Wood is one of the most important materials for guitar players. A guitar’s tone is greatly shaped by the type of wood it’s made from – both the body and guitar necks, and each kind of wood produces a distinct sound. Try the different kinds of woods for your electric guitar to find your favorite sound.
The wood, in addition to the gauge of strings, pickups, bridge and all other components help to make up the sound and tone.
How Much Does Wood Type Actually Affect Electric Guitar Tone?
Wood type can greatly affect the tone of your guitar. Different woods have different tones and you can find the right one to suit the music you want to play. For example, rosewood is a good choice for blues, classical and jazz music because it has a nice dark sound.
- Basswood – This wood produces a bright, crisp sound that’s ideal for most rock styles. Is basswood good for guitars?
- Mahogany – Produces a warm, mellow timbre and a dark sound.
- Rosewood – This wood yields a deep, full-bodied sound which is perfect for blues, jazz and classical music.
- Maple – This maple yields an even tone with a fast attack. It’s solid yet light and produces a bright sound.
- Cedar – Cedar delivers high-end tones that are clear and sharp.
- Alder – Alder is known for producing bright, clear tones with plenty of sustain.
Wood Types And Their Sounds
The type of wood you choose for your electric guitar can affect the sound of your instrument greatly. There are different sounds produced by different types of woods, and some woods should be avoided for specific music styles. Acquiring a good knowledge on the best wood for a guitar sound is crucial to ensuring you get the utmost value for your money.