5 Differences Between Classical and Acoustic Guitars

ABEL, Ala. - April 26, 2023 - PRLog -- Perhaps the most popular question that can be heard from a beginner guitarist is "What is the difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar?". Indeed, at first glance it is difficult to understand what their differences are. In this article we will try to consider the main features of each of the guitars.

1. STRINGS

The first obvious difference worth noting is, of course, the strings, namely the material from which they are made. Classical guitars use nylon strings. They are soft to the touch and easy to clamp on the guitar neck. Acoustic guitars have stiffer steel strings that make the sound louder and richer.

In rare cases, specially made metal strings can be installed on a classical guitar. The main characteristic for such strings is low tension.

For acoustic guitars, bronze alloy strings are most often taken, the tension of which is several times higher than the tension force of nylon ones.

2. NECK SIZE

The second difference is the width of the neck. Classical guitars have a wider neck, typically 50mm and up, while acoustic guitars have 43mm or 44mm. As a result, the distance between the strings of a classical guitar is greater than that of an acoustic one. Which neck is more convenient depends solely on you and on the melody being played.

3. BODY MATERIAL

Not the most important difference, and nevertheless affecting the sound of the instrument, is the material. In most cases, the top of a classical guitar is made from cedar, which gives a soft and balanced sound. For acoustic guitar, Sitka spruce is most often used, which has a sonorous explosive tone.

4. METHOD OF FASTENING THE STRINGS

The bridge of a classical guitar is through, which means that the installed strings must be tied at the saddle. The acoustic bridge has a pin system: the strings have a ball at the end, there are special holes in the body of the guitar where the end of the string with the ball is inserted and then clamped with a special pin. The ball keeps the string from popping out of the body of the guitar.

5. SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE GUITAR

Classical guitar comes in three sizes: 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4. There is also a size 1/4 - the smallest guitar suitable for preschool children. Guitar size 3/4 - for younger and middle ages. 4/4 is a full standard guitar designed for middle classes of music school and concert performance. There is also an intermediate size between 3/4 and 4/4 - 7/8, a slightly smaller version of the classical guitar, suitable for teenagers from 12-13 years old and adults of small stature.

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