Best
Overall Acoustic Guitar For Fingerstyle
-
Overall: One of the most iconic acoustic guitars in history
-
Best Feature: Rich, full sound with plenty of low-end and projection
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Budget Acoustic Guitar For Fingerstyle
-
Overall: Ideal for rhythm guitar, recording, and live performances
-
Best Feature: Easy to play neck profile with comfortable fret size
-
TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Professional Acoustic Guitar For Fingerstyle
-
Overall: Provides a dynamic, balanced, full-bodied sound for fingerstyle guitarist
-
Best Feature: Offers a comfortable feel with a wider neck
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Fingerstyle guitar, *a beloved* way to play acoustic, focuses on plucking single strings rather than strumming chords. This creates *a richer sound*, giving more room for musical expression.
Fingerstyle also allows players to cover multiple parts with their hands, making it an excellent tool for solo performers.
This guide will help you to understand the basics of fingerstyle guitar playing and provide a list of the best acoustic guitars for fingerstyle. It won’t come as a surprise that I own a Taylor 914ce – so can totally recommend that. However, it’s a little expensive and more geared towards pro players; which means it may not be for you…
So read on to find other options, and also look at some tips and tricks to help get you started on your fingerstyle journey.
What's Different in a Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar
As the name suggests, a fingerstyle acoustic guitar is designed with the specificity of the fingerstyle technique in mind. This technique, which involves plucking the strings individually with the fingertips instead of using a plectrum, requires a guitar with unique attributes.
The tonal qualities of a great fingerstyle guitar are distinct, often characterized by a balanced, resonant sound that emphasizes the clarity of each plucked note.
Fingerstyle guitars typically feature wider neck and string spacing, allowing for easier navigation and less interference when plucking individual strings.
These guitars tend to have a lighter construction to promote resonance and vibrational response, crucial for the subtleties of the fingerstyle technique.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Acoustic for Playing Fingerstyle
When selecting an acoustic guitar for fingerstyle play, it’s not just about aesthetic appeal or brand reputation.
Several key factors come into play that can significantly influence your playing experience and the tonal output of the instrument. Let’s examine these considerations.
Body Shape and Size
A guitar’s body shape and size play a crucial role in determining its tone and volume. Larger-bodied guitars like dreadnoughts and jumbos are designed to be loud, often resulting in a bass-heavy sound.
On the other hand, smaller-bodied guitars, such as those in the 000, Grand Auditorium, Concert, and 00 sizes, tend to provide a more balanced overall tone ideal for fingerstyle play. Avoid extremes, such as very large or small sizes, to maintain tonal balance.
Comfort is also paramount, especially since fingerstyle is typically played seated. Hence, a size that is comfortable to hold and play is essential.
Neck Width and Shape
Fingerstyle players often prefer guitars with shorter scale lengths. The less string tension on these guitars allows for a lighter build, improving responsiveness to dynamic play, sustain, and volume.
Also, the closer fret spacing makes it easier for players with smaller hands to navigate the fretboard. Be aware that if not set up correctly, short-scale guitars may be prone to fret buzz.
String Spacing at the Bridge
Wider string spacing is a common feature of fingerstyle guitars, often extending up to 59mm, though the average tends to be around 57mm.
This is roughly 4mm wider than the standard spacing on a typical acoustic guitar.
This increased gap allows for greater freedom of finger movement, reducing the risk of accidentally striking an adjacent string. This added space proves especially useful when executing arpeggios.
Quality and Type of Fretboard Material
The fretboard material can also affect the tone and playability of the guitar. High-quality woods like rosewood, mahogany and ebony are commonly used for their durability and tone-enhancing properties.
Rosewood, for instance, produces a warm, rich tone, while ebony offers a crisp, clear sound.
Choose a fretboard material that complements your desired tone and feels comfortable under your fingertips.
Electronics and Hardware (If Needed)
If you plan to perform or record, consider a guitar equipped with reliable electronics. High-quality pickups and preamps can accurately capture and amplify your guitar’s natural sound.
