Last Updated on January 23, 2022 by GuitarsCamp

As a matter of fact, all guitars have in common particular attributes that make them perform as a guitar should. Not like an instrument such as a tuba or even a violin. To understand the parts that make up an acoustic guitar is important, because understanding will allow one to successfully make music with it and how to properly take care of it.

Acoustic as well as electric guitars basically have the same construction for the neck and the string tension. Similar in construction, yes, but very different in tone production.

Here is a short list highlighting the different parts and what they do:

Bridge:

This is the wooden plate that secures the guitar’s strings to the body.

Top:

This is the face of the guitar. For an acoustic, this part is also known as the sounding board that creates almost completely all the guitar’s sound qualities.

Rosette:

The rosette is an inlay or visual element that is set into the exterior surface of the acoustic guitar, usually around the sound hole.

Strap Pin:

This a metal pin where the front and top ends of the shoulder strap connect to the guitar. Note: Unfortunately, all acoustic guitars have a strap pin. The top of the strap is tied around the headstock if the pin is missing.

Neck:

This is the long wooden part that joins the headstock to the body.

Fret:

These are thin metallic bars that run perpendicular to the guitar strings that constrict the vibrating length of a particular string, allowing it to create various pitches.

Tuning Keys:

These are adjustable geared mechanisms that increase or decrease the tension of the strings, stretching them to different pitches. The string is wrapped tightly around a post on the headstock. The post goes through the rear of the headstock and connects to a tuning key.

Headstock:

This section holds the tuning keys and allows a place for the manufacturer to display its company’s logo.

Machine Head:

This is the geared apparatus that applies tension and tunes a string and is located on the headstock.

Strings:

These are the six metal or nylon wires that, drawn tight, create the notes of the guitar. Though not an actual part of the guitar, the strings are a key part of the overall system. A guitar’s total design and structure centers around causing the strings to ring out with a pleasant sound.

Fingerboard:

This is a flat piece of wood that is plank-like and rests on top of the guitar’s neck and where the left-hand fingers make notes and chords. It is also referred to as the fretboard since the frets are embedded there.

Position Marker/Dot Inlay:

These are used as a reference for the fret numbers, typically on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, and the 21st fret.

Binding:

This is used to protect the edges of the guitar from damage due to impact and also prevent destructive moisture.

Pick guard:

The intended purpose of the pick guard is to guard against the guitar’s finish, from being scratched by the pick, while it is being played. It is placed under the strings on the body of the guitar and is usually made of plastic or some type of laminate material.

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