There are many people interested to learn guitar, but cannot decide the one to learn – Classical or Acoustic! Both the instruments tend to appear the same and it is quite obvious that same songs can be played on both of them. So, what actually are the differences between them and which one will suit better?

Classical and Acoustic guitars

When classical guitars are taken into account, these are nylon stringed guitars that are used for classical music. They are acoustic instruments, however, for clarity sake are called classical guitars. You may visit on GuitarListy.com to know more about the classical guitars.

On the other hand, Acoustic guitars are considered to be steel stringed devices. They are used more prominently in almost every music style and are common guitars which are used mostly by newbies. But, these are not meant for everyone.

Know the basic differences

It is important for the person to first understand the differences between the two and research thoroughly, so as to make a well informed decision to choose one to learn.

Both are said to share several type of similarities that can be viewed at a glance. Even their shaping is found to be identical and uniformed. Classical type of guitars is found to be much older in design. With guitars evolving to develop into modern instruments that are available today, majority of the attributes belonging to classical instruments have been abandoned to favor improved technology and convenience. It does not necessarily mean that classical guitars are outdated or archaic, but simply put much more traditional.

Few differences

  • Body size: When compared to the commonly available size of the steel stringed acoustic guitars, classic guitars come with smaller bodies. Some acoustic guitars like the parlor models are found to have similar dimension and size when compared with their classical ancestors.
  • Strings: Classical guitars come with nylon strings, while most of the modern acoustic guitars make use of steel strings more mellow sound is derived with nylon strings, while they are much easier for the fingers when playing them.
  • Headstock: One innovation that is taken for granted is the machine tuning pegs. However, slotted headstocks are still being used by the classical instruments. Those having nylon strings do make it a viable option, although some steel string, parlor guitars come with slotted headstocks.
  • Fingerboard: Classical instruments tend to have flatter, wider fingerboards with string spacing a bit wider. It is for this reason, they are much more comfortable to be played. However, people having smaller hands are likely to struggle initially.
  • Truss Rod: It is a type of steel rod which runs throughout the guitar neck’s length on the steel string instruments. They are crucial to counteract the steel string’s tension and adjusted appropriately as desired. Since les stress is placed upon the classical guitar’s neck by the nylon strings, these instruments do not come with adjustable truss rods. But some do!
  • Bracing: Sold bracing is incorporated into steel stringed acoustics. This helps the instrument to be sturdy due to the string’s tension and also offers better resonance and projection. Lighter bracing is provided by classical instrument.
  • Neck to body joint: Majority of the steel string modern guitars is found to have the body and neck join at 14th fret. A much more traditional design is a joint present at 12th fret. Some acoustic guitars have been constructed in this manner, especially the parlor types. It is regarded to be hallmark of classical design.

Which type is the right choice for beginners?

Whether the person selects Classical or Acoustic type, he is required to put in the efforts and time to learn it the right way. However, it is very much important to select a guitar which allows the person to achieve success quickly. Many beginners tend to quit learning immediately after starting, just because they chose the wrong instrument. They will only struggle to play and all their hopes to become a great guitarist will be dashed. I would love to suggest you to see these Top 3 best acoustic guitars under $100 for beginners, these are the perfect for start with.

This being said, the classical guitar having nylon strings are much easier to play when compared to steel strings. This has proved to be more than beneficial for kids as it is easy on their fingers. However, it is not just the only factor to be considered when making decisions to buy one.

Steel string acoustic types do offer variety of music. They are considered to be the very best to be played, if the person would like to write some tunes or play his favorite songs. These instruments also are used prominently in folk, rock and country music.

It is necessary to understand that the classical guitar are best played using fingers and not with the pick. Also, the sound is not loud, but mellow. Flamenco and classical guitarists love to play them and also used by jazz players.

In the end, the choice to select one should be based upon individual goals and the type of music preferred.