How to learn to play guitar : Tell The Difference Between an Acoustic and a Classical Guitar

Many people think that there are only two types of guitars, electric and acoustic. There are actually many types of guitars. This articles explains how to identify a traditional classical guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a classical guitar
• an acoustic guitar

1. Familiarize yourself with the basic anatomy of a guitar. You definitely want to know: neck, body, cutaway, pickup, head/headstock, nut, and bridge. A guitar description can be found at http://www.maximummusician.com/anatomy.htm and http://www.guitarwiki.com/index.php/Anatomy_of_the_guitar.

2. Check out the strings. The strings must be nylon. we are looking for a classical guitar in the strictest most traditional sense. It must have nylon strings. (Nylon strings look very similar to fishing line on a fishing pole)

3. Compare the neck to a regular guitar. The classical neck will be wider, it must be wider as the strings will be played by the fingertips/nails instead of a pick.

4. check for a cutaway. Traditional classical guitars DO NOT have a cutaway. There many very fine modern classical guitars that DO have a cutaway, but there sound quality will not be top-notch.

5. check for a pickup. Traditional classical guitars DO NOT have a pickup of any kind. This is because ALL Traditional classical guitars are amplified (made louder) by microphone.

6. Understand that we are looking for TRADITIONAL classical guitars. If you don't mind breaking tradition then you can ignore all the steps above :)

Tips & Warnings

• Get a teacher. You don't have to agree with the teacher, but you owe it to yourself to have advice and counsel.
• NYLON string guitar is not the same as a classical guitar
• classical and flamenco guitars are not the same

[isatoy]

on 3/20/2009 What is the most commonly used notes on a guitar for songwriting. For a beginner guitar player.

[kimarkent]

on 2/9/2009 Thanks for shedding the light on the differences in guitars, sounds, strings and tradition. 5* (congrats on 90 articles,, had to stop by and celebrate with you!) recommended.

[txwahm]

on 1/13/2009 Great article, thanks for sharing. My daughter and I are both in the process of teaching ourselves to play. 5*

[DianeD]

on 12/16/2008 my daughter plays, never paid much attention, good to know