The Best Country Music Acoustic Guitars of All Time
Country music has always been a staple genre in the music industry, and its signature sound is well-known and loved by many.
The best acoustic guitars for playing country music are highly sought after and have been a favorite among country music players and country music lovers for many years. These guitars deliver a warm and balanced tone that is uniquely suited for playing country songs.
Amongst the many options available, the best acoustic guitars for country music feature high-quality sound and top-notch tonal quality that can rival or exceed even the most expensive electric guitars.
These guitars are typically made with solid spruce tops and mahogany bodies, providing a mellow, warm sound and a deep bass that perfectly complements the country sound.
The most popular guitars for country music are the classic dreadnought guitars, which have a distinctive sound and a balanced sound quality that is unmatched by many other acoustic guitars. Amongst these, the best acoustic guitar for country music has a solid sitka spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, solid east Indian rosewood back and sides, and a rosewood bridge. These features, together with its warm tone and mellow sound, make an axe like this the perfect acoustic guitar for playing country music.
Overview & History of Country Acoustic Guitar
From the earliest days of country music to the present day, the acoustic guitar has been a staple in the genre, providing the driving force behind countless hits and beloved classics.
In the earliest days of country music, acoustic guitars were the backbone of the genre. From bluegrass to rockabilly, nearly all country music was played on an acoustic guitar. The sound of an acoustic guitar, with its warm, rich acoustic tone, was absolutely essential to the music styles that emerged out of rural America.
Among all the acoustic guitars for country, Martin guitars were by far the most popular. With its solid spruce top and mahogany neck, this high quality acoustic guitar delivered an unmatched sound perfect for the genre.
At the heart of the Martin guitar's success was its ability to convey the unique character of country music. The solid spruce top of the guitar, combined with the solid rosewood back and sides, created a warm and resonant tonal quality that was ideal for country music. The rosewood fingerboard gave guitar players the ability to create a wide range of sounds in the guitar playing.
As country music evolved to include more electrified sounds, acoustic electric guitars began to make their way onto the scene. However, even with their electric capabilities, the essential guitar features of a solid spruce top and rosewood bridge were still crucial for delivering the acoustic guitar sound that country music demanded.
As country music evolved over time, so did the acoustic guitar. Today, there are countless options available for players looking for the best acoustic guitars for playing country music. Beginner guitar players can still start their guitar journey with a quality acoustic guitar that is ideal for country music.
The Greatest Acoustic Players in Country Music
Acoustic guitar playing has a rich history, and some musicians have managed to achieve legendary status for their unique styles and exceptional playing ability. While there are many great country acoustic guitar players out there, a select few have truly stood out from the crowd throughout the years. Here are our picks for the greatest country acoustic guitar players of all time, highlighting their unique styles and contributions to the world of music.
Chet Atkins
First among the greats is the iconic Chet Atkins. He was not only one of the best acoustic guitar players of his time, but also an accomplished record producer and songwriter. Atkins was noted for his fingerstyle playing and a technique which involved using his thumb and first two or three fingers together - known as the "Atkins style". Some of his notable works include "Yakety Axe," "Mr. Sandman," and "Take Five."
Doc Watson
Another country acoustic guitar legend is Doc Watson, who emerged as an influential figure on the music scene in the 1960s. Watson, who had been blind since infancy, made his first recording in 1960. He was known for his fingerpicking, flatpicking, and old-time folk music styles. He helped popularize traditional mountain music and ended up winning eight Grammy Awards throughout his career. Among his signature songs are "Deep River Blues," "Shady Grove," and "Black Mountain Rag."
Tommy Emmanuel
Third on this list of distinguished country acoustic guitarists is Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian musician who has been thrilling audiences with his brilliant fingerstyle technique for over 40 years. Emmanuel is known for his remarkable technical skill and expressive playing style. He has over 20 studio albums to his credit and has collaborated with many musical acts, including Chet Atkins and Eric Clapton. Some of his most famous songs include "Angelina," "Mombasa," and "Classical Gas."
Keith Urban
Finally, there is Keith Urban, who is renowned not only for his exceptional acoustic guitar playing but also his songwriting and vocal skills. Urban is strongly influenced by Chet Atkins, and he can often be seen and heard playing a modified hybrid pick-and-fingers technique. He has achieved 24 number-one singles on the US Country charts, making him one of the most successful country artists of all time. Some of his most famous songs include "You'll Think Of Me," "Making Memories Of Us," and "Stupid Boy."
