogany or maple, with a fretboard made of ebony or rosewood.
The sound of a Steel-String Acoustic Guitar is clear and crisp, with a resonant quality that carries well in performances. Its versatility makes it suitable for both strumming chords and playing fingerstyle.
Originating from the European lute, the acoustic guitar evolved significantly in the United States and Europe, where it became essential in many folk and country music traditions.
Famous musicians like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell have used this type of guitar extensively, helping to define its role in modern music genres.
3. Twelve-String Guitar
Features double courses of strings to create a rich, chorus-like effect, enhancing rhythm and melody.
The twelve-string guitar is a unique guitar type known for its rich, full sound. Unlike the typical six-string guitar, this guitar has twelve strings arranged in six pairs. These pairs are typically played together, which gives the twelve-string guitar its distinctive chorus-like effect, making the music sound fuller and more resonant.
This guitar has a hollow body construction, which helps amplify the sound acoustically. The top of the guitar is usually made from spruce or cedar, while the back and sides are often crafted from rosewood or mahogany. These materials help produce a clear, loud sound that’s perfect for filling a room.
The sound of a twelve-string guitar is bright and jangly, which has made it popular in folk, rock, and pop music. It adds a lush texture to chords and melodies, often used to enhance the depth of a song.
The twelve-string guitar’s origins trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been used by famous musicians like George Harrison of The Beatles and folk legend Bob Dylan to create memorable songs that highlight the instrument’s unique sound qualities.
4. Archtop Guitar
Distinctive arched top; its deep, resonant tone suits jazz and blues.
The Archtop Guitar is a unique type of guitar known for its curved top and large, hollow body, which is similar to that of a violin. This design helps produce a deep, resonant sound. It typically has six steel strings. The main materials used in constructing an Archtop are spruce for the top, which helps with sound resonance, and maple for the back and sides, adding to its durability and tone quality.
Archtop guitars produce a warm, mellow sound, making them especially popular in jazz and blues music. They came into prominence in the early 20th century, designed to offer louder volume and richer tone in band settings before the widespread use of electric amplification.
Famous jazz musicians like Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery famously played Archtop guitars. Their mastery of this instrument helped define the sound of jazz guitar and influenced countless other musicians in the genre. The Archtop continues to be a favorite among jazz and blues guitarists for its distinctive sound and elegant appearance.
5. Resonator Guitar
Equipped with a metal resonator, amplifying sound acoustically, popular in bluegrass and blues.
The Resonator guitar is a unique type of acoustic guitar that stands out due to its distinctive construction and sound. Unlike typical acoustic guitars, the resonator guitar uses metal resonator cones instead of a wooden soundboard to amplify the sound of the strings.
This guitar usually has a hollow body, which helps project the sound created by the metal cones.
The body of a resonator guitar is often made of wood, though some models use metal or brass to enhance the instrument’s distinctive, bright, and loud sound. The strings can be either metal or nylon, depending on the style of music being played.
Originally developed in the 1920s in the United States, the resonator guitar was designed to be louder than traditional acoustic guitars, which allowed it to be heard over orchestras and bands before the invention of electric amplification.
It quickly became popular in blues and bluegrass music, where its sharp, metallic twang and volume could cut through other instruments’ sounds.
Prominent musicians who have favored the resonator guitar include blues legends like Son House and Bukka White. These players utilized the guitar’s robust sound to complement their powerful vocal styles, making the resonator guitar a staple in blues music.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars are distinct from acoustic guitars primarily because they need an amplifier to produce sound. They typically have a solid body, which reduces feedback and increases sustain. This design allows for a variety of sound effects and styles, making electric guitars popular in rock, metal, and pop music.
6. Solid Body Electric Guitar
Lacks acoustic resonating space, minimizing feedback, making it versatile for rock, metal, and beyond.
The Solid Body Guitar is a type of electric guitar known for its simple yet effective design. Unlike acoustic guitars, it has a solid construction with no hollow sections, which helps reduce feedback noises when amplified. This guitar typically uses six steel strings, although variations can have more.
