Classical Guitar vs Acoustic Guitar - What's the Difference and Which is Best?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2024
- Classical Guitar vs Acoustic Guitar - What's the Difference and Which is Best? Are you getting ready to purchase your first guitar? Or maybe which one to add to your collection? What's the real difference between a classical nylon string guitar and an acoustic steel string guitar?
🤘 Just started learning guitar? Get my FREE Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults Here: www.tomasmichaud.com/signup-b...
🚀 Want to unlock jaw-dropping guitar skills with proven, clear, and practical advice? Get my weekly Guitar Nuggets: tomasmichaud.com/guitar-nugge...
![[TH] VALORANT Champions Seoul - Group Stage Day 5 - DRX vs FNC](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EGLDAmaBOhU/mqdefault.jpg)
I always thought that I had an acoustic guitar, turns out is a classical guitar.
Thank you :)
You're welcome, Julz.
I bought an acoustic for $100 but I thought I was buying a classical lol.
I bought a acoustic for 200 but it was actually a classical
@@arjunkadari2777 The Classical Guitar is basically a Nylon String Acoustic. Willie Nelson came to my mind, & so did Zack Brown.
I learned the same thing about my dads 40 year old guitar i play on!
Classical guitar has more feeling in my opinion it sounds more emotional
Willie Nelson plays a Martin classical guitar.
I think acoustic and electric are simply used for different things, if you try to play a folk song with an electric of course the acoustic will sound more emotionally filled, but the same goes for trying to play the Comfortably Numb solo with an acoustic
Yeah... Same for me!!
I dont belive this. They sound different. I like both sounds but I also like the sound of Andy Mckee and I dont think classical would give more feeling.
I just bought my acoustic guitar 😔
0:37: Brighter sound (Steel string Acoustic guitar)
1:38: Mellow sound (Nylon string Classical guitar)
thank you so much man
My stupid teachers keep telling me they’re the same thing, 🤦🏻♀️ and they’re music teachers, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME THING FFS
They are both acoustic guitars.
@@lunabeans9152 Osama Bin Laden and your mother is the same both of them are humans
@@harristengku7153 That's true, also cause I've never seen either one of them in my life
Tiddy Milk but it’s true though... both is a guitar
Earth so is a bass guitar, a electric guitar etc. But that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing. They all have differences
I don't think classical guitar is generally easier for beginners. Nylon strings are easier on your fingers, but the neck is wider which can make it harder to play with small hands, and the fretboard is flat, requiring a slightly more stretched hand posture, and it can be tricky to get barre chords right because you have to press your finger really flat down over the fretboard. Especially for smaller hands, the acoustic's narrow neck with its gently curved fretboard can be more comfortable. I'm leaning towards classical for being easier to learn, but I don't think it's that much of a difference.
The really important question for this decision is: what kind of music do you want to play? What guitar songs do you listen to, which songs made you want to play guitar yourself? The most important difference is that almost every music genre favours either acoustic *or* classical guitar, because it evolved with either one *or* the other instrument. You want to play Blues? Country? Rock ballads? Singer/songwriter? Arguably the more North American/western and modern pop/rock styles? These were made with and for acoustic guitars, often played with a pick, and may feel and sound not right with a classical.
You want to play classical music? Latin? Flamenco? Or more generally, Spanish or Latin American styles? Get a classical guitar then, because these styles tend to feel and sound wrong with an acoustic.
For example, tonal characteristics aside, acoustic guitars have very long sustain, which means you strum a chord and it takes very long to decay. That's important for country music and many slower ballads, because they "use" this sustain. They have evolved with it. Classical guitar strings decay much faster, and consequently Latin/Spanish styles have evolved in another direction, one that tends to favour a more active "strumming hand" (or "more rhythm", perhaps). These styles actually sound bad if you have too much sustain, and their "strumming" style feels pretty awful with tight steel strings if you ask me. Using a pick on a classical guitar doesn't work well either.
I play Flamenco for example, and that simply doesn't work with an acoustic. The other way round, I find classical guitar very bad for playing blues.
Long story short, more important than if one or the other is a bit easier to learn is that you enjoy playing your music. And if your guitar doesn't suit your music, then you're going to have less fun. And besides, if you have less fun, your learning progress will be slower too. Just get what your favourite musicians use.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts DrStrangeloveII
This is sincerely appreciated :)
Thanks,
Hazel
Starland Guitar
Customer Support
but if you don't have small hands, it should be easier to play because the space between strings is larger so you don't have to be as precise.
