A classical guitar and an acoustic guitar are both "acoustic" guitars. Also known as a Spanish guitar and used mostly to play classical music and Spanish style guitar. They merely differ in construction and playing style and are usually used to perform different styles of music. Level is easy to early-intermediate. Volume. What is Classical Guitar. A classical guitar is a nylon string guitar and a "folk" guitar is a steel string guitar. They are both great guitars in the same sense. or i learn the classical guitar first then folk guitar? or if i want to take both lesson but dont want to do it at the same time, which one is easier? The "action" is the name for the distance between the fingerboard or fretboard and the strings; in other words, how high the strings are. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, "Guitarist's Guide and Almanack"; Jerry Silverman; 2005. Pace. .. and to add some versatility to a classical guitar sound there are soft steel strings and hybrid metallic strings for classical guitar from Thomastik-infeld. Some of the problems ascribed to classical guitars as a category won't be true of decent classical guitars. The wider spacing of the strings makes it easier for the fingers of the hand (in a right-handed guitarist) to be inserted between the strings to pluck them. They’re thicker and produce a mellower, rounded out sound. Easy Folk Songs Volume 1 – For Solo Fingerstyle, Fingerpicking, or Classical Guitar – 25 folk songs from around the world arranged for solo guitar. The use of steel strings became possible in the 19th century with the development of the "x-brace," a structure under the soundboard which reinforces the guitar and helps it withstand the extra pressure exerted by steel rather than nylon strings. This is an acoustic steel string guitar. But I know serious classical guitarists and they can get amazing sounds from their instruments that a steel string just couldn't produce in the same way. Willie Nelson plays a Martin N-20 which is a nylon string "folk" guitar as was original intended and advertised by Martin. This was desirable before amplification, especially for folk musicians playing with bands in informal dance hall settings rather than in hushed concert halls. In contrast, steel-stringed folk guitars have a bright, assertive, percussive timbre with strident treble. It’s a really general broad term but many people often use it to mean the steel string guitar. Most beginning guitarists tend to choose acoustic guitars over classical, but this decision often isn’t the best one to make for every beginning guitarist out there. Yes, it can be easier to play nylon strings. Nylon strings and longer string length are responsible for the distinctive sound of classical guitars, described as round, full, gentle, mellow, with deeper bass tones. An acoustic guitar just means that it’s not electric. I agree with the very good advice you've already gotten. Many classical guitars out there are pretty weak instruments intended for beginners. Before the '50s, classical guitarists did play other gut stringed guitars - the Spanish guitar was one of your choices. This style is simple, yet diverse enough to let you play a variety of tunes. Classical guitars have a higher action than folk guitars thought to improve tone and increase the possibility of sustaining notes. 4. and last but not least, can i learn the classical and folk guitar at the same time? It is much more versatile. I'm strictly a steel-string guy and I prefer all of the characteristics that distinguish a steel-string flat-top from a classical guitar. I would humbly recommend a Classical guitar for any beginner. I tried learning on a couple of (really) cheap steel strings when I was a kid and the pain of the high action and rusty Black Diamond strings, not to mention horrible tone, was less than inspiring. On the other hand, acoustic guitars are guitars that use steel strings; acoustic guitars are more commonly found in today’s music compared to classical guitars. They have similar parts and similar sizes. Whereas on an acoustic guitar, steel strings are used. Classical guitars also have wider necks than folk guitars. But most modern rock, folk, blues, and country performers use an acoustic guitar. And we do recommend this classical guitar for young performers between the ages of 5 to 9 since it comes in a ½ size suitable for beginner children. When you first start learning about guitars, it not uncommon to mistake an acoustic guitar for a classical one. Like the classical guitar, it is often referred to simply as an acoustic guitar.. Classical Guitar. Davis is the consulting editor for the "New York Times"/New York University collaboration, "Local: East Village." Willie Nelson does not play a classical guitar. One other thing about nylon strings: they're always going out of tune. Classical guitars are strung with nylon. Neck size. The neck profile is more conducive to good classical technique than the neck of a nylon-string folk guitar would be and the voicing will be more, well, classical (assuming it's a decent quality guitar). Below are some common traits of classical guitar. What Is the Difference Between Classical and Folk Guitars? The steel-string acoustic guitar is a modern form of guitar that descends from the nylon-strung classical guitar, but is strung with steel strings for a brighter, louder sound. I eventually saved up and bought a Gibson classical, (oddly enough, because I mistook Ian