If you are trying to record your acoustic guitar for the first time, you might feel a little confused. I remember feeling the same way. I wanted warm, clear sound. Yet my recording sounded thin, harsh, and noisy. And I did not understand why.

Very often, the biggest reason is the microphone.

So today, I want to talk to you like a friend who has been through this journey. I want to show you the best microphone for recording acoustic guitar, especially if you are a beginner. I also want to share real experience, simple tips, and a few mistakes I made so you do not repeat them.

Because when you choose the right microphone, your acoustic guitar will sound full, natural, and rich. Even more, you will enjoy recording a lot more.

Over the years, I have used many microphones, including the Shure SM57, AKG P170, MXL 990, MAONO PM320S, and even some budget picks like Pyle and blucoil. Some worked great right away. Others took time to understand. And a few made me redo my tracks again and again.

As we go through this guide, I will explain everything in simple words. And I will show you how each microphone works, why it sounds the way it does, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

By the end, you will feel confident choosing a microphone and setting it up. And you will know exactly what to do to get a clean, bright, and natural acoustic guitar sound.

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What Makes a Microphone Great for Recording Acoustic Guitar?

Before we jump to the top microphones, let’s talk about what makes a microphone work well for this job. Because recording an acoustic guitar is very different from recording vocals or electric guitar.

The Importance of Microphone Choice

Your acoustic guitar creates soft tones, bright highs, and warm lows. And each microphone reacts to those frequencies in a special way. That is why one mic can make your guitar sound soft and warm. Another can make it sound sharp and bright. And another might sound dull and flat.

So choosing the right microphone for acoustic guitar recording is a big deal.

How Acoustic Guitars Produce Sound

When you strum or pick your guitar:

• The strings vibrate
• The soundboard amplifies the vibration
• The body adds warmth
• The air inside shapes the low end
• The room affects everything

So the microphone must “understand” all of this.

Why Different Mics Capture Different Tones

Every microphone type has its own voice.

• Dynamic mics (like Shure SM57) are tough and reduce noise.
• Condenser mics (like AKG P170 or MXL 990) are sensitive and bright.
• Small diaphragm condensers capture fast picking well.
• Large diaphragm condensers capture warm body tone.

And that is why choosing the best microphone for recording acoustic guitar depends on your music style.

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Experience-Based Tips for Beginners

I want to pause for a moment and share something personal.

A Mistake I Made Early On

When I recorded my first acoustic guitar track, I used a cheap microphone that came with a karaoke machine. Because I did not know better. I placed it right in front of the sound hole. And the sound was muddy and boomy.

I kept adjusting the EQ. Yet nothing worked.

Only later did I learn that microphone placement is everything. And that some mics are simply not designed for instruments.

How I Eventually Improved My Guitar Recording

Things changed the day I tried an AKG P170 small diaphragm condenser microphone. I placed it near the 12th fret at a slight angle. The sound was clear and bright. It finally felt like I was hearing my real guitar.

What I Learned from Using Different Microphone Types

After trying different mics, I learned:

• Condenser mics bring out details
• Dynamic mics reduce noise
• Small diaphragm mics capture picking well
• Large diaphragm mics add warmth

And most important:

Not all microphones fit all guitars or rooms.

Why Beginners Often Get Overwhelmed

There are many microphones. Some look the same. Some sound similar. Prices range from $20 to $500+. So it is natural to feel lost.

But do not worry. I will walk you through everything step-by-step.

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Understanding Microphone Types (Beginner-Friendly)

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic mics are tough. They handle loud sounds. And they work well in rooms with noise.

Common dynamic mic entities:

• Shure SM57
• Pyle Dynamic Microphone
• Shure PGA48

They don’t need phantom power. And they are great for live sound and home setups.

Condenser Microphones

These mics are sensitive. They pick up small details that dynamic mics miss.

Popular condenser mic entities:

• AKG Perception 170 (AKG P170)
• MXL 990 / MXL 991
• MAONO PM320S
• blucoil Condenser Microphone

Condenser mics need 48V phantom power, which audio interfaces provide.

