Top 10 Acoustic Guitars for Country Music

From the very beginning, the acoustic guitar has been a cornerstone of country music. Before the amps got loud and the boots went electric, it was a flat-top six-string carrying stories from the Appalachian hills to the honky-tonk stage. Whether it’s Hank Williams’ legendary Martin D-28 (now in the hands of Neil Young) or Chris Stapelton's well-worn Gibson LG2, an acoustic guitar in the right hands doesn’t just play music—it tells the truth.

And it’s not just the big, booming dreadnoughts that shape the sound of country. The genre has always made room for the quieter voices too. The more intimate, nuanced tones of smaller-bodied acoustics—like concert or parlor guitars—bring a different kind of storytelling to the table: softer-spoken, but no less sincere.

Headstocks Left to Right: Gibson Southern Jumbo, Taylor Builder's Edition 517e, Martin D-18 Standard

From Mother Maybelle Carter to Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert, the women of country music have also picked up acoustic guitars and made their voices heard—writing, strumming and singing their way into history.

In this guide, we’re rounding up ten of the best-selling and most-popular acoustic guitars for country pickers of all stripes. Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter, a back-porch flatpicker or just chasing that perfect strum, these guitars deliver the tone, feel and soul that define the genre.

Table of Contents

Comparing the Top 10 Acoustic Guitars for Country Music
The Top 10 Acoustic Guitars for Country
Final Thoughts: From the Porch to the Stage

Comparing the Top 10 Acoustic Guitars for Country Music

Pictured: Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Curved Wing Bridge

Model	Top/Back & Sides/Neck Woods	Fretboard	Neck Shape	Tonal Characteristics	Price
Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28	Solid Sitka Spruce/East Indian Rosewood/Mahogany	Ebony	Modified Low Oval	Rich, powerful bass with clear trebles; responsive for flatpicking	$3,799.00
Martin D-18 Standard Dreadnought	Solid Sitka Spruce/Solid Mahogany/Mahogany	Ebony	GE Modified Low Oval	Warm, balanced tone with pronounced midrange; excellent projection	$2,899.00
Martin 000-16 StreetMaster VTS Rosewood	Solid Adirondack Spruce/East Indian Rosewood/Mahogany	Ebony	Modified Low Oval with High Performance Taper	Vintage-inspired tone with rich overtones; articulate and dynamic	$1,999.00
Gibson Margo Price Signature J-45	Red Spruce/Mahogany/Mahogany	Rosewood	Rounded	Warm, mellow tone with strong midrange; responsive and versatile	$3,999.00
Gibson Southern Jumbo Original	Sitka Spruce/Mahogany/Mahogany	Rosewood	SlimTaper	Powerful, balanced tone with deep bass and clear highs	$3,499.00
Gibson Johnny Cash SJ-200 Signature	AAA Sitka Spruce/AAA Flamed Maple/AAA Flamed Maple	Rosewood	Round	Bold, rich tone with strong low end and shimmering highs	$14,999.00
Gibson Miranda Lambert Bluebird Signature	Sitka Spruce/ Mahogany/ Mahogany	Rosewood	Round	Bright, articulate tone with strong projection; visually striking	$4,649.00
Taylor Builder’s Edition 517e Grand Pacific	Torrefied Sitka Spruce/ Neo-Tropical Mahogany/ Neo-Tropical Mahogany	Ebony	Grand Pacific Compound Curve	Warm, seasoned tone with strong fundamentals and sustain	$3,299.00
Takamine EF341DX Dreadnought Cutaway	Solid Cedar/Maple/Mahogany	Rosewood	Slim	Clear, balanced tone with strong projection; stage-ready electronics	$2,399.00
Seagull Maritime SWS Dreadnought	Solid Spruce/Solid Mahogany/Mahogany	Richlite	Slim	Warm, full-bodied tone with excellent clarity and sustain	$949.00

The Top 10 Acoustic Guitars for Country

Country music is built on stories—and every one of these guitars has one to tell. From vintage-inspired dreadnoughts to stage-ready signature models, each guitar here brings something special to the table. Whether you’re drawn to the history behind them or the sound they make when your fingers hit the strings, these are ten of our favorite acoustics for making country music your own.

Pictured: Gibson Southern Jumbo Original Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Vintage Sunburst

Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: This dreadnought dishes out high-octane flatpicking tone with vintage flavor and modern muscle—just like Strings himself.