Hardware elements, like tuning machines and bridges, impact the guitar’s playability and tuning stability. Ensure they are of good quality and function smoothly.
An armrest for added comfort and a Venetian cutaway for easy access to higher frets are also worth considering
The Best Guitars for Fingerstyle Playing
Based on my experience, here are some of the best guitars for fingerstyle playing:
Martin D28
Martin’s D28 is one of history’s most iconic and recognizable acoustic guitars. Known for its deep, full-bodied tone, this dreadnought acoustic guitar is ideal for fingerstyle playing.
The solid Sitka spruce top provides an articulate and clear tone, while the solid East Indian rosewood body offers a powerful, warm sound. Martin’s forward-shifted X-brace bracing ensures superior resonance and volume, making the D28 perfect guitar for fingerstyle players.
The modified low oval neck with its high-performance taper allows for comfortable playing and easy access to the higher frets. The 20 frets on the Ebony fingerboard feature 28 style mother-of-pearl inlays for added aesthetic appeal. The nickel-plated open-gear tuners provide accuracy when tuning, while the Ebony bridge and compensated bone saddle add to its visual appeal.
Strung with SP Acoustic 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium strings, the D28 has a bright, balanced quality sound for fingerstyle playing. Its rich tones bring out the warmth and depth of complex chords while still remaining clear and resonant.
FEATURES: TextMahogany neck
OTHER INFO: low profile neck for the perfect fretting feel
Martin D28
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- One of the most iconic acoustic guitars in history
- Rich, full sound with plenty of low-end and projection
- Very playable neck and action
- Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail
- High-quality materials used for construction
- Classic aesthetics that evoke nostalgia
- Premium price tag for top-tier Martin quality
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Taylor 814ce Electro Acoustic, Natural
Taylor is one of the leading acoustic guitar brands, forming a significant presence in what could be considered a duopoly within the industry. This recognition is well-deserved, given their reputation for crafting exceptional acoustic guitars.
Among their remarkable offerings, the Taylor 800 series stands out, and the 814ce model is a prime example of their craftsmanship. Exuding elegance, this guitar boasts a grand auditorium body shape with the width of a dreadnought, making it visually appealing.
Its tonal excellence is attributed to a rosewood back and a spruce top, which contributes to an impressive projection level. This is particularly vital for fingerstyle guitarists, as it ensures the sound carries effortlessly to the audience.
Taylor’s innovative V bracing and custom electronics further enhance the playing experience for fingerstyle musicians, providing articulate and well-balanced tones. Regarding sound quality, the 814ce is a remarkable instrument, although it comes at a higher price point and demands a significant investment.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate To Advance
FEATURES: Feature a V-Class bracing
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 25.5" and equipped with Elixir phosphor bronze light string.
Taylor 814ce Electro Acoustic, Natural
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Bright and Responsive Tonal Properties
- Professional Audio Preamp for Perfectly Balanced Sound
- Comfortably Smooth Playability
- Versatile Sound with Expression System 2 Electronics
- Sleek and Stylish Design
- May Not Be Suitable For Amateurs Due to the Cost
- Body Size Might Feel Uncomfortable for Smaller Players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gibson J-45 Standard, Cherry
The list of best fingerstyle guitars is incomplete without mentioning the Gibson J-45 Standard, Cherry. This classic acoustic guitar from Gibson is designed with fingerstyle players in mind, providing outstanding playability and beautiful sound.
The body of the J-45 Standard is crafted from solid Sitka spruce on top and mahogany on the back and sides, giving it a round-shouldered dreadnought cutaway shape. It’s complemented by traditional hand-scalloped X-Bracing for a balanced, articulate sound. The multi-ply top and single-ply back binding also add to the overall look of the guitar. It’s finished with a glossy nitrocellulose finish for even more spectacular looks.
The J-45 Standard is equipped with an LR Baggs VTC under saddle pickup and preamp, which makes it perfect for live performances or recording in the studio. The soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls provide easy access to adjusting your sound.