Constructed mainly from woods like maple, ash, or mahogany, the solid body guitar is durable and produces a clear, crisp sound that can be easily modified with electronic effects. The neck is often made of maple or mahogany, and the fingerboard from rosewood or ebony, adding to its sturdiness and playability.
Originating in the 1940s, the solid body guitar became popular because it could be played loudly through amplifiers without the feedback issues that plagued earlier electric guitars. It quickly became a staple in rock and roll, blues, and later metal and punk music.
Iconic musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Eddie Van Halen have famously used solid body guitars to craft their unique sounds and musical innovations. Their usage of the instrument in various music scenes has cemented the solid body guitar’s role as a crucial tool for modern musicians, shaping the sound of different music genres across decades.
7. Semi-Hollow Body Guitar
Offers a warm tone with reduced feedback, ideal for jazz, blues, and rock.
The Semi-Hollow Body Guitar is a unique type of electric guitar that combines features of both solid and hollow body guitars. It has a solid center block running through its body, with hollow wings on either side. This design helps reduce feedback while still allowing for a warmer, resonant sound that is slightly softer than a solid body guitar.
Typically, semi-hollow body guitars have six strings, which are usually made of steel. These guitars are constructed mainly from woods like maple for the body and mahogany or maple for the neck. The fretboard is often made of rosewood or ebony, which contributes to the instrument’s overall tone and playability.
The sound of a semi-hollow body guitar is rich and full, with more depth than a solid body guitar but more focus and sustain than a fully hollow guitar. It’s particularly popular in jazz, blues, and rock music, where its distinct tone can shine.
The origins of the semi-hollow body guitar trace back to the 1930s and 1940s, designed to offer guitarists a versatile instrument with reduced feedback at high volumes. Famous musicians like B.B. King and Chuck Berry have famously used semi-hollow guitars, making significant contributions to their musical genres with this instrument.
8. Hollow Body Guitar
Fully hollow interior, producing a rich, warm sound perfect for jazz.
Hollow body guitars are entirely hollow on the inside, similar to an acoustic guitar, but with electric guitar-style pickups.
It typically uses steel strings that contribute to its bright, clear tone. The main materials used in constructing hollow body guitars are wood for the body and neck, and metal for the strings and hardware. This guitar often has a glossy finish, enhancing its elegant appearance.
Hollow body guitars produce a warm, rich sound that is ideal for jazz music. They can also be used in blues and rock, but they are most prominent in jazz settings. The guitar’s sound has a lot of depth, which allows it to fill a room with a smooth, mellow tone.
The origins of the hollow body guitar trace back to the early 20th century when musicians sought more volume and presence in their performances. Its design was a significant development in the evolution of guitars, allowing for amplified sound before electronic amplification was common.
Famous jazz musicians like Wes Montgomery and George Benson have famously used hollow body guitars. Their expert playing showcases the instrument’s capability to handle complex chords and melodic lines, making it a favorite among jazz guitarists.
9. Seven-String Guitar
Adds a lower B string, expanding the range for metal and jazz genres.
The seven-string guitar is an electric guitar that typically has a solid body construction, designed to produce a powerful and clear sound when amplified. Unlike the standard six-string guitar, this instrument includes an extra lower string, usually tuned to B. This additional string extends its range, allowing for deeper bass notes.
The body of the seven-string guitar is often made from woods like mahogany or alder, while the neck is usually constructed from maple, and the fingerboard from rosewood or ebony. These materials help produce a rich, resonant sound that is both bright and warm.
Sound-wise, the seven-string guitar is known for its versatility. It can produce deep, rumbling tones that are ideal for metal and progressive rock, yet it is also capable of achieving bright and sharp sounds suitable for jazz and complex chord work.
Originally developed to enrich jazz compositions, the seven-string guitar became prominent in other music genres, especially in metal and rock, where its extended lower range allows for heavier and more complex guitar riffs. Significant musicians who have popularized this type of guitar include Steve Vai and John Petrucci, both known for their technical skill and innovative music compositions.
