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Ultimate Guide To Guitar Wood Density (Chart)

    Can’t decide which wood is best for your guitar? I get it! As you know, different tonewoods can totally change the sound and feel of your guitar (especially acoustic).

    So in this guide, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about the most popular tonewoods out there.

    Guitar Wood Density Chart

    Let’s start with density. Below, you’ll find a handy guitar wood density chart (in kg/m³) and a breakdown of each wood’s unique characteristics.

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    For those who aren’t aware, more density means more weight. So if the guitar body has a high density (like for example ebony), you can expect it to be heavy.

    guitar wood density chart

    Now, let’s have a look at the details for each tonewood, along with some fun facts and why they might just be the perfect fit for your next guitar.

    20 Most Popular Guitar Tonewoods

    Alder

    alder tonewood

    Density: 420 – 680 kg/m³

    Alder is like the vanilla ice cream of guitar woods — classic, dependable, and always a solid choice. It’s lightweight and produces a balanced tone, making it ideal for just about any style of music. The mids are smooth, and it’s got enough lows and highs to keep everything sounding clear without overpowering anything else.

    • Key Features:
      • Balanced tone with rich mids
      • Lightweight, easy on the shoulders
      • Ideal for rock, blues, and jazz

    If you’re looking for that classic Fender sound, especially a Strat, Alder is your guy. It gives you versatility without too much fuss.

    White Ash

    white ash

    Density: 650 – 850 kg/m³

    White Ash is the wood you pick when you want to be heard. It’s dense, which gives it that bright, snappy tone and a solid sustain. Great for sharp, defined tones, especially if you’re a Telecaster fan and love that famous country twang.

    • Key Features:
      • Bright and snappy tones
      • Dense, great for sustain
      • A bit on the heavy side — bring a sturdy guitar strap

    White Ash is all about punch. If you want those notes to stand out and shimmer, this one’s for you. Just don’t forget to stretch your shoulders after long gigs!

    Black Ash

    black ash

    Density: 540 kg/m³

    Think of Black Ash as the cool, laid-back sibling of White Ash. It still gives you that brightness, but with a touch more warmth. It’s lighter than its white counterpart, so it’s a great compromise between tone and weight.

    • Key Features:
      • Warm, bright sound with a bit more smoothness
      • Mid-range density makes it easy to carry
      • Ideal for players who want some brightness without harshness

    Black Ash is a bit like a good cup of coffee — enough punch to wake you up but smooth enough to savor. Great for rock, blues, and even jazz.

    Basswood

    basswood

    Density: 320 – 590 kg/m³

    Basswood is like the understated hero of tonewoods. It’s lightweight and doesn’t get in the way of your pickups or your amp’s character. It has a soft, warm sound, which makes it popular for shredders and those looking for effortless playability.

    • Key Features:
      • Lightweight, perfect for long gigs
      • Soft, balanced tone
      • Easily dings — consider it „extra personality”

    Worth reading: Poplar vs Basswood – Comparison.

    Beech

    beech

    Density: 700 – 900 kg/m³

    Beech doesn’t usually get the spotlight, but it should. It’s dense and sturdy, delivering a resonant, rich tone with fantastic sustain. If you love notes that hang in the air just a little bit longer, beech is a solid pick.

    • Key Features:
      • Dense and rich, with incredible sustain
      • Heavy, not for the faint of heart (or weak of shoulder)
      • Great for blues, jazz, and classic rock

    Beech is all about letting those notes breathe. It might weigh you down a bit, but it’ll be worth it when your guitar solo lingers beautifully.

    Birch

    birch

    Density: 510 – 770 kg/m³

    Birch is a versatile wood that brings a warm tone with a bit of sparkle. It’s in that middle range of density, so you get a balanced tone that doesn’t overly favor the highs or lows. A great option if you want versatility.

