Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide

Whether you're buying your first guitar, upgrading to a better instrument, or searching for the perfect acoustic-electric for the stage, choosing the right acoustic guitar comes down to more than looks and price. Body shape, tonewoods, playability, electronics, and your own playing style all make a difference.

At Metz Music, we carry a wide selection of acoustic guitars from trusted brands, with options for beginners, songwriters, fingerstyle players, performing musicians, and experienced guitarists. Use this guide to narrow down what matters most—and find an acoustic guitar you'll enjoy playing for years to come.

What Should You Look for in an Acoustic Guitar?

The best acoustic guitar is the one that feels comfortable in your hands, sounds great to your ears, and suits the way you play. Before choosing a model, consider these key factors:

• Body shape and size
• Tonewoods
• Acoustic vs. acoustic-electric
• Neck feel and playability
• Budget
• Intended use

Let's take a closer look at each one.

Choose the Right Acoustic Guitar Body Shape

An acoustic guitar's body shape affects its volume, tonal character, comfort, and playing experience. While there are many variations, a few shapes are especially common.

Dreadnought

The dreadnought is one of the most recognizable acoustic guitar designs. Its large body produces strong projection, powerful bass, and a full, balanced sound.

Dreadnoughts are a great choice for:

• Strumming and rhythm playing
• Singer-songwriters
• Bluegrass and country
• Players who want plenty of volume and low-end response

If you want a traditional acoustic sound that can hold its own without amplification, a dreadnought is an excellent place to start.

Grand Auditorium

Grand auditorium guitars offer a versatile balance between comfort, projection, and tonal range. Their body shape is generally comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles while still providing plenty of volume.

They're particularly well suited to players who move between strumming, picking, and fingerstyle techniques.

Concert and Smaller-Body Guitars

Smaller acoustic guitars can be easier to hold and play, especially for players who prefer a more compact instrument. They often produce a focused, articulate sound that works beautifully for fingerpicking and lighter playing.

A smaller body can also be an excellent choice for younger players, players with smaller frames, or anyone who simply prefers a more comfortable guitar.

Jumbo

Jumbo guitars feature large bodies designed for substantial projection and a powerful, expansive sound. They're a popular choice for players who want a big acoustic voice and plenty of headroom for strumming.

000, OM, and Other Body Shapes

You'll also encounter designs such as 000 and OM guitars, which are popular with fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and musicians looking for a balance between comfort and tonal complexity.

Don't feel like you need to choose a guitar based on body shape alone. If possible, play several different shapes and pay attention to which one feels most natural.

Acoustic vs. Acoustic-Electric Guitars

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether you want a traditional acoustic guitar or an acoustic-electric.

Acoustic Guitars

A standard acoustic guitar produces its sound entirely through the vibration of the strings and the guitar's body. There's no built-in pickup system required.

For home playing, lessons, songwriting, and casual jams, a traditional acoustic may be all you need.

Acoustic-Electric Guitars

An acoustic-electric guitar includes electronics that allow you to connect the guitar to an amplifier, PA system, audio interface, or other compatible equipment.

If you plan to perform live, record regularly, or want the flexibility to amplify your guitar, an acoustic-electric can be a smart investment.

Many acoustic-electric guitars also feature a cutaway, providing easier access to the higher frets.

Tip: Even if you don't perform today, buying an acoustic-electric can give you additional flexibility as your playing develops.

Understanding Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods

The woods used to construct a guitar have a major influence on its sound and response.

Spruce

Spruce is one of the most common woods used for acoustic guitar tops. It offers a broad dynamic range and can respond well to everything from gentle fingerpicking to powerful strumming.

Typical characteristics: clear, balanced, responsive, dynamic.

Mahogany

Mahogany is known for a warm, focused sound with strong midrange presence. It can work especially well for players who want a direct, woody acoustic character.

Typical characteristics: warm, balanced, focused, punchy.

Rosewood

Rosewood is prized for its rich low end, pronounced overtones, and complex tonal character. Rosewood guitars can offer impressive projection and a broad frequency response.

Typical characteristics: rich, powerful, resonant, complex.

Maple

Maple can provide a bright, articulate sound with strong note definition. It's also valued for its striking appearance.

Typical characteristics: clear, bright, articulate, defined.

Keep in mind that tonewood is only one part of the equation. Body shape, bracing, construction, strings, setup, and the individual guitar all contribute to the final sound.

Solid Wood vs. Layered Construction

You'll also see guitars described as having solid wood, layered, or combinations of both.

A guitar with a solid wood top can offer excellent resonance and tonal development as the instrument is played. Many guitars combine a solid top with layered back and sides to provide a balance of tone, durability, and value.

All-solid guitars are often found at higher price points, but a well-made guitar with a solid top and layered back and sides can be an excellent choice for many players.