- These are some of the greatest country acoustic guitar players that have ever graced the music scene. Each of these musicians has left an indelible mark on the world of acoustic guitar playing with their unique styles, impressive techniques, and undeniable talent. They have indeed cemented their place in history, and their influence and legacy will continue to inspire musicians and guitar lovers for generations to come.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Country Music Acoustic Guitars
With a variety of guitar body styles and woods to choose from, there is a guitar for country music that will suit every style of guitar playing. From the solid spruce top and mahogany body of the Martin guitar to the variety of guitars for country music, there has never been a better time to begin discovering the unique sound of the acoustic guitar in country music.
Guitar Materials and Shape
High quality acoustic guitars with a solid spruce top are a popular choice, as they offer a bright and crisp sound that's perfect for country music. Dreadnought guitars in particular are favored by many country music players, as their powerful sound can cut through even the most densely layered of country arrangements.
In addition to a solid spruce top, other features to look for in a country guitar include a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard. These materials contribute to a high quality guitar sound with excellent sustain, making them a popular choice among intermediate and advanced country guitar players.
Pricing Considerations
Of course, not all country music players are looking for the most expensive or high quality guitar. Cheaper guitars can work just fine for many beginners or casual players, especially if they're just starting to explore the world of country music. Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing an acoustic guitar for country music is sound quality – if a guitar delivers a natural sound with a crisp, bright tone it's generally the best choice for players looking to capture the signature country sound.
Get Started
Today, the acoustic guitar remains the backbone of country music, cherished by country music lovers and guitar players alike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, if you're looking to play country music, you'll need a versatile guitar that's up to the task. With so many great options on the market, finding the acoustic guitar for country music that's right for you has never been easier. There's never been a better time to discover the magic of the acoustic guitar in the world of country music.
Fortunately, we've already done the research on specific models for you - click this link to see the best country music acoustic guitars right now.
Country Acoustic Guitar FAQs
What is an acoustic guitar?
An acoustic guitar is a stringed musical instrument that produces sound by vibrating strings above a hollow chamber or soundbox.
Can acoustic guitars be used for country music?
Yes, acoustic guitars are often used to play country music as they deliver a warm and rich sound that complements the genre well.
What makes a good acoustic guitar for country music?
A good acoustic guitar for country music should have a solid top, a comfortable neck, and a warm, rich tone that resonates well with country songs.
What are some features to look for in a high-quality acoustic guitar for country?
Features to look for in a high-quality acoustic guitar for country include a solid Sitka spruce top, a mahogany body, a mahogany neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and solid East Indian rosewood or other high-quality tonewoods.
What is a guitar body made of?
Guitar bodies can be made from a variety of woods, including spruce, mahogany, rosewood, maple, and more.
Can intermediate guitar players use acoustic guitars for country music?
Yes, intermediate guitar players can use acoustic guitars for country music and can benefit from choosing a high-quality guitar with the right features for the genre.
What is the difference between an acoustic and an acoustic-electric guitar?
An acoustic guitar produces sound solely through its hollow body while an acoustic-electric guitar has an electronic pickup that amplifies the sound so that it can be played louder.
What is the best acoustic guitar brand for country?
There are many great acoustic guitar brands for country, including Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Yamaha, and more.
Are steel string guitars good for country music?
Yes, steel string guitars are often used in country music as they produce a bright, twangy sound that complements the genre well.
What makes a good acoustic guitar for a country song?
A good acoustic guitar for a country song should have a warm, rich tone that can be strummed or picked specifically for the style of country music being played.
Summary of the Acoustic Guitar for Country
In conclusion, acoustic guitars have always been an essential aspect of country music, with a unique sound and presence that perfectly complements the genre's twangy vocals and storytelling lyrics.
For most country singers, the music is their life, and they need a guitar that delivers the pureness and simplicity of the music that touches their hearts and their audience's hearts. Country guitars, particularly acoustic guitars, are a staple in many musicians' arsenals and continue to inspire country artists and music lovers alike.
So, if you love country music, grab an acoustic guitar and start strumming away because this timeless and classic instrument is the perfect embodiment of everything that country music stands for.
Once again, if you'd like to see in-depth reviews of the best guitar for country music, just click here.
Either way, thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin’!
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