Classical vs Acoustic Guitar: What Is The Difference?

Classical vs Acoustic guitar: Both are great options for learning to play guitar and are popular among beginners and experienced musicians alike. 

Classical acoustic guitars and standard acoustic guitars do have some surprisingly significant distinctions

I have extensive experience playing both classical and acoustic guitars professionally, and I choose the type of guitar depending on the requirements of my project. The significant difference between them is their tone.

Classical vs Acoustic Guitar

A classical guitar, also known as a Spanish guitar, typically has nylon strings, produces a warm and rich tone, and is often used for fingerstyle playing. 

An acoustic guitar has steel strings, generates a brighter and louder sound, and is considered more versatile across genres. 

In addition to these differences, these instruments’ construction and playing techniques vary.

Understanding the differences between these two different types of guitars is vital when deciding which one is the better choice for you. It’s a good idea to visit a music store to try out different instruments before you decide which type of guitar is the best choice for you.

History and Evolution

Vihuela

The history of both classical and acoustic guitars can be traced back to the instrument known as the vihuela, which originated in Spain during the 15th century. The vihuela was a guitar-shaped instrument with six strings, and its design closely resembled the modern guitar. It played an essential role in the evolution of the guitar, providing the foundation for the classical and acoustic models we know today.

Antonio de Torres

One of the most significant figures in the history of the classical guitar is Antonio de Torres (1817-1892), a Spanish guitarist and luthier. He is widely regarded as the “father of the modern classical guitar,” thanks to his innovative designs and modifications. Torres expanded the guitar’s body to create a larger resonance chamber, producing richer and more balanced tones. He also introduced fan bracing, a crucial design feature in modern classical guitars.

Fan Bracing

Fan bracing serves as the internal support structure for the guitar’s soundboard, helping to distribute vibrations and sustain the instrument’s tone. Classical guitars’ bracing pattern consists of thin, wooden slats that radiate from the soundhole in a fan-like pattern. This structure gives the guitar greater projection and tonal clarity, making it ideal for traditional classical guitar performances.

X Bracing

Acoustic guitars evolved to adopt the X bracing pattern, initially developed by Christian Frederick Martin in the 19th century. X bracing is characterized by two diagonal wooden bars that intersect in the center of the guitar’s soundboard, forming an X shape. This bracing pattern offers structural stability and allows the soundboard to resonate freely, resulting in a balanced tone that accommodates various playing styles, including fingerstyle and flat-picking techniques.

Throughout history, the classical and acoustic guitar has undergone a fascinating evolution. These instruments have grown from their origins in the vihuela to being shaped by Antonio de Torres and his fan bracing design, and finally, adapting to the more versatile X-bracing pattern that characterizes acoustic guitars. This rich heritage has made both the classical and acoustic guitars beloved instruments within their own realms of music.

Physical Differences

Body Size and Shape

Classical guitars typically have a smaller body size and a deeper curve called the “waist.” This design allows for a more comfortable playing experience, especially when seated. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, often have a larger body shape, such as the dreadnought, which produces a more robust sound.

Neck Width

The neck width of classical guitars is generally wider compared to acoustic guitars. Wider necks allow more space between the strings, making fingerpicking and classical playing techniques easier. Acoustic guitars have a narrower neck, suited for strumming and flatpicking styles.

Fretboard Markers

Classical guitars typically lack fretboard markers, designed for experienced players who can navigate the fingerboard without visual aids. Acoustic guitars often have dot or other fretboard markers, helping players to identify fret positions while playing quickly.

Guitar Bridge

The guitar bridge on a classical guitar differs from that of an acoustic guitar. Classical guitars use a tie block bridge, where nylon strings are tied in knots around the bridge to secure them. Acoustic guitars have pin-style bridges, where steel strings are anchored by bridge pins.

