The steel strings of the Acoustic guitar are much brighter and resonate for longer. Nylon strings are thicker and sound more mellow. Photo adapatation of image via Flickr user:specialpaul ( CC BY-SA 2.0) The two types of strings feel and sound very different.Īcoustic guitar strings example. It could be that you adore loud, rich tones but alternatively you might find that you prefer a softer sound.ĭo read our guide to guitar tone woods as this will help you to understand how the materials used to make guitars influence the sound that the instruments produce.īoth styles of guitar are actually Acoustic guitars but Classical models have nylon strings whereas the more modern instruments, which are referred to as Acoustic guitars, have steel strings. Doing so will give you some understanding of what is available and you may find which type of sound appeals to you most. The construction and the wood used are amongst the factors that will influence the tone of the instrument and so it's a good idea to listen to a few different models before you make your choice. Whether Acoustic or Classical, guitars vary enormously in the sound that they produce. If you are more interested in pop or country music, then an acoustic guitar might serve you better. If your preference is for Flamenco or Spanish guitar, then of course a Classical model would likely be your preferred option. It is a good idea to think about the type of music that you enjoy listening to and what sort of music you think that you would like to play.

The sound of an instrument could be the deciding factor for you when making your choice. Below you can acquaint yourself with the key differences between Acoustic and Classical guitars to help you make an informed choice, after all an informed choice is more likely to be the right choice! So here is a brief guide to the distinguishing features of these two instruments: Sound & StringsĬlassical guitar strings example from an instrument instore. The two primary reasons for choosing one of these is that firstly, it's possible to find inexpensive models and secondly, these types of guitars do not require the extra investment of an amplifier you can simply pick up the instrument and start playing.īefore you settle and make a choice, it's always beneficial to have the facts. You could use any guitar when you're first starting to learn, however you will find that many budding musicians will begin with either an acoustic or classical guitar. Learning to play guitar is a rewarding experience and an exciting journey that begins with choosing your instrument. Have you recently decided that you would like to learn to play the guitar? If so, you will need an instrument to play, but which type of guitar should you choose? All the terminology can be so confusing when starting out, so what is the difference between an Acoustic and Classical guitar? It's a common question! The Difference Between Acoustic and Classical Guitars

Classical steel string guitar