Things to Consider:

• Shortened 25" scale length makes fast passages smoother and reduces string tension
• East Indian rosewood back and sides deliver rich bass and shimmering highs
• Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing opens up dynamic response

Shop Now: Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Built with a solid Adirondack spruce top and the same headlong energy that defines his playing, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 is as responsive as it is resonant. The slightly shortened scale length gives it a looser, livelier feel—perfect for aggressive flatpicking runs or expressive bends. It’s got the low-end thump of a cannon but responds like a fiddle—ready for any pickin’ duel you can throw at it. If you prefer the feel and slightly punchier sound of the traditional 25.5" Martin scale, you'll want to check out the traditional HD-28, the descendant of Strings' 1940s D-28 that inspired this signature model.

Dig into our Guide to the Martin D-28 to learn more about the D-28's rich history and current variations.

Martin D-18 Standard Dreadnought

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: This is the guitar that built the porch—dry, woody and ready to echo through the holler or the honky-tonk.

Things to Consider:

• Mahogany back and sides offer crisp articulation with warm midrange
• Spruce top ensures top-end clarity and responsiveness
• Classic dreadnought body cuts through a mix with ease

Shop Now: Martin D-18 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural

The Martin D-18 is a foundational voice in country music, beloved for its clean tone, balanced projection and unvarnished honesty. It’s as at home in a songwriter’s lap as it is on stage at the Ryman. If your sound leans toward the lean and mean, this is your no-nonsense companion—ideal for lead lines or rhythmic drive with a flatpick, subtle fingerpicking or storytelling in song form.

Check out our Guide to the Martin Standard Series Acoustics to explore more of their current offerings.

Martin 000-16 StreetMaster VTS

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: Worn-in looks, rosewood tone and vintage-voiced top make this a country renegade’s ace in the hole.

Things to Consider:

• Vintage Tone System (VTS) treated top adds aged warmth and resonance
• 000 body size offers clarity and comfort without sacrificing volume
• StreetMaster finish gives a broken-in vibe with new-guitar reliability

Shop Now: Martin 000-16 StreetMaster VTS Rosewood Acoustic Guitar in Dark Mahogany

The Martin 000-16 StreetMaster VTS blends classic styling with modern Martin craftsmanship. Its torrefied Adirondack spruce top gives you that elusive “played-in” sweetness from day one, while the 000 body keeps things lively and precise. It’s the kind of guitar that makes you write a song the minute you pick it up—equally suited to back-porch confessionals and boutique studio cuts.

Gibson Margo Price Signature J-45 Acoustic-Electric

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: A soulful, red-tailed hawk of a guitar—vintage spirit, stage presence and all the fire a modern outlaw could ask for.

Things to Consider:

• Adirondack spruce top adds dynamic range and headroom
• Thin mahogany body and rounded neck shape for intimate, resonant response
• Custom red-tailed hawk pickguard and Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish

Shop Now: Gibson Margo Price J-45 Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Inspired by her own vintage ’65 J-45, the Gibson Margo Price Signature J-45 model brings together the warmth of mahogany and the power of Adirondack spruce with a tone that’s earthy and raw, with the character to cut through a band. The slightly thinner body makes it more comfortable without losing low-end punch, and its handcrafted aesthetic is as bold and personal as Margo’s music. It’s a troubadour’s dream—equally ready for dusty verses or protest choruses. And, if you're more inclined to a full-depth guitar, check out the J-45 Standard.

For some historical background and an overview of Gibson's current J-45 offerings, check our Riffs article, A Guide to the Gibson J-45 Acoustic Guitar.

Gibson Southern Jumbo Original Acoustic-Electric

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: Born to shout across campfires and barrooms, this Southern bruiser backs your voice with gospel-sized authority.

Things to Consider:

• Sitka spruce top and mahogany body bring a bold, woody punch
• SlimTaper neck plays fast while preserving classic feel
• Parallelogram inlays and fully bound body deliver vintage swagger

Shop Now: Gibson Southern Jumbo Original Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Vintage Sunburst

The Gibson Southern Jumbo Original is a country staple—big in tone, big in looks and big in heart. With its thumping bass and clear, bell-like highs, it's built for storytelling. From Cisco Houston to Kris Kristofferson, the Southern Jumbo has long been part of country’s deeper roots, offering warmth, grit, and presence in equal measure. Whether you’re backing a drawling ballad or holding down rhythm in a rowdy trio, this one has your back.

Gibson Johnny Cash SJ-200 Signature Limited-Edition

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: Dressed in Black Cherry Sunburst and built like a Mack truck, this limited-edition jumbo turns heads before you play a single note.

