There are many acoustic guitars that are characterized as being versatile for playing all sorts of music including jazz, a type of music known for its melodic rhythms and spontaneity.
However, an acoustic guitar that is used for playing jazz also requires the inclusion of certain characteristics and high-quality components that are essential for producing accurate tunes.
Most commonly, jazz guitars are very easy to use and handle because their size is not enormous and their properties are not complicated to get the hang of and grasp.
a quick look at my favorite guitars for jazz
Key Takeaways
- Acoustic guitars are oftentimes used for the purpose of playing jazz music.
- The profile of the neck in regards to acoustic guitars is very important for producing jazz sounds.
- Accuracy of jazz tones depends on the provided balance and volume of the acoustic guitar.
- A good quality acoustic guitar for jazz is produced from durable and sturdy wood materials.
- The one that sticks out among the best acoustic guitars for jazz is the Taylor 214ce Acoustic Guitar.
Table of Contents
The Top 7 Best Acoustic Guitars for Jazz
Acoustic guitars can be used for playing many different types of music if you know how to properly use them and what is required for a guitar to be considered performance-based and an instrument that has the potential of being used for long periods of time.
In order to ensure that you produce the most accurate sound that is needed for playing jazz music, it is important to consider the different types of acoustic guitars, their unique properties as well as specific parts and use them to decide which one is the best:
7. Most Durable: Blueridge Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The slim neck of this acoustic guitar offers me the easiest possible action that I could get during the practice of playing jazz music.
It is also characterized with a resonance that is very warm which is required for producing jazz sounds and getting that smooth tune.
Apart from that, this acoustic guitar provides enough stability which makes it durable and long lasting, providing ultimate value for the price.
Pros
- Clean tone
- Crispy sounds
- Stability
- Great playability
Cons
- The saddle has to be swapped
- It produces a lot of buzz
Why Should You Buy It?
Take a chance in buying the Blueridge Acoustic-Electric Guitar and you will see for yourself how the ease of usage and warm sounds are suitable for playing jazz music.
6. Best Neck Profile: Alvarez Delta00E/TSB Jazz & Blues Guitar
This acoustic guitar is advertised to be used specifically for playing music such as jazz and blues because of the slim neck that lays comfortably on the body allowing responsiveness.
The sounds that this acoustic guitar produces are fitted for jazz tones due to the increasing volume as well as the balance it offers during playing.
Its appearance may remind people of a vintage-style guitar because the bridge is fitted and the components are regarded to be smaller that certain newer acoustic guitars.
Pros
- High-quality components
- Vintage Appearance
- Right Jazz Sounds
- Body-Joined Neck
Cons
- It produces a loud buzz
Why Should You Buy It?
You will be very pleased with the purchase of the Alvarez Delta00E/TSB Jazz & Blues Guitar because the build and sounds are very convenient for the purpose of playing jazz.
5. Best Design: Fender Kingman Acoustic Bass Guitar
The manufacturer of this acoustic guitar was clearly inspired to create it by referencing an electric guitar because their looks are regarded to be very similar.
It is produced from a specific type of wood called spruce which helps in producing the most accurate sounds when it comes to jazz by the inclusion of tune and frequency controls.
The slim neck offers a comfortable usage and the sounds are so smooth and it does not offer the loudest of sounds which are not needed or required for jazz.
Pros
- Modern design
- Durable materials
- Fitting neck
- Smooth sounds
Cons
- The bag that it comes with is cheaply made
Why Should You Buy It?
The Fender Kingman Acoustic Bass Guitar will offer you comfortable playing as well as the production of good sounds if you decide to purchase it.
4. The Richest Tone: Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar
This guitar certainly does not appear like most of the acoustic guitars on the market because it gives off an old-school vibe with its color and feel.
Although this acoustic guitar may seem vintage, it can definitely perform as any other new-looking acoustic guitar because it has a dynamic rich tone which is convenient for jazz.
The tones are clear and silky smooth with an addition of a slightly increased volume in order to get that perfect jazz tone that sounds pleasant for the soul.
Pros
- Sophisticated tune
- Polished Top
- Easy to Play
- Rustic Look
Cons
- It lacks a guitar bundle
Why Should You Buy It?
You will receive an instrument with an excellent value as well as quality if you decide to purchase the unique Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar.
3. Easiest to Play: Squier by Fender SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
When I was a beginner in guitar playing, I was looking for a specific instrument that does not have complicated components or a lack of proper balance.
Thankfully, this acoustic guitar has a slim neck which makes it very easy to play and hold and its shape provides enough balance when it comes to playing jazz music.
