The 5 Best Acoustic Guitars for Worship

Editor’s Choice

  • It has a built-in tuner
  • Hand orientation can be for right and left-handed musicians
  • It has a Sitka spruce top for warmth and projection

Best Overall

  • Includes onboard Taylor Expression System 2 electronics allowing players more sound control and more dynamic response
  • It can be plug and play on demand
  • Sitka spruce top overlaid with Indian rosewood back and sides

Budget-Friendly

  • New deep dark custom stain on wild Cherry back, sides, neck, and headstock
  • New Custom Pick Guard
  • Pressure tested cedar top

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best acoustic guitar for worship is, then I’d recommend Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood ES-B as the best one.

Not every church has a large worship band. 

And even if you have one, organizing an acoustic Sunday seems to be a perfect idea. It gives the congregation a chance to focus on worship rather than on production.

One of the most popular instruments in the church is the acoustic guitar.

It is considered one of the simplest musical instruments for the worship team. It doesn’t need any amplifiers or pedals, though it’s good if you use it with stage monitors. Unlike other instruments, the acoustic guitar is the most portable. It doesn’t get in the way while on stage, unlike the keyboard and drums. 

Whether you are in a new church, music ministry, or small-town church, there’s a big chance that all you have is an acoustic guitar or piano to lead worship. 

So let me help you find the perfect acoustic guitar to lead your congregation in worship.

Here are the Best Acoustic Guitars for Worship we’ll be reviewing:

Role of Acoustic Guitar in Worship

Let’s face it. The primary go-to musical instrument for most churches is the ever-reliable acoustic guitar. It’s the most efficient and cost-effective instrument, especially for budding churches. They don’t need any amplifiers or speakers to lead their worship team. 

The acoustic guitar can carry a whole congregation in worship without the need for other instruments at all. The worship team of small churches and even some big churches usually comprises the worship leader/acoustic guitarist and a couple of backup singers. 

However, the demand for acoustic guitarists is not too great for large worship teams as they tend to focus on other instruments.

But I can say that’s counter-productive. The reality is there is a fair amount of responsibility that goes with this role as most worship songs were written on acoustic guitars. The role of the acoustic guitarist is to help the worship leader shape the songs they have chosen to sing in the service. They can also be a big help in taking the congregation into a vibrant and spirit-filled service.  

In a “standard” contemporary worship, the acoustic guitar player should know the chord progression and song form from front to back without exception. They usually play the entire time to help tie the entire song together and provide a harmonic foundation for all singers and instrumentalists to follow. The acoustic guitarist in your team should also be playing open chords even if this means using a capo.

What Makes a Good Acoustic Worship Guitarist

Many worship leaders prefer to lead the congregation in worship using an acoustic guitar. It became popular because of its portability and clean, distinctive sound. 

A good worship guitarist should know that they are not supposed to be in the spotlight. Their instrument should be an essential part of their worship of the Lord and not just a tool for ministry. They are there for God, to support the choir and the entire congregation, and not themselves. 

Treat as your devotion to God. Worship with your guitar for no other reason than to focus on the Lord. 

Advantages of Playing Acoustic Guitar in Worship

Most people find it easy leading the congregation in worship just by using an acoustic guitar. It is one of the few instruments that you can hold close to your body while playing. It allows the person playing it to be one with the instrument as they focus and give glory to God in worship. Here are some additional benefits of playing acoustic guitar in worship.

Cost-effective

Playing an acoustic guitar in leading worship is the most cost-effective. The church doesn’t need to worry about electricity consumption. Acoustic guitars are not like the drums, keyboards, electric guitars, and horns that are considered luxuries in a music ministry. Acoustic guitars don’t need a lot of additional accessories to be able to play them. 

Simple

Acoustic guitars are the simplest instruments one can handle in leading the congregation in worship. You don’t need to worry about much else. It gives you the chance to focus on worship instead of the production.

Portable

Unlike the drums and the keyboards, the acoustic guitar is conveniently portable. Acoustic guitars don’t need amplifiers (at least for small groups) or processor pedals. The church doesn’t need to spend a lot on devices and accessories for their music ministry.

