Find a Soulful Sound with the Best Acoustic Guitar for Blues
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best acoustic guitar for blues for your budget and situation, along with our Top 5 recommendations!
Blues music is one of the most iconic genres of American music, with a rich history spanning over a century. The blues acoustic guitar has been integral to this genre, with its distinct sound and versatility making it a go-to instrument for blues guitarists.
When it comes to choosing the right acoustic guitar for the blues, there are various factors to consider, including playability, tone, and build quality. A good blues acoustic guitar should be able to produce a deep, rich tone that captures the essence of the blues.
Additionally, it should be comfortable to play, allowing the guitarist to easily execute complex techniques like fingerpicking and slide guitar.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of blues acoustic guitars, exploring the different types of guitars that are suited to this genre, as well as important features to consider when shopping for the perfect one.
Overview of Acoustic Blues Guitar
Acoustic guitars have been a staple in blues music since the genre's inception. The blues originated in the late 19th century in the southern United States, in communities where African-American music was blended with European harmonies and instrumentation. With its soulful, emotive sound, the acoustic guitar became an integral part of the blues and has since become synonymous with the genre.
A key aspect of the acoustic guitar's role in the blues is its ability to create a percussive beat that complements the driving rhythms of the genre. This technique, known as "fingerpicking," involves using the fingers to pluck the strings in a rhythmic pattern. Blues guitarists such as Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson pioneered this technique and inspired subsequent generations of blues guitarists to follow suit.
Another important element of the acoustic guitar's role in the blues is its versatility. The acoustic guitar can be used to create a range of tones, from deep, resonant bass notes to bright, sharp treble notes. This versatility allows blues guitarists to express a wide range of emotions and moods, ranging from somber and reflective to upbeat and celebratory.
Over the years, a number of great acoustic guitars have become synonymous with blues music. The Gibson J-45, for example, is a great blues guitar that has been used by countless blues legends over the years, while the Martin D-28 is prized for its rich, full-bodied sound. Other popular models include the National Reso-Phonic, the Epiphone Masterbilt, and any number of offerings from Martin Guitars.
Today, the acoustic guitar remains an essential part of the blues, with countless blues artists continuing to use it to create powerful and soulful music. Whether playing slide guitar or fingerpicking, the acoustic guitar will always be a defining element of the blues sound.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Acoustic Guitar for Blues
The blues has always been characterized by its unique combination of soulful melodies, intricate fingerpicking, and catchy riffs. When searching for the perfect acoustic guitar for blues, there are a few key features and benefits to keep in mind:
- Tone - The tone of an acoustic guitar is one of its defining characteristics, and it should be no different when looking for an instrument for blues musicians. Look for guitars that have a bright, crisp sound that can cut through the mix, but still retain enough warmth and depth to evoke the emotional resonance that blues music is known for.
- Body style - The body style of an acoustic guitar plays a critical role in determining its overall sound and playability. For blues, it is recommended to choose a guitar with a smaller body style such as a parlor or 00 size. These guitars offer a comfortable guitar playing experience and a more balanced sound that is well-suited to fingerpicking and bluesy riffs.
- Build quality - The build quality of an acoustic guitar is another factor to consider when choosing an instrument. Look for guitars made from high-quality materials such as solid wood and with careful attention to detail in construction. These guitars will not only sound great but will also be more durable over time.
- Action - The action of an acoustic guitar refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A properly set up guitar with a lower action can make it easier to play more intricate riffs and complex chord progressions. Blues guitarists will appreciate an instrument with a comfortable action that allows for easy bending and vibrato techniques.
- Playability - Finally, the overall playability of the guitar is an essential consideration. Look for guitars that feel comfortable in your hands and are easy to play. Remember that as a blues guitarist, you'll likely be playing guitar for extended periods, so choosing an instrument that is both comfortable and easy to play will ensure that you can perform to your best ability.
In conclusion, choosing the right acoustic guitar for playing blues requires careful consideration of the tone, body style, build quality, action, and playability. By choosing an instrument that offers a bright and balanced tone, a smaller body style, high-quality craftsmanship, comfortable action, and easy playability, you'll be sure to find the perfect blues acoustic guitar for you.
Yamaha FD01S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
Why it Rocks
Crafted from quality woods, the Yamaha FD01S features a solid sitka spruce top with Nato (Eastern Mahogany) back & sides. This combination creates an exceptional tone that is both rich and balanced. Additionally, the guitar features a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, adding to the overall durability and longevity of the instrument.
While the Yamaha FD01S is suitable for intermediate and professional blues players, it is the perfect choice for first-time buyers who are looking for a guitar with superior tonal projection and quality.
What Else
In fact, this premium full-size solid-top guitar comes with a lifetime warranty, making it a quality instrument that a first-time player can grow with and enjoy for many years to come.
With its premium construction, excellent tonal projection, and lifetime warranty, it's a solid investment, and is the best blues acoustic guitar for beginners.
