Tips & Tutorials | April 3, 2020

Guide to Acoustic Guitar Body Sizes & Shapes 

Explore the different acoustic guitar body sizes and shapes—from the intimate Concert to the iconic Martin-invented Dreadnought—and learn how size impacts tone, comfort, and playability.

Person playing an acoustic guitar

Updated 9/30/2025

When it comes to acoustic guitars, size matters. The body shape and dimensions of your instrument influence tone, projection, comfort, and even what styles of music it’s best suited for. Whether you’re strumming around a campfire, fingerpicking in a studio, or performing on stage, the right body size can make all the difference. 

At Martin, we’ve spent nearly 200 years perfecting body shapes to suit every player. In fact, we invented the legendary Dreadnought in 1916—one of the most copied guitar designs in history—and we continue to innovate with modern sizes like the SC, Grand Performance, and Super D. Let’s break down what body size means, why it matters, and how to choose the right one for you. 


Why Acoustic Guitar Body Size & Shape Matters 

The body of an acoustic guitar is more than just wood and curves—it’s the resonating chamber that creates your sound. Here’s why body size makes such an impact: 

  • Tone & Volume: Larger guitars produce louder, bass-rich tones, while smaller guitars offer balance and clarity. 
  • Playability: Smaller bodies are often easier to handle, especially for beginners or players with smaller frames. 
  • Comfort: The right body size ensures long sessions of strumming or fingerpicking feel natural. 
  • Musical Style Suitability: Some shapes shine for strumming, while others are tailor-made for fingerstyle or recording. 
Person playing an acoustic guitar

Common Acoustic Guitar Body Shapes & Sizes 

Dreadnought (D) 

Invented by Martin in 1916, the Dreadnought is the most iconic acoustic guitar shape in the world. With a wide lower bout and deep body, it produces booming bass, powerful projection, and a versatile tone suited for almost any style. Nearly every guitar maker has imitated it—but nothing compares to the original Martin Dreadnought. 

Building on that legacy, Martin introduced the Super D—the largest body size we make. With 20% more internal air volume than a standard Dreadnought, the Super D takes projection and bass response to new levels. Acoustic testing has shown it can deliver gains of up to 12dB compared to a standard Dreadnought. Thanks to its proportional design, standard depth, and scale length, it remains comfortable to play while offering an extended dynamic range, effortless volume, and remarkable tonal balance. 

Best for: Strumming, flatpicking, ensemble playing, and musicians who want maximum projection without sacrificing balance. 

Concert (0) & Grand Concert (00) 

The 0 (Concert) is Martin’s smallest full-size guitar, while the slightly larger 00 (Grand Concert) offers a bit more body and warmth. Both deliver clear trebles, articulate mids, and an intimate, controlled voice—perfect for fingerstyle, songwriting, or recording where clarity matters. 

Best for: Fingerstyle, folk, solo performance, and players who value comfort. 

Auditorium (000) & Orchestra Model (OM) 

The 000 (Auditorium) and OM (Orchestra Model) balance projection and comfort with a mid-size body. Both share the same body shape—the OM uses a longer scale length for extra sustain and punch, while the 000 offers a slightly warmer feel. 

Best for: Versatile players switching between strumming and fingerpicking, recording artists, and songwriters. 

Grand Auditorium (0000/M) 

The Grand Auditorium (0000/M) sits between the 000/OM and the Jumbo in Martin’s lineup. With a wide lower bout, it delivers strong projection and resonance, but its body depth is the same as a 0, 00, or 000. That slimmer profile gives it a more balanced, controlled sound compared to deeper-bodied designs, while still offering volume and clarity across all six strings. 

Best for: Players who want big, balanced projection with the comfort of a thinner body depth. 