Versatile

Acoustic guitars can be versatile. If the congregation wanted to set the service in an open space, they can still lead the worship through the acoustic guitar. These guitars can also be used for regular get-togethers with friends and family. You can also play these guitars during your discipleship group meetings and prayer meetings.

Types of Acoustic Guitars

Trying to figure out which acoustic guitar is going to play best during worship is a challenge. It’s hard to know which ones are the best, for they all look similar. But take note of the differences between them for it will have a huge impact on your sound. To help you differentiate between the types of guitars, here are some insights.

Steel String Flattop Guitars 

The steel-string acoustic guitar is the most widely used variation of the acoustic guitar. It is the type that you’ll likely encounter when you think of acoustic guitar. This type of guitar is appropriate for strumming and acoustic fingerpicking. However, it can be a challenge when playing modern or classical fingerstyle arrangements. This is because steel strings demand more strength to play. Three main body styles for this type are Parlor, OM, and Dreadnought.

Nylon String Guitars

Nylon string guitars are precisely what they sound like – they are strung with nylon strings. In reality, they are a subset of nylon string instruments. Compared to their counterparts, nylon string guitars possess a much warmer sound. Nylon string guitars never sound harsh in the upper register. They have much less string tension. But compared to a good steel string instrument, they are not quite as focused. Three main categories are Classical, Flamenco, and Hybrid/Crossover.

Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar for Worship

If you are on the lookout for the best acoustic guitar for worship, here are three things to keep in mind.

Quality

This is the main consideration when you are looking for the best acoustic guitar for worship. As they always say, get the best value for your money. That’s the good thing you will see here – top-of-the-line acoustic guitars. Tip: Shove your guitar in a hardshell case and you’re good to go!

Affordability

Look for something simple and elegant, not flashy, and super expensive. Do not go for acoustic guitars with high prices just to show off. The worth should always match the quality.

Customer Satisfaction

I recommend that you always consider product feedback from customers. You can never go wrong with real testimonials. Feedbacks ensure if you are buying a quality guitar. Take into consideration that the guitar you’re buying is comfortable and easy to play. Take a look at our list of acoustic guitars we recommend for worship.

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood ES-B

If you liked the GS Mini before, you’re going to love the layered rosewood back and sides of this one. The Taylor GS Mini-e RW is the perfect musical companion if you’re going to lead the praise and worship. With its great playability and sounds, you can not go wrong with this guitar.

Stunning looks and resonant character put the Taylor GS Mini-e RW on our list of 2021’s best acoustic guitars for under $1,000. This guitar is inspired by the big, bold sound of the Taylor Grand Symphony body shape. The Mini is incredibly fun to play without skimping on sound and packed with lots of tones. 

The incredible sound is supported by the tone-enhancing Taylor Relief Rout which lets the top vibrate more freely without sacrificing structural integrity. The ebony fingerboard boasts 5mm dot inlays topped with the ultra-playable short-scale Sapele neck. 

Pros:

  • Includes onboard Taylor Expression System 2 electronics allowing players more sound control and more dynamic response
  • It can be plug and play on demand
  • Sitka spruce top overlaid with Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Short Scale (23-1/2″) Sapele Neck with Ebony Fingerboard
  • Comes with a Taylor GS Mini hard bag for full protection

Cons:

  • Too low saddle on the treble side

Little Martin LX1RE Acoustic Guitar

The Little Martin series are premium handmade guitars made with heavy-duty materials and the highest quality of wood. It is perfect for beginners of all ages and ability levels. It delivers a kind of classic acoustic guitar that musicians prefer and love to play.

The Little Martin LX1RE is Martin’s smallest guitar but very big on tone, quality, and versatility. It is made with high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides with a stylish rosewood pattern. The LX1RE is built with a non-scalloped X-Brace, standard tapered neck, and chrome-enclosed gear tuners. The superior appearance is created with sustainable wood-certified parts making it look as captivating as it sounds.

In addition, the iconic tone of Little Martine’s delivers enhanced playability that you will enjoy playing, no matter your experience or skill level. Still, the standard, handmade, and not imitation – Martin guitars are the real deal in acoustic guitars.