Alvarez Delta 00E / TSB Jazz & Blues Series Guitar
Why it Rocks
Named, of course, in honor of the legendary delta blues sound, this guitar has been designed to deliver exceptional classic tone while maintaining a vintage appeal.
The compressed bluesy bark of the guitar is a key feature, but the refined back shifted, scalloped bracing ensures that the guitar is also highly responsive and open, making it ideal for producing a slightly more modern style projection.
The vintage style V profile neck and 14th fret neck join to the body adds to the Delta 00E's charm. The guitar has been finished with grained ivoroid binding and a vintage burst that is nothing short of perfect.
Not only is this versatile guitar visually stunning, but it is also highly responsive and capable of managing both fingerstyle blues and open chord strumming with ease.
The Delta 00E is also equipped with a fantastic LR Bags Element pick up and VTC system that optimizes live performances, making it an excellent choice for musicians who frequently play live. The tone woods used in the construction of the guitar have been carefully selected and cured, ensuring the quality of the sound produced. The real bone nuts and saddles complement the great quality tone woods, and the thin finish gives the guitar an even more refined look and feel.
What Else
The A+ solid sitka spruce top, paired with the mahogany back and sides, give the guitar both durability and a classic appearance., and it has been finished with a gloss to ensure it retains its shine and maintains its vintage appeal for years to come.
The guitar offers a blend of vintage styling and modern features, making it a versatile and exceptional instrument. With its superior sound quality, expert craftsmanship, and added features, it's a good acoustic guitar for any blues player, and a fantastic guitar at this price point.
Takamine P3NY Acoustic-Electric
Why it Rocks
The Takamine P3NY Acoustic-Electric is a parlor-style guitar that epitomizes the capabilities of what a contemporary, high-quality acoustic instrument should be. This instrument carries with it a clear, full-bodied voice that resounds with an irresistible airy sweetness and character.
The Takamine P3NY is constructed with a highly intricate craftsmanship process that provides a smooth feel and state-of-the-art onboard electronics, delivering a wonderfully distinctive acoustic experience.
The solid cedar top features hand-scalloped X bracing and ivory binding, with dark purfling and a gorgeous concentric-ring rosette with wooden marquetry.
The solid sapele back and sapele sides of the guitar provide a rich and balanced tonality, enhancing the overall playability of the instrument.
Further enriching the instrument's design is the rosewood pin-less bridge and fingerboard, granting optimal playing comfort and stability for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques.
The gold with amber buttons tuners and wood dot-in-dot inlays also contribute to the instrument's aesthetic allure.
What Else
The satin natural finish on the guitar's top is perfectly complemented by the Palathetic pickup and CT4B II preamp electronics, designed to allow blues players to experience the most natural and accurate sound in any performance setting.
In conclusion, the Takamine P3NY is our favorite acoustic-electric guitar for playing the blues. It's a high-end performance instrument that impacts with its exceptional sound quality, precision-built construction, and refined design elements. It also comes with a high-severity case, ensuring that this exceptional instrument remains in perfect condition.
Gretsch G9220 Resonator Guitar
Why it Rocks
The Gretsch G9220 Resonator is a prime example of craftsmanship at its finest. Constructed entirely of mahogany, including the top, back, sides, and neck, this instrument emits a tonal quality that is nothing short of outstanding.
The Padauk fingerboard, with its 19 frets, is highly responsive to both chording and sliding, ensuring that players can achieve the desired sound with ease and precision.
The Gretsch Ampli-Sonic Eastern European hand-spun spider cone and bridge add to the overall resonance of this venerable instrument, and the Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines ensure that tuning remains stable, even during musical performances.
Although the Gretsch G9220 Resonator is a modern instrument with contemporary materials and ergonomics, it carries tasteful vintage appointments that pay homage to its storied past.
The combination of the lovely mahogany top graced with a finish that not only looks great but also enhances its tone, together with the simple yet mesmerizing design of the spider resonator, exudes an old-timey vibe.
What Else
With an all-mahogany body, the Gretsch Ampli-Sonic diaphragm aluminum resonator spider cone hand-spun in Eastern Europe reinforces the overall quality of this instrument and sets it apart from other similar instruments on the market. With its impressive tonal qualities, the Gretsch G9220 Resonator is undeniably one of the best in its class.
In conclusion, the Gretsch G9220 Resonator is a fine example of a high-quality, expertly crafted instrument designed to deliver outstanding tonal quality, ease of playability, and durability. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, the Gretsch G9220 Resonator will not disappoint. It is worth every penny and is sure to become a cherished addition to any musician's collection.
Guild M-20
Why it Rocks
The Guild M-20, with its rich and balanced tone, is a classic acoustic guitar that has been a staple of the music industry for decades.
Its top, back, and sides are constructed of solid mahogany, a tonewood famous for producing warm tones that are well-rounded and never muddy. The guitar's center tone is achieved through the selection of mahogany wood, which provides warmth, clarity, and never a shrill sound.
The rosewood fingerboard, along with a mahogany neck, augments the depth of sound and improves the guitar's overall performance. The grand concert body style is compact, allowing for ease of play and excellent midrange-focused tone for both fingerstyle and strumming.
