What is the difference between an acoustic and a semi-acoustic guitar?

An acoustic guitar’s body resonates with the vibrating strings, providing enough volume for unamplified playing. Steel-string acoustics typically have a bright tone and are widely used in folk, country, pop and rock.

A semi-acoustic is generally an electric guitar with a hollow or semi-hollow body and pickups. It makes some sound unplugged, but amplification is central to its intended use.

An acoustic guitar fitted with a pickup or internal electronics is more accurately called an electro-acoustic. Product listings sometimes use “semi-acoustic” loosely, so check the construction and electronics rather than relying on the label alone.