Pros:

  • It has a built-in tuner
  • Hand orientation can be for right and left-handed musicians
  • It has a Sitka spruce top for warmth and projection
  • It comes with a fully padded gig bag with a large zippered pocket on the front, and backpack straps
  • Made with Martin’s superior guitar and strings products

Cons:

  • Very small body
  • It’s a bit handle-heavy

Seagull 046386 S6 Original Acoustic Guitar

Considered the flagship of the Seagull line, the Seagull S6 is a great entry-level dreadnought guitar. The award-winning S6 series was refurbished without compromising the classic appeal it is known for. 

The Seagull 046386 S6 Original has a pressure-tested solid cedar top paired with wild cherry back and sides. This full-size guitar plays well whether you play fingerstyle or use a pick. Seagull fans adore the S6 for its responsive body that provides a warm tone and eliminates unwanted boom.

The Seagull S6 acoustic guitar showcases good looks, easy playability, and an unforgettable tone. Its detail-oriented construction, innovative neck, and dedication to quality are something to boast for. No wonder it is the best contender for the best acoustic guitar of 2021. 

Pros:

  • New deep dark custom stain on wild Cherry back, sides, neck, and headstock
  • New Custom Pick Guard
  • Pressure tested cedar top
  • Left-handed versions available
  • Handcrafted in Canada

Cons:

  • It does not come with a case 
  • The finishing is not as smooth as you expect

Yamaha FS830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha FS series was first introduced in 1966. With its great playability, it has proved that a great acoustic guitar didn’t need to cost a fortune. The original FS quickly became a classic with its outstanding build quality and incredible musical tone.  

The Yamaha FS-800 series has a louder and stronger sound in the low to mid ranges. The sound was achieved by the Yamaha R&D Division’s cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology. Thanks to their analysis and simulation to arrive at the best bracing design without depending on tradition.

The 800 series features a newly developed scalloped bracing pattern. It is the perfect acoustic structure that maintains the durability of the top board while bringing out more natural sound. The rosewood back and sides give a distinctive, exotic, and high-end appearance.

Pros:

  • Very versatile, great for strumming, flat-picking, and fingerpicking
  • It features laminated rosewood back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top
  • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
  • It has an adjustable truss rod and diecast tuners
  • Amazing sound – crisp highs, nice mids, and ample bass

Cons:

  • The saddle, nut, and bridge pins are made of plastic
  • The top surface is a bit rough with so many grind marks

Ibanez Artwood AW5412CE 12-String Acoustic Guitar

The Artwood AW5412JR by Ibanez is a great travel guitar for skillful players on the go. However, many young guitarists prefer this acoustic guitar as they begin their musical journey. This guitar has a smaller build, great appointments, and is made with a nice combination of woods.

The Artwood AW5412JR gives the full sound in a smaller build package. This compact version of the ever-popular dreadnought body style has a comfort contour on top. Features include depth of the body (95/100mm), scale length (23.9), as well as 20 frets. 

The AW5412JR dreadnought body is carved from solid Okoume giving a robust tone that resonates nicely. This guitar is complete with an ovangkol bridge and Ibanez Advantage bridge pins to smoothly transfer the string vibration.

Pros:

  • A compact version of the dreadnought body style
  • Solid Sitka spruce body material
  • Nyatoh neck material (23.9”) with 20 Ovangkol fret fingerboard with white dot inlays
  • Chrome Die-Cast Tuners at the headstock to stay in-tune easily
  • Includes a padded gig bag

Cons:

  • The scale length is slightly shorter than average
  • The neck wood is made of open wood pore making the neck fairly rough

Conclusion

The acoustic guitar is one of the many instruments that you can use to lead your congregation in worship. Any of these acoustic guitars will do fine in your music ministry as long as you focus on God and worship from your heart. 

If you came to this article with the hope of finding an acoustic guitar with incredible warmth and resonance, we recommend the Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood ES-B as the best one. From the playability to the sound quality, nothing beats this acoustic guitar. With its stunning looks and resonant character, this is on top of our 2021’s best acoustic guitar for under $1,000. It packs so many great features and value into such a small package that you won’t want to put it down!

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Alex Shute
EDITOR
Alex Shute, MBA
Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow.


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