Grand Performance (GP) 

The Grand Performance (GP) is similar in width to the 0000/M but has the same body depth as a Dreadnought, giving it extra power and projection. That added depth results in a more robust bass response and a “fuller” voice, while the narrower waist keeps it comfortable to play. Many consider it Martin’s “Goldilocks” size—big enough for the stage, but not overwhelming. 

Best for: All-purpose players, live performers, and musicians who want the comfort of a mid-size guitar with the volume of a larger one. 

Jumbo (J) 

The Jumbo (J) is Martin’s big-bodied powerhouse. While no longer the largest size we make (that title belongs to the Super D), it remains one of the boldest designs in our catalog. With its expansive size, it produces thunderous volume, strong bass, and sparkling highs. 

Best for: Strummers, rhythm players, and anyone who wants maximum projection and a commanding stage presence. 

SC 

A true modern innovation, the Martin SC reimagines the acoustic-electric for today’s player. Featuring our patented Sure Align® neck system, it provides effortless access to every fret, unmatched comfort, and a design that bridges the gap between acoustic and electric. It’s built for guitarists who demand versatility and playability without sacrificing acoustic tone. 

Best for: Electric players transitioning to acoustic, live performers, and anyone who values comfort and high-fret access. 

HG 

The HG is Martin’s newer body size, inspired by early Hawaiian guitars. It’s essentially a scaled-down slope-shoulder Dreadnought, offering a balanced Dreadnought-like voice in a more approachable size. With bold looks and a comfortable short-scale neck, it delivers tone and playability for players who want classic sound with modern comfort. 

Best for: Players who love Dreadnought tone but want a smaller, more manageable feel. 

Travel & Mini Guitars (LX & Junior) 

The Little Martin (LX) and Junior Series pack Martin craftsmanship into portable, player-friendly designs. Despite their size, they produce a surprisingly big sound and are perfect for beginners, travelers, and those who need a reliable companion on the go. 

Best for: Practice, travel, younger players, and portability without sacrificing tone. 

A chart of acoustic guitar body sizes and sounds.

How to Choose the Right Body Shape for You 

When deciding, ask yourself: 

  • Comfort & Ergonomics: Does the guitar feel right when you hold it? Can you play comfortably sitting or standing? 
  • Playing Style: Fingerpickers may prefer 0, 00, or 000, while strummers often gravitate toward Dreadnoughts or Jumbos. 
  • Musical Genre: Bluegrass and country thrive on bigger bodies, while folk and indie often favor smaller ones. 
  • Performance Needs: Solo players may enjoy smaller, articulate models; band players may want bigger projection. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the most popular acoustic guitar body shape? 

The Martin Dreadnought is arguably the most popular—and most copied—acoustic guitar shape in the world. 

Which guitar shape is best for beginners? 

Smaller bodies like the 0, 00, or Junior are often easiest for beginners to play. 

Does guitar size affect sound quality? 

Yes. Larger bodies project more volume and bass, while smaller bodies produce balance and clarity. 

What’s the difference between a Dreadnought and a Concert guitar? 

A Dreadnought is larger with booming bass, while a Concert (0) is smaller with clear, intimate tones. 

Are smaller-bodied guitars quieter? 

Generally, yes—but they also excel in clarity, articulation, and recording situations. 

An acoustic guitar on a sofa

Explore Guitars by Body Shape 

Want to hear the difference for yourself? Browse Martin guitars by body size: 

More from Martin 

Your guitar’s body size isn’t just about looks—it shapes your sound, your comfort, and your style. From the intimate clarity of a Concert to the legendary roar of a Martin Dreadnought to the earth-shaking projection of the Super D, there’s a body size for every player. 

Since 1833, Martin has led the way in defining—and inventing—these body shapes, setting the standard that countless others have followed. 

Explore Martin guitars by body size and find the one that’s built for you. And if you’d like to dig deeper, check out our other blog posts and buying guides for the Concert & Grand Concert, Auditorium, Grand Performance, and Dreadnought body sizes. 

Until next time, happy playing! 

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