Parts Of An Acoustic Guitar

by Raymund Tamayo

Basically, there are three kinds of guitars: the acoustic guitar (uses steel strings), the classical guitar (uses nylon strings), and the electric guitar. In this manual, we will focus on the acoustic guitar.

In order to understand the lessons effectively, you should learn the different terminologies used in the world of guitar playing, particularly when it comes to its parts.

Below are the common parts of an acoustic guitar.

Not included in the picture are the “back” and the “pickup”. You should know that not all acoustic guitars have pickups.

A pickup is a device that allows an acoustic guitar to be electronically connected to an amplifier and speaker. In essence, an acoustic guitar becomes an “acoustic electric” or “electro acoustic” guitar because of the presence of a pickup.

Another optional part of the guitar is the pickguard (or scratchplate). Not all acoustic guitars have pickguards.

As the name suggest, a pickguard guards the top (or the soundboard) of your guitar from potential damage caused by a guitar pick. If you are not using a pick or if you don’t mind a few minor scratches on your guitar, then it is not necessary.

A pickguard is actually not an essential part of a guitar. Many consider it as just a part of the design and aesthetics of a guitar.

Classical guitars almost never use pickguards because you play them with your fingers traditionally.