Im playing guitar for a couple of months i like the feel of a classical guitar
DrStrangeloveII see i have an opposite problems, my fingers are too big for a standard guitar, even more so when i first began playing
Classical guitar is better for a beginner cause it helps you gain more stretching and flexibility than with an acoustic
Nylon strings are better for a beginner because they do not hurt your fingers and in turn put you off playing.
I talk from experience.
The pain does last if you practice for long periods unless you build up a callas on your finger.
I play every day now and its fine.
both hurt your fingres when you are novice, few weeks after youll be fine..
Also if what you want is to be a classical guitarrist, you should start and practice in a classical guitar and viceversa cause techniques used in classical and flamenco style are not possible in an thin fret and metal strings, and if yo practice classical and flamenco tecniques in a metal strings guitar you dont develop the strenght you need to play them in a more rustic guiatar as the classical guitar
@@shiroumxm2052 played guitar for 15 years, i would say nylon doesnt cause pain in fingers as much as metal does, i cant play metal for hours but nylon, its possible though its not like its not painful at all, it still is .. but its easier to slide cause when i play accoustic, i dont feel like sliding most of the time cause it burns my finger, i realized this once i switched to classical guitar 5 years ago. and still i have bigger hands, its comfortable and the sound is just so good,
accoustic =a bit sharper
classical= a bit hollow./bassy
My fingers stopped hurting on steel strings after a few days
Did u started with it as a beginner?@@camy3493
I love the sound of both, although the classical guitar particularly sparks a lot of happiness in me when I hear it somehow.
TheDarkCountess1
happy to hear your thoughts :)
Thanks,
Hazel
Starland Guitar
Customer Support
Tomas Michaud You're most welcome! ^-^
Hi - yes, you can go to my StarlandGuitar [dot] com blog (link above) and go to the category for Spanish Guitar. Look for the video titled Gypsy Rumba. I have a basic step by step lesson for you there.
This was VERY helpful. I've often wondered what the difference was between the 2 guitar types and you quickly and clearly explained all the finer points. Thanks for posting!
I think for beginners, it's better to start off on an acoustic. For me personally, the acoustic has helped a ton in building my calluses and strengthening my wrist (I happen to have a guitar with very high action so you can imagine how strenuous it is on my wrist when playing barre chords higher up the frets). When I switched to a classical guitar last month, it was a breeze. I felt like I was playing on air or something! It was so easy to handle. Maybe it's because I've played for 3 years but I do believe it's all thanks to my acoustic guitar for training my fingers in the first place! Just my two cents. :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts cigaretteburns
More often, Tomas Michaud's students with big fingers like the classical guitar because there’s more space between the strings.
Hazel
Starland Guitar
Customer Support
The exact opposite for me. The nylon strings made bar chords so damn hard! When I switched to acoustic the bar chords became so much easier and sounded better. For your fingers, on the other hand, nylon strings are softer than steel obviously. When i play too much on my acoustic, the sking on my fingers start peeling off lmao. But other than that i prefer acoustic guitars but you should start with a classical one.
Thanks
@@TomasMichaud Electric Guitars are super beginner friendly, & Taylor makes Nylon String Acoustics that feel like Electric Guitars to facilitate playability.
Who is a classical guitarist give a thumbs up))
I mean I've played electric since 2001, love my bc rich & Jacksons, but when it comes to acoustic i always noodle around on classicals, they just sound so much better, ever since i heard randy rhoads playing as a kid haha
I m a classical guitarist
This video was under 3 minutes yet you touched upon a lot of things in very simple and helpful ways making it so easy to understand. Especially the part where you talked about 3 of the nylon strings seeming like they are steel strings. That was awesome! A lot of these experienced guitar players seem to have forgotten what it was like to not know a single thing about guitars and look at us strangely for asking "dumb" questions. Thank you for this video.
@AraArtur Hi - you got it! You'll find my instruction video at on TH-cam titled Guitar Lessons - Basic Gypsy Rumba Guitar Strum - pt. 1. Part 2 follows.
Let me know how it goes.
Hi, it mostly depends on your tolerance for pain and the sound you like. If you are thinking of singing along the acoustic is louder and brighter, but it will hurt your finer more when learning. On he other hand a nylon usually has a wider neck which takes a little more stretching if you have small hands. My guess is that an acoustic guitar will sound best to you for the music you want to play. Put very light strings on the guitar (or Silk and Steel strings) to make it easier to play at first.
