The Resonator Guitar (resonator gətɑ́r) is a type of acoustic guitar that amplifies the instruments natural sound through the use of “resonators,” which are aluminum cones built into the body of the guitar. A resonator cone resembles and functions like a bass speaker cone in a home stereo system. 

The body of a resonator guitar can be made of wood, metal or both. There are two types of resonator guitars, the “square-necked” resonator guitar, which is played on the musician’s lap, and the “round-necked” resonator guitar, which is played like a conventional guitar.

Prior to the production and sale of modern electric guitars, to enable guitarists to produce a more sound than a traditional acoustic guitar, The National Company patented and sold the first resonator guitars in 1926. Because of their distinctive sound, resonator guitars are still popular today and continue to define and expand primarily the blues and bluegrass musical styles.