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Last updated August 15, 2024

A Guide To The Different Types Of Guitar Wood

Proudly written by Pro-Guitarist,
Lewis Turner

6 Comments
Guitars | Acoustic Guitars | Bass Guitars | Classical Guitars | Electric Guitars

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Fender FA-115 Perfect For: Beginners

Overall: 8/10
Best Feature: Laminated spruce top and mahogany body
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**Have you ever strummed a guitar and felt the magic at your fingertips? That’s the charm of Guitar Wood.**

My adventure with guitars started with a simple wooden acoustic guitar that made beautiful music every time I played a note, and it’s where I learned my first crucial lesson: the wood defines the sound.

I was thrilled when I started learning about tone woods and discovered how each has its special sound, like different spices in a musical recipe.

Each has its distinct personality, setting the stage for those magical musical moments, and If I had to pick a favorite, mahogany’s warm embrace in the midrange would steal the show for me.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand why selecting the right wood is more than just aesthetics—it’s about discovering your unique sound.

Selecting Wood for Different Guitar Types

When it comes to building guitars, the choice of wood is crucial for crafting the distinctive sound and feel of the instrument. Let’s see which woods best suit acoustic and electric guitars.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars benefit significantly from solid wood construction, allowing for resonant, warm tones. The top, or soundboard, is particularly influential because it amplifies the strings’ vibrations.

Sitka spruce

Sitka spruce is a top choice for the soundboard due to its combination of strength and elasticity, balancing brightness and warmth.

Rosewood

Rosewood is a darling among guitarists for the back and sides, offering deep, rich lows and sparkling highs. Options for acoustic tops often include cedar, known for a softer sound, which is ideal for fingerstyle players.

Engelmann and Adirondack

Engelmann and Adirondack are other spruce options, each with their own distinct sonic seasoning; Engelmann offers a slightly softer and warmer sound, while Adirondack is like a dash of spice, with boldness and volume.

Honduran Mahogany

On the other hand, Honduran Mahogany tops are loved for their punchy mids and a more direct sound.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are a different beast, relying on pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals; thus, the wood contributes more to sustain and feel than pure acoustic tone.

Alder

Alder is a staple for electric guitar bodies, famous for its lightweight and balanced tone. You can expect an even spectrum of lows, mids, and highs with alder.

Maple

Maple is another favorite, used for its bright tonal properties and its dense nature, which provides sustain and clarity. When used for the neck or as a top layer on the body, it can significantly sharpen a guitar's attack..

mahogany

In the realm of electric guitars, mahogany still stands out, but here for its warm, rich tones and sustain – it's often paired with a maple top to add some bite to the sound.

Characteristics of Common Guitar Woods

When I look at the different woods used in guitar making, I’m amazed by how each one brings its unique flavor to the music.

It’s like each type of wood has its personality, with specific tonal qualities, weight and density, and grain and appearance that color the sound and feel of a guitar.

Tonal Qualities

Maple usually sings with a bright tone and has good sustain, making it a popular choice for necks and bodies.

But let’s not forget Mahogany, with its warm, rich voice, often used in acoustic and electric guitars for a robust midrange.

On the lighter side, Alder offers a full-bodied and balanced tone, while Basswood is known for its warmth, catering beautifully to diverse playing styles.

Weight and Density

Some woods, like Ebony and Brazilian Rosewood, are on the heftier side, which can contribute to rich sustain and resonance.

In contrast, Swamp Ash or Poplar is often lighter, providing a comfort that’s easy on the shoulders without compromising tone.

And then there’s Walnut, striking a delightful balance between weight and tone for a natural Goldilocks choice.

Grain and Appearance

Now, let’s talk style.

The grain of the wood affects not only the aesthetics but sometimes even the guitar’s resonance.

Figured Maple, with its captivating flamed or quilt patterns, turns any guitar into a visual treat.

Indian Rosewood seduces with simpler, elegant grain patterns.

And exotic woods like Cocobolo or Wenge? They’re like the final flourish on a masterpiece, with distinct, mesmerizing patterns as unique as fingerprints.

Anatomy of the Guitar

In exploring the guitar’s anatomy, I think of it as a work of art, where each wooden piece contributes to its unique sound and feel.