The sounds this guitar produces are as wonderful as its looks. It has a clear and balanced tone that is perfect for fingerstyle playing. The top end is bright and crisp, the mids are rich and full, and the low end is warm and round. It also responds to different playing styles – light fingerpicking to vigorous strumming.
FEATURES: 20 standard frets
OTHER INFO: scale length is 24.75."
Gibson J-45 Standard, Cherry
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exceptional clarity and separation in tone
- Versatility for blues, fingerstyle, chords, and arpeggios
- Vintage appeal with period-correct tuners and aged materials
- Comfortable playability with softened fingerboard edges
- Admired dynamic range and balanced volume
- Some players prefer alternative tonewoods or body shapes for specific tones
- Extra care is needed to maintain the nitrocellulose finish
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Martin OM-28E
The luxuriously crafted Martin OM-28E is a thing of beauty. With its East Indian rosewood and spruce top body, it has a classic look that’s sure to turn heads. But there’s more to this dreadnought acoustic guitar than looks – the tone is out of this world!
Combining these tonewoods provides a delightful sound, bright articulation and a full-bodied resonance. The complex tones of the rosewood back and sides blend seamlessly with the spruce top to create a balanced tonal profile that will please any fingerstyle player. Plus, the X-brace construction delivers incredible stability and enhances the guitar’s sustain.
The neck is made with select hardwood that gleams in its satin finish. It also holds an ebony fretboard, which makes it incredibly fast and responsive, perfect for playing quick licks or intricate melodies.
The OM-28E also has LR Baggs Anthem electronics, adding clarity and volume to the sound. Whether playing in a small or larger venue, the preamp ensures your music is heard loud and clear.
The nickel open gear tuners, Butterbean buttons and a faux tortoise pickguard provide stability and aesthetics. And the included moulded hardshell case means you can safely transport your guitar wherever you go.
FEATURES: Frets: 20
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 25.4
Martin OM-28E
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Superb build, tone, and playability
- Considerate player-focused upgrades
- Elegant and subtle design
- Versatile sound for different playing styles and ensembles
- Comes with a fitted hardshell case
- Missing the deep bass thump of a dreadnought
- Possible issue with slightly sharp nut corners in some units
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Taylor 914ce
Taylor’s other best fingerstyle guitar is the 914ce, equipped with V-Class bracing. This acoustic-electric guitar provides a dynamic, balanced, full-bodied sound that fingerstyle guitarists would appreciate.
The top material of this guitar is Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are made up of Indian Rosewood. The neck is crafted from Tropical Mahogany, while the fretboard is made from West African Ebony.
When it comes to tone, this guitar is packed with warmth and clarity due to its V-Class bracing technology. It produces a crystal clear sound with ample response in the low and high registers. The Expression System 2 pickup allows players to plug into an amp or PA system for live performances, while the onboard Taylor Professional Audio preamp lets you dial in your sound.
The 914ce has a Taylor-made beveled armrest which provides an ergonomic playing experience, while the gloss finish adds to the overall aesthetics of this instrument. It also has Gotoh tuning machines and Elixir phosphor bronze light strings for added stability and durability.
FEATURES: Scarf Neck Joint
OTHER INFO: Bridge Material: East African Ebony
Taylor 914ce, V-Class Bracing
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comfortable feel with a wider neck
- Low action for easy chord and single-note articulation
- Cool fretboard binding adds character to the guitar
- Resonant sound with tonally rich characteristics
- Stunning looks and high-quality craftsmanship
- Taylor Expression System 2 offers a true plug-in-and-play experience
- Higher price, but justified by the instrument's quality
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gibson Hummingbird Original, Antique Natural
Acoustic guitars don’t come much more timeless than the Gibson Hummingbird Original in Antique Natural. Instantly recognizable, this guitar is a joy to behold and play. With its classic body shape, vintage build quality and authentically classic tone, it’s no wonder the Hummingbird Original has been used by some of the most renowned musicians in history.
