Having learned to play the classics, I want to explore other spaces.

But which tool to choose and what is the difference between the varieties? Read descriptions of the types, as well as how an acoustic guitar differs from a classical one.

First of all, a classic is a station wagon. You can perform works of any genre on it: from minuet to bossa nova.

With such an instrument you can go out into the yard and sing songs around the fire. But you can’t play Bach’s works on an acoustic.

However, Western guitars (as they are also called) have one advantage - variety.

The classification is carried out according to the genre for which the instruments were created. The American pop singer can be called a bard's guitar.

With detailed comparative characteristics you can see in the table:

Comparative criterion	Classic	Acoustics
Kinds	A universal option, they can be divided according to the type of material from which the body and neck are made, there is a type of flamenco models	Divided by body shape, the model names are given in honor of the styles for which the acoustics are suitable: jumbo, dreadnought and western
Deck size	Small body	Large deck size
Strings	Nylon, soft	Metal
Vulture	Wide	Narrow
Method of play	Used plucking technique, sound production only with fingers	You can play not only with your fingers, but also with a pick
Sound quality	Soft velvety timbre, noble sound	Ringing sound with a metallic overtone
Advantages	It’s easier for a beginner to learn, soft strings reduce trauma to the fingertips, you can play any piece of music and the cost of the guitar is lower	Suitable for pop performances, you can play with different playing techniques and devices, it is easier to connect some types of instruments
Flaws	Not suitable for creating a specific stage image of a singer	Costs more, cannot be performed classical works

What are the different types of guitars based on the number of strings, size and style of music?

Your favorite guitar can be made not only with six strings, but also with 7, 8, even 12 wires.

These instruments are designed to perform various styles music like folk, bard works, etc.

Important! Each type of guitar has its own tuning and size. They differ in weight, style, number of strings.

For children who study at a music school and study the classical repertoire of works, they purchase ordinary models. Acoustics are mainly purchased by an adult audience.

Types and models of tools great amount, let's look at the main ones:

1. Classic. Designed for plucked sound production, it has 6 strings made of synthetic material.

   The range and tuning are the same as those of an acoustic instrument. This guitar appeared in the 18th century, the style of the works ranges from baroque to pop genres.

2. Acoustics. It has several varieties: folk, jumbo and dreadnought. Each name has its own style of music.

   The models differ in proportions. The neck in acoustics is thinner, the soundboard can be connected to a sound amplifier. Subspecies also include ukulele, 7-string and 12-string guitar.

3. Electric guitar. This instrument has long won the hearts of rock musicians, because in most cases we see it on stage with Yuri Shevchuk or John Mayer.

   Models are classified depending on part being performed: solo, bass, rhythm guitar, etc.

As a separate group, you can place an electro-acoustic guitar, which is a kind of hybrid between an acoustic and an electric guitar. Flamenco models can be classified as classical models.

Difference between electro-acoustic and electric guitar

There is a difference between these tools – and a significant one.

An electro-acoustic guitar is a pop model to which a jack is connected and a piezo pickup is inserted. The pop music can also sound without sound.

And a power instrument requires the presence of a combi; works are performed on the model not only due to the sound, but also the effects.

Disconnect the cable from the acoustics, and it turns into its standard ancestor.

Differences between ukulele and classical guitar

Small ukulele in the hands of a sweet girl it sounds magical. But you shouldn’t hope that by picking up a ukulele, a novice guitarist will be able to perform his favorite pieces.

There are several differences that will prevent this from happening:

• Size. The obvious difference. A small guitar can be 2 times smaller than a classic one.
• Number of strings. There are only 4 of them on the ukulele.
• Build. But there may be options here, depending on the model: soprano, baritone, etc.
• Number of frets. There are fewer of them on the ukulele.
• Price. You can buy a small model for almost 2 times cheaper.

It is also worth noting that the highest sound is the fourth string, and the low sound is the first. Classics have the exact opposite situation, so the guitarist will have problems learning the small neck.

Important! Ukulele is a model designed for performing songs. Classics have a wide repertoire.

Difference between bass and electric guitar

Another relative that often stands close to each other in a jazz band is the electric guitar and bass.

They differ mainly in their execution capabilities and purpose.

