Photograph

The recording

In "Photograph" the acoustic guitar forms the song’s backbone, recorded with a 2014 Taylor 814ce Grand Auditorium using its built‑in ES2 pickup. The signal was run through a Radial J48 passive DI for a clean direct feed into the console, preserving the instrument’s natural warmth and dynamics. Sheeran’s finger‑style playing emphasizes a steady alternating bass with subtle melodic embellishments, and the part is layered with a muted rhythm acoustic and a faint electric guitar to add texture. The direct capture required only light compression in‑mix, allowing the guitar to sit prominently alongside piano and vocals while retaining its intimate character.

Tuning E A D E B E (G string tuned down a minor third)

Reported gear

Taylor 814ce Grand Auditorium (2014)

Acoustic Guitar

Sheeran recorded the acoustic part of "Photograph" with a 2014 Taylor 814ce Grand Auditorium, using its built‑in ES2 pickup system for a clean direct signal.

Radial Engineering J48 Passive Direct Box

DI Box

The acoustic signal was fed through a Radial J48 passive DI, a staple of Sheeran’s studio setup, to capture a transparent tone before entering the console.

Alternatives

Yamaha FG800

Budget alternative · for the Taylor 814ce Grand Auditorium (2014)

$200 to $300

Behringer DI400P

Budget alternative · for the Radial Engineering J48 Passive Direct Box

$50 to $80

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use a thumb pick on the low strings and fingerpick the higher strings to emulate Sheeran’s hybrid picking style.
2. 2.Place a capo on the 3rd fret (or tune the G string down to E, E A D E B E) to match the recorded voicing.
3. 3.Keep the right‑hand attack light, allowing each note to ring for a warm, intimate tone.
4. 4.Maintain a relaxed wrist and slight angle on the pickguard to achieve the natural, percussive feel of the song.