Best acoustic guitar for fingerstyle
Evan Whitaker Sep 24, 2023 9:22 PM
Regardless if you were later introduced into fingerpicking, or maybe you have an experience, after some time you may find out that your standard acoustic guitar isn’t simply suited for you, or better expressed – for your playing style. This is natural, and you shouldn't feel desperate because there are wonderful guitars that can help you discover your style and maximize your fingerpicking abilities. In this post, I've compiled a list of tips to find the best acoustic guitar for fingerstyle that will help you achieve outstanding fingerpicking outcomes
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Body Shape
Dreadnought, Grand Concert, and Grand Auditorium are the three basic styles of fingerstyle guitars.
The sound of a dreadnought body is reasonably balanced, having a deep low-end and a beautiful, crisp high-end. Dreadnoughts are ideal if you want a guitar with a good balance of volume and accentuation. Cheaper dreadnoughts ought to be avoided because they have deeper bass and may not sound the way you want them to. Grand concert bodies are smaller than dreadnought bodies, making them easier to play while seated. These guitars are ideal for fingerstyle playing, but they aren't as loud or bassy as you might desire. Grand auditoriums are a good compromise between dreadnoughts and grand concerts, with a well-balanced sound that's perfect for fingerstyle and conventional strumming.
Pickup
Fingerstyles with built-in pickups are available, much like normal acoustics. If you're intending on performing live and need your guitar to be heard, they are ideal. Built-in pickups, on the other hand, have the drawback of just picking up the sound of strumming and picking. Getting a guitar with no built-in pickups is the best option. This may also allow you to stretch your budget a little further to purchase a higher-quality instrument. For live performances, you can get an attachable mic or pickup. I would recommend a mic, as they are better at picking up percussion plays. Use a microphone to pick up the sound of the guitar, preferably two or more, to get the optimum sound from your performance. This is especially true when it comes to recording.
Type of Wood
The importance of good resonance and note clarity in fingerstyle playing cannot be overstated. Lighter guitar tops provide great resonance and catch each note's clarity very effectively. For guitar tops, spruce and cedar are excellent choices. You should also avoid laminated tops in favor of solid wood tops since solid wood tops sound better.
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Nut Width
Fingerstyle playing is all about comfort, and spacing your strings far enough apart may make a big difference in how comfortable a guitar is. You want just enough space between your strings so that your fingertips don't unintentionally touch other strings. The majority of fingerstyle players believe that a nut width of 1 and 3/4 inches are ideal.
I hope this list is useful in your search for the best acoustic guitar for fingerstyle. Try them all out to make sure they're simple to play while also producing a rich, clear sound that suits your playing style.
Best wishes!
What is fingerstyle guitar playing?
Fingerstyle guitar playing is a technique where the guitarist uses their fingers to pluck the strings individually, creating intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. It is characterized by the ability to play bass lines, chords, and melodies simultaneously, resulting in a full and rich sound. Fingerstyle guitar playing is popular in various genres, including folk, blues, classical, and contemporary acoustic music.
What should I consider when choosing an acoustic guitar for fingerstyle playing?
When selecting an acoustic guitar for fingerstyle playing, there are a few key factors to consider:
a. Tonewood: Different tonewoods produce distinct sounds. Mahogany and rosewood are popular choices, known for warm tones, while spruce provides a brighter and more articulate sound. Experimenting with different tonewoods can help you find the one that suits your fingerstyle playing style.
b. Body shape: The body shape of an acoustic guitar affects its sound projection and tonal balance. Larger-bodied guitars, such as dreadnought or jumbo, often offer more volume and bass response. Smaller-bodied guitars, like concert or parlor, can provide a more focused and balanced sound.
c. Action and string spacing: The action refers to the height of the strings from the fingerboard. Lower action allows for easier fingerstyle playing, as it requires less force to press the strings down. Additionally, wider string spacing gives your fingers more room to maneuver, allowing for intricate fingerstyle techniques.
Which acoustic guitars are commonly recommended for fingerstyle playing?
Several acoustic guitars are highly regarded for their suitability for fingerstyle playing. Here are a few notable options:
a. Taylor 814ce: This guitar offers a balanced and versatile sound, making it ideal for fingerstyle players. It features a grand auditorium body shape, a Sitka spruce top, and rosewood back and sides, providing excellent projection and clarity.
b. Martin HD-28: Known for its rich tone and dynamic range, the Martin HD-28 is a classic choice for fingerstyle players. It features a dreadnought body shape, a solid Sitka spruce top, and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering a powerful and well-rounded sound.
c. Gibson J-45: With its warm and mellow tone, the Gibson J-45 is favored by many fingerstyle guitarists. It features a round-shoulder dreadnought body shape, a solid Sitka spruce top, and mahogany back and sides, offering a balanced and expressive sound.
Should I prioritize electronics when choosing an acoustic guitar for fingerstyle playing?
The inclusion of electronics in an acoustic guitar can be beneficial if you plan to perform live or record your fingerstyle playing. Built-in pickups and preamp systems allow you to amplify your guitar's sound without compromising its natural tone. However, if you primarily play at home or in small settings, the absence of electronics may not be a significant drawback.
Are there affordable options for acoustic guitars suitable for fingerstyle playing?
Yes, there are affordable options available that offer excellent quality for fingerstyle playing. Brands like Yamaha, Seagull, and Epiphone offer acoustic guitars with solid build quality and tone at more affordable price points. It's worth trying out various models within your budget range to find a guitar that feels comfortable and produces a pleasing sound for your fingerstyle playing style.