If you’ve ever listened to Ed Sheeran and wondered, “What kind of guitar does Ed Sheeran play to get that warm, bright, and intimate sound?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions new guitar players ask, especially those inspired by Ed’s acoustic style.

You’re about to get the most beginner-friendly, conversational, and deeply explained guide you’ll find online. And don’t worry — I’ll keep things simple, clear, and helpful. It’ll feel like we’re sitting in a guitar shop chatting about gear.

Before we dive deep into tonewoods, body sizes, and signature models, let me share a quick personal moment that made me really appreciate Ed’s guitars.

A few years ago, I walked into my local music store and picked up a small-body guitar for the very first time — a guitar very similar to the ones Ed plays. I’d always assumed these smaller instruments sounded weak. But as soon as I strummed a G chord, I understood why Ed performs with them. The sound wasn’t small at all — it was focused, warm, and so clean I immediately felt like writing a song. That experience helped me understand why Ed built a huge career around compact acoustic guitars.

So if you’ve been wondering what guitars he uses, why he prefers smaller instruments, and how they shape his tone, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore everything together.

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Quick Answer: What Guitar Does Ed Sheeran Play?

Ed Sheeran mainly plays small-body acoustic guitars, especially:

✔ Martin LX1E Little Martin

The guitar that defined his early sound.

✔ Sheeran by Lowden S Series

Compact, bright, and great for fingerstyle.

✔ Sheeran by Lowden W Series (Wee Lowden)

More powerful projection for live looping.

✔ Custom Lowden signature and tour editions

Built for road durability and massive shows.

Credit: guitar.com

Why Ed Sheeran Uses Small-Body Guitars (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)

One thing you’ll notice right away is that Ed’s guitars look smaller than normal acoustic guitars. That’s because he prefers 3/4-size and compact acoustic guitars.

Here’s why they work so well for his style.

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1. They Are Comfortable and Easy to Play

Small guitars rest closer to your body. They are lighter, easier to carry, and feel more natural whether you’re standing, sitting, or jumping around on stage — something Ed often does.

When I switched to a smaller guitar for songwriting, I realized I could play for longer periods without shoulder or wrist fatigue. It truly makes a difference.

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2. Their Sound Fits Ed’s Voice Perfectly

Small guitars don’t boom like big dreadnoughts. They produce:

• Clear mids
• Sweet highs
• Tight bass

This matches Ed’s soft, storytelling vocal style so well that the guitar almost becomes part of his voice.

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3. They Work Great with Loop Pedals

Ed Sheeran is famous for his loop pedal setup, where he layers rhythm, melody, and percussion in real time.

A smaller guitar helps because:

• It avoids muddy low-end buildup
• It keeps loops clear and distinct
• It cuts through a mix even when many layers are stacked

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4. Perfect for Travel and Touring

Small guitars are easier to:

• Pack
• Carry
• Protect during flights
• Move with on stage

Ed tours constantly, so practicality matters.

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A Deep Look at Ed Sheeran’s Guitars

Now let’s explore the two brands most associated with Ed Sheeran:

• Martin Guitars
• Lowden Guitars (Sheeran by Lowden)

Both play huge roles in his musical journey.

Credit: sheeranguitars.com

Martin Guitars: The Guitar Behind Ed’s Early Sound

If you’ve ever seen Ed in the “+” or “x” album era, chances are he was playing the Martin LX1E, also known as the Little Martin.

This guitar became iconic thanks to him.

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Why the Martin LX1E Works for Ed

• It’s compact and easy to handle
• It sounds warm and balanced
• It’s durable for heavy touring
• It includes electronics for live performances
• It complements fingerstyle and strumming equally well

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What It Sounds Like

Even though the LX1E is small, it offers:

• A warm midrange
• Crisp highs
• A controlled bass response
• A clean attack for fingerpicking
• A vocal-friendly tone

Beginners love it because it’s easy to play. Professionals love it because it records well.

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Tonewoods

• Top: Sitka spruce (bright, responsive)
• Back & sides: High-pressure laminate (durable, road-ready)

Martin also released multiple Ed Sheeran Signature models, such as the Divide (÷) and Multiply (×) editions.

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Lowden Guitars: Ed Sheeran’s Modern Sound

When Ed collaborated with master luthier George Lowden, they created something special: the Sheeran by Lowden guitar line.

These guitars are more refined and offer a richer tone than the Little Martin.

Let’s break it down.

