For beginner guitarists: what is the difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar?

For beginning guitarists, it is very important to choose the right instrument on which they will play. And here many people have a question about what the acoustic guitar differs from the classical one. At first glance, they are absolutely identical. But this is not so. And it will be confirmed by any guitarist. After all, between "acoustics" and "classics" there are really big differences. It's almost two different musical instruments. And beginners need to figure out how they differ, in order to determine what kind of guitar is needed: acoustic or classical. So, below are the most significant differences of these musical instruments.

What is the difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar ?

The birthplace of classical guitar is Spain. And since the XVIII century to date, its original appearance has been preserved. Acoustic guitar came to us much later, somewhere in the early 20th century. This musical instrument was invented in connection with the need to strengthen the sound of a classical instrument from the stage.

If you put these two instruments side by side, you will immediately see how the acoustic guitar differs from the classical one by the size. The acoustic is much larger than the classical one. Since it was intended for performances on stage, its body is enlarged, and metal strings are also used. The classic nylon strings, which sound much quieter and softer.

The difference between acoustic guitar and classical
Is also in the structure of the neck. "Acoustics" has a wooden neck, inside which is a steel anchor. This is done to compensate for string tension and temperature changes. In addition, the anchor adjusts the distance between the neck and the strings. In the classical guitar, the neck is completely wooden, and it is much wider than that of the acoustic guitar. Also, the tools differ and the ring mechanism.

Because of the differences in the designs, the spheres where the guitars are applied are also different. Classical is more suitable for the performance of classical music or Spanish motifs. It is on such instruments that guitar skills are taught in music schools. Acoustic is great for "domestic" songs, pop music, rock, etc.

The main differences between acoustic and classical guitar

1. Acoustic guitar - a concept broader than the classical one. Classical - this is one of the types of acoustic. Acoustic guitar types also include Russian (seven-stringed), Hawaiian (four-stringed), jambo and others.

2. A classical guitar has only 6 strings. And this amount is invariable. The acoustic may have a different number of strings (from 4 to 12).

3. The classical guitar is played without a mediator. Because of the features that the body of such a musical instrument has, the sound is soft, quiet, but not deaf. With an acoustic guitar, a mediator is often used to make it sound louder. Especially with some of the types of acoustic instruments - they include, for example, the so-called dreadnought.

So, now it is clear what the acoustic guitar differs from the classical guitar. And these differences are not so few. Therefore, when choosing your musical instrument, you need to have a solid idea of what it is intended for.