It’s intriguing how the choice of wood in different guitar parts, such as the body, neck, and fretboard, affects the instrument’s character and tone.

Body

The body is the guitar's most significant part and is the main sound chamber. Body woods like mahogany emphasize a warm tonal quality and are renowned for their durability and rich resonance. Maple body woods offer a contrasting bright tone and are equally resilient, giving guitars a snappy sound that cuts through the mix.

Neck

Moving on to the neck, the long piece of wood connects to the body and supports the fretboard. It also houses the nut and is capped by the headstock at the opposite end. Necks are typically made of solid woods like maple for stability, while manufacturers sometimes choose mahogany here for a smoother, warmer tone.

Fretboard

Lastly, the fretboard sits atop the neck and is home to the metal frets that divide the string into musical notes. The wood choice, such as rosewood or ebony, affects playability and tone; rosewood fretboards are dense, enhancing sustain and warmth. Each fretboard wood sings a different tune under my fingers, making the choice a crucial flavor in my musical recipe.

Guitar Wood Maintenance and Care

I like to keep things simple yet effective when it comes to maintaining my guitar. I know that the wood is the soul of my guitar; it contributes to its durability and stability, and of course, that rich sound I love.

Humidity

Humidity is my guitar’s best friend and worst enemy, all rolled into one. I maintain a humidity level between 45-55% to ensure the wood doesn’t warp or crack, affecting playability and tone.

I’m also careful about the temperature where I store my guitar. Not too hot or cold, just right, between 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, I prevent damage to the lacquer finish and keep the wood’s stability in check.

Cleaning

Cleaning is an art form. I clean the body and neck with a soft, dry cloth, and for stricter grime, I use guitar-specific cleaners that won’t harm the wood.

As for the fretboard, that’s the part my fingers dance on, and it directly affects the feel and playability. I gently clean it with extra-fine steel wool but always mask the sound hole first to keep the insides clean.

Thickness and Volume

Thickness and Volume, oh, how they are intertwined with the wood. The thickness of the guitar wood can influence the Volume and resonance, so I keep an eye on any changes due to swelling or shrinking from humidity. I choose woods from responsibly managed forests for my next guitar when I think of sustainability. It’s my way of caring for the environment while caring for my treasured instrument. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way, ensuring that my six-string friend sings beautifully for years to come!

Advanced Considerations in Guitar Wood Selection

When I think about crafting a guitar, the selection of wood is critical to the character and voice of the instrument. It’s a blend of art and science determining how notes resonate with each strum.

Tone wood Basics and Definition

Tone woods are specific types of wood used in making musical instruments due to their tonal properties. These woods are chosen for their ability to produce rich, resonant sounds.

The Importance of Wood Density and Grain Pattern

The density of a tone wood affects its sound transmission; denser woods generally produce brighter and clearer tones. Meanwhile, the grain pattern is not just about aesthetics—it influences how the wood vibrates and thus contributes to the overall resonance of the guitar. Remember, every tree sings a different song, and in the hands of a luthier, its wood turns into the body of a guitar, ready to resonate with personality and life.

Budget Guitar Recommendation

FENDER FA-115

Perfect For: Beginners

PERFECT FOR: Beginners

FEATURES: Laminated spruce top and mahogany body.
- Features walnut fingerboard and a clear gloss finish.

Check Price >

8/10

PROS

CONS

What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

MARTIN LX1 LITTLE MARTIN

Best For Beginners and
Young Players

PERFECT FOR: Beginners and Young Players

FEATURES: Solid sitka spruce top.
- Modified low oval neck style.

Check Price >

8/10

PROS

CONS

What Retailer to Buy From?

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

BIG BABY TAYLOR BBT

Best For Beginner and
Experienced Players

PERFECT FOR: Beginner and Experienced Players

FEATURES: Features a sublime quality
solid sitka spruce top.

Check Price >

9/10

PROS

CONS

What Retailer to Buy From?

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

Guitar Wood
Top Picks

Choosing guitar wood is like picking the perfect ingredient for a delicious recipe. I’ve discovered that the type of wood shapes the guitar’s aesthetics and its very soul.

Mahogany whispers warm, rich tones, making it a friend to many styles. Meanwhile, maple stands bold and bright, offering sonic clarity that cuts through the mix.