The Hummingbird Original features a solid Sitka spruce top finished with an Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer. The body and neck are mahogany, ensuring the guitar is lightweight but big on tone.
The traditional hand-scalloped X bracing and multi-ply binding give the Hummingbird a luxurious look, whilst the round neck profile ensures it’s comfortable to play. The Gibson Hummingbird Original has LR Baggs VTC pickups and volume and tone controls.
This ensures your amplified sound sounds just as good as the acoustic, with plenty of clarity, warmth and articulation coming through. The traditional belly-up bridge with Tusq pins helps produce a full, well-rounded sound that resonates through the instrument’s body.
FEATURES: 0.053, 0.042, 0.032, 0.024, 0.016, 0.012 string gauges
OTHER INFO: Text
Gibson Hummingbird Original, Antique Natural
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Beautiful and balanced sound with distinct highs and measured lows
- Comfortable to play with a smooth neck and 1.725" nut width
- Under saddle pickup (LR Baggs VTC) with volume and tone controls
- Easy playability due to 24.75" scale length
- Mother of Pearl Parallelograms inlays
- Slightly expensive compared to other models in the same range
- Action may need minor adjustments for individual preferences
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Antique Natural
The Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut in Antique Natural is an ultra-modern take on a classic design. This contemporary fingerstyle acoustic boasts many modern features without sacrificing its predecessor’s classic tone and styling, the J-180.
With a solid Sitka spruce top and walnut back and sides, this guitar offers an expansive dynamic range with a rich, warm tone. The Gibson J-185 EC advanced response neck profile allows comfortable playability across its 24.75″ scale length.
It features 20 frets on the walnut fingerboard, with mother-of-pearl dot inlay for added visual. It is also equipped with traditional hand-scalloped X bracing and an adjustable truss rod for stability. The Gibson J-185 EC has an LR Baggs Element under-saddle pickup for connecting to an amplifier or PA system.
When talking about sound, the Gibson J-185 EC in Antique Natural produces a beautiful balance suitable for intricate fingerpicking and strumming patterns.
FEATURES: 16" Fingerboard Radius
OTHER INFO: 1/4" Endpin Output Jack
Gibson J-185 EC Modern Walnut, Antique Natural
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact and stylish like Gibson guitars
- Slim body depth for balanced sound
- Premium tonewoods for a rich, full sound
- Ideal for rhythm guitar, recording, and live performances
- Scalloped bracing to maximize resonance and sustain
- Easy to play neck profile with comfortable fret size
- Hardshell case included
- High price may deter some players
- Gibson Jumbo purists may dislike non-traditional tonewoods
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Martin HD-28
Meet the Martin HD-28, the acoustic powerhouse that strikes the perfect chord between classic charm and modern playability. Its bold Dreadnought design and D-14 Fret body make it a guitar of unrivaled versatility, ready to handle any musical style you throw its way.
Crafted with a Solid Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood body, the HD-28 delivers a warm, resonant tone that dances with every strum. The X Brace pattern ensures a robust and balanced sound, while the Non-Scalloped shape keeps things smooth and consistent.
The neck is a true joy to hold, made of Select Hardwood with a silky Dark Mahogany finish. The Modified Low Oval shape and High-Performance taper let your fingers fly across the Ebony fingerboard, adorned with eye-catching Abalone Diamond & Squares inlays.
Get ready to experience precision and stability with the Ebony bridge and Modern Belly Drop-In Saddle. And the White Plastic bridge pins with Faux Tortoise dots add a touch of elegance to this lively performer.
In Chrome hardware and a Faux Tortoise pickguard, the HD-28 radiates understated sophistication. With enclosed gear tuning machines, your tunes will stay on point while you dive into musical adventures. And when it’s time to hit the stage or studio, the “Molded” Hardshell case protects your musical treasure.