Main difference:

• Number of strings and tuning. There are only four of them on the bass.
• Performance techniques. The electric guitar is the undoubted leader in the use of technical means.
• Purposes. The electric guitar usually plays the lead part, and the bass plays the accompanying pedal.
• Appearance. The sizes of the neck and body differ.
• Ancestors. The guitar is considered the father of the electric instrument, and the bass came from the double bass.
• String thickness. For bass you need a larger gauge.

Which guitar appeals to you more? Choose your model to explore greater musical horizons.

Useful video

Often, before buying a guitar, a future musician asks himself the question, which instrument to choose, an acoustic or an electric guitar? In order to do right choice, you need to know the features and differences between them. Each of them, due to the specifics of its structure, is used in different styles music, and both are dominated by different playing techniques. An acoustic guitar differs from an electric guitar in the following ways:

• Hull structure
• Number of frets
• String fastening system
• Sound amplification method
• Game techniques

For clear example compare, What is the difference between an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar? on the image:

Housing and sound reinforcement system

The first difference that immediately catches your eye is the body of the guitar. Even a person who understands nothing about music and musical instruments will notice that acoustic guitar the body is wide and hollow, while the body of an electric guitar is solid and narrow. This is because sound amplification is happening different ways. The sound of the strings must be amplified, otherwise it will be too weak. In an acoustic guitar, the sound is amplified by the body itself. For this purpose, there is a special hole in the middle of the front deck, called “ socket", the vibration from the strings transfers to the body of the guitar, intensifies and exits through it.

An electric guitar does not need this, since the principle of sound amplification is completely different. On the body of the guitar, where the “socket” is located on the acoustic guitar, the electric guitar has magnetic pickups that capture the vibrations of the metal strings and transmit them to the reproducing equipment. The speaker is not installed inside the guitar, as some might think, although there have been similar experiments, for example, the Soviet “Tourist” guitar, but this is more of a perversion than a full-fledged electric guitar. The guitar is connected by connecting the jack connector and the input to the equipment with a special cord. In this case, you can add all kinds of “gadgets” and guitar processors to the connection path to change the sound of the guitar. The body of an acoustic guitar lacks the switches, levers, and jack input that an electric guitar has.

Hybrid types of acoustic guitar

An acoustic guitar can also be connected to the equipment. In this case, it will be called “semi-acoustic” or “electro-acoustic”. An electro-acoustic guitar is more similar to a regular acoustic guitar, but it has a special piezo pickup that performs the same function as a magnetic pickup in an electric guitar. A semi-acoustic guitar is more similar to an electric guitar and has a narrower body than an acoustic guitar. Instead of a “socket”, it uses f-holes for playing in unplugged mode, and a magnetic pickup is installed for connection. You can also purchase a special pickup and install it on a regular acoustic guitar yourself.

Frets

The next thing you should pay attention to is the number of frets on the guitar's neck. There are much fewer of them on an acoustic guitar than on an electric guitar. The maximum number of frets on an acoustic is 21, on an electric guitar up to 27 frets. This is due to several factors:

• The neck of an electric guitar has a truss rod that gives it strength. Therefore, the bar can be made longer.
• Because the body of an electric guitar is thinner, it is easier to reach the outer frets. Even if an acoustic guitar has cutouts on the body, it is still difficult to reach them.
• The neck of an electric guitar is often thinner, making it easier to reach the frets on lower strings.

String fastening system

An acoustic guitar also differs from an electric guitar in that it has a different string fastening system. An acoustic guitar has a tailpiece that holds the strings. In addition to the tailpiece, an electric guitar often has a bridge, which allows you to perform fine tuning height, and in some types - string tension. Additionally, many bridges have a built-in tremolo arm system, which is used to produce a vibrating sound.

Game techniques

The differences do not end with the structure of the guitar; they also concern the techniques of playing it. For example, vibrato is produced on an electric and acoustic guitar various methods. If on an electric guitar vibrato is produced mainly by small movements of the finger, then on an acoustic guitar - by the movement of the entire hand. This difference is present because on an acoustic guitar the strings are tighter, which means it is much more difficult to make such small movements. In addition, there are techniques that are generally impossible to perform on an acoustic guitar. It is impossible to play on an acoustic by tapping, because in order to get a sufficiently loud sound when performing, you need to significantly increase the volume, and this is only possible on an electric guitar.

