Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right wood variety for playing fingerstyle guitar.
Confused about the best tone wood for your next acoustic guitar? I’ve got you covered.
Beyond the crucial role that it plays in influencing the sound quality of your instrument, the choice of tonewood is also a key factor in your guitar's appearance.
Also, luthiers have the flexibility and discretion to use almost any local wood as a tonewood. You may come across guitars crafted from Koa, Walnut, Cherry, Redwood, or Ash.
But in this guide, we're going to look at the top seven tonewoods used in the construction of acoustic guitars.
Let's delve into the 7 most prominent tonewoods best suited for fingerstyle : Spruce, Rosewood, Cedar, Maple, Cypress, Mahogany and Ebony.
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What's The Best Tonewood For Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar?
Obviously, the best tonewood combination depends on your taste: some give a warm, full sound, while others produce a bright, crisp tone. The most fashionable tonewood combination for acoustic fingerstyle guitarists is an Adriondack Spruce top and Brazilian rosewood sides and back.
This is the tonewood combination you'll find on many Taylor guitars, such as the 200 series pictured below.
Acoustic guitars are constructed with several different wood types, depending on the part of the guitar. We're concerned with the tonewoods, which are the woods used to construct the body of the guitar. The top is usually made from a softer wood than the bottom and sides, and the fingerboard is crafted from a dense hardwood.
Also note that every guitar is unique, and that's due not only to the type of wood used, but also the individual piece of wood selected by the luthier. So let's look at the individual tonewoods to give you a better idea of the combination of woods you should look for in your next guitar.
1. Spruce
Spruce and Rosewood are the dynamic Yin & Yang duo of fingerstyle guitar tonewoods. Together, this combo offers a harmonious contrast that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the ear.
Popular choices for spruce as a tonewood include Englemann Spruce, Sitka Spruce, and Adirondack Spruce. The first two are more commonly used as a tonewood for acoustic guitars.
All spruce are known by luthiers and players alike for their mature and rich sound while offering a natural beauty and rich tone to the guitar. Englemann Spruce is sourced from Western Canada and has a creamier appearance than the slightly darker Sitka.
In contrast to the springy Englemann, Sitka Spruce logs are huge. Subsequently, Sitka is a much more stiff tonewood, resulting in a guitar with a sharper, denser sound.
Adirondack spruce comes from the Eastern side of the North American continent, and produces a lively, clear sound when used as a tonewood. Commonly used on acoustic guitars before WWII, sourcing AAA grade Adirondack spruce wood has become much more difficult recently owing to the slower speed of tree growth in Eastern North America.
2. Rosewood
You know what they say: the best food and wines come from Italy, and the best rosewood comes from Brazil.
So, pair a Master Grade Alpine Spruce top with aged Brazilian Rosewood and you've got yourself a premium guitar. Buy one of these incredible acoustic axes and you're not just getting a block of wood; you're investing in art that echoes with the whispers of the Amazon Rainforest.
Unfortunately, the South American beauty has become more rare in recent times due to protective measures. The slightly more uniform East Indian Rosewood has therefore become a major player amongst the rosewoods.
And rosewood sourced from Madagascar is like the new kid in school who quickly becomes the star of the football team.
3. Cedar
If you find a spruce top guitar is slightly too bright for your taste, then you can turn to cedar for warm, rich tones. The contrast is like the difference between a lively, upbeat pop song and a slow, soulful ballad.
The rich coloration and natural luster of Red Cedar used in guitar construction are in obvious contrast to the dark and swarthy rosewoods or creamy spruces.
Previously overlooked as a tonewood by many luthiers, Western Red Cedar sourced from interior British Columbia (it's actually a type of cypress and not a true spruce) is gaining traction as a fine choice for fingerstyle guitarists wishing to craft melodies that weave through time.
Although commonly used as a top, you will find Red Cedar used on the back and sides of the guitar, as it's a less stiff wood than spruce.
4. Maple
Along with cypress, Maple is characterized as a tonewood for adding a bright acoustic sound to the guitar. Although your thoughts may immediately stray to outdoor applications such as fencing, decking, or creating a sturdy fortress, maple used in guitar construction has nothing to do with its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Bigleaf maple sourced from the Pacific Northwest shows a stunning and intricate grain pattern called "figure", which adds a rustic charm and aesthetic interest. This flamed maple is renown for its beauty in all stringed instruments, and luthiers use only this visual criterion when constructing the backs and sides of violins.
In Australia, Maton Guitars uses Queensland Maple in their signature Tommy Emmanuel model, creating both a durable instrument and a guitar with an exceptionally clear tone.
5. Cypress
Unlike the dark, mysterious Rosewood or the fiery hues of maple, Cypress, with its honey-like hue and lightweight nature, is the tonewood of choice for constructing the sides and back of a flamenco guitar. When paired with a spruce top, this contributes to the guitar's lighter weight, making it easier to hold without a strap, in flamenco position.
Cypress also lends a brighter sound to the flamenco guitar, a stark contrast to the of a classical guitar. Picture a lion purring like a kitten, because flamenco guitars are designed for a different kind of roar.
6. Mahogany
Known for its durability, stability, and excellent workability. Mahogany is a prized hardwood often used in fine furniture, cabinetry, and of course musical instruments. High grade wood from the mighty Mahogany tree are crafted into all parts of the guitar, including the top where softer woods are typically used. Choosing a hard, heavy wood lends a sonorous depth and a robust timbre that does take time to show its quality.
A less expensive but equally elegant choice is Equatorial mahogany, a tonewood more often referred to as okoume.
7. Ebony
Finally, we come to Macassar Ebony, the heavyweight of tonewoods, gives the guitar's back and sides a striking look with a bass that rumbles like thunder. Its dark hues are a visual symphony, streaked with dusk while not being totally opaque. This exotic timber is the Rolls Royce of woods, with a price to match.
Ebony is prized for its dense and durable nature, making it a popular choice for high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. is also a tactile delight on the fretboard. The distinct veining and fine lines of marbled ebony create a more visually captivating and aesthetically pleasing appearance than the jet-black version in my opinion.
Whether used as a fretboard material or as a tonewood, Mahogany's dense and unyielding characteristics will charm like a well-cooked meal, where each ingredient complements the others.
With so many options, coupled with ever-evolving tastes and regulatory changes, means that now more than ever, you need to be aware of the different types of tonewoods before choosing an acoustic guitar. Whether that's going for a noble sound with a softer touch, or seeking an old soul vibe, choosing the right tonewood makes it possible for you to customize your guitar sound like a tailored suit.
