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An 'acoustic guitar' is a guitar that uses only acoustic methods to project the sound produced by its strings. It is a retronym, coined after the advent of electric guitars, which depend on electronic amplification to make their sound audible.

Contents

Sound production

Types

See also

Sound production

In all types of guitars, the sound is produced by the vibration of the strings. However, because the strings can displace only a small amount of air, the sound needs to be amplified in order to be heard. In an acoustic guitar, this is accomplished by using a sound board. The strings transfer their vibration to the sound board, which has a far larger surface area. This causes more air to be displaced by the vibrations, increasing the volume of sound.

Types

Historical and modern acoustic guitars are extremely varied in their design and construction, far more so than electric guitars. Some of the most important varieties are the classical guitar (nylon-stringed), Steel-string acoustic guitar and lap steel guitar. A more complete list is given below, refer to the individual articles for more specific detail.

★ 'Nylon/gut stringed guitars':

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★ Renaissance guitar

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★ Baroque guitar

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★ Romantic guitar

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★ Classical guitar, the modern version of the original guitar, with nylon strings

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★ Flamenco guitar

★ 'Steel stringed guitars':

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★ Steel-string acoustic guitar, also known as western, folk or country guitar

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★ Twelve string guitar

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★ Resonator guitar (such as the ''Dobro'')

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★ Archtop guitar

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★ Battente guitar

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★ Lap steel guitar

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★ Lyre guitar

★ Acoustic bass guitar

★ Russian guitar

★ Novelty instruments:

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★ Harp guitar

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★ Banjo guitar

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★ Guitar lute

See also

★ Types of guitar