Although both are guitars, the difference between a classical and a regular acoustic guitar is quite significant. Let's figure out how they differ.

Main differences:

• Strings
• Tree
• Method of attaching strings to the body
• Neck width
• Tool dimensions/shape
• Strings

An acoustic guitar has steel strings with or without braid, while a classical guitar has nylon strings. Perhaps this is the most important thing in which acoustics and classical differ.

Naturally, the sensations when playing these guitars are completely different, nylon and steel strings also sound differently, which is why these guitars are used in different styles of music. Nylon strings are softer, but it cannot be said that a classical guitar is easier to play. There are many nuances there, and any instrument will require long hours of practice before you start to get something more or less pleasant-sounding.

Iron strings are heard in popular songs. Almost everywhere. Nylon is used less often, usually if you need some kind of Spanish or oriental mood in the composition.

Of course, both sounds great, there are no rules. Whatever suits you best is what you use. Nylon sounds softer. Iron is more percussive and sounds good with strumming and picking.

Tree

Although some types of wood are used to build both acoustic and classical guitars, there are a few important differences.

The most popular types of wood for acoustic guitars are:

• Sitka spruce (front)
• Engelmann spruce (front)
• Red Spruce (front)
• Mahogany (used in both body and neck)
• Entandrophragm cylindrical or sapele (used both in the body and in the neck)
• Acacia or koa (front, back and sides)
• Maple (back and sides)
• Walnut (back and sides)
• Cherry (back and sides)
• Cedar (front, also used on classical guitars)
• Macassar ebony (back and sides - rarely used)
• Tasmanian ebony(back deck and sides - rarely used)

The most popular types of wood for classical guitars:

• Cedar (front)
• Spruce - different varieties, but Engelman is the most popular (front deck)
• Mahogany (front, back and sides)
• Maple (front, back and sides)
• Rosewood (back and sides)
• Entandrophragm cylindrical or sapele (back deck and sides)
• Cocobolo (back and sides)
• Acacia or koa (back and sides)

As you can see, there are differences and this affects the sound character of the instrument.

Method of attaching strings to the body of a guitar

There are 2 main ways to attach strings to the body of a guitar, as well as 2 types of strings - with balls at the end and without balls.

Strings “with balls” are usually placed on acoustics; there are special holes in the body of the guitar into which the end of the string with a ball is inserted and then clamped with a special peg. The ball prevents the string from jumping out of the guitar body.

There are also nylon strings with balls, but they are not hidden in the guitar, but are inserted into the saddle. Usually nylon strings They go without balls and just wrap around the threshold like this.

Neck width

On classical guitars this is usually 2” (50 mm) and above

On acoustic ones - 43 mm (1 11/16”) or 44 mm (1 ¾”). 12-string models may have a wider neck to accommodate all the strings, but these 2 sizes are the most common.

Of course, the width of the neck = the distance between the strings. The wider the bar, the greater the distance. Classical guitars have more. Therefore, many musicians love regular acoustic guitars, because they are more convenient to play.

Guitar body size and shape

There are many body types for acoustic guitars, we won’t list them all, but the main difference from classics is that classics have a more compact body than acoustics.

Of course, there are acoustic guitars with smaller bodies, but standard acoustic guitars are larger than classical guitars. This must be taken into account when purchasing a case or case for your instrument.

Also, when buying a case for an acoustic guitar, it is important to understand that there is no universal solution and a case for a jumbo and a dreadnought are 2 big differences.

Anchor

This is such an iron thing inside the neck that regulates its deflection. Acoustic guitars have a truss rod because steel strings create high tension and without a truss rod the neck will simply break. Classical guitars do not use a truss rod because the string tension is much lower.

Attaching the neck to the body

On most acoustic guitars, the neck is attached to the body at the 14th fret. Sometimes there are models where the neck is attached to the body at the 12th fret, but this is very rare.

On most classical guitars, the neck is attached to the body at the 12th fret. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

Pegs

The tuners on a classical guitar usually have an open mechanism, and there are special cutouts on the headstock for them.

