How does a resonator guitar work?

Resonator guitars have a steel cone in the middle of the guitar which acts as a speaker, giving more volume and projection to your playing. Resonators were created before electric amplification and were designed for guitar players to be heard over loud bars. In using a steel cone, the tone also changes drastically from a typical wooden acoustic guitar. Resonators have a distinctive mid-range sound which lends itself beautifully to finger picking and slide playing.

Can you play a resonator guitar like an acoustic?

There are two types of resonator guitars: square neck and round necks. You can absolutely play a round neck resonator like an acoustic guitar although it definitely sounds better fingerpicked rather than strummed. Square neck resonators, however, are designed for playing like a lap steel using a tonebar.

How can I amplify a resonator guitar?

Although you can install a pickup in a resonator guitar, it’s not that common to find factory made electroacoustic resonators. In most cases, a microphone pointing at the cone will be the best way to capture that unmistakable sound. This works both in the studio and on stage.

What is the point of a resonator guitar?

Resonator guitars are designed to be louder than your traditional acoustic guitar.

Are resonator guitars harder to play?

Resonators are as easy as any guitar to play.

Can you play a resonator guitar like a regular guitar?

Round neck resonators play pretty much exactly like any other acoustic guitar.

What is the difference between acoustic and resonator guitars?

Resonator guitars use a series of metal cones inside the guitar's body that resonate as you play to make them much louder than traditional acoustic guitars.