Soundhole

The soundhole design of both classical and acoustic guitars can vary, but generally, classical guitars have a simple round soundhole, while acoustic guitars may have more intricate designs, like a rosette around the soundhole, for added aesthetic appeal.

There are notable physical differences between classical and acoustic guitars, including body size and shape variations, neck width, fretboard markers, guitar bridge, and soundhole design. Understanding these differences can help players choose the right instrument for their preferred playing style and technique.

String Types and Tones

Nylon Strings

Nylon strings are most commonly used on classical guitars. They are characterized by their thickness and produce a softer, more mellow sound than steel strings. Classical guitars typically have three treble strings made from clear or rectified nylon and three bass strings made of nylon wrapped with silver-plated copper or bronze wire.

Mellow Sound

The mellow sound typically associated with nylon string guitars is due to the material’s lower tension and softer nature. This mellowness resembles classical and flamenco music styles, often requiring delicate fingerpicking and nuanced playing techniques. The softer tones of the nylon strings also make them easier on the fingers, which can be advantageous for beginners or players who prefer a more comfortable playing experience.

Steel Strings

The use of steel strings is standard for acoustic guitars. They are thinner than nylon strings and produce a brighter, resonant sound. Acoustic guitar strings are made of metal alloys, like phosphor bronze and nickel-plated steel, contributing to their bright and warm tones. The steel strings are also divided into treble and bass, with the treble strings being plain steel and the bass strings wound with a wire of the selected metal alloy.

Warm Tone

The warm tone that characterizes steel-string acoustic guitars is generated by the higher tension and resonance of the metal strings. This warmth suits strumming, flatpicking, and fingerstyle techniques across folk, blues, and country music. Steel strings also offer more sustain, allowing notes to ring out longer, contributing to their overall rich and full sound.

The choice between nylon and steel strings largely depends on the type of music you wish to play and the desired tonal qualities.

Playing Techniques and Styles

Fingerstyle

Fingerstyle is a popular playing technique in both classical and acoustic guitar styles. In fingerstyle playing, guitarists pluck the strings using their fingertips or fingernails rather than a pick. Classical guitarists mainly use fingerstyle, allowing for precise control over their music’s dynamic and tonal aspects. Acoustic guitar players can also adopt fingerstyle to create intricate melodies and complex harmonies common in folk, jazz, and instrumental compositions.

It’s noteworthy that fingerstyle techniques differ slightly between classical and acoustic guitars. Classical guitarists play with their fingers at a more perpendicular angle to the strings, while acoustic players typically approach the strings from a more slanted angle.

Strumming Patterns

Strumming patterns involve using a specific sequence of up and down strokes across the strings to generate rhythm and chords in a song. These patterns can vary from simple to complex and are often used in folk, rock, pop, and country genres. 

Acoustic guitars are well-suited for strumming chords because their steel strings produce a clear and sustained sound. Classical guitars have nylon strings that create a softer, more delicate sound better suited for fingerpicking rather than vigorous strumming.

Fingers vs Picks

The choice between using fingers or picks when playing the guitar depends on the preferred style, technique, and sound desired by the guitarist. Classical guitarists almost exclusively use their fingers to play and often grow their nails longer to pluck the strings better. Acoustic guitarists may use both fingers and picks, depending on the genre and techniques they employ. 

Picks provide a louder, more pronounced sound. Some players find picks more comfortable, while others prefer the tactile connection of playing with their fingers.

Musical Genres and Repertoire

Classical Music

Classical guitar is primarily used for performing pieces from the classical music repertoire. These pieces often involve technique-intensive passages, intricate fingerpicking, and advanced musical concepts. The classical guitar’s nylon strings create a softer and warmer tone, which suits the genre’s expressive and complex nature.

Folk Music

The acoustic guitar is popular in folk music due to its versatility and portability. Folk music often features storytelling through simple melodies and lyrics, making the acoustic guitar an ideal accompaniment. Steel strings produce a bright and crisp tone, fitting perfectly for strumming chords and fingerpicking patterns in folk tunes.