10. Eight-String Guitar
Includes two additional strings for a broader range and more complex chords, favored in progressive and metal music.
The eight-string guitar is another electric guitar type with a solid body construction. It features eight strings, adding two lower strings to the standard six-string setup. These extra strings typically include a lower B and an even lower F# string, expanding the guitar’s range and depth. The body of the guitar is usually made from woods like mahogany or ash, while the neck is often constructed from maple or rosewood.
The sound of the eight-string guitar is deep and full, allowing for complex chords and extended range that is especially favored in metal and progressive rock genres. Its robust, resonant tone makes it ideal for creating powerful, intricate musical passages.
This type of guitar originated to meet the demands of modern metal and jazz musicians who sought more versatility and sonic capacity from the traditional guitar. Significant musicians associated with the eight-string guitar include Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes of the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders, who are known for their innovative use of the instrument in complex compositions.
11. Baritone Guitar
Tuned lower than standard guitars, it bridges the gap between a guitar and a bass, useful in metal and experimental rock.
The 11th instrument on our list is the Baritone Guitar. This guitar usually has a solid body, but semi-hollow versions are also available. It is an electric guitar, making it capable of being amplified to produce louder sounds. The baritone guitar typically has six strings, which are thicker and tuned lower than standard guitars, generally ranging from B to B.
Constructed mainly from woods like mahogany for the body and maple for the neck, the baritone guitar produces deep, resonant tones that distinguish it from other guitars. Its sound is robust and full, with a richness that fills the lower range of melodies.
Originally developed in the late 1950s, the baritone guitar was designed to bridge the gap between the standard guitar and the bass guitar. It’s especially prominent in metal, rock, and jazz where its deeper tones can create a dramatic effect.
Some notable musicians who have used the baritone guitar include Pat Smear of the Foo Fighters, and Duane Denison from The Jesus Lizard. These players have helped popularize the instrument and showcase its unique sound in various music genres.
Specialty Guitars
Specialty guitars, like the double-neck or lap steel, offer unique features not found in standard acoustic or electric guitars. These guitars are designed for specific music styles and techniques.
These instruments are great for exploring new sounds and expanding musical possibilities beyond traditional guitar playing.
12. Double-Neck Guitar
Combines two guitar types in one body, allowing quick switching between different sounds, such as six-string and twelve-string.
The Double-Neck Guitar, instrument number 12 on our list, is a unique electric guitar that features two separate necks, each with its own set of strings. This allows musicians to switch between different guitar types without changing instruments. Typically, one neck is a six-string, and the other is a twelve-string, providing versatility in sound.
These guitars usually have a solid body construction, making them durable and capable of handling the electronic components necessary for amplification. The main materials used in building these guitars are wood for the body and neck, metal for the frets, and plastic for the pickguard.
The sound of a double-neck guitar can vary depending on which neck is used. The six-string neck produces a standard electric guitar sound, crisp and clear. The twelve-string neck offers a richer, more chorus-like sound due to its extra strings.
Originating in the 1950s to allow guitarists more flexibility while performing live, the double-neck guitar is prominent in rock and progressive music genres. Iconic musicians like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin famously used this guitar, enhancing both their performance capabilities and stage presence.
13. Lap Steel Guitar
Played horizontally with a steel bar, creating smooth glides and bends, key in country and Hawaiian music.
The Lap Steel Guitar is distinctively played horizontally with a steel bar that slides along the strings to change pitches. Unlike most guitars, it doesn’t have a hollow or solid body but consists of a simple, flat board. This design makes it purely electric.
The strings are typically made from steel, contributing to its sharp and twangy sound.
Constructed primarily from wood and sometimes metal for the supporting frame, the Lap Steel Guitar produces smooth, gliding tones that are easily recognizable.
Its sounds can mimic the human voice’s swoops and sighs, making it popular in country and Hawaiian music.
The origins of the Lap Steel Guitar trace back to Hawaii in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It was developed from the Spanish guitar and quickly became a key element in Hawaiian music, influencing genres internationally.