Things to Consider:

• Jumbo body size provides deep bass and cinematic dynamics
• AAA Sitka spruce top with AAA flamed maple back and sides delivers clarity with punch
• Rosewood fingerboard and ornate appointments echo the SJ-200 legacy

Shop Now: Gibson Johnny Cash SJ-200 Signatured Limited-Edition Acoustic Guitar in Vintage Cherry Sunburst

Speaking of signature SJ-200s, this tribute to the Man in Black, the limited-edition Johnny Cash SJ-200 Signature pulls no punches—visually or sonically. It has the power to fill the room with a single chord, but it’s surprisingly articulate and controllable for such a bold body. It’s also part of a long tradition of iconic players turning to Gibson’s big-bodied jumbos for their stage presence and sonic authority—including Noel Gallagher with his J-150 and Orianthi with her SJ-200 signature model.  From Cash’s train-beat thump to modern Americana textures (and even some Brit-pop), this is a statement guitar with roots as deep as country music itself.

Gibson Miranda Lambert Bluebird Signature Acoustic-Electric

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: With its Bluebonnet finish and custom pickguard, it sings sweet but can bite when the chorus hits.

Things to Consider:

• Sitka spruce and mahogany pairing offers clarity with warmth
• Classic round neck profile and soft cutaway for comfort and playability
• Custom Bluebird artwork reflects Lambert’s signature grace and grit

Shop Now: Gibson Miranda Lambert Bluebird Signature Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Bluebonnet

The Miranda Lambert Bluebird Signature model doesn’t just look like a showstopper—it sounds like one, too. Rooted in the tonal DNA of the Gibson Hummingbird, the Bluebird delivers that crisp, present voice that cuts through a band or tracks beautifully in a mix. Built for bold melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it’s a stage-ready tool for storytelling, heartbreak and rebellion alike.

Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: It’s like an old-school dreadnought sat down with a luthier and came back smoother, warmer and more focused.

Things to Consider:

• Torrefied spruce top and solid mahogany back offer seasoned tone right out of the case
• V-Class bracing boosts sustain and intonation across the neck
• Contoured edges and silent satin finish enhance comfort

Shop Now: Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Wild Honey Burst

The Taylor Builder’s Edition 517e brings a new twist to the classic slope-shoulder dreadnought. With its seasoned sound and modern refinement, it’s as much a studio secret weapon as a porch-pickin’ companion. It’s the rare Taylor that leans into rootsy warmth without sacrificing precision—ideal for country players who want nuance with their resonance.

The Taylor story is a fascinating one, and, if you've got a few minutes, it's well worth checking out our Guide to Taylor Guitars.

Takamine EF341DX Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: The black-clad workhorse of the country stage—plug it in, dial it in and go win the crowd.

Things to Consider:

• Solid cedar top and maple body for cutting, balanced tone
• CT4B II electronics deliver reliable, detailed live sound
• Slim mahogany neck built for smooth transitions and long sets

Shop Now: Takamine EF341DX Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Black

Takamine has earned its spurs as one of country music's unsung heroes on stages from honky-tonks to high-profile award shows—not with flash, but with flawless execution under pressure. Known for its no-nonsense tone and excellent electronics, the Takamine EF341DX is a gigging partner that won't let you down. The black finish isn’t just for looks—it’s a badge of honor for a guitar that gets the job done, night after night.

Seagull Maritime SWS Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric

Porch-Pickin’ Magic: Canadian-built and road-ready, this solid-wood dread punches way above its price tag with tone to spare.

Things to Consider:

• Solid spruce top and mahogany body deliver classic warmth and projection
• Slim neck profile offers great playability for all levels
• Made in Canada with sustainable woods and manufacturing practices

Shop Now: Seagull Maritime SWS Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

Seagull has long been a go-to for players who want serious tone without the boutique price tag. The Seagull Maritime SWS Dreadnought gives you rich, ringing lows and enough headroom for confident strumming or nuanced fingerpicking. For budget-conscious country players who expect pro-level tone, this is one of the best-kept secrets on the market.

Final Thoughts: From the Porch to the Stage

A great acoustic guitar doesn’t just help you play country music—it helps you feel it. It becomes part of your story, whether you’re picking out melodies in the stillness of early morning, backing up a voice on stage under hot lights or sitting on the porch working out a tune that still doesn’t have a name.

The guitars we’ve featured here aren’t just top-sellers or signature models. They’re trusted companions to players at every stage—guitars that have earned their place in studios, song circles, roadside motels and late-night writing sessions. Some are built for power and projection; others for nuance and intimacy. But each one brings something honest to the table.

Pictured: Martin D-18 Standard and Gibson Southern Jumbo Original

If one of these guitars speaks to you, we hope you’ll get the chance to hear it in person. Visit your local Guitar Center and take it for a spin, or talk to your personal Gear Adviser if you need help finding your fit. After all, finding the right acoustic guitar isn’t just about specs—it’s about connection.

Because in the end, country music isn’t just a genre. It’s a conversation between your hands and your heart. And every great conversation starts with a voice you can believe in.