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Sheeran by Lowden S Series

Features

• Small-body design
• Sitka spruce or cedar top
• Walnut or mahogany back and sides
• Clear and bright tone
• Perfect for fingerstyle

The S Series is excellent for beginners and intermediate players.

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Sheeran by Lowden W Series (Wee Lowden)

Features

• Slightly larger voice than the S series
• Cedar or spruce top
• Walnut back and sides
• Greater projection
• Warm, rich resonance

This is the guitar Ed uses for big shows, especially when looping.

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Tour Editions and Special Models

Ed Sheeran has several special models used for tours.

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Australian Tour Edition

• Custom artwork
• Lightweight build
• Easy playability

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Stadium Edition

• Built for massive projection
• Reinforced structure
• Upgraded electronics

These models often become collector favorites.

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Why These Guitars Sound Like “Ed”

Tone is a mix of:

• Wood type
• Body size
• Bracing pattern
• Playing style

Ed’s sound comes from a blend of:

• Cedar or spruce tops (for clarity)
• Small-body shapes (for focus)
• Perussive playing
• Loop pedal layering

When you combine these elements, you get the crisp, rhythmic, intimate tone he’s famous for.

Credit: sheeranguitars.com

How Ed Sheeran’s Playing Style Shapes His Guitar Choices

Ed’s playing includes:

• Fast chord transitions
• Fingerstyle patterns
• Percussive slaps on the guitar
• Loop pedal use
• Tight rhythmic grooves

Small-body guitars respond faster and tighter, making them ideal for this style.

I once used a Wee Lowden at a store and immediately noticed how well it handled percussive hits. It felt like the top was alive.

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Which Ed Sheeran Style Guitar Should YOU Choose?

Here’s a simple guide.

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👍 Best for Beginners

Martin LX1E Little Martin

• Affordable
• Easy to play
• Light and durable

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👍 Best for Intermediate Players

Sheeran by Lowden S Series

• Better tonewoods
• Clearer voice
• Fantastic for fingerstyle

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👍 Best for Stage Performers

Sheeran by Lowden W Series

• Big projection
• Rich tone
• Amazing with loop pedals

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Where to Buy Ed Sheeran Guitars (2025)

You can buy these from:

• Official Martin dealers
• Official Lowden dealers
• Sweetwater
• Guitar Center
• Thomann
• Reverb (new and used)

Always check for:

• Authenticity
• Warranty
• Proper setup

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Ed Sheeran Guitar Price Guide (2025)

Here’s what to expect:

Guitar Model	Price Range
Martin LX1E	$450–$550
Sheeran by Lowden S Series	$700–$900
Sheeran by Lowden W Series	$900–$1,300
Limited Editions	$1,200–$2,500+

These prices vary by condition, region, and availability.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1. Why does Ed Sheeran play a 3/4 size guitar?

Ed Sheeran chooses 3/4 size guitars because they offer excellent comfort, a focused tone, and a quick response that perfectly matches his rhythmic, loop-based acoustic playing style. Smaller guitars also help him move freely on stage.

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2. What is the Ed Sheeran signature guitar?

The Ed Sheeran signature guitars include several Martin LX1E special editions and the Sheeran by Lowden models, each designed to match his tone, size preference, and performance needs while offering high playability for beginners and pros.

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3. Are Sheeran by Lowden guitars good for beginners?

Yes, Sheeran by Lowden guitars are great for beginners because they are comfortable, lightweight, easy to play, and produce a warm, balanced tone that encourages smooth learning and enjoyable practice sessions from day one.

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4. Is the Martin LX1E good for singing and songwriting?

The Martin LX1E is fantastic for singing and songwriting since it delivers a clear, mid-focused sound that blends well with vocals, making it ideal for home recording, casual playing, and performance practice sessions.

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5. Which guitar should I buy if I want Ed Sheeran’s sound?

If you want Ed Sheeran’s sound, start with the Martin LX1E for affordability or choose the Sheeran by Lowden S or W models for richer tone, better projection, and a closer match to his modern acoustic style.

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Conclusion: Why Ed Sheeran’s Guitar Matters

Ed Sheeran’s guitar choices aren’t random. They’re thoughtful, practical, and deeply connected to his musical identity. His preference for small-body guitars gives him the clarity, comfort, and expressive control needed for his looping, fingerstyle, and storytelling style.

Whether you’re a new player or an experienced musician, understanding what kind of guitar Ed Sheeran plays can help you pick the right instrument for your own journey. And maybe — just like it did for me — trying a small-body guitar might spark a new wave of creativity.