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Difference Between Classical and Acoustic Guitar

For many guitarists, the first call at the start of their playing journey is to pick one or the other. You probably know what we’re talking about, right? Stringed musical instruments like guitars have been part of human culture since ages. But, we’re not going to talk about the history of guitars. We’re here to talk about acoustic and classical guitar.

It’s difficult to imagine modern day’s musical landscape without acoustic and classical guitars. For a guitar enthusiast, the difference may seem obvious, but for those who have less musical knowledge, this article will help.

Acoustic Guitar

It’s a popular musical instrument that produces sound through vibrating strings. Unlike electric guitars that rely on amplification and electronic components, acoustic guitars generate sound naturally without the need for external devices.

Acoustic guitars come in various shapes and sizes. Common types include dreadnought, concert, auditorium, and jumbo guitars.

Following are the key components of an acoustic guitar:

  • Body: It’s typically hollow and divided into two main parts: the top (or soundboard) and the back and sides.
  • Soundhole: It’s located on the soundboard and allows air to move in and out of the body. It creates the vibration of the strings.
  • Neck: It extends from the body and holds the fretboard and frets. Acoustic guitars usually have a reinforced neck to withstand the tension of the strings.
  • Fretboard: It’s a flat surface usually made of wood, such as rosewood or ebony. Frets are metal strips embedded along the fretboard, dividing it into segments. When you press the strings against the frets, it changes the pitch of the notes.
  • Strings: An acoustic guitar has six strings, each tuned to a specific pitch. The standard tuning, from low to high, is E, A, D, G, B, and E.
  • Bridge: It’s located on the body and anchors the strings. It transmits the vibrations from the strings to the soundboard.
  • Headstock: It’s situated at the top of the neck and contains tuning pegs, which allow you to adjust the tension of the strings to achieve the desired pitch.

Classical Guitar

A classical guitar is basically an acoustic guitar but with nylon strings. It’s a traditional musical instrument designed for playing classical music and other styles. The body is typically smaller than that of an acoustic guitar and is commonly made of wood like spruce or cedar.

  • Soundhole: Like an acoustic guitar, it has a soundhole on the top, which allows the sound to resonate and project.
  • Neck and Fretboard: The neck is usually wider and provides more space between the strings. The fretboard is typically made of rosewood or ebony.
  • Strings: Classical guitars have six nylon strings. The three treble strings are typically made of nylon, while the three bass strings may have a nylon core wound with metal.
  • Headstock: It’s located at the top of the neck and contains tuning pegs for adjusting the tension of the strings.
  • Bridge: It anchors the strings and transmits vibrations to the body.

Difference between Acoustic and Classical Guitars

Shape

Acoustic and classical guitars have different shapes. The former comes in diverse shapes like dreadnought, concert, and jumbo, with a larger body for increased volume and resonance. The latter has a smaller and more compact body shape.

String

Both types of guitars are actually acoustic guitars but classical guitars have nylon strings whereas the former has steel rings. The nylon strings are thicker and produce a mellow and warm tone, ideal for classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle playing.

The steel rings produce a bright and loud sound suitable for various genres like folk, pop, and rock.

Neck

A classical guitar typically has a wider neck, which allows more space between the strings. This allows for intricate fingerpicking and classical playing techniques. An acoustic guitar, on the contrary, has a narrower neck, which makes it easier to navigate and execute chords quickly.

Fretboard

The fretboard of acoustic guitars is often made of rosewood or ebony, with metal frets providing a smooth surface for bending notes. Classical guitars feature a wooden fretboard with nylon strings, which allows for precise fingerpicking and classical fretting techniques.

Playing Style

An acoustic guitar is a versatile musical instrument suitable for strumming, flatpicking, and dynamic playing styles. A classical guitar focuses on intricate fingerpicking patterns for expressive musicality, including flamenco and folk music.

Acoustic vs. Classical Guitar: Comparison Chart

Summary

Between classical and acoustic guitars, the latter is more versatile when it comes to strumming techniques. An acoustic guitar has a huge dynamic range. This means that when you play the guitar, you can achieve great effects through both strumming and fingerpicking. Learning to play guitar is a wonderful experience that begins with choosing the right instrument. Hopefully, our article will help you make a choice.

FAQs

Which is better, classical or acoustic guitar?

Well, it really depends on what you want to play. Acoustic guitars are versatile for various genres, while classical guitars are excellent for classical and fingerstyle music.

Is it easier to learn to play acoustic or classical guitar?

For beginners, acoustic guitars are a bit harder to play. You can take guitar lessons to learn the basics.

Can you play a classical guitar like an acoustic?

Classical guitars are designed for fingerpicking, so it might feel a bit different when strumming compared to an acoustic.

Which type of guitar is best for beginners?

Classical guitars are often recommended for those who haven’t played the guitar before. They have nylon strings, which are good for your fingers.

Should a beginner use a classical guitar?

Classical guitars are great for fingerpicking and classical music. It doesn’t take as much effort to play a classical guitar.

Can you strum a classical guitar?

Absolutely! While classical guitars are known for fingerpicking, you can definitely strum them.

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References :


[0]French, Richard Mark. Technology of the Guitar. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.

[1]Johnston, Richard, et al. Acoustic Guitar: The Composition, Construction, and Evolution of One of World's Most Beloved Instruments. Hal Leonard Corporation, 2005.

[2]Elder, Ben, et al. Acoustic Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Chartwell Books, 2018.

[3]Image credit: https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEI0GW5yF0-rock-musician-playing-acoustic-guitar/

[4]Image credit: https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEEHlBmjaQ-classical-guitar/

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