Don't assume that a more expensive guitar is automatically the right guitar for you. Construction quality, setup, comfort, and your personal preference are just as important.

What Acoustic Guitar Size Is Right for You?

Guitar size isn't simply a matter of body dimensions. It affects how the instrument feels against your body and how easily you can reach the neck.

When trying a guitar, ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably reach all six strings?
• Does the body feel comfortable against me?
• Can I easily reach the first few frets?
• Does the neck feel too wide or too narrow?
• Can I play both sitting and standing comfortably?

A guitar that feels comfortable is more likely to encourage you to pick it up and play.

Acoustic Guitar Neck and Playability

Two guitars with similar specifications can feel completely different because of their neck shape, nut width, scale length, fretwork, and setup.

When possible, spend some time playing a guitar before buying it. Pay attention to:

• Neck thickness and shape
• String height (action)
• Nut width
• Fretboard feel
• Access to the upper frets
• Overall weight and balance

For beginners especially, a comfortable, properly set-up guitar can make learning significantly more enjoyable.

How Much Should You Spend on an Acoustic Guitar?

There's no single "correct" acoustic guitar budget.

Beginner Acoustic Guitars

If you're just starting out, look for an instrument that offers good construction, comfortable playability, and dependable tuning without paying for features you don't need.

A quality beginner guitar can be a great long-term instrument—not simply a temporary first step.

Intermediate Acoustic Guitars

As your playing develops, you may start noticing differences in tone, responsiveness, construction, and playability. This is where upgrading to a more refined instrument can make a meaningful difference.

Professional Acoustic Guitars

Professional-level instruments typically offer premium materials, construction, craftsmanship, electronics, and attention to detail. For serious performers, recording artists, collectors, and experienced players, these differences can be worth the investment.

The important thing is to choose based on your needs rather than simply buying the most expensive guitar you can afford.

What Kind of Player Are You?

Your playing style can help narrow down your choices.

If you're a singer-songwriter: Consider a versatile dreadnought, grand auditorium, or similar body shape with strong projection and balanced tone.

If you primarily fingerpick: Look for a comfortable smaller-body guitar with clear note separation and a responsive feel.

If you play bluegrass: A dreadnought with strong projection and powerful low-end response is a classic choice.

If you perform live: An acoustic-electric with reliable electronics and comfortable stage ergonomics can make amplification much easier.

If you travel frequently: Consider a smaller-bodied or travel-friendly guitar that's easy to transport and comfortable to play.

If you're a beginner: Prioritize comfort, playability, tuning stability, and a guitar that inspires you to practice.

Don't Forget the Setup

A great acoustic guitar should feel great to play.

If the action is too high, the strings may be difficult to press down. If the guitar isn't properly adjusted, even a high-quality instrument may not feel its best.

That's why it's worth paying attention to the guitar's setup when comparing instruments. A properly adjusted guitar can feel easier, more comfortable, and more responsive.

Acoustic Guitar Accessories You'll Want

Once you've chosen your guitar, a few accessories can help you get the most from it:

• Gig bag or hardshell case for transportation and protection
• Extra strings so you're prepared for a broken string
• Picks in several thicknesses to find what feels best
• Tuner for quick and accurate tuning
• Strap for comfortable standing play
• Capo for changing keys and exploring different voicings
• Humidifier when appropriate for protecting your instrument from dry conditions
• Guitar stand for safe storage when the guitar is not in its case

Acoustic Guitar Brands at Metz Music

Metz Music offers acoustic guitars from a variety of respected manufacturers, giving players plenty of options at different price points and with different tonal characteristics.

Our current selection includes brands such as Alvarez, Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Ibanez, Martin, Taylor, and Yamaha, among others.

Whether you're looking for an affordable first acoustic, a versatile acoustic-electric, a traditional Martin or Gibson, a Taylor built for modern playability, or something less conventional like a resonator, our selection gives you plenty of ways to find your sound.

How to Choose Your Acoustic Guitar

If you're still not sure where to begin, narrow your search down to these five questions:

1. What's my budget?
2. How do I primarily play—strumming, fingerstyle, songwriting, or performing?
3. What body size feels comfortable?
4. Do I need built-in electronics?
5. Which guitar sounds and feels best when I play it?

That last question may be the most important.

Specifications can tell you what a guitar is made of, but they can't tell you which instrument will inspire you to play.

Find Your Acoustic Guitar at Metz Music

At Metz Music, we believe choosing an instrument should be about finding the right fit—not simply checking boxes on a spec sheet. Our acoustic guitar selection includes instruments for beginners, developing players, working musicians, and collectors, backed by the knowledgeable, personal service of a full-service music store.

Browse our selection of acoustic guitars and find the instrument that's right for your music.

And if you're not sure which guitar is right for you, reach out to the Metz Music team. We're musicians helping musicians, and we're happy to help you compare your options and find an acoustic guitar you'll love to play.