Famous musicians like Jerry Byrd and David Lindley have mastered the Lap Steel Guitar, using its unique sound to enhance the emotional depth of their music.
This instrument is celebrated for its ability to add a soulful touch to songs, making it a favorite among composers and performers in specific music scenes.
14. Pedal Steel Guitar
Characterized by its pedals and knee levers for pitch changes, essential in country music.
The Pedal Steel Guitar, number 14 on our list, is a very unique and complex electric instrument.
Unlike traditional guitars, it has legs and is played horizontally. It usually features 10 to 14 strings and has a solid body. The strings are played with a metal bar, which slides along the strings to change pitches while the player uses foot pedals and knee levers to alter the tuning during performance.
Constructed mainly from aluminum and steel, the pedal steel guitar produces a smooth, gliding sound that is iconic in country music.
It can also create ethereal tones, making it popular in some rock and pop songs. The instrument evolved from the lap steel guitar in the early 20th century, primarily in the United States.
The pedal steel guitar is crucial in country music, adding emotional depth and a distinctive twang to songs.
Notable musicians who have mastered this instrument include Buddy Emmons, known as the “world’s foremost pedal steel guitarist,” and Lloyd Green, whose skills have graced countless recordings.
These players have helped popularize the pedal steel guitar and demonstrate its unique musical capabilities.
15. Fretless Guitar
Without frets, it offers a unique sliding sound, used in jazz and world music for microtonal playing.
The Fretless Guitar is another unique type of guitar that stands out because it does not have frets—the metal strips usually found on the guitar’s neck. This allows players to slide smoothly between notes, much like a violin. The fretless guitar can be either solid or hollow-bodied and is typically an electric guitar, which means it needs an amplifier to project its sound.
Most fretless guitars are made from the same materials as traditional guitars, including woods like maple and mahogany for the body, and rosewood or ebony for the fingerboard. Without frets, the sound produced is smooth and continuous, offering a unique, wailing tone that is perfect for experimental and jazz music.
The fretless guitar’s origins are relatively modern, evolving as musicians sought more expressive sounds similar to Eastern music traditions. It is especially favored in jazz, where its ability to glide between pitches allows for expressive solos.
Significant musicians who have embraced the fretless guitar include Guthrie Govan and Ron Thal, who are known for their innovative playing styles. They have helped popularize this instrument by using it to create unique sounds and textures in their music.
16. Silent Guitar
Produces minimal acoustic sound, designed for practice or low-volume playing with electronic output options.
The Silent Guitar, numbered as instrument 16 on our list, is unique because unlike traditional guitars, it produces very little sound when played acoustically.
This guitar is an electric model, usually crafted with a solid body, which means it does not have a resonating chamber like acoustic guitars. It’s designed primarily for practice or electronic use without disturbing others.
Typically, Silent Guitars are made from modern materials such as plastic and metal for the frame and hardwood for the fretboard. They use standard guitar strings, similar to those found on acoustic or electric guitars. When plugged into an amplifier, the Silent Guitar can mimic various guitar sounds, making it versatile for different music styles, although it’s not associated with any specific genre.
Silent Guitars are relatively new and were developed to allow players to practice quietly or perform with electronic amplification.
They don’t have a long history or specific famous musicians tied to them, unlike more traditional guitars. However, their innovative design makes them popular among beginners and experienced players who need a quiet practice instrument.
Bass Guitars
Bass guitars differ from standard acoustic and electric guitars mainly in their tuning and size. They have fewer strings, usually four to six, which are tuned much lower to produce deeper, richer sounds that form the rhythm and foundation of music.
Bass guitars are larger and have longer necks to accommodate their lower-pitched strings, making them essential in genres like rock, jazz, and funk for maintaining the beat and adding depth to the music.
17. Acoustic Bass Guitar
Provides deep, resonant bass notes in an acoustic ensemble without the need for electrical amplification.