I agree with your opinion.
Although where I'm from we're more used to classical guitars, and I tend to use the classical slightly more often, it really just depends on what sound I want to produce. I like both and treat them equally.
Hi Macross guy
You're very welcome. Glad I could help :)
I use a classical guitar with a pick and I like it. I like the feel of classical guitars.
btw using a classical guitar doesn't mean you play classical music.
Have a good day.
Yes, that makes sense. Thanks for sharing Angelo.
I put steel string on my old classical guitar and since I rarely played it when I got an electric guitar, it was always tuned very low for storage. I got lucky! Recently got into fingerpicking and I got it refurbished by my local guitar store. It plays better than it ever has before!
Wow... glad to hear that Reza.
Great video, you explain things really well! Thanks.
Tom Bailey thank you so much! :)
thanks also for sharing this video :)
Thank you so much. Your instructional videos are great. Keep up the good work.
Classical Guitar vs Acoustic Guitar
What's the Difference and Which is Best?
It's Christmas once again. Are you planning to purchase or add a guitar on your collection? Would it be classical nylon or acoustic steel string guitar? To help you decide read on, watch this video :)
Thanks for the info. I have a few questions, what is the best guitar to start playing as a beginner,classical or acoustic. What do you recommend? I guess I should tell you that the songs I really must learn how to play are la malagueña and la llorona,I actually am going to start to learn just because of these 2 songs. What's your opinion? Also if you would be kind enough to suggest a certain brand that's not too expensive but good enough as a starter guitar, I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Hi almaperro
Here's a blog post with a video made by Tomas Michaud himself. I do hope this will help you decide which is which >> www.tomasmichaud.com/which-is-best-guitar-for-beginners/ and about the guitar you would want him to suggest, he did mention here that guitars he's using
www.tomasmichaud.com/guitars-intimate-account-4-beauties/
I hope this may help you.
Thanks,
Hazel
Starland Guitar
Customer Support
almaperro Those two songs are for classical guitar. He really should've been able to give you a straight answer there :o)
When it comes to what guitar to choose, I'd say find a music shop and try some guitars in your price range - That's the best way to do it. If you want a specific recomendation, I'd say the Yamaha C40 is a great value choice - You can get better guitars but you'll have a hard time finding them in that price bracket :o)
+Tomas Michaud, very helpful video! You're right that it's impossible to state that a classical is better than an acoustic or vice versa -- it is based on both personal preference and the intended use! That said, I have a follow-up question. I'm an adult who is about to try learning guitar for the first time. My sister gave me her old New York Pro classical guitar that she used to learn about 12 years ago. I'm not sure why she chose a classical over an acoustic, but I'm a bit concerned that the classical may not be the best type for me to learn with since my fingers are much shorter than my sister's fingers. Do you think that I should invest in buying an acoustic (or acoustic-electric) with a thinner neck? Or do you think it would be okay to learn on an electric, which often have even thinner necks?
Also, I know you said that steel strings would likely break the neck of a classical guitar, which makes perfect sense without having a tension rod. However, is it possible to use nylon strings on an acoustic guitar? I'd imagine so. I'd also think it would create a softer tone than steel strings. I'm asking because I suffer from chronic pain (in both of my hands and many other areas of my body), and I'm wondering if nylon strings would be less painful for me than using steel strings. Or perhaps you know of other ways and/or products that can help someone like me? Like maybe they sell softer strings, finger covers, better picks, etc. I'm totally guessing here, lol.
I'm very appreciative and open to your expert suggestions. I want to be successful and progress in my learning rather than giving up and smashing my guitar within a few weeks in, lol. Thanks SO much for taking the time to answer me! :-)
Hi Masha,
Yes, the regular classical is a difficult one to start on because of the wide neck.
I have two recommendations for you:
1. Put Silk and Steel strings on the regular acoustic guitar. A much better choice than trying to get nylon strings to work on the acoustic.
2. Purchase a nylon stringed guitar with a narrow neck:
www.amazon.com/Antonio-Hermosa-Classical-Guitar-Fretboard/dp/B001QOGLAW
Watch this video when you get achance:
www.tomasmichaud.com/best-beginner-guitar-mistake-1/
I wish you the best Masha.
Tomas
Hi - thanks for your question. It seems to me that either would be fine for learning songs. I guess it depends on what style of music. Pop and Rock songs an acoustic for sure. What do other people think?