    • Key Features:
      • Warm tone with slight high-end sparkle
      • Moderate weight makes it manageable
      • Good for versatile styles — rock, blues, or even pop

    Birch is like the friend who gets along with everyone. It won’t overshadow your playing but will give you a nice, even base to work with.

    Western Red Cedar

    western red cedar

    Density: 380 kg/m³

    Western Red Cedar is the soft-spoken type but packs a warm and mellow tone. It’s super lightweight, so if your back’s been screaming for mercy, this wood is a great choice. It delivers a warm, resonant tone that is especially great for fingerstyle and softer playing styles.

    • Key Features:
      • Warm, mellow tone with soft projection
      • Lightweight, perfect for comfort
      • Ideal for acoustic guitars and fingerstyle playing

    Cedar is all about softness and comfort. It’s like that cozy sweater you grab when you want to relax and chill. Great for acoustic players.

    Cherry

    cherry

    Density: 630 – 900 kg/m³

    Cherry is a versatile tonewood with a balance of warmth and brightness. It’s dense enough to offer good sustain but doesn’t weigh a ton, which is always a plus. Cherry brings out complex overtones, making it a good choice for players who want to add some depth to their sound.

    • Key Features:
      • Balanced tone with warmth and bright overtones
      • Offers a rich, complex resonance
      • Medium to heavy density

    Cherry wood might be your secret weapon for tone. It’s got layers — perfect for musicians who like to experiment with different sounds.

    Ebony

    ebony

    Density: 1110 – 1330 kg/m³

    Ebony is the boss of tonewoods. Dense, heavy, and with a bright, almost glassy tone, ebony makes for a killer fingerboard. It’s not here to play games; it’s here to deliver crisp, articulate notes with tons of sustain. And yes, it’s heavy. Like really heavy.

    • Key Features:
      • Bright and articulate tones
      • Super dense, ideal for fingerboards
      • Heavy, be ready to feel it!

    Ebony is perfect for when you want your notes to ring out with clarity and precision. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you want to stand out, this is your wood.

    African Mahogany

    african mahogany

    Density: 500 – 850 kg/m³

    African Mahogany is a classic choice for its warm, resonant sound. It has a balanced midrange and offers great sustain, making it perfect for almost any genre. It’s got a lighter density compared to other mahoganies, making it a bit easier to carry.

    • Key Features:
      • Warm and resonant tone, perfect for rich mids
      • Versatile, works well for many genres
      • Medium density for comfort and balance

    If you’re looking for warmth and depth without the extra weight, African Mahogany is a solid choice.

    Honduran Mahogany

    honduran mahogany

    Density: 650 kg/m³

    Honduran Mahogany is a legendary tonewood for a reason. It’s known for its rich midrange, giving you warmth and sustain that works beautifully for blues, jazz, and rock. It’s dense, but not excessively heavy, making it a popular choice for guitar bodies and necks.

    • Key Features:
      • Rich midrange with warm, resonant tones
      • Offers excellent sustain
      • Medium density, comfortable for extended play

    This is the wood you want if you’re aiming for that vintage Gibson Les Paul sound. It’s warm, expressive, and has just the right weight.

    Maple

    maple

    Density: 620 – 750 kg/m³

    Maple is the wood you pick if you want brightness and definition. It’s got a bright, snappy tone that’s great for cutting through the mix. You’ll often see it as a neck wood or a top layer on guitars because it looks as good as it sounds.

    • Key Features:
      • Bright and snappy tones
      • Dense, great for sustain and attack
      • Often used as a top veneer for a striking visual appeal

    If you want your solos to cut through or just love a crisp, articulate tone, maple has you covered. Plus, it just looks gorgeous!

    American Red Oak

    american red oak

    Density: 740 kg/m³

    American Red Oak is not as commonly used as some other woods, but it’s got its own charm. With a bright tone and plenty of punch, it’s perfect for players looking for something different. It’s on the heavier side, though, so be prepared for a bit of weight.