Andersons' slotted headstock 0-16NY for a classical and was inspired by his playing). I learned on a classical years ago before switching to steel string. “Classical Guitar” has 3 different meanings: (1) a nylon stringed classical or Spanish guitar; (2) classical music written or adapted for guitar; and (3) classical guitar technique. In fact most people just believe that they are just synonyms for each other or that the acoustic guitar is the classical guitar and vice versa….. Needless to say there is a lot of confusion surrounding these two guitars. A classical is a more purpose-built instrument arguably but that should be irrelevant if your intention is to play classical music. The sound quality of these guitars is soft and warm. You won't believe what happened a month after the purchase. gsaielli/iStock/Getty Images . Are you getting ready to purchase your first guitar? The HD-28VS model was originally introduced in the 1900's and this new Martin lives up to the tradition - it's handcrafted from the finest tone woods by Martin's best luthiers. The difference in sound is astronomical. The last one is the most important. close strings image by Kimberly Reinick from. They can be fairly loud. Classical guitar, as performed by Andre Segovia and composed by De Falla, Tarrega, and further back Fernando Sor, was enjoyed by the upper class. A classical guitar is a nylon string guitar and a "folk" guitar is a steel string guitar. Filmed from February to April 2015. Since the price of both styles of guitar varies from inexpensive to very costly for the top models, a player's choice is usually based on type of music. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Fingering chords with the left hand is easier, especially for players with smaller hands, on narrow-necked folk guitars. Flamenco music, which developed in southern Spain, was more “Folk” and considered slightly lower class. This question of the classical vs acoustic guitar is a subjective matter and heavily depends on what type of music you are in to.. Classical Guitar vs Acoustic Guitar - What's the Difference and Which is Best? Notice that the folk style guitar has dimensions very similar to the classical guitar from the previous photo. Another differentiating factor is the type of strings the two guitars require. So years ago when I decided I definitely wanted to play guitar and surely wouldn't stop practicing after a month, I was looking for a good beginner guitar and invested in a Seagull S6 Original (being a folk guitar). Stylistically, the two have as many differences as they do similarities. Most find that the mellow tone of classical guitars does not lend itself to folk, pop or rock styles, and will graduate to steel-stringed folk guitars or steel-stringed electric guitars if that is the musical road they choose to follow. It is also referred to as a "western" guitar. In addition, classical guitars usually have a longer string length from head to bridge. The use of steel strings, in addition to giving a sharper, more strident tone, greatly increases the volume of the guitar's sound. I would get a classical if that's the only type of music you want to play, but the steel if you want to play others. Classical Vs Acoustic Guitar – String Type. Plus it is easier to learn on classical as the string tension is far lower. They are fairly similar and it’s hard to spot the difference for a complete novice. Acoustic guitars come in two main categories: the classical and the folk guitar. The steel strings on an acoustic guitar produce a bright, crisp, even twangy sound that resonates more than a classical guitar. If you like Spanish, Flamenco, or classical music, this type of sound can be achieved with a classical guitar. The term "folk guitar" came into use in the late 40s and 50s to describe what we now consider as a standard steel string acoustic guitar. Classical guitars have: Nylon strings. How Does a String Instrument Produce Sound? One important difference between folk and classical guitars is the material used for the strings. It says “classical guitar,” so … These large, plastic guards protect the guitar's finish from your straying pick. I would suggest a classical guitar as a first guitar only if you plan to play primarily classical music and it you only plan to play fingerstyle. This allows the strings to be spaced more widely apart, an important factor for classical guitarists who need to play individual notes with their fingers, sometimes at great speed. That's what they were made for and in fact classical music benefits from shorter sustain and mellow sound of nylon strings. The contrast in tone is appropriate to the styles of music for which the guitars are intended. As I understand it, classical guitars and folk guitars are different in that the former are easier for "fingering" playing style. Western Guitar - A guitar used for Western music. Thank you. This was the ticket for me as the painlessness, wider neck and inexpensively acquired decent tone, helped me to stick with it. You can play folk guitar with a pick, or by finger picking. The most common type is often called a flat top guitar, to distinguish it from the more specialized archtop guitar and other variations. Don't buy a Classical guitar with any idea that you might be able to put steel strings on it later if you prefer that sound. Also like a classical guitar, these smaller styles tend to have a more balanced sound (dreadnoughts, as a rule, are boomy and a bit