The harp guitar is one of the most visually stunning and musically rich instruments in the world. With its extended range and deep resonant bass strings, it offers a sound that blends the warmth of a guitar with the depth of a harp. Among the most popular versions today are the 20 string Acoustic harp guitar and the 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar, both of which provide unmatched tonal versatility for professional musicians, composers, and serious hobbyists.

These instruments go far beyond traditional six-string guitars, allowing players to explore harmonic layers, orchestral textures, and immersive soundscapes that transform solo performances into full musical productions.

 

Understanding the 20-String Harp Guitar

A harp guitar is a guitar that includes extra unstopped strings, usually bass or treble strings, that resonate freely. These additional strings are not pressed against frets, but instead are plucked open to provide deep, harmonic accompaniment.

A 20 string Acoustic harp guitar typically consists of:

• 6 fretted standard guitar strings
• 14 additional harp strings for bass and resonance

These extra strings expand the tonal range dramatically, enabling musicians to perform complex arrangements without needing multiple instruments.

 

Why Choose a 20 String Acoustic Harp Guitar?

The 20 string Acoustic harp guitar is ideal for players who love natural, organic sound. Because it does not rely on electronics, it produces a pure and rich tone that resonates beautifully in acoustic spaces.

Key benefits include:

• Warm, full-bodied sound
• Powerful bass resonance
• Excellent sustain and overtones
• Ideal for unplugged performances
• Perfect for folk, classical, cinematic, and instrumental music

Many professional artists prefer the 20 string Acoustic harp guitar for studio recordings and live acoustic sessions where natural sound quality is the priority.

 

What Makes a 20 String Acoustic-Electric Harp Guitar Special?

The 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar offers all the depth and beauty of the acoustic version while adding built-in electronics for amplification and recording.

This means players can plug into:

• Amplifiers
• Audio interfaces
• Mixing boards
• PA systems

The result is an instrument that works equally well in quiet studio environments and large performance venues. With a 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar, musicians can maintain clarity, balance, and volume control even with the extra strings.

 

Acoustic vs Acoustic-Electric: Key Differences

While both versions offer exceptional musical capabilities, they serve slightly different needs.

The 20 string Acoustic harp guitar focuses on:

• Natural tone
• Traditional performance
• Pure resonance

The 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar adds:

• Onboard pickups
• EQ controls
• Volume adjustment
• Stage and studio versatility

Musicians who perform live or record frequently often choose the acoustic-electric model, while purists and classical players may prefer the acoustic version.

 

Sound and Tonal Range

One of the most impressive features of both the 20 string Acoustic harp guitar and the 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar is their massive tonal range.

The extra bass strings allow for:

• Deep drones
• Bass lines
• Harmonic layers
• Ambient textures

Players can simultaneously perform melody, harmony, and bass, creating a full orchestra effect from a single instrument. This makes harp guitars especially popular for instrumental compositions, film scoring, meditation music, and solo performances.

 

Playing Techniques

The harp guitar requires a slightly different technique than standard guitars, but it is very rewarding once mastered.

With a 20 string Acoustic harp guitar, players typically use:

• The right hand to pluck harp strings
• The left hand to fret melody strings
• Fingerstyle or hybrid picking techniques

The 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar supports these same techniques while making it easier to capture every nuance through amplification and recording equipment.

 

Ideal Music Styles

Both the 20 string Acoustic harp guitar and the 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar work beautifully across many genres, including:

• Folk
• Classical
• Ambient
• Celtic
• Cinematic
• Instrumental
• New age
• Experimental music

These guitars are especially popular with solo artists who want to create layered compositions without using backing tracks or looping pedals.

 

Recording and Performance

A 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar is especially valuable in professional environments. The built-in electronics allow for clean signal output, which is essential when recording in studios or performing on stage.

Many models include:

• Piezo pickups
• Preamp systems
• Tuners
• EQ controls

This gives players complete control over their sound, ensuring that every string — including the extra harp strings — is captured clearly.

 

Build and Craftsmanship

Both the 20 string Acoustic harp guitar and the 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar are typically handcrafted with premium tonewoods such as:

• Solid spruce or cedar tops
• Mahogany or rosewood backs and sides
• Ebony or rosewood fretboards

Because of their complex structure, these instruments are often built by skilled luthiers who understand how to balance tension, resonance, and playability.

 

Who Should Use a 20-String Harp Guitar?

These instruments are ideal for:

• Professional musicians
• Composers
• Fingerstyle guitarists
• Film and game music creators
• Solo performers
• Meditation and sound healing artists

If you are someone who values deep musical expression, the 20 string Acoustic harp guitar or 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar can become the centerpiece of your creative work.

 

Final Thoughts

The harp guitar is not just an instrument—it is an entire musical universe. Whether you choose a 20 string Acoustic harp guitar for its natural beauty or a 20 string Acoustic-Electric harp guitar for its modern versatility, you will gain access to a depth of sound that few other instruments can match.

These guitars allow musicians to move beyond standard arrangements and create immersive, emotional, and powerful music. With their extended range, rich harmonics, and stunning craftsmanship, both versions are perfect for anyone who wants to take their music to the next level.