Offering an amazing vintage-style look, feel, and sound, the Guild M-20 is an excellent choice for musicians and music enthusiasts who desire minimalistic aesthetics.
What Else
Guild, one of the first acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world, has infused the M-20 with the most modern and advanced features to make it an industry standard. Its thin satin finish allows the wood to vibrate freely, which results in a responsive and lively sound that few other guitars can produce. The vintage-style looks and feel give the guitar an authentic and timeless feel that is second to none.
The Guild M-20 is a great acoustic guitar with warm, well-rounded tones, excellent versatility, and a compact design, and is our overall favorite as the best acoustic guitar for blues.
FAQs About Acoustic Blues Guitar
What is an acoustic guitar for blues?
Acoustic guitars for blues are specialized instruments that are designed to produce the signature sound that is associated with blues music.
The unique tone and style of an acoustic guitar for blues is integral to the genre, making it an essential tool for any musician serious about playing and creating authentic blues.
What makes an acoustic guitar a suitable choice for blues music?
Acoustic guitars offer a rich tone and resonant sound that is ideal for blues music. They are also often more portable and easier to maintain than their electric counterparts, which makes them a popular choice for musicians who perform in live settings or on the road.
What are some of the key features to look for in an acoustic guitar for blues?
When shopping for an acoustic guitar for blues, it's important to look for models that are designed with specific features that enhance the natural tone and resonance of the instrument.
These features can include solid wood construction, a full-bodied sound, a wider neck for playing fingerstyle, and the ability to handle heavier gauge strings.
Can you play blues music on any type of acoustic guitar?
While it is possible to play blues guitar on any acoustic, there are certain models that are better suited for blues music than others.
For best results, it's recommended to invest in a guitar that is designed with blues music in mind, as these guitars are specifically engineered to achieve the signature blues sound.
What type of acoustic guitar strings should I use on a guitar for blues?
To achieve the optimal sound for playing blues music on an acoustic, it's recommended to use heavier gauge strings. These thicker strings produce a fuller, more resonant sound that is ideal for blues playing.
However, it's important to note that heavier gauge strings may require more effort and practice to play than lighter gauge strings.
How important is the tonewood used in manufacturing an acoustic guitar for blues?
The tonewood used in manufacturing an acoustic guitar for blues is a critical factor in achieving the desired sound and resonance.
Different tonewoods have different properties that can affect the sound and durability of the guitar. Some of the most popular tonewoods used in blues guitar manufacturing include cedar, spruce, and mahogany.
Can I use an acoustic guitar for blues during live performances?
Yes, acoustic guitars for blues are commonly used in live performances and can produce a rich, full sound that is ideal for blues music.
However, the choice of guitar may depend on the size of the venue and the intended audience. For larger venues, it may be necessary to use electric guitars (or acoustic-electric guitars) to achieve a louder, more impactful sound.
Are there any accessories or add-ons that can enhance the sound of an acoustic guitar for blues?
There are several accessories and add-ons that can enhance the sound and playability of an acoustic. Some of the most popular add-ons include pickups, preamps, amplifiers, and effects pedals. These tools can help to amplify and enhance the natural tone and resonance of the guitar, while also providing greater control and flexibility over the sound.
You can always supplement your sound with pedals, and control the tone and unwanted artifacts with something like a noise gate pedal; but ideally, you want a guitar that sounds great on its own.
Can beginners learn to play blues music on an acoustic guitar?
Absolutely! While blues music requires a certain level of skill and experience to play at a high level, beginners can still begin to learn and practice the basics of blues music on an acoustic guitar. With time, practice, and dedication, beginners can improve their skills and eventually achieve the signature blues sound.
How important is it to take care of an acoustic blues guitars?
Taking care of an acoustic is essential to maintaining the instrument's sound, durability, and playability. Proper care may include regular string changes, cleaning and conditioning the fretboard, storing the guitar in a safe environment, and protecting it from extreme weather conditions. With proper care and maintenance, an acoustic can last for many years, providing countless hours of enjoyment and musical expression.
Summary of the Best Blues Acoustic Guitars
In conclusion, finding the perfect acoustic guitar for blues playing requires a careful consideration of several factors.
From the tonewoods used in construction, the shape and size of the guitar's body, to the type of strings used, everything plays a crucial role in delivering the unique sound and resonance required for playing the blues.
To play the blues effectively, one needs practice, creativity, and a deep understanding of the blues tradition and various blues styles. With the right combination of technique, feel, and gear, any player can immerse themselves in the rich universe of blues music and create soulful, inspiring performances.
Some of the best acoustic guitars for blues include the ones in this article, so that should give you a good start in your search. Once again, here are our favorites:
Best for Beginners: Yamaha FD01S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
Best Value for the Money: Alvarez Delta 00E Jazz & Blues
Best Acoustic-Electric: Takamine P3NY Acoustic-Electric
Best Resonator: Gretsch G9220 Resonator Guitar
Best Overall: Guild M-20
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