bass-heavy) and finger style players usually love them when compared to a dreadnought. The guitar will warp and be unusable. This can be discouraging for a beginner. Classical and acoustic guitars are commonly believed to be the same type of guitar. And there is a very noticeable difference in how those strings sound. The difference in sound is astronomical. Construction phases of classical guitar 2015/2, by luthier David J. It’s also called the folk guitar, dreadnought guitar — dreadnought specifically referring to the shape of the guitar. One important difference between folk and classical guitars is the material used for the strings. Individual guitarists can vary the action on any guitar to suit their personal preference. Folk doesn't need to be a parlor or OM. In recent years, the sales volume raised to the maximum level with the acoustic guitar than the classical guitar as it is uncomfortable for the adults. Could be a Classical Guitar, or any other type of acoustic guitar. “Classical” vs. “Acoustic” Guitars Strings. The Hohner HAG250P is a handmade classical guitar with an interesting design. There will be exceptions, but these traits hold true the large majority of the time. learn the folk guitar first then classical guitar? His articles have appeared in "The New Musical Express," "The Literary Review" and "City Limits," as well as numerous Web sites. Although many did play Spanish guitars, a lot of … since you want to play classical music buy a classical guitar. The wide neck of a guitar seems to be too much for a child to handle. Christian Fredrich Martin, founder of Martin guitars, was responsible for the innovation. Classical guitars don't typically have these guards, as players prefer using their fingernails to pluck the strings. BEST "VINTAGE-STYLE" FOLK GUITAR: Martin HD-28VS Vintage Series Acoustic Guitar This is as authentic as you can get. In terms of sound, the folk is better, but you will have to deal with sore fingers. Acoustic guitars have: Pick guards. Tuning pegs that stick out. The folk guitar will be considerably more versatile, but the nylon string guitar is easier to fret (mash the strings down on the neck.) The post war folk boom saw a lot of singers being accompanied on nylon stringed guitars. Guitar-makers and guitarists can customize and adapt instruments in many different ways, but a few general differences separate them. However, nylon strings just aren't as versatile. Yamaha FG guitars are full size dreds and FG stands for Folk Guitar. Unless a player has a very developed right hand technique, they sound terrible when played with a pick. However, the small size classical guitars are ideal for children. Kim Davis began writing in 1977. In the 60's all steel string guitars where called folk guitar because people like Dylan played Folk music on them. In most cases, classical guitars use nylon strings, which look, feel, and sound different from the steel strings typically reserved for acoustic guitars. Strings. “Acoustic Guitar” is a type of instrument, “Folk Guitar” is a style of playing an instrument "Folk guitar” as a type of instrument doesn't make any more sense to me than "rhythm guitar” or "rock guitar”. Classical Vs Flamenco Guitar. Folk music evolved during the 1960s into folk-rock and the electric guitar started to take on the role once reserved for the acoustic guitar. The steel string guitar will have a more full sound with plenty of high end, whereas the classical will be lean much more to a mid-range sound. In Brazil we have an acoustic instrument that is indeed called “folk guitar” (that’s actually guitarra caipira in Portuguese, but that’s another story, for another night). I know, I know. After a year or so of dedicated practice, the transition to steel is a breeze. Classical guitars are often recommended for beginners, mainly because low-tension nylon strings are easier to finger than steel strings. Common Traits of Classical Guitar. It was made from qualitative wood, which is why it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Fabricating With The Form & Size Of Classical Guitars. He has a Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy from Bristol University. jade_bodhi. The folk guitar will be considerably more versatile, but the nylon string guitar is easier to fret (mash the strings down on the neck.) Because classical guitar isn’t limited to classical music. It is both smaller and have more distinct curves than the dreadnought. 12-31-2006, 04:33 PM. On a classical guitar, nylon strings are used. If your target is to become a classical player, then I'd get a classical guitar from the get-go. Folk Guitar - A guitar used for Folk music. The main difference that most guitarists will notice immediately is that the material of the strings is completely different on classical vs acoustic guitar. I am a purist here - if you want to play strictly classical music, I would buy a classical guitar. As for differences between different body shapes, there's a decent overview here: The acoustic guitar … Acoustic guitars also have much narrower necks than do classicals. A higher action requires more pressure on strings when fingering notes, but in classical guitars, this is compensated for by the much lower tension of nylon strings. Acoustic guitars, with hollow bodies usually but not always made of wood, are available in many different models. If you consider that Willie Nelson plays a classical guitar, that breaks the myth that only classