Dreadnought

The large, square-shouldered steel-string acoustic shape that has been the standard rhythm guitar for around a century.

Its size gives a big internal air volume and a wide, deep box, which produces a strong bass and a loud, scooped midrange that leaves room for a voice. Braced to take medium or heavy strings, it can be strummed hard without collapsing under the tension, which is exactly why it became the workhorse of folk, country and rock accompaniment. The trade is comfort and balance: it is a large instrument to hold, and its bass-heavy response can overwhelm fingerstyle playing.

Example: a flatpicked strum on a rosewood dreadnought has the low-end thump that makes a solo singer sound supported.

Dreadnought

See also