Small Diaphragm vs Large Diaphragm

• Small diaphragm condensers capture bright, crisp sound
• Large diaphragm condensers capture full, warm sound

Both sound great for different styles.

Cardioid Pickup Pattern

Almost all mics in this guide use a cardioid pattern. This means the mic picks up sound from the front and reduces noise from the back.

This helps beginners who record in untreated rooms.

Phantom Power Explained Simply

Many beginners hear “phantom power” and panic. But do not worry. It is safe and simple.

If your audio interface has a 48V button, that’s phantom power. Just press it when using condenser mics.

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How to Choose the Best Microphone for Recording Acoustic Guitar

Think About Your Room

If your room is noisy or echoey, choose a dynamic mic like the Shure SM57.

Think About Your Playing Style

• Fast fingerpicking → small diaphragm condenser
• Warm strumming → large diaphragm condenser
• Mixed playing → versatile dynamic mic

Think About Your Budget

The best part?
Great recordings do not need expensive microphones.

Think About Your Recording Gear

If your interface does not have phantom power, use a dynamic mic.

Think About Ease of Use

Some microphones are more “plug and play” than others.

Best Microphones for Recording Acoustic Guitar (Product Reviews)

Before we dive into each microphone, let me quickly explain how I picked these. I selected each mic based on years of using them in personal recording sessions. I also looked at how beginners respond to them, how well they handle acoustic guitar tones, and how easy they are to set up. Because sometimes a great microphone is not the one with the highest price. Instead, it’s the one that helps you get great sound with the least trouble.

Below are the microphones I trust, recommend, and have used many times in real recording situations.

Shure Sm57 Professional Xlr Dynamic Microphone

The Shure SM57 is one of the most famous microphones in the world. And there’s a good reason people trust it. This dynamic microphone is strong, simple, and very reliable. Even more, it works well in almost every situation. Many studios use the SM57 to record guitar amps, snare drums, and acoustic guitars. This makes it one of the best tools for beginners who want something that “just works.”

Key Features

• Dynamic microphone with a cardioid pattern

• Strong and durable metal build

• Does not need phantom power

• Great at rejecting background noise

• Very affordable and long-lasting

My Experience With It

The first time I used the SM57 for acoustic guitar, I was surprised by how natural it sounded. It didn’t make the guitar too bright or too dull. It simply captured a balanced, clean tone. And because I was recording in a noisy room, I was happy that it didn’t pick up much unwanted noise. This mic taught me that sometimes simplicity is powerful.

Pros

• Works well in untreated rooms

• Very durable

• Easy to position

• Affordable for beginners

Cons

• Not as detailed as condenser mics

• Needs a good preamp for best sound

Best For

Beginners, home studios, and anyone who records in noisy or echoey rooms.

AKG Perception 170 (AKG P170) – Small Diaphragm Condenser

The AKG P170 is one of my favorite microphones for recording acoustic guitar. Because it is a small diaphragm condenser, it captures bright, clean, detailed tones. Many guitar players love this because it brings out the sparkle of the strings. And it does this without making the sound harsh. AKG is a trusted brand, and the P170 is one of their best beginner-friendly studio microphones.

Key Features

• Small diaphragm condenser mic

• Cardioid pickup pattern

• Needs 48V phantom power

• Handles high sound levels

• Very detailed and accurate sound

My Experience With It

One day, I used the AKG P170 to record a fingerpicking part. When I listened back, I heard details I didn’t even notice while playing. Every small touch, every pick, every harmonic had clarity. That was the first moment I understood how powerful condenser microphones could be. When placed around the 12th fret, this mic gives a bright and beautiful acoustic sound.

Pros

• Very detailed and clear

• Great for fingerstyle

• Lightweight and easy to position

• Excellent value

Cons

• Picks up room noise if your room is not treated

• Needs phantom power

Best For

Players who want bright, clear recordings and those who record fingerpicking or soft playing styles.