Thanks for commenting. Sounds like you must have some pretty tough fingers by now. Sometimes steel strings will bow the neck of a classical guitar because it doesn't have a truss rod and the steel strings have more tension than nylon. It's more of a problem with a expensive classical. Doesn't sound like that's a problem for you yet.
Thanks for this fabulous breakdown!
Thank you so much !
I was looking for this and I understood with your help :)
Thank you for the information...was really helpful! :)
Wow this really helped a lot. Thanks! I will definitely be getting an acoustic.
Thank you for your kind words.
it was Helpfull, man! Thanks!
Both are good in their own ways. Acoustic is used more widely for modern genres such as blues, jazz, rock n roll/rock, country, pop, while the Classical guitar is used more for genres such as classical music and various Spanish/Latin folk music like flamenco.
but can you use classical for blues, jazz rock n roll, country etc. aswell?
Cornél of course my dude.
Great video. Thanks Tomas.
Hi - the best sound is in the ear of the beholder. It's whatever you think sounds best. I think you could use my Guitar Chords for Beginners series. Check out the free lessons at the link in the description.
There's many types of strumming you can do on the Classical along with finger picking. You can check other videos on channel.
Great video, very informative!
Hi Dawn - good question. This is something I deal with a lot at my music school. The Classical Guitar has a very wide neck. What would be best for you depends on what kind of music you want to play and how much you are willing to practice. Not enough space here - watch my video "Choosing The Best Beginner Guitar" I just posted on my blog (StarlandGuitar link above). Let me know if it helps.
Very good video. Thank you for the thorough explanation.
Found this really interesting, thanks Tomas
Thanks. I have been at it for many years, but there was a time when I struggled.
You're welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hi Breanne,
Are you asking about the guitar I'm playing or are you asking me to recommend a classical guitar?
Thanks for sharing! Your playing was insanely beautiful 😍
Thank you so much!
Great video Tomas!
Sir, I just subscribed after listing your "Latin part on classic guitar" that was awesome .I'm trying to learn guitar, it'll help alot .
Thank you ~i'm J. 🌸
Thank you very much! Very informative and easy to understand!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. I really appreciate that.
Good question! They were traditionally made with a combination of gut (sheep or cow intestines) and silk. Sounds weird but it's true. During WWII they were having a hard time getting the materials because of restrictions some some dude name Augustine decided to try nylon. It worked out. I think I prefer nylon over intestines - though I've never played on gut strings.
Hi Shristhi, Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with Ashton guitars. Sorry I couldn't be more help. - Tomas
Right to the point, thanks!
This was a great explanation! Thanks much. It actually confirmed a few suspicions I had.
I'm curious... is the acoustic steel string guitar also known as "western guitar"? I am trying to find out what the difference is with a western guitar.
Hi Rahul - my post "Best Acoustic Guitar For Beginners" might help. Also, check out the blog when you get a chance at Starland Guitar (link above).
Glad I could help out.
TM you are a great explainer of things. Thank you for the video. I am glad that in 2020 your 2012 video is still available and useful. Keep up the great work. I will subscribe to your channel to see what other useful things you put out. !Stay health!
Thanks Mario. I'm glad this was helpful. This video in particular gets a lot of views. I guess there's a lot of people trying to decide between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar.
Great review
Thank you for clear information 😊
I love how you shifted from acoustic guitar to classic guitar in 0.1 second.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
The acoustic guitar wasnt tuned tho
YESSS it really caught my attention too. :'D
It prolly was, just that he didn't play the thinnest string for some reason. Really pissed me off when I noticed, both guitars should sound almost the same
When i started learning , i had a classical guitar and felt really big and uncomfortable because of the wider neck, got a acoustic and felt so much better. Simply due to the thickness of the neck, now playing mostly on a 8 string im thinking of getting a nylon again just to try it out
Good info. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful Mayur!
Love the strumming pattern used for the Classical Guitar demo. Any references of where I could learn how to strum like that?
It was helpful. Thank you.
I think it depends on what kind of music you like and which you think sounds better.
Sounds great!
Hey - there is quite a range depending on what you call "good". My classical guitar instructor once told me that I'd need to spend a minimum of about $400 for a good student guitar. My "good" guitar I use for performances cost $2000 (handmade), but my "good" recording guitar was $7500. I think both Yamaha and Rodriguez make good, moderately priced classicals for the money. I would recommend the Manuel Rodriguez C for a serious student (around $800 street price). Hope this helps.