On an acoustic guitar, as a rule, there are no cutouts; the tuners usually have a closed mechanism.

Neck cutout

Classical cutaway guitars are much less common. This is due to the high cost of producing such instruments. Making a stable classic with a cutout is much more difficult than without a cutout. Well, as a rule, access to the last frets is a requirement of a serious, experienced musician. Beginners don't need this.

conclusions

Despite the fact that in Lately The line between acoustic and classical guitar has become very blurred, it's still just two different types instruments with their characteristic sound, timbre and playing feel. All this affects the sound. Perhaps the most important difference is that these guitars simply sound different. You can't say that one is better than the other. It's a matter of taste. If you like classics, you want to learn to play notes, study spanish guitar, flamenco, romances, etc. - your choice is a classical guitar. If you want to quickly select your favorite song and you like contemporary music, choose acoustics

P.S. A few important notes that may help you with your choice.

• The classical guitar is not played with a pick, but rather with the fingers, usually using the fingerpicking technique.
• A classical guitar sounds quieter than an acoustic guitar. Accordingly, the acoustics sound louder. Because of the body and iron strings.
• Nylon strings detune faster than iron strings
• It's better to play acoustically
• Acoustics have a thinner neck, which is more convenient for many
• Acoustics suitable for more styles of music than classical
• Acoustics have a longer neck and access to high frets is easier than classical ones.
• Steel strings are less sensitive to temperature changes
• A classical guitar needs to be tuned more often because its tuning fluctuates over time.
• It is more painful for a beginning guitarist to play on iron strings. Calluses should appear and go away, after which it will become easier. The skin will become thicker.
• Classical guitar sounds softer, more romantic, ideal for Latin music
• The classical guitar is smaller and easier to travel with.

Music is that beautiful thing that makes the heart happy. It appeared at the dawn of humanity, when people learned to make musical instruments. At first they were extraordinary and easy to use. But over time, the instruments were modernized and became what we see them now.

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments. She can captivate people with her sound. Playing the guitar is an art that not everyone has. The most popular type of this instrument has become acoustic guitars, which are too similar to the classical version. In this connection, many people do not understand how an acoustic guitar differs from a classical one.

History of origin

How musical instrument The guitar appeared in the 18th century in Spain. Therefore, she was often called by the nickname “Spanish Flu”. This instrument did not attract listeners, since it was believed that the guitar could only be used for accompaniment. But over time, an acoustic guitar was made that was louder in sound than its predecessors, and won its place on the stage.

The guitar is a Spanish instrument that is made from selected wood. The craftsmen who create them are very meticulous about this process. It takes a lot of effort to choose the right tree. And in order for these boards to be ready for production, it is necessary to wait and dry them for about five years. Each part of the guitar is made from a different type of wood. No two instruments are the same; each one is unique. In ancient times, the strings of the ancestors of the guitar were made from animal entrails, which were stretched and produced sound.

Now there are many varieties of this instrument. There are two main types: acoustic and non-acoustic. Acoustic guitars are those that do not require an audio amplifier, but non-acoustic guitars require special equipment.

Varieties

Guitars are divided depending on the number of strings into six-string instruments (the most common), seven-string and twelve-string instruments. All of them are used for different types compositions. The following types of guitar can also be distinguished:

• Classic.
• Just acoustic.
• Electroacoustic.
• Electric guitar.
• Bas-guitar.

How is an acoustic guitar different from a classical guitar?

The classical guitar is a subtype of the acoustic guitar. Appearance is probably the main difference classical guitar from acoustic. The photo showing both types of guitars confirms this. At first glance, it is difficult to notice, but if you look closely, you can see that the body, neck, and even the strings themselves are different.

The neck of an acoustic guitar is slightly narrower than classic version. Therefore, it is more difficult to learn to play this instrument. Accordingly, the body of the guitar is larger. It is very convenient to play such instruments by strumming rather than strumming. The strings are metal, they produce a long, drawn-out sound.

The difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar is visible if you pay attention to the strings. The main difference is that classical instruments Most often they have nylon strings, less often - metal ones. Another difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical one is that classical guitars are mostly played for plays and romances. That is, they use brute force. The works of classics sound wonderful on it: Mozart, Beethoven and other composers.

