Parlour guitars are small-bodied acoustic guitars that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, designed for intimate, indoor playing rather than large rooms or stages. Their compact size makes them comfortable to hold and easy to play, with a focused sound that prioritises clarity and balance over volume.

Tonally, parlour guitars are known for a clear midrange, quick response, and a slightly woody or boxy character. They work particularly well for fingerstyle, blues, folk, and early roots music, and are often chosen by players who value detail, dynamics, and a vintage feel, especially for home playing and recording.