    • Key Features:
      • Bright, punchy sound
      • Dense and heavy, but delivers in sustain
      • Ideal for those who want a distinctive tone

    Red Oak gives you something unique — a bright, almost aggressive tone that stands out. If you’re tired of the same old tonewoods, give it a shot.

    American White Oak

    american white oak

    Density: 770 kg/m³

    White Oak is a solid tonewood with great sustain and a balanced tone. It’s slightly heavier, but its durability and tonal quality make it a good choice for adventurous guitar builders. It’s known for providing a tight low end and good resonance.

    • Key Features:
      • Tight low end with balanced mids
      • Dense and durable, great for sustain
      • Ideal for custom builds and unique tones

    White Oak might not be the most popular choice, but it has a character all its own. If you’re looking for something with both substance and style, it’s worth considering.

    White Pine

    white pine

    Density: 350 – 500 kg/m³

    Pine is lightweight and has a soft, warm tone. It’s often used in acoustic guitars for its resonant qualities and light weight, making it ideal for players who need comfort over long periods of playing.

    • Key Features:
      • Soft, warm tone with good resonance
      • Lightweight, great for extended playing
      • Works well for acoustic guitars

    White Pine is all about comfort and warmth. It’s perfect for those laid-back, chill playing sessions where you want something easy on the back and pleasing to the ears.

    Poplar

    poplar tonewood

    Density: 350 – 500 kg/m³

    Poplar is an affordable, lightweight wood that’s great for beginners and experienced players alike. Tonally, it’s similar to Alder, offering a balanced sound without breaking the bank. It’s a little soft, so it’s prone to dings, but that just means more personality!

    • Key Features:
      • Balanced tone, similar to Alder
      • Lightweight and easy to handle
      • Soft, but easy to work with for modifications

    Poplar is the everyman’s wood — affordable, versatile, and easy to manage. It’s perfect for your first build or if you just want something that’s easy to play.

    Bolivian Rosewood

    bolivian rosewood

    Density: 820 kg/m³

    Bolivian Rosewood is a dense and resonant wood with a rich, full-bodied tone. It’s often used in acoustic guitars for its ability to enhance bass response and add complexity to the overall sound.

    • Key Features:
      • Rich, full-bodied tone with strong bass
      • Dense and resonant, great for sustain
      • Ideal for high-end acoustics

    If you’re looking for something that’ll make your acoustic strumming sound rich and luxurious, Bolivian Rosewood is a fantastic choice.

    Worth reading: Pau Ferro vs Rosewood – Comparison Of Tonewoods

    East Indian Rosewood

    east indian rosewood

    Density: 900 kg/m³

    East Indian Rosewood is a classic choice for guitarists looking for a warm, rich tone with plenty of overtones. It’s a dense wood that offers great sustain and is often used for fingerboards and acoustic backs and sides.

    • Key Features:
      • Warm, rich tone with complex overtones
      • Dense, provides excellent sustain
      • Frequently used in high-end acoustics and fingerboards

    East Indian Rosewood is all about warmth and richness. If you want that classic, full-bodied acoustic sound, this is the way to go.

    Spruce

    spruce

    Density: 480 – 780 kg/m³

    Spruce is the go-to for acoustic guitar tops. It’s got a bright, clear tone with great projection. Depending on the variety, the density can vary, but it’s all about giving your guitar that punchy, resonant voice that cuts through.

    • Key Features:
      • Bright and clear tone, ideal for projection
      • Versatile, works for different playing styles
      • Often used for acoustic guitar tops

    Spruce is the king of acoustic tops for a reason. It gives your guitar that sparkle and shine, making every strum sound heavenly.

    American Black Walnut

    american black walnut

    Density: 630 kg/m³

    American Black Walnut is a visually stunning wood with a warm, balanced tone. It’s got a bit of everything — warmth, sustain, and a touch of brightness that makes it versatile for different genres.