FEATURES: Classic herringbone top trim
OTHER INFO: Enclosed gear tuning machine
Martin HD-28
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exceptional sound quality with a balanced tone
- Attractive design and craftsmanship
- Suitable for diverse playing styles
- Sound enhances with time and use
- Generally favored over other Martin models
- Powerful, modern sound
- May require an initial setup to adjust high action
- Occasional concerns about long-term sound quality, though disputed
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha LL16 ARE Acoustic, Sunburst
Featuring a refined neck profile with a five-ply design, the LL16 promises unmatched comfort with lower string action and wider string spacing.
The LL16’s Original Jumbo body shape embraces your form, offering a seamless fit that invites endless musical exploration. Its solid Engelmann Spruce top, treated with A.R.E technology, delivers a resonant and nuanced tone, beautifully complemented by the solid Rosewood back and sides. The Ebony bridge adds both elegance and stability to the instrument.
Featuring a striking Tobacco Brown Sunburst finish, the LL16 exudes an irresistible allure. The headstock is adorned with die-cast gold tuners, exemplifying Yamaha’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Noteworthy touches like the tortoiseshell pickguard and striking white binding pay homage to its classic heritage.
Equipped with the SRT Zero Impact Pickup and a versatile 3-Band EQ, this guitar effortlessly adapts to any performance setting. The intuitive tuner and Mid Frequency control ensure you’re always pitch-perfect.
FEATURES: Mahogany and Rosewood 5-ply Neck
OTHER INFO: Ebony Fingerboard
Yamaha LL16 ARE Acoustic, Sunburst
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Enhanced resonance and minimized top-end ringing
- Rich, warm, mid-range tone
- Comfortable neck profile with low-string action
- Original Jumbo body for comfortable playing
- Die-cast gold tuners for a classic look
- Comes with a hard case for protection and transport
- Low-cost tuners
- Over-engineered
- Small imperfections
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez AW54CE Artwood, Open-Pore Natural
The Ibanez AW54CE Artwood, Open-Pore Natural is crafted with a solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides; it provides a warm, rich, resonant tone ideal for fingerstyle playing. The Ovangkol bridge and Ibanez advantage bridge pins ensure optimal string vibration transfer.
The guitar’s solid mahogany neck and Ovangkol fingerboard contribute to its warm tone and comfortable playability. With a scale length of 651mm and a fingerboard radius of 400mm, it allows for smooth fret transitions and optimal ease of play. The neck thickness, 21mm at the 1st fret and 22mm at the 7th fret offers a comfortable grip, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned players.
What sets AW54CE Artwood apart is its electronics. The Fishman Sonicore pickup and the Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp with an onboard tuner ensure a natural amplified tone, giving players an edge during live performances. The tuner, bass, treble, and volume controls offer excellent tonal versatility, while the balanced XLR and 1/4″ outputs provide convenient connectivity options.
Despite its premium features, the AW54CE Artwood doesn’t compromise on aesthetics. Its chrome hardware and tuners contrast beautifully with the natural color of the body, adding a touch of sophistication.
PERFECT FOR: singer/songwriters
FEATURES: Strum with the power and resonance of a solid mahogany top
OTHER INFO: Delve into a glorious amplified tone thanks to the Fishman pickup and AEQ-SP2 preamp
Ibanez AW54CE Artwood, Open-Pore Natural
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Incredible versatility lends itself to blues, country, and many other genres
- Delivers superb volume and sound projection, pairing perfectly with powerful vocals
- The open-pore finish may be prone to collecting dirt and grime over time
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Electro Acoustic
The guitar’s body is bound with a 6-ply Ivory/Black binding at the top and a 2-ply Ivory/Black binding at the back, delivering an aesthetic charm and contributing to the instrument’s durability and longevity. The compensated imitation bone saddle and Pau Ferro reverse belly bridge work in perfect harmony to maintain precise intonation and enhance sound projection.
The select mahogany neck is set into the body with a dovetail joint at the 14th fret. This configuration contributes to the guitar’s overall sound quality, allowing for a seamless transmission of vibrations between the neck and body. With a slim taper ‘D’ profile, the neck provides comfort and facilitates easy accessibility across the fingerboard.
