What Is The Right Acoustic Guitar Size For Adults?
Someone new to guitar might find it confusing to decide which guitar size would be perfect.
According to research, around 10% of the total population knows how to play a guitar. Another statistic says that in 2021, 1.85 million acoustic guitars were sold in the USA.
The most important facts about acoustic guitars are their shapes and sizes and how they feel. However, what’s the point if the instrument doesn’t suit you or you’re uncomfortable with it?
Our guide will help you find the right one that feels great, and you’ll want to play with it.
So, let’s get right into it!
Acoustic Guitar Size For Adults: 4 Specific Options
The acoustic guitar has been a leading instrument for centuries because of its natural and warm tone. Acoustic guitars have two types of strings: nylon and steel.
You’ll see size variations of acoustic guitars, which mainly aim at balancing playability, comfort level, and sound. Your chosen size is responsible for producing any particular tone and volume bass. It also affects the player’s capability of playing the guitar.
So, yes, size matters. Some look for a guitar for a bold and focused sound. Some guitarists opt for the one that is easy to pick and play. Your first step to finding the right size is to align with the guitar box dimensions and the accompanying specifications. Let’s check out the four different guitar sizes–
- Dreadnought
This popular size is designed with a large box and deep sound. It is ideal for flat picking or strumming. Live performers also like this 41” full-size guitar for its bass, power, and volume capability.
Although it may be a bit pricey compared to other entry-level guitars, considering its performance, comfort, and sound quality, rock stars won’t mind paying for it.
- OM / Orchestra Model
For more than 80 years, with worldwide popularity, this guitar box has been leading the music industry. You must have seen Bob Dylan or Eric Clapton using this guitar size, right?
These guitars brilliantly create mesmerizing fingerstyle notes and strummers. If you want to do heavy strumming, it might overwhelm the instrument and give it a comparatively compressed tone.
- Parlor Size
Parlor-size guitars are available if you need a small acoustic guitar that sounds strong and soft and has great focus. People played these old-fashioned sounds in parlor rooms in the 1800s, which is where they got their name.
Folk musicians, blues musicians, songwriters and singers, recording engineers, and others all like to play parlor guitars these days.
Because of their quite distinct body structure, they sound pretty different. Though these guitars may sound lively and nice, maximum time, their sound is pretty mid-heavy. You can easily control the dynamics of this small guitar to manage a cut-through mix.
- Travel Size
Next comes the travel-size guitar, which offers the convenience of playing anywhere. As the name implies, singers always look for an instrument that can be carried anywhere, just like these guitars. This guitar size is a smart combination of nice performance and comfort.
This full-sized guitar may look like the one designed for kids. However, let’s not be confused by the difference between the two versions.
Which Acoustic Guitar Should I Choose?
By calculating the box size, specifications, and needs, you can easily determine which size you should opt for.
Check Guitar Body Size And Playability
Bigger guitar bodies can indeed make louder sounds. However, the big bodies also raise the question of whether you’re comfortable with its size.
Some players may find the deep depth of the guitar body a hindrance, whereas others may find wide tops an obstruction. You may go for a bolder and bigger acoustic box only if you’re comfortable with its body size.
There is no way to think that smaller or shallower bodies won’t be able to produce natural compression. Even better, they can create soothing tones. It’s just that some dynamic range will be missing.
How Powerful And Versatile Sound Can You Get?
If you’re looking for powerful low-pitched notes with a loud sound, the dreadnoughts box is for you. Compared to any similarly designed parlor guitar, these guitars are louder. It would be best for you if you’re in an acoustic group or want to play it at a party.
And, yes, you can play fingerstyle with your acoustic guitar. However, you have to maintain balance over the strings.
Trickiest Decision: Travel Size vs Parlor Size
If you’re looking for a high-quality guitar with an evocative sound, parlor-size guitars are the right choice. Apart from its sound, the small size of this guitar is great for guitarists who prefer body shapes between grand concert and junior or mini.
These small-body guitars are used for recording music because of their articulate, precise, and mid-range sound quality. You’d be surprised to know that, in some cases, these small-sized guitars can deliver initial response compared to the bigger boxes.
For musicians who often go outdoors to play music or travel every other day, a travel-size guitar is for them.
Whether you’re a professional guitarist or just have started, this acoustic guitar size will make your traveling quite convenient.
Which Guitar Comes With The Right Size For You?
Hopefully, by now, you know the acoustic guitar size for adults. There isn’t any written rule on this, as it’s all about suitability.
Consider your playing habits and ensure the guitar size is proportional to your body shape. Try different guitar sizes and body styles to know which suits you best.
Follow up with which size you feel comfortable with, and the tones are as you wanted. The moment you get it, that’s the ideal size for you.
Note that once you’re comfortable with the instrument, you’ll get the tone and volume you want.