Dreadnought vs Concert Acoustic Guitar Body Sizes

Two acoustic guitars can share the same woods, the same neck and the same price and still feel completely different. The reason is body size. Here is what changes between the two most common shapes and how to pick.

What a dreadnought is

The dreadnought is the big, square shouldered shape most people picture when they think of an acoustic guitar. The large body moves a lot of air, so it is loud with a strong low end. It is the standard choice for strumming, singing along and bluegrass rhythm.

What a concert body is

A concert body is narrower at the waist and a little shallower. It sits lower on your knee and your arm reaches over it more easily. The sound is more balanced, with less boom in the bass and clear, even notes. Fingerstyle players and smaller framed players often prefer it.

How they compare

• Volume. The dreadnought is louder, especially when strummed hard.
• Comfort. The concert body is easier to hold for long sessions and for younger or smaller players.
• Tone. Dreadnoughts lean deep and full. Concert bodies lean clear and balanced.
• Style. Strummers and flatpickers tend toward dreadnoughts. Fingerpickers tend toward concert bodies.

Smaller still

If both feel large, look at a travel size guitar. The Taylor GS Mini and the Yamaha JR1 are scaled down bodies that are easy to carry and comfortable on the couch.

Which should you buy

If you mostly strum chords and want the biggest sound, choose the dreadnought. If comfort matters most or you play fingerstyle, choose the concert. The Yamaha FG800J and Yamaha FS800J are the same guitar in the two shapes, which makes the choice simple. New to guitar? Start with how to choose your first acoustic guitar.

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