    • Key Features:
      • Warm, balanced tone with good sustain
      • Visually striking, great for custom builds
      • Medium density, easy to play

    Walnut is a beautiful, balanced wood that offers warmth and clarity. If you’re going for looks and sound, it’s hard to go wrong here.

    Guitar Tonewood Comparison Table

    WoodDensity (kg/m³)Features
    Alder420 – 680Balanced tone, rich mids, lightweight
    White Ash650 – 850Bright and snappy, great sustain, heavy
    Black Ash540Warm, bright, smooth, mid-range density
    Basswood320 – 590Lightweight, soft tone, easily dinged
    Beech700 – 900Dense, rich tone, fantastic sustain, heavy
    Birch510 – 770Warm tone, slight high-end sparkle, moderate weight
    Western Red Cedar380Warm, mellow, lightweight, great for acoustics
    Cherry630 – 900Balanced tone, rich resonance, medium to heavy
    Ebony1110 – 1330Bright, articulate, super dense, ideal for fingerboards
    African Mahogany500 – 850Warm and resonant, versatile, medium density
    Honduran Mahogany650Rich midrange, excellent sustain, comfortable weight
    Maple620 – 750Bright, snappy, great for sustain, often used for veneer
    American Red Oak740Bright, punchy, heavy, distinctive tone
    American White Oak770Tight low end, balanced mids, dense and durable
    White Pine350 – 500Soft, warm tone, lightweight, ideal for acoustics
    Poplar350 – 500Balanced tone, lightweight, affordable
    Bolivian Rosewood820Rich, full-bodied tone, strong bass, great sustain
    East Indian Rosewood900Warm, rich tone, complex overtones, excellent sustain
    Spruce480 – 780Bright, clear tone, great projection, acoustic tops
    American Black Walnut630Warm, balanced tone, visually striking, good sustain
    Data: EngineeringToolBox

    FAQs

    1. Does the density of a tonewood really affect my guitar’s sound?

    Absolutely! Density affects sustain, resonance, and overall tone. Dense woods like Ebony provide bright, sustained notes, while lighter woods like Basswood offer softer, more balanced tones.

    2. What’s the best wood for a beginner’s guitar?

    Poplar or Basswood are great choices for beginners. They’re lightweight, affordable, and offer a balanced tone that’s easy to work with.

    3. How does weight influence my playing experience?

    Heavier woods like Ebony or White Ash can give you more sustain, but they’re also harder on your shoulders during long sessions. Lighter woods like Alder or Basswood make it easier to play for extended periods.

    4. Is it worth getting a guitar with an exotic wood like Rosewood or Ebony?

    If you’re looking for unique tonal qualities or simply want a standout instrument, exotic woods are definitely worth it. Just be prepared for the higher price tag.

    5. What’s the most common tonewood for acoustic guitars?

    Spruce is by far the most common for acoustic tops, thanks to its bright tone and excellent projection. Mahogany and Rosewood are also popular choices for backs and sides.

    6. Are heavy guitars better for rock music?

    Not necessarily, but many rock guitarists prefer denser woods like Mahogany for their sustain and punch. It’s all about what feels and sounds good to you.

    7. Can I mix tonewoods for different guitar parts?

    Yes! Many guitars use a combination of woods. For example, maple necks paired with mahogany bodies give you the best of both worlds: bright attack with warm sustain.

    8. How do I maintain a guitar made of a dense wood like Ebony?

    Dense woods need a bit more TLC. Keep them humidified properly and clean them regularly to avoid cracking or warping. Conditioning the fretboard helps too.

    Final Thoughts

    tonewood density guide

    Choosing the right tonewood can be the difference between a guitar that’s just okay and one that makes you never want to put it down.

    Whether you’re after bright highs, warm lows, or something in between, the right wood is out there waiting for you. And hey, if all else fails, just pick the one that looks the coolest — we’ve all been there.

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