Anatomy of the Acoustic Guitar: What Every Beginner Should Know

Written By Caleb Holgerson

Learning guitar? It helps to know your way around the instrument - literally.

Here’s a quick guide to the parts of an acoustic guitar, so you can understand how it works, talk about it confidently, and take better care of it.

🔍 Basic Acoustic Guitar Parts

1. Headstock
This is the top of the guitar, where the tuning machines (or tuners) are located. This is where you adjust the pitch of each string.

2. Nut
A small piece (usually bone or plastic) at the end of the fretboard that spaces and guides the strings toward the tuners.

3. Neck & Fretboard
The long part you hold in your hand while playing. The fretboard (or fingerboard) is where you press down on the strings to change notes.

4. Frets
Metal strips embedded in the fretboard. Each fret changes the pitch by a half step as you move up the neck.

5. Body
The large, hollow part of the guitar that creates the sound. It includes:

  • Top (or soundboard): Vibrates to produce tone

  • Back & Sides: Help shape the guitar’s voice

  • Soundhole: Projects the sound outward

6. Bridge & Saddle
Located on the body below the soundhole. The bridge anchors the strings to the guitar, and the saddle helps set string height and intonation.

7. Pickguard (optional)
A plastic piece that protects the body from pick scratches during strumming.

Why It Matters

Knowing the parts of your guitar helps you:

  • Communicate clearly with teachers or techs

  • Make smarter buying and maintenance decisions

  • Understand how each part affects your tone and playabilityNeed Help?

Need Help?

Need help picking the right guitar for your hands, style, or budget? At Morris Guitar Company, we carry quality used acoustic guitars, professionally set up and ready to play. Contact us for a recommendation.

Caleb Holgerson
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