The Acoustic Bass Guitar is a unique instrument with a hollow body construction, designed to produce deep and resonant sounds without the need for an amplifier. Typically, it has four strings, which are thicker than those on a standard acoustic guitar, allowing it to reach lower pitches. These strings are often made of metal, contributing to its rich and vibrant tone.
Constructed mainly from woods like spruce for the top and mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides, the acoustic bass guitar is both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The wood choice impacts the sound, with spruce offering brightness and mahogany adding warmth.
The sound of an acoustic bass guitar is deep and mellow, making it a favorite in genres like jazz, folk, and acoustic rock, where a softer bass presence is preferred. It supports the harmony and rhythm, helping to anchor the music’s overall sound.
This instrument traces its basic origins to the double bass, adapting its role to provide a portable solution for bass sounds in acoustic settings. While not as commonly highlighted as electric basses, influential musicians like Sting and Jack Johnson have used the acoustic bass guitar to complement their acoustic performances, showcasing its versatility and appeal in various musical contexts.
18. Electric Four-String Bass
The standard bass guitar, foundational in nearly all music styles for rhythm and harmony.
The Four-String Bass, commonly known as the bass guitar, is a solid-body electric instrument. It typically has four metal strings tuned to E, A, D, and G, which are an octave lower than the lowest four strings on a regular guitar. This design allows it to produce deep, resonant sounds. Most bass guitars are made from woods like ash, maple, or alder, and they often have a long neck to accommodate the larger string spacing and scale length.
The bass guitar’s sound is thick and rich, and it plays a crucial role in providing the rhythmic foundation and bass lines in many music genres, including rock, pop, and jazz. Its origins trace back to the 1930s when musicians sought an amplified bass instrument to match increasingly loud bands.
Significant musicians who have mastered the bass guitar include Paul McCartney of The Beatles, who helped popularize its melodic potential, and James Jamerson, whose inventive playing defined the Motown sound. The bass guitar continues to be a vital component of bands and music groups around the world, essential for its rhythmic and harmonic support.
19. Electric Five-String Bass
Adds a lower B string, providing deeper bass tones and greater range.
The Five-String Bass is a variation of the standard electric bass guitar, adding an extra low B string to the traditional four-string configuration. This instrument typically has a solid body construction, making it robust and capable of producing powerful, clear sounds without the feedback issues sometimes found in hollow or semi-hollow bodies. The strings are usually made of metal, and the body of the bass is commonly constructed from woods like maple or ash, which contribute to its bright and resonant tone.
The five-string bass emerged in the late 20th century, meeting the demand for deeper bass sounds in music genres like jazz, rock, and particularly in progressive metal. The added string extends the instrument’s range, allowing bassists to play lower notes that are crucial for modern musical styles.
Some notable musicians who have mastered this instrument include Les Claypool of Primus and John Myung of Dream Theater, both of whom have pushed the boundaries of what bass guitars can achieve in their respective genres.
20. Electric Six-String Bass
Expands the range further with both a low B and a high C, facilitating advanced soloing and chords.
The Six-String Bass is an electric guitar that has, as the name suggests, six strings. Unlike the typical four-string bass, it adds a low B and a high C string, expanding its musical range. This instrument usually has a solid body construction, which helps in producing a clear, strong sound. Common materials used in making this guitar include woods like maple for the body and rosewood for the fretboard.
The Six-String Bass produces deep, resonant tones that can reach higher pitches than regular bass guitars, allowing for more complex and melodic bass lines. This makes it especially popular in jazz and progressive rock, where musicians often experiment with intricate compositions.
Prominent musicians who have championed the Six-String Bass include John Myung of the progressive metal band Dream Theater and jazz virtuoso Jaco Pastorius, who revolutionized how the bass guitar is played and perceived in contemporary music. This instrument is valued for its versatility and the full, rich sounds it adds to any ensemble.
Whether you’re a budding musician or an avid music enthusiast, delving deeper into the different guitar types on offer will enhance your appreciation and understanding of this iconic instrument and music in general
If you would like to learn more about the extensive world of musical instruments, visit our homepage at worldofmusiclality.com or click the links below to explore the rest of our site.