The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Electro Acoustic Guitar is equipped with Fishman Sonicore Pickup and Fishman Sonitone Preamp, ready to amplify your sound with authenticity. This hardware combination offers a broad dynamic range and maintains the natural acoustic tone of the guitar when plugged in.
The Grover Rotomatic 18:1 machine heads provide excellent tuning stability, ensuring the instrument stays perfectly in tune even through long hours of playing.
PERFECT FOR: Whether you’re a collector or beginner player looking for a pretty acoustic guitar, the Epiphone Hummingbird model ought to grab your attention.
COMES WITH: Fishman SoniTone and SoniCore for preamp and pickup, respectively.
FEATURES: In terms of construction, you get a solid spruce top accompanied by a mahogany wood body and a Pau Ferro fingerboard and bridge.
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Solid Construction
- Aesthetic Design
- Electronic Integration
- Weak bass sound
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Techniques for Fingerstyle Guitar Playing
Fingerstyle guitar playing is a technique that allows a musician to produce a richer, more complex sound than is possible with a traditional flat pick.
This style is particularly popular in folk, jazz, blues, and classical music.
The key to mastering fingerstyle is understanding its fundamental playing techniques, developing finger independence and agility, and perfecting the nuances of touch and tone.
How to Hold and Use Your Fingers
Properly positioning your hand and fingers is critical to effective fingerstyle playing. Rest your wrist on the guitar’s bridge, allowing your fingers to naturally fall on the strings.
Your thumb should generally be responsible for the bass strings (E, A, and D), while your index, middle, and ring fingers handle the treble strings (G, B, and E).
Avoid excessive tension in your hand and fingers; the grip should be firm yet relaxed.
Playing Melodies with Fingerstyle Technique
When playing guitar melodies using the fingerstyle technique, the key is clearly articulating each note. Use the pads of your fingers to pluck the strings, and aim to create a consistent tone across all strings.
Practice playing arpeggios and scales with fingerstyle techniques to develop precision and speed.
Remember, the beauty of fingerstyle playing lies in its expressiveness, so experiment with dynamics and rhythmic variations to bring your melodies to life.
Tips for Improving Your Fingerstyle Guitar Technique
Incorporating Percussive Techniques into Your Playing
Percussive techniques can bring a whole new dimension to your fingerstyle playing, rendering it more rhythmic and vibrant.
Techniques such as palm muting and tapping on the guitar’s body can simulate the sound of drums, adding a layer of richness to your melody.
Start practicing basic percussive hits on the off-beat, then gradually incorporate more complex patterns into your playing.
Using Alternate Tunings to Create Unique Sounds
Alternate tunings are a powerful tool to create unique sounds with your fingerstyle guitar.
By changing the standard tuning of your guitar, you can experiment with different voicings and chord structures that would be difficult or impossible to play in standard tuning.
Some popular alternate tunings include Drop D, Open G, and DADGAD.
Transitioning to alternate tunings requires practice and patience, but the resulting soundscapes can be truly rewarding.
Combining Fingerstyle and Flatpicking Techniques
Combining fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques can enhance the versatility of your guitar playing. Fingerstyle allows you to play multiple strings independently, perfect for intricate melodies and simultaneous bass and treble lines.
Flatpicking, on the other hand, is useful for strumming chords and quick, single-note runs. Incorporating both techniques into your repertoire will enable you to adapt to various musical styles and genres.
Acoustic Guitar For Fingerstyle
Summary
In conclusion, an acoustic guitar for fingerstyle offers a unique and nuanced way for musicians to express their creativity. It provides a rich, resonant sound that can bring a new dimension to your music. The right guitar can make a significant difference in the ease of playing and the quality of sound produced.
When choosing your instrument, it’s crucial to consider factors like the type of wood used, neck width, body shape, and string spacing. Remember, the best guitar is one that suits your personal style and comfort.
I hope this guide has provided some valuable insights to help you search among the best fingerstyle acoustic guitars.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
What do you look for in an acoustic guitar for fingerstyle?