Pyle Dynamic Cardioid Microphone

The Pyle Dynamic Cardioid Microphone is a very budget-friendly microphone that still delivers useful results. While it doesn’t compete with top-tier microphones like Shure or AKG, it offers surprising quality for its low price. It comes with a long XLR cable, which is great for beginners who want a quick, complete setup for their home studio.

Key Features

• Dynamic cardioid microphone

• Comes with a 15-foot XLR cable

• Built-in pop filter

• Does not require phantom power

• Rugged design

My Experience With It

I once used this microphone for a quick acoustic guitar demo because my main mics were already packed for a gig. I didn’t expect too much from it. Yet the recording sounded clean and usable. It had less detail than my condenser mics, but it still captured the general tone well. And because it rejected background noise, it worked fine in my living room, which wasn’t treated.

Pros

• Very affordable

• Great for beginners

• Includes cable

• Easy to use

Cons

• Less detailed than condenser mics

• Slightly heavier than other mics

Best For

Beginners who need the cheapest microphone that still produces decent acoustic guitar recordings.

Shure PGA48 – Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The Shure PGA48 is mainly known as a vocal microphone, yet it can be a handy tool for acoustic guitar recording too. Because it uses a cardioid pattern, it focuses on the sound right in front of it and reduces noise around the room. This helps beginners who record in noisy or echoey spaces. Even more, it comes with a long XLR cable, a switch, and a small case, which makes it very beginner-friendly.

Key Features

• Dynamic cardioid microphone

• Includes a 15-foot XLR cable

• On/Off switch for quick control

• Durable Shure build quality

• No phantom power needed

My Experience With It

Once, I had a friend visiting who wanted to record a simple acoustic rhythm track. Since all my condensers were set up for vocals, I grabbed the PGA48 and placed it near the 12th fret. To my surprise, the guitar sounded warm and controlled. It didn’t have super-bright detail, but the tone was natural and easy to mix. This is why I often suggest this mic to beginners who already own one for singing and want to try guitar recording without buying new gear.

Pros

• Very easy to use

• Good isolation in untreated rooms

• Strong and reliable

• Great value with included cable

Cons

• Not as detailed as condenser mics

• Slightly heavier than similar mics

Best For

Beginners on a budget who want a simple, reliable microphone that works for both vocals and acoustic guitar.

MAONO PM320S – XLR Condenser Microphone

The MAONO PM320S is a condenser microphone made for home studios, streamers, musicians, and online creators. It has a clean cardioid pickup pattern and delivers very clear sound. Because it is a condenser mic, it captures small details in your playing, which helps your acoustic guitar stand out in your recordings. MAONO is becoming well-known among beginners because their microphones are affordable yet surprisingly clear.

Key Features

• Cardioid condenser microphone

• Needs 48V phantom power

• Smooth and clear sound

• Designed for studio-quality vocals and instruments

• Works with XLR audio interfaces

My Experience With It

I tested this mic during a home studio setup for a young guitarist. She wanted a microphone that could capture soft fingerpicking and also work for YouTube videos. The MAONO PM320S surprised both of us. When we placed it about 8 inches from the 12th fret, the guitar sounded bright and full. Even more, the mic captured small details like nail clicks and soft slides. This showed me that budget condenser mics can work very well when placed correctly.

Pros

• Very clear and smooth

• Great for fingerstyle and vocal work

• Affordable for a condenser mic

• Works well for content creators

Cons

• Picks up room noise

• Needs phantom power

Best For

Beginners with an audio interface who want detailed, studio-like acoustic guitar recordings.

Blucoil Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone

The blucoil Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone is a beginner-friendly microphone that works well for voiceovers, streaming, and acoustic guitar. Since it is a condenser mic, it captures more detail than a dynamic mic. This is great for acoustic guitar players who want a clear and natural sound. It also requires phantom power, which means it works best with an audio interface.