Latin Music

Both classical and acoustic guitars are found in various forms of Latin music. The nylon-stringed classical guitar lends well to the traditional Spanish and Flamenco guitar styles, with techniques such as rasgueado and tremolo. Meanwhile, the acoustic guitar appears in genres like salsa, bachata, and bossa nova, whose rhythmic strumming patterns drive the music.

Pop Music

The acoustic guitar is extremely popular in pop music due to its accessible sound and broad appeal. Its bright and crisp tone complements catchy melodies and radio-friendly hooks. Acoustic guitars are used in various ways, from simple chord progressions to intricate fingerpicking, making them a staple in the pop music landscape.

Blues

The acoustic guitar is also prominent in blues music. Traditional delta blues performers like Robert Johnson utilized the steel-string acoustic guitar for its raw and earthy sound. Techniques such as slide guitar, fingerpicking, and alternating bass patterns are common in blues, giving the acoustic guitar a central role in the genre.

Jazz

Both classical and acoustic guitars in jazz music occasionally contribute to the rich tapestry of sounds. Traditional jazz guitarists like Django Reinhardt played on steel-string acoustic guitars, while modern jazz musicians might opt for nylon-string classical guitars for a more mellow and intimate tone. The improvisational nature of jazz demands versatility, which both instruments can offer in different ways.

Maintenance and Care

Tuning

Tuning an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar is similar in principle. To maintain accurate tuning:

• Use a digital tuner or tuning app to ensure pitches are accurate.
• Stretch the strings gently when changing them to speed up the settling process.
• Always tune up to the desired pitch rather than down to maintain proper string tension.

Truss Rod

Acoustic and classical guitars both feature a metal rod, known as the truss rod, which runs through the neck of the guitar. The truss rod aids in maintaining proper neck relief and overall setup.

Here are some tips on how to care for your guitar’s neck setup by adjusting the truss rod:

• Check the neck relief regularly for any signs of bowing or back-bow.
• Use the appropriate truss rod wrench, as the guitar’s manufacturer specified.
• Adjust in small increments, allowing time for the neck to stabilize after each turn.

Note: Sometimes, instead of a truss rod, the neck on classical guitars is reinforced with other materials. Always consult your guitar’s owner manual for proper care instructions.

Resonance

The resonance of a guitar is influenced by its build, materials, strings, and soundboard. Maintaining the resonance of your guitar is crucial for both types.

Here are some tips for caring for your guitar’s resonance:

• Ensure the guitar body and soundboard are clean and free of debris.
• Regularly change strings as they wear out, with appropriate materials for your guitar type.
• Avoid exposing your guitar to extreme changes in temperature or humidity, which can damage the wood and affect the resonance.

In addition to the above maintenance tasks, you must change your guitar’s strings regularly.

Following these basic care guidelines for tuning, truss rod adjustments, and resonance ensures that your acoustic or classical guitar remains in optimal condition for years. Remember that each guitar may have specific care requirements, so consult your owner’s manual for more information on maintaining your instrument.

Choosing Your Guitar

Beginners vs Experienced Players

For beginners, a classical guitar can be easier on the fingers due to its softer, wider strings and lower tension. The smaller body of a classical guitar also makes it more comfortable for new players to hold and play. However, for experienced players, an acoustic guitar can offer better strumming capabilities and a louder, larger sound. Additionally, it caters to a wider range of musical styles, including folk, blues, pop, rock, and country.

Price Range

The price range for classical and acoustic guitars varies greatly, from affordable starter instruments to high-end, professional models. Nonetheless, here’s a general overview:

• Classical guitars: A good beginner-level classical guitar typically ranges from $100 to $300. Intermediate and high-end models can range from $500 to over $2,000.
• Acoustic guitars: Beginner-level acoustic guitars can start around $100, but the prices can also go above $1,000 for intermediate and over $2,000 for high-end models.