My love for jazz has increased since I have been using this acoustic guitar because I can easily produce the proper sounds without issues of buzzing or the need of string replacement.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Balanced tones
- Easily adjustable
- Great guitar bundle
Cons
- Inconstant tension of strings
Why Should You Buy It?
Among the majority of affordable acoustic guitar options, the Squier by Fender SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is one of the best choices for entry-level guitar players.
2. Best High End: Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar
The first time I glanced at this guitar, I was attracted to its unique appearance. However, when I heard how it performed, I was also mesmerized by the production of its sounds.
Every component of this acoustic guitar is carefully made in order to last a long time and provide an overall superior performance when it comes to playing jazz music.
It also comes with a long lasting warranty which guarantees that you will get the most use out of this acoustic guitar that certainly offers the best value for its price.
Pros
- Sturdy Wood Materials
- Glossy Finish
- Accurate tones
- Durable
Cons
- The strings are not high quality
Why Should You Buy It?
A good choice of acoustic guitar for playing jazz that is known to offer a long lasting value for the money is the Martin D-45 Acoustic Guitar.
1. Best Overall: Taylor 214ce Acoustic Guitar
This is one of the most high-quality acoustic guitars for playing jazz that I could find on the market which offers me practicality, sturdiness as well as smooth sounds.
It also comes with a gig bag and I can easily take it everywhere I could possibly need without the bag losing its original quality, tearing, or ripping apart.
This acoustic guitar is suitable for playing jazz music because of its top that allows the production of spirited highs and shallow ends.
Pros
- High notes
- Sturdy chords
- Padded bag
- Great Appearance
Cons
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Why Should You Buy It?
An acoustic guitar for jazz that is worth the money you are paying for because of the outstanding performance it offers is the Taylor 214ce Acoustic Guitar.
Things You Should Look For Before Buying an Acoustic Guitar for Jazz
Before buying a guitar, people tend to be drawn to appearance only. However, if a beautiful acoustic guitar does not produce good and clear sounds, it may not be worth spending your money on it. In order to choose your best option, try to consider these factors:
Long Lasting Characteristics
Acoustic guitars that contain non-quality components that are made out of materials such as plastic will not last a long time and you will be required to make replacements and changes.
For this reason, before buying an acoustic guitar for jazz, make sure that every part is made out of high-quality materials such as sturdy wood in order to ensure its durability.
There is nothing worse than spending your money on a low quality instrument that does not perform well after some time which will bring dysfunction and disappointment.
Quality of Strings
Metal strings are known to be the best high-quality when it comes to acoustic guitars for playing jazz because this will allow you to produce accurate sounds without buzzing.
Many manufacturers include plastic strings on their acoustic guitars in order to get better profit but they may not be aware that this only decreases the quality of their brand.
Buying an acoustic guitar with suitable strings will ensure longevity and less trouble in terms of purchasing new strings on a constant basis and replacing the old ones.
Smoothness of sounds
We all enjoy the harmony and comfort while listening to a good jazz song because the rhythm is so soothing and smooth that is considered as classic and complex.
If an acoustic guitar does not offer the production of smooth sounds and easy playability, it may not be suitable for playing jazz music.
The full melodious sounds of jazz are achieved by the use of an appropriate type of acoustic guitar that has the right neck profile and the accurate balance of tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of acoustic guitar is good for jazz?
Acoustic guitars that are considered classic and old-school are very good for jazz because they are timeless and ageless instruments that can be used for years and years to come without their quality increasing. Apart from this, these types of acoustic guitars are known to produce the most accurate and warm sounds that are required for playing jazz music.
Can acoustic guitar be used for playing jazz?
Although maybe you have heard that jazz is often associated with the use of an electric guitar, acoustic guitars can also be used for this purpose. While acoustic guitars can be trickier to learn how to play in comparison to electric guitars, you will need to practice and get the hang of the chords.
When should I learn to play jazz on an acoustic guitar?
There is no right or wrong time for learning a new skill or investing your time in a heartwarming hobby. You can never be too young or too old to figure out how an acoustic guitar should be used and played so that you learn how to produce jazz sounds and gradually increase your knowledge and mastery.
Final Words
You would probably feel very proud of yourself if you master the art of playing jazz music on an acoustic guitar because this skill is hard to learn and it can become tricky to figure out the right balance, volume and frequency that has to be achieved.
Luckily, there are acoustic guitars on the market that are known for their high levels of performance, durability and effectiveness when it comes to satisfying the requirements needed for playing jazz songs.
The harmony and melody of jazz music has to be followed by a good understanding of tunes as well as the use of an appropriate instrument such as high-quality acoustic guitars that are known for providing the most precise and detailed tones.