Very nice, was worried about my sound but it sounds like yours. Thank you for demonstrating both so i could hear ✌️🔋
No problem Houston 👍
I loved the way you played so much ❤
Hi Bella - they are both equally good but different. Depends on what you want to do and your individual tastes.
Hi. I'm not sure what your asking - but if you are asking what string I use I like D'Addario EJ46TT right now.
thanks for this concise overview!
You're very welcome Laura. Glad I could help.
Yes, that's why the neck is wider on the classical - for the right hand to get your fingers between the strings.
For the enthusiast guitarist, here is a Guitar Comparison - acoustic, classical and the funny Yamaha silent guitar. th-cam.com/video/IChYCQTS6Iw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks João!
Nice, simple, helpful, thanks.
You're welcome!
I got to learn more I your 2:39 min video than many vids I saw previously. Thanks. Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!
Hi Rissa,
There's not one right answer but I often recommend a nylon stringed guitar with a thinner neck for beginnings, especially younger people. But if they really want to play rock I might go right to the electric. Also, if the student wants to play pop/country, is older than 12 or so, and I think will persists in spite of the pain I might recommend the steel string acoustic. Students who want classical guitar are going to need to start on the nylon no matter what...hope this helps.
Thank you .. this has been helpful , salute
Glad it helped A. K.
great little video dude, well done. You are also a pretty hot player!
When you broke out the Latin stuff I just let my mouth hand open LOL, reminds me I've go a long way to go. Great video/
Thanks Alexander.
Good one, thank you !!
+Senthazal Ravi
You're welcome! :)
Thanks!
Hi Majiid, Of course I cant' see your fingers, but usually it just takes more practice, not a wider neck. The wider neck has other problems. On the other hand there's no harm in trying out a classical guitar and seeing if you like it.
looks like i got a classical guitar here, i got it from a friend after he bought it from a garage sale. Looks like someone left some metal strings on here i should get nylon before the neck gets messed up. Thanks!
You're welcome :)
Lmao mine was the same too but I put steel strings again at my first string change and it still has steel in my posession for 4 years
thank you so much :D helped a lot!! now i know which guitar i wanna get x) sweet
Great video !
thank you, +Joseph Lopez
sooo helpful.I'm about to buy an acoustic guitar cuz I've been playing classical guitar for 4 years and i want to try a different style
Thanks!!! now i can choose one
You're welcome Marco.
Thx man that was very helpfull :)
Many people commenting on which is easier for beginners etc, but imo that's the wrong way of looking at it. Each is designed for different styles of music, so the type of music you want to play should be the determining factor. Classical guitar for classical music, acoustic for pop/rock. Choose the instrument that fits your music, not your fingers.
Hi - it's hard to say. It does depend on the music you want to play.
Thank you :)
I want to start learning to play guitar. Not to be an expert or something. Just me wanting to do this.
I like the sound of the acoustic one.
What should I look for when I am searching to buy one?
I have acoustic guitar and I'm wondering is it hard to Stretch your finger when you using a classical guitar? Because I'm planning to buy one but it really looks wide.
it's not really that hard, you kinda just have to reach a little further than you're used to. i have fairly small hands and i've been playing classical since i was a kid so i think you'd be fine
Thanks.
Hi Breanne,
I'm playing my handmade Flamenco Negra by Lester Devoe. If you are curious
there's more info at devoeguitars(dot)com. I put a link in my description.
Tomas
The sound is very different with just the flesh of the finger. It's not "crisp" enough to bring out the melody in classical music. You could study classical guitar without nails for the sake of learning to read notes better and to get control of your right hand for some fingerpicking patterns. I also think there's a possibility of getting started without nails. Kinda like dipping your toe in the water before jumping in.
Very useful comparison. I almost bought a classical guitar when I should have bought an acoustic. Fortunately, watched your video prior to doing that. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful SS!
If you're thinking of putting steel strings on your classical guitar, STOP!
Nylon Strings usually put 90 lbs of pressure on your guitars neck / nut
While on the other hand, Steel Strings apply anywhere to 150 - 200 lbs of pressure!
Either have a custom build classical that can use steel strings or don't use them at all.
Thank you very much for this video; i now know the differences. I received a guitar as a present but didn't know if it was classical or acoustic. It is clasical & i prefer the acoustic steel strings because my favorite genre is rock & country music and not latin or jazx music
Hi randy roldan
Glad to hear that this video was able to help you out know the difference :)
Take care,
Hazel
Starland Guitar
Customer Support
thank you very much bro