My journey through tone woods taught me about the resonance of top woods.

Let’s remember how wood choice affects playability and longevity. It’s thrilling to find that perfect match where feel and durability meet.

In my quest for the ultimate guitar sound, I urge you to play different guitars made from various woods. Feeling the vibrations and hearing the tone differences first-hand is eye-opening.

Now, here’s a nifty breakdown:

Tone wood Impact

Tone wood Impact: Affects sound, longevity, and playability.

Popular Choices

Popular Choices: Mahogany and maple for beginners.

Top Wood Importance

Top Wood Importance: Key to superior resonance and tone.

Before you go…

Discover the top 18 acoustic guitars priced under 500 in this article.

18 BEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR UNDER 500

FAQ's

What wood is the best for guitar?

The best wood for a guitar depends on the player’s preferences and the desired sound. Common choices for acoustic guitar tops include spruce, cedar, and mahogany, each offering distinct tonal characteristics. In contrast, electric guitars often use woods like alder, ash, mahogany, and maple for different instrument parts, each contributing to the overall sound and feel. Ultimately, the “best” wood is subjective and varies based on individual playing style and musical genre.

What type of wood is a guitar made of?

Guitars can be made from various types of wood, with different woods often used for the body, neck, and fretboard. Other hardwoods for acoustic guitar tops include spruce, cedar, and mahogany, while electric guitars often use woods like alder, ash, mahogany, and maple for different instrument parts. The choice of wood can significantly impact the guitar’s tone and overall feel.

What is the most common wood for guitars?

The most common wood for acoustic guitar tops is spruce, mainly Sitka spruce, due to its balance of strength and tonal qualities. Alder and ash are widely used for solid-body construction for electric guitars, while maple is commonly used for necks and fretboards.

What wood are cheap guitars made of?

Cheap guitars are often made from more affordable tone woods such as dense wood, basswood, sand, or poplar for the body. They may feature synthetic materials for the fretboard and other components. These materials help to reduce production costs, making the guitars more budget-friendly.

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Lewis Turner

Lewis is a professional guitarist based in London, UK. Over the years he has built up a diverse career, including playing on West End shows such as The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Man of La Mancha, Bat Out Of Hell, Strictly Ballroom, The Band, The Last Tango, Jersey Boys, Jackie The Musical, Exposure, Beyond The Fence, Adrian Mole, WAGGS, Momentous Musicals, The Addams Family (UK Premier), Legally Blonde, Fame, Hairspray, Grease, The Wedding Singer and many more. He has been fortunate to work with some fantastic musicians over the years including Mark Knopfler and Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits). All in all, Lewis is just a phenomenally talented guitarist who is also a really nice chap! See him in action on the Ted's List YouTube channel under the playlist guitars section.

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EllieB says:

April 1, 2025 at 2:09 pm

really enjoyed reading about the guitar anatomy, didn’t know much about it before. thanks for the info 🙂

Reply
JazzHands53 says:

February 28, 2025 at 6:02 am

While I appreciate the section on tone woods, I believe you’ve oversimplified their impact on electric guitars. The electronic components like pickups play a far more significant role in shaping the sound. Wood’s effect, while not negligible, is more subtle and becomes apparent only in high-quality instruments played through high-end amplification.

Reply
Trevor 'Strat' McLean says:

December 1, 2024 at 4:35 am

nice breakdown on electric guitars, always thought the wood type was just about the looks lol didn’t know it affected the sound that much

Reply
MaggieS. says:

October 22, 2024 at 9:12 am

Hey Lewis , I’m kinda new to this whole guitar thing and was wondering how much the type of wood really matters for someone just starting out? Does it make learning easier or sound better even if I’m not that good yet?

Reply
- GuitarGuru88 says:
  
  April 15, 2025 at 12:06 pm
  
  Good wood contributes to better sound, but it’s technique that truly makes a difference. Starting on any decent guitar is fine.
  
  Reply
- DaveyJ says:
  
  February 23, 2025 at 2:34 pm
  
  MaggieS, the wood can definitely impact the sound, but when you’re starting out, focus on comfort and playability. You’ll appreciate the tone differences more as you progress.
  
  Reply

A Guide To The Different Types Of Guitar Wood