How to choose the right folk guitar for yourself?

How to choose the right folk guitar for yourself?

Here's a guide on selecting the right folk guitar, covering key factors from personal needs to guitar specifications. 

How to Choose the Right Folk Guitar for Yourself

Consider these aspects to find a guitar that matches your style, body, and budget:

1. Identify Your Playing Style

  • Singing with Accompaniment
    • Opt for a Dreadnought (D-body) guitar, typically 41 inches. Its large body produces powerful low frequencies and a booming sound, ideal for strumming in pop, folk, or rock genres. Examples include the Martin D-28.
  • Fingerpicking
    • Choose a GA (Grand Auditorium) or OM (Orchestra Model) body. GA offers balanced, warm tones for versatile techniques, while OM emphasizes midrange clarity and articulate fingerstyle playing. The Taylor GS Mini is a popular GA model.
  • Portability
    • A 36-inch Mini Jumbo (travel guitar) is perfect for on-the-go use. Compact and lightweight, though slightly quieter, it’s great for practice during travel.

2. Size Matters: Match Guitar to Your Build

  • Height Guide:
    • 110–130cm: 36-inch or small-bodied 38-inch guitars.
    • 130–165cm: 40-inch or larger 38-inch guitars.
    • 165cm+: 41-inch guitars.
    • 170cm+: Consider a 42-inch guitar for better handling.
  • Arm Span: Ensure comfort when reaching fret positions without straining.

3. Wood Selection Impacts Tone

  • Soundboard (Top):
    • Spruce: Most common for its bright, balanced tone. Sitka spruce emphasizes bass and treble; Engelmann spruce adds richer overtones.
    • Mahogany: Produces warm, focused midrange tones, ideal for fingerpicking.
  • Back & Sides:
    • Indian Rosewood: Deep bass, clear highs, and rich harmonics.
    • Mahogany: Brightens tone with focused midrange, responsive to both gentle and aggressive playing.

4. Construction: Plywood vs. Solid Wood

  • Plywood:
    • All layers are synthetic. Budget-friendly (₹5,000–₹15,000), but limited resonance and tone development.
  • Solid Top:
    • Solid wood soundboard with plywood back/sides. Balances affordability (₹15,000–₹30,000) and improved tone—ideal for beginners.
  • All-Solid:
    • Solid wood throughout. Best tone, projection, and price (₹30,000+). Suited for advanced players.

5. Set a Realistic Budget

  • Beginners: ₹5,000–₹20,000 for entry-level plywood or solid-top guitars.
  • Intermediate: ₹20,000–₹50,000 for mid-range solid-top models with better craftsmanship.
  • Advanced: ₹50,000+ for premium all-solid guitars or renowned brands.

6. Test Play Before Buying

If possible, visit a store to:


  • Check Playability:
    • Action: Ensure strings are not too high (strains fingers) or too low (causes buzzing).
    • Neck Shape: Choose between slim (easier for small hands) and chunky (for more grip).
  • Assess Tone:
    • Strum chords for balanced sound across all strings.
    • Fingerpick to test clarity and projection.
  • Inspect Build Quality:
    • Look for cracks, uneven frets, or loose joints.
    • Check finish and hardware durability.
Final Tips:


  • Trust your instincts—if a guitar feels comfortable and sounds good to your ears, it’s the right choice.
  • Research brands known for consistency (e.g., Yamaha, Martin, Taylor, Fender).
  • Consider maintenance costs (strings, tuners, humidity control).


Let your playing style and personal preference guide you. Happy strumming! 

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