Key Features

• Cardioid condenser mic

• High sensitivity for detailed recordings

• Transparent and lightweight build

• Needs 48V phantom power

• Works well with guitars, vocals, and podcasts

My Experience With It

I once used the blucoil microphone to record a soft acoustic intro for a video project. The guitar was a small-body acoustic that usually sounds a little thin. Yet this microphone added brightness without making things harsh. Because of how sensitive it is, I could hear every finger movement. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your playing style, but for the project, it was perfect. It reminded me that even affordable mics can shine when used in the right way.

Pros

• Clear and bright sound

• Good for detailed guitar work

• Lightweight and easy to place

• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Picks up room noise

• Needs phantom power

Best For

Beginners who want a bright, detailed sound and plan to record in a quiet room.

MXL 990/991 Recording Microphone Bundle

The MXL 990/991 bundle is a great value for beginners who want two microphones for the price of one. The MXL 990 is a large diaphragm condenser mic that gives warm, full sound. The MXL 991 is a small diaphragm condenser mic that gives detailed, bright sound. When used together, these mics create a very rich acoustic guitar tone. Many home studios start with this bundle because it covers almost all recording needs.

Key Features

• Includes MXL 990 (large diaphragm)

• Includes MXL 991 (small diaphragm)

• Both use a cardioid pickup pattern

• Need 48V phantom power

• Great for multi-mic acoustic guitar recording

My Experience With It

Many years ago, I recorded a full acoustic EP using only this MXL bundle. I placed the MXL 990 near the body of the guitar for warmth. Then I placed the MXL 991 near the fretboard for brightness. When I blended the two tracks, the guitar sounded full and alive. For the price, few microphones offer this much versatility. Even today, I still recommend this set for beginners who want real studio-style sound.

Pros

• Two microphones for one price

• Very flexible sound options

• Great clarity and warmth

• Excellent for strumming + fingerpicking

Cons

• Needs phantom power

• Picks up room reflections

Best For

Beginners who want a complete acoustic guitar recording setup with both warmth and detail.

Side-by-Side Product Comparison Table

Below is a simple comparison table to help you pick the best microphone for your needs.

How to Properly Position a Microphone for Acoustic Guitar (Step-by-Step)

Microphone placement is more important than the microphone itself. I learned this the hard way. Once, I used an expensive condenser mic, but the sound was still dull. The problem wasn’t the mic. It was the placement.

So let me walk you through some simple steps that help beginners get amazing sound, even with budget microphones like the Shure SM57 or Pyle Dynamic Mic.

My Go-To Beginner Setup

Step 1 — Sit comfortably.
A relaxed position helps your tone stay stable.

Step 2 — Aim the microphone at the 12th fret.
This is the sweet spot. It balances warmth and brightness.

Step 3 — Keep the mic 6–10 inches away.
Closer makes it louder. Farther makes it thinner. Start here.

Step 4 — Angle the microphone slightly.
About 20–30 degrees helps reduce finger noise.

Step 5 — Listen and adjust.
Move it an inch. Listen again. Small changes matter.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

• Do not point the mic at the sound hole.
  It makes the recording too boomy.

• Do not place the mic too close.
  It can create harsh tones and distortion.

• Do not ignore the room.
  Even a great microphone will pick up echo.

Simple Techniques Anyone Can Use

Here are three setups that always work:

Technique 1: 12th fret position
Great for strumming and picking.

Technique 2: Over-the-shoulder
Place the mic above your shoulder, pointing down at the guitar.
This gives a natural “listener’s perspective.”

Technique 3: Dual mic setup
Use a warm mic (MXL 990) near the body and a bright mic (MXL 991 or AKG P170) near the fretboard.

This gives a studio-quality sound.

Recommended Recording Chains for Beginners

Many beginners think recording requires complicated gear. But your setup can be very simple. Let me break it down clearly and use simple steps.

Microphone → Audio Interface → Software

All you need is:

• A microphone like Shure SM57, AKG P170, or MAONO PM320S
• An audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett, Behringer UM2, M-Audio)
• A DAW (software) like Audacity, GarageBand, or Studio One

That’s it.

