Difference Between Acoustic Guitars and Classical Guitars

Acoustic Guitars vs Classical Guitars
 

Key Difference – Acoustic Guitars vs Classical Guitars

There exists a key difference between Acoustic and classical guitars although both are considered as “acoustic” guitars. They produce music with their natural sound without the use of technology to influence sound production. Although acoustic guitars and classical guitars may be used with amplification devices, these devices remain separate from the amplified guitars thus reproducing their pure natural sounds accurately. Acoustic and classical guitars may make pure, natural sound but one can tell the difference between the two at a glance. Through this article let us comprehend the difference between the two.

What are Acoustic Guitars?

Steel-string acoustic guitar or simply called, the acoustic guitar is one among many acoustic instruments that gained popularity among music enthusiast up to the present. This type of guitar is strung with steel strings to produce louder sounds. There may be different variations of acoustic guitars, but the most popular are the flat-top guitars that are commonly used and heard in different music genres like rock, blues, folk and country. The looks and the structures of these guitars remain traditional.

What are Classical Guitars?

Modern classical guitar coined its name so as to tell itself apart from earlier classical guitars that, in its broadest sense, are all classical guitars. Today, a modern classical guitar is loosely referred to as the “Spanish guitar” because it is established from the designs of the 19th-century Spanish luthier Antonio Torres Jurado.

Classical guitars are well known for its wide-ranging right-hand technique that allows performers to produce intricate melodies, but it is not limited to playing only classical music; in fact, a lot of performers today use this type of guitar to make music. It is used in all forms of music like folk, jazz, flamenco, and the like. One can clearly discern between the two types as Classical and acoustic guitars differ in construction and sound production. Classical guitars use nylon strings and have wider neck while acoustic guitars use steel strings and have a slimmer neck. Classical guitars make mellow sound compared to acoustic guitars’ brighter sound production. Classical guitars are easier to use for the beginners because nylon strings are easier to hold than steel strings.

These two guitars may have varying differences, but both produce pure quality music. It doesn’t come down to which is better; instead it’s what you want to achieve when you play a guitar. It is only a matter of personal preference.

What is the Difference between Acoustic Guitars and Classical Guitars?

Definitions of Acoustic Guitars and Classical Guitars:

Acoustic Guitars: Steel-string acoustic guitar or acoustic guitar is one among many acoustic instruments widely used in music.

Classical Guitars: Classical guitars are often known as Spanish guitars.

Characteristics of Acoustic Guitars and Classical Guitars:

Strings:

Acoustic Guitars: Acoustic guitars have steel strings with slim necks that make it easier to pluck using a pick.

Classical Guitars: Classical guitars use nylon strings and have wider necks which have more room to do plucking using fingers.

Sounds:

Acoustic Guitars: Acoustic guitars produce brighter sounds than classical guitars.

Classical Guitars: Classical guitars produce a large mellow sound.

Fret Boards:

Acoustic Guitars: In an acoustic guitar its neck meets the body at 14th fret.

Classical Guitars: In a classical guitar its neck meets the body at 12th fret.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Epiphone PR-5E VS Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar (Vintage Sunburst)” by Joshu∆ Byrd – Flickr: Epiphone PR5EVS. [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. “Jean-Nicolas Grobert – Early Romantic Guitar, Paris around 1830” by Musée de la musique, Paris / A Giordan  [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons