Choosing the right guitar can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Some people go for the electric guitar. Others are drawn to the simplicity of the acoustic guitar. The difference between electric guitars and acoustic is obvious: the presence or lack thereof of electronics to produce the sound. However, after choosing acoustic as their guitar of choice, one will then be faced with choosing a standard acoustic guitar, or a classical. Many people don’t know the difference, and are left confused as to what they should pick, especially for beginners. Both offer unique sounds and playing experiences, so let's compare these two iconic instruments.
Introduction to Acoustic Guitars
First, let's talk about what they have in common. The terminology can be somewhat misleading at first, as an acoustic guitar by definition is a guitar that produces its own sound with only the components built in (which is the wood used, strings, and the design of the body, usually including a sound hole that projects the vibrations out of the body of the guitar), not requiring any outside devices to produce sound. So, with that definition in mind, take a look at the above image. Both of these guitars are acoustic! They are constructed with the same method of producing sound in mind. They employ 6 strings pulled tightly across a wood body with a hole in the middle and over a long piece of wood called the neck which is fitted with metal bars called frets. The player will strike the strings and simultaneously push down the strings onto the various frets, and the vibration from the strings reverberates throughout the entire body of the guitar, until it is pushed out of the sound hole, creating the beautiful sound that reaches the spectator's ears. Both of these guitars generally are tuned to the same tones across all strings, and have access to all of the same pitches. With these similarities in mind, however, there are many small but key differences that make a unique playing and listening experience for both. Let’s talk about the things that set these guitars apart from each other.
Body Shape and Construction
Classical Guitar: Known for its large, round body with a flat back. This design produces a warm, resonant sound that's ideal for classical music and flamenco. The body is typically made of spruce for the top and rosewood or mahogany for the back and sides.
Acoustic Guitar: Offers a variety of shapes and sizes, including dreadnought, jumbo, and parlor. The most common is the dreadnought, which is known for its loud, balanced sound. Acoustic guitars often have a cutaway body, which allows for easier access to the higher frets. The body is typically made of spruce for the top and mahogany, rosewood,or maple for the back and sides. Below is a picture of an Auditorium body style.
Neck and Fingerboard
Classical Guitar: Features a wider neck and fingerboard which results in wider spacing of the strings. This wider neck can make it more challenging for beginners, but it also allows for better fingerpicking technique.
Acoustic Guitar: Has a narrower neck and fingerboard, making it easier to fret the strings. This also promotes ease of play with a pick, since it will have to travel a shorter distance between each string. This is especially beneficial for beginners who may have smaller hands.
Strings
Classical Guitar: Uses nylon strings, which produce a softer, warmer sound. Note in the picture below that they are manually tied around the bridge. String changes can be more challenging for this reason. Typically the strings are played strictly with fingerpicking, instead of striking with a pick. Nylon strings are also less likely to cause finger pain, making them a popular choice for beginners.
Acoustic Guitar: Uses steel strings, which produce a brighter, louder sound. Steel strings can be more challenging to play, especially for beginners, as they require more finger strength and can cause fingers to get sore. They are usually fitted with a metal ball at one end that is held into the bridge by pins, as in the picture below. It is common to fingerpick these strings among guitarists, but the majority of players use a pick to play melodies, but also for strumming capabilities that add more rhythm into their playing.
Playing Style
Classical Guitar: Primarily played with fingerpicking techniques, which involve using your fingers to pluck the strings individually. This style is often used in genres such classical music, flamenco, or Latin styles.
Acoustic Guitar: Can be played with fingerpicking or strumming. Strumming involves using a pick to strike multiple strings at once, which is commonly used in popular music genres like folk, country, and rock.
Sound
Classical Guitar: Known for its warm, rich tone, which is ideal for classical music and flamenco. The larger body and nylon strings contribute to the instrument's deep, resonant sound. Here is an example: Ana Vidovic plays Asturias by Isaac Albéniz on a Jim Redgate classical guitar
Acoustic Guitar: Offers a wider range of sounds, from bright and percussive to warm and mellow. The shape of the body, the type of wood used, and the strings all play a role in determining the sound of an acoustic guitar. Here is an example: Julian Lage - "Peru" - Collings OM2H T Traditional
Ultimately, the best way to decide between a classical and an acoustic guitar is to try both and see which one feels more comfortable and sounds better to you. Consider your playing style, your musical goals, and those key differences between the two instruments when making your decision.
Have any additional questions? Please reach out and let us know: info@kcfretshop.com
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