Parent article: Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
We're going to look at some of the most common acoustic guitar dimensions, covering both full and 3/4 size acoustic guitars.
Note that we are not making a distinction between dreadnought and concert body styles, as categories. We are, however, giving some examples of both, even though they don't measure dramatically different from one another.
But before we get into examples we need to talk about how acoustic guitar dimensions are measured and what to look for.
Body Dimensions VS Scale Length
The most common dimensional measurement given for an acoustic guitar is something called "scale length." If you're not familiar with scale length, that's the distance between the nut (top of the first fret) and the bridge where the strings connect to the body.
Here's a diagram that shows this space pretty clearly:
The scale length measurement on an acoustic guitar is one of the most common dimensions offered by manufacturers.
The next measurements - that are easier to understand - are the dimensions of the body, usually given in length, width, and depth. Ideally, to get a full understanding of a guitar's size, you'll have all four of these measurements present:
- Body length
- Body width
- Body depth
- Scale length
Together, these give you a solid picture of an acoustic guitar's dimensions and the amount of space it might take up.
However, not all manufacturers provide all this information. In the examples we've pulled together, we've focused on acoustic guitars that provide all or at least some of the measurements we're looking for.
Get a FREE Guitar Tricks membership that lasts 14 days and try it out. If it's not for you, just cancel. Your membership is also backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
11,000+ lessons, 1000+ song tutorials with tabs, works on all devices.
Looking at some simple acoustic guitar dimensions.
Examples of Typical Acoustic Guitar Dimensions
In this section we've listed a few of the most popular acoustic guitars and verified, corresponding dimensions. We've also added dimensions for a couple 3/4 size acoustic guitars, though we'll discuss those more in paragraphs beneath our guitar list.
If you want to add dimensions or ask about a particular guitar, hit us up in the comments section and we'll chat.
Recommend or ask about an acoustic guitar's dimensions...
Taylor GS Mini
- Body Length: 17-5/8"
- Body Width: 14-3/8"
- Body Depth: 4-7/16"
- Scale Length: 23-1/2"
Martin HD-28
- Scale Length: 25-2/5"
Taylor 224ce K DLX
- Body Length: 20"
- Body Width: 16"
- Body Depth: 4-5/8"
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
Yamaha C40II Full Scale Classical
- Scale Length: 25.56"
- Body Depth: 3.31"
Yamaha CGS103 3/4 Scale Classical
- Scale Length: 23"
- Body Depth: 4"
Yamaha FG800
- Body Length: 19.881"
- Body Width: 16.22"
- Body Depth: 3.937" - 4.645" (depends on the model)
- Scale Length: 25.5"
Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Nylon String Classical Acoustic
- Overall length (all the way to headstock): 37.4"
- Body width: 12.36"
- Body depth: 3.3" - 3.4"
- Scale Length: 24.2"
Typical Full Size Body Measurements
When we're talking about just the body of an acoustic guitar, you can make some generalizations and come up with some typical dimensions. Keep in mind, we're talking about a "full size" acoustic guitar and not the small 5/6 or 3/4 acoustic body sizes.
Measuring an acoustic guitar often comes down to the body's dimensions.
Here's where we usually see body dimensions land:
- Body length: 20"
- Body width: 15"
- Body depth: 4.5"
Again, this doesn't take into account the neck and headstock, but it gives you an idea of what the body of your average acoustic guitar will measure.
3/4 Guitar VS Full Size
How does a 3/4 size acoustic stack up to a full or normal-sized acoustic guitar? On an obvious note, it's made to be 75 percent as big, putting our approximate measurements at roughly the following:
- Body length: 15"
- Body width: 11" - 12"
- Body depth: Same as full
In most cases, the depth will stay about the same, while the length and width of the body shrink to get you that 3/4 sizing.
What about nut width?
When looking at acoustic guitar dimensions, you'll likely notice a lot of manufacturers list "nut width" which is the thickness at the bottom of the first fret, where the nut is placed to anchor the strings.
Diagram that shows you the nut width measuring location on an acoustic guitar.
This is a helpful measurement for understanding the size of your neck and fretboard, but less consequential when it comes to dimensions.
Neck thickness is typically not going to be a factor when it comes to the size of an acoustic guitar overall.
It's just something to make note of.
Conclusion and More Acoustic Guitar Dimensions
As mentioned earlier, feel free to drop a comment below about some acoustic dimensions you know of or that you would like us to include. Better yet, if you have an acoustic guitar, measure it yourself so we can have a verified, original list.
Otherwise, we hope this overview has been helpful and informative for you.
If it works out, we'll see you in the comments section.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Acoustics and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Acoustics and Roundups
Thank you so much for your helpful info! I am curious as to which nut width and string spacing (bridge) is preferred for bluegrass. I understand that it is all about personal feel and preference but, I can’t help but feel maybe there is a more comfortable starting point. I am a beginner and play a Martin 000CJr-10E that I am comfortable with playing open chords and lead but I struggle a little bit with the right hand when flatpicking. The 000cJr-10E has a nut width of 1 3/4″ and a string spacing of 2 5/32″. Also to mention a neck width at the 12 fret of 2 1/8″. Thank you in advance for any info you can provide to aid in making my next purchase. Don’t tell my wife but this is probably not my last! 🤣
Hey Dennis – thanks for the comment. What’s the struggle with the right hand issue? Just general discomfort? In most cases, I’d say the nut width is going to have far more to say about the comfortability of your left hand.