Budget Setup Example

Microphone: Pyle Dynamic Mic
Interface: Behringer UM2
Software: Audacity
Cost: Very low

Good for simple acoustic demos.

Mid-Range Setup Example

Microphone: AKG P170 or MAONO PM320S
Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Software: Studio One Artist or GarageBand

Great sound at a fair price.

Simple EQ Tips for Acoustic Guitar

Use small changes:

• Cut muddy frequencies around 200–300 Hz
• Add a little sparkle around 6–8 kHz
• Never boost too much—keep things natural

These small steps keep your acoustic guitar clear.

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Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphones for Acoustic Guitar

Understanding the difference between these two microphone types helps you pick the right one for your room and style.

When to Choose a Dynamic Mic

Choose a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM57 or Shure PGA48 if:

• Your room has noise
• Your room has echo
• You want a simple setup
• You want warm, controlled tone
• You strum hard

Dynamic mics are more forgiving.

When to Choose a Condenser Mic

Choose a condenser microphone like the AKG P170, MAONO PM320S, blucoil, or MXL 990/991 if:

• Your room is quiet
• You want bright sound
• You record fingerpicking
• You want detailed tones

Condenser mics bring your guitar to life.

My Real Experience Using Both

There were times when I used a condenser mic and loved the detail. But there were also days when it picked up every small sound in my room, including the air conditioner.

On those days, I used the Shure SM57 instead. It gave me a clean, controlled sound without capturing the noise.

So both are great. It depends on your space.

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Common Beginner Questions (FAQ Section)

Here are the questions students, friends, and readers ask me most often.

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Q1: What is the best microphone for recording acoustic guitar?

If you want the best mix of clarity and value, the AKG P170 is a top choice.
If you want a balanced sound in any room, the Shure SM57 is perfect.

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Q2: Should I use a dynamic or condenser mic for acoustic guitar?

Use a condenser mic for detail.
Use a dynamic mic for noise control.

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Q3: How important is mic placement?

Very important.
Even the best microphone sounds bad if placed poorly.

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Q4: Do I need phantom power for acoustic guitar microphones?

You need it for condenser mics like AKG P170, MXL 990/991, MAONO PM320S, and blucoil.
Dynamic mics do not need phantom power.

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Q5: What accessories improve acoustic guitar recording?

Helpful tools include:

• A solid mic stand
• A shock mount
• A pop filter (for vocals)
• Acoustic foam or blankets

Even simple room treatment helps a lot.

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My Personal Top Choice and Why

Even after trying many microphones, I always return to two:

⭐ For Clear, Detailed Acoustic Guitar:

AKG P170

It captures the sparkle of strings beautifully. And when positioned well, it sounds professional even in small rooms.

⭐ For Noisy Rooms or Simple Setups:

Shure SM57

It is tough, clean, and reliable. And it works almost anywhere.

⭐ Best Overall Value for Beginners:

MXL 990/991 Bundle

You get warmth and detail with two microphones for one price.

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Final Buying Advice for Beginners

Buying your first microphone can feel overwhelming. But here is my simple advice:

Avoid Overthinking

You do not need a $500 microphone. Beginners can get amazing sound with affordable models.

Start Simple

Begin with one good microphone. Learn mic placement first.

Focus on Skill and Mic Placement

The best microphone still needs good placement. And your playing matters most.

Final Words

Choose a microphone that fits your room, your guitar, and your style. And do not be afraid to experiment. Every guitar and every player is different.

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Conclusion: Your Journey to Great Acoustic Guitar Recording Starts Now

Recording acoustic guitar is fun. And once you know what mic to use and how to place it, everything becomes easier. Even better, you do not need expensive gear. You just need the right microphone and a little guidance.

Whether you choose the Shure SM57, AKG P170, MXL 990/991, MAONO PM320S, or even a budget mic like Pyle, remember this:

Great sound comes from great technique, not just great gear.

And now, you have the knowledge and confidence to start recording your acoustic guitar with clarity, warmth, and joy.