This guitar is not designed to accommodate changing strings. If it was originally nylon ones, they cannot be changed, otherwise the instrument will simply deteriorate. Acoustic guitars, as a rule, have metal strings, and they can be easily replaced with nylon ones.

In a classical guitar, the emphasis is on the 3 lower strings, which produce high notes. But on an acoustic 3, the upper strings are important, since they are good for emphasizing the rhythm when playing strumming. This factor is significant and shows how an acoustic guitar differs from a classical one.

Which tool should you choose?

If you have a great desire to learn how to play the guitar, you need to decide which variety to purchase. The difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar is small. But still, it is better for beginners to give preference to studying on a classical instrument, since it has a comfortable body and a wide neck. On such an instrument it is easier to rearrange chords, and soft strings are easier to pluck. How an acoustic guitar differs from a classical guitar is not so important. The main thing, remember, to learn to play this instrument, you need to be a diligent student. It will take a lot of time to practice, but it will be worth it. After all, when you hear the first song performed by yourself, all past difficulties with learning fade into the background.

Very often we are asked the same question: “How is a classical guitar different from an acoustic guitar?” In this material we will describe all the similarities and differences between these guitars.

To begin with, we note that the concept of “acoustic guitar” carries with it double meaning. On the one hand, this is a very broad concept - a type of guitar that has a body with a cavity and a sound hole. On the other hand, there is a narrower meaning of this word. An acoustic guitar is often called an American-style pop guitar with a Western, dreadnought, or jumbo body...
That is, one word “acoustic” can describe different guitars, hence all the confusion. As ridiculous as it may sound, let's put it this way: classical and acoustic guitars are subtypes of acoustic guitar.
Now, for clarity, let’s consider two narrow types of guitars, which are usually discussed when comparing classical and acoustic guitars.

Classical guitar

The classical guitar is one of the most ancient types of guitars. Previously they performed on it classical compositions, however, in our time the scope of its application is wider. Yet it is a more traditional and conservative instrument compared to other types of guitars. The classical guitar is often recommended for learning music schools. Here good example tool entry level: Martinez C-91/N

Peculiarities:

• Frame: medium-sized (compared to Western guitars), classic shape
• Vulture: wide (width at the sill - 52 mm)
• Strings: Nowadays, 99% of classical guitars have nylon strings. Soviet guitars with metal strings is a relic of the past. It is extremely rare to find classics with metal these days.
• Game method: predominantly finger technique
• Sound: warm, soft, velvety
• Advantages of the classical guitar: easier to learn; easier to clamp strings; it is easier to perform classical works; comparatively lower cost

Acoustic guitar

An acoustic guitar in the narrow sense of the word is an instrument dating back to American culture beginning of the 20th century. This guitar is played in non-classical styles: country, blues, rock. Although you can also play the classics, no one will forbid you from doing so :)

Peculiarities:

• Frame: mostly large. Case shape may vary. Note that the body shape of the "folk" type is comparable in size to a classical guitar (for example, COLOMBO LF-3800 SB). Such a guitar will easily fit into a case for “classics”. The other shapes (dreadnought, jumbo, auditorium...) are larger than the classical guitar.
• Vulture: narrow (43-45 mm at the sill)
• Strings: metal.
• Game method: finger and mediator techniques. You can use the technique of tightening the strings (“bend”)
• Sound: bright, loud, ringing.
• There is often a cutout and a protective “drop” on the body (to prevent the body from being scratched by the pick)
• There is a truss rod in the neck. It is needed to regulate the deflection of the neck
• Advantages of an acoustic guitar: loud sound, convenient belt mounts, convenient to play with a pick, easy to use bends

So, upon closer examination, classical and acoustic guitars have both similarities and many differences. And yet which one to choose? Which guitar is better, acoustic or classical? In this matter, we will not advise one thing. For the most part, it's all a matter of taste and personal choice. If you are in doubt, we recommend that you simply listen to the sound of different guitars and choose the one you like best. After all, the most enjoyable thing is to learn to play the guitar whose sound you like best.

Rely on your hearing! Choose the guitar whose sound you like best, and to do this, watch the video comparison: