Ed Sheeran's Main Performance Guitar
Ed Sheeran's signature guitar is a Martin LX1E, a small-bodied acoustic-electric model made by C.F. Martin & Company. He has used this guitar on stage and in the studio for years, and it became so closely associated with him that Martin released an official Ed Sheeran signature model. The LX1E is a three-quarter-size instrument, smaller than a standard dreadnought, which suits his fingerstyle playing and his preference for portability during live performances.
The Martin LX1E features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a built-in Fishman electronics system for amplification, and a narrower neck than full-size acoustics. This combination gives it a warm, punchy tone that works well for both intimate venues and large stages when amplified. Sheeran's choice of this model reflects his approach to songwriting—he often writes and performs alone with just one guitar, so having an instrument that sounds full and projects well matters more than having multiple guitars for different sounds.
Key Takeaways
- Ed Sheeran's primary guitar is a Martin LX1E, a three-quarter-size acoustic-electric that he has used throughout his career and in his signature model.
- The LX1E's smaller body and built-in electronics make it suitable for both studio recording and large-stage performances without needing additional equipment.
- Sheeran occasionally uses other acoustic guitars in the studio, including larger dreadnoughts and nylon-string models, depending on the song's requirements.
- His choice of a single, versatile guitar reflects his songwriting process, where he typically develops songs with just one instrument before adding other elements.
The Ed Sheeran Signature Model
Martin released an official Ed Sheeran Signature Edition LX1E in collaboration with the artist. This model is built to the same specifications as the guitar Sheeran uses in performance, with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and the Fishman Sonitone electronics system. The signature edition includes Sheeran's name on the headstock and comes with documentation of the collaboration.
The signature model costs more than a standard LX1E because of the collaboration branding and often includes premium setup and finishing. However, the core sound and playability are identical to the non-signature version. For players interested in Sheeran's tone without the premium price, the standard Martin LX1E remains the same instrument he actually performs with.
Studio Guitars and Alternate Instruments
While the LX1E is Sheeran's main instrument, he uses other acoustic guitars in the recording studio depending on what a particular song needs. He has recorded with larger dreadnought acoustics, which have a bigger, more resonant sound than the LX1E's compact body. He also uses classical nylon-string guitars on some tracks to achieve a softer, warmer tone that works better for certain arrangements.
In the studio, producers and engineers often layer multiple guitar recordings to build texture and depth. Sheeran might record the main melody on his LX1E, then add rhythm parts on a dreadnought, and texture layers on a classical guitar. This approach allows him to get a fuller sound in the final mix than any single guitar could produce alone. The choice of which guitar to use for each part depends on the song's mood and the frequency range the producer wants to emphasize.
Why Sheeran Chose a Small-Bodied Acoustic
The LX1E's three-quarter size makes it easier to play for extended periods without fatigue, which matters during long recording sessions and touring schedules. The narrower neck also suits fingerstyle playing, Sheeran's primary technique. Fingerstyle requires precise finger placement and movement, and a narrower neck reduces the stretch between strings, making complex patterns more comfortable to execute.
The smaller body also produces a tone that cuts through in a live mix without sounding thin. Many players assume a bigger guitar always sounds bigger, but a well-built small acoustic with good electronics can project as much presence as a dreadnought when amplified. For Sheeran's style of performance—often solo or with minimal accompaniment—this balance between portability and projection made the LX1E the logical choice.
Electronics and Amplification
The Martin LX1E comes equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup system, which captures the guitar's natural sound and sends it to an amplifier or mixing console. This system includes a built-in tuner and volume control on the guitar itself, so Sheeran can adjust his sound without leaving the stage. The Fishman electronics are known for preserving the acoustic character of the guitar rather than making it sound electric or processed.
In live performance, Sheeran plugs his guitar into a wireless system that transmits the signal to the front-of-house mixing console. The sound engineer then shapes the tone using equalizers and effects before sending it to the main speakers. This setup allows him to perform anywhere—small clubs, arenas, or outdoor festivals—without needing to change guitars or worry about the acoustic sound being lost in a large venue.
Comparison to Other Artist Choices
Sheeran's choice of a small-bodied acoustic stands apart from many other singer-songwriters who prefer full-size dreadnoughts. Artists like John Mayer and Jason Isbell often perform with larger acoustics that have a deeper, more resonant low end. However, Sheeran's fingerstyle technique and his preference for a more percussive, articulate tone align better with the LX1E's characteristics. The guitar's brightness and clarity suit his pop-influenced songwriting, where individual notes and rhythmic patterns need to be heard clearly.
Some folk and traditional acoustic artists choose nylon-string classical guitars for their warm, mellow tone. Sheeran uses nylon strings in the studio but not as his primary performance instrument. His choice reflects the modern pop-acoustic style he pioneered, where the guitar is both a songwriting tool and a rhythmic element in the final production.
How to Find Similar Guitars
If you want a guitar similar to what Sheeran uses, the standard Martin LX1E is widely available through music retailers and online stores. The LX1E comes in several finishes, including natural wood and various stains. You can also find used LX1E models on the secondhand market, often at lower prices than new instruments. Before purchasing, try playing one in person if possible—the feel of the neck and the balance of the body matter as much as the specifications.
Other manufacturers make three-quarter-size acoustic-electric guitars that offer similar playability and tone at different price points. Yamaha, Takamine, and Ibanez all produce small-bodied models with built-in electronics. These alternatives may cost less than a Martin while still providing good sound quality and durability. The key is finding an instrument that feels comfortable in your hands and sounds good to your ear, rather than buying a specific brand because a famous artist uses it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the exact guitar Ed Sheeran uses?
You can buy a Martin LX1E, which is the same model Sheeran performs with. The official Ed Sheeran Signature Edition is a branded version of the same guitar. Both will give you the same instrument and tone, though the signature model costs more due to the collaboration branding.
Does Ed Sheeran use different guitars for different songs?
In the studio, yes—he uses different acoustics depending on what the song needs. On stage, he primarily performs with the LX1E. In recordings, larger dreadnoughts and classical guitars may be layered in to create fuller arrangements.
What kind of strings does Ed Sheeran use?
Sheeran has used Martin Authentic Acoustic strings, which are bronze-wound strings designed for acoustic guitars. The specific gauge and material can affect tone and playability, so experimenting with different string brands is common among players trying to match a particular sound.
Is the LX1E good for beginners?
The LX1E's smaller size and narrower neck make it comfortable for players with smaller hands, but it is a professional-grade instrument with a higher price tag. Beginners might start with a less expensive three-quarter-size acoustic and upgrade to an LX1E later as their skills develop.
Why doesn't Ed Sheeran use an electric guitar?
Sheeran's songwriting and performance style center on acoustic guitar. His songs are built around fingerstyle patterns and the natural tone of an acoustic instrument. While electric guitars can produce similar sounds through effects and amplification, the acoustic guitar is fundamental to how he writes and performs.