A poor-quality instrument can hinder the learning process and enjoyment of playing. Even if you’re a beginner, an intermediate model would be a great choice instead of the cheapest option.

Comfort and Playability

Comfort and playability are crucial in choosing a guitar, as they directly impact your experience and progress. Here are some points to consider when comparing classical and acoustic guitars:

Popular Brands and Models

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Yamaha

Yamaha is a well-known brand in the music industry, offering a range of classical and acoustic guitars suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Some popular models from Yamaha include:

Yamaha C40II

Yamaha C40: A beginner-friendly classical guitar featuring a spruce top and Meranti back and sides.

Yamaha CG122MS

Yamaha CG122MS: A classical guitar model with a solid Engelmann spruce top and nato back and sides.

Yamaha FG800

Yamaha FG800: An affordable acoustic guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and nato back and sides.

Gibson

Gibson is an iconic guitar brand known for its high-quality, well-crafted instruments. Though primarily associated with electric guitars, Gibson also offers acoustic guitars with steel strings. One of their most popular models is the J-45:

Gibson J-45

Gibson J-45: A widely used acoustic guitar known as the “workhorse” for its versatility and reliability, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

Martin

Martin is a distinguished brand renowned for its high-quality acoustic guitars. The company is celebrated for its traditional designs and superior craftsmanship. Some popular Martin models include:

Martin D-28

Martin D-28: A highly acclaimed acoustic guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, often considered the standard for bluegrass and folk music.

Martin 000-15M

Martin 000-15M: A well-regarded acoustic guitar with an all-mahogany body, known for its warm, rich tone and excellent playability, making it a favorite among fingerstyle players.

Taylor

Taylor is a reputable brand that offers both acoustic and classical guitars. It is known for its innovative designs and excellent craftsmanship. Some popular Taylor models are:

Taylor Academy 12e-N

Taylor Academy 12e-N: A top-reviewed nylon-string classical guitar with a solid Lutz spruce top and layered Sapele back and sides.

Taylor 214ce

Taylor 214ce: A highly regarded acoustic-electric guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered rosewood back and sides.

Cordoba

Cordoba focuses primarily on nylon-string classical guitars and aims to bring traditional craftsmanship into the modern era. Their popular models include:

Corbora C12 SP

Cordoba C12 SP: A traditional design with premium tonewoods and a built-in truss rod featuring a solid European spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides.

Corbora Dolce 7/8

Cordoba Dolce 7/8: A slightly smaller classical guitar with premium tonewoods and a built-in truss rod, making it more comfortable for players with smaller hands.

These brands and models showcase the diverse range of classical and acoustic guitars available on the market, catering to different skill levels, preferences, and budgets.

Conclusion

Honestly, both types are great for your first guitar. It really comes down to your own preference. 

When comparing classical and acoustic guitars, it is clear that each instrument has unique characteristics that cater to different musical preferences and playing styles. 

If you are a beginner, deciding between the two should be based on personal taste, musical interests, and learning objectives.

Classical guitars feature nylon strings, which produce a warm, mellow tone. They are ideal for fingerpicking and playing various genres, including classical, flamenco, and Latin music. Their wide necks may make it more challenging for those with small hands, but they are forgiving on fingers and allow for greater precision in playing.

Acoustic guitars have steel strings, which create a bright, loud sound suitable for strumming and fingerpicking in various genres, such as country, folk, rock, and pop. Their narrower necks make it easier for beginners with smaller hands to form chords. However, steel strings may cause discomfort to inexperienced fingers.

Classical and acoustic guitars share a variety of tonewoods, contributing to their respective sounds and aesthetics. Each guitar has its own range of subgenres and models catering to different needs and playing styles.

Choosing between a classical and acoustic guitar requires considering individual goals and the music genre you plan on playing. It is essential to try both types of instruments and gauge your preference, as it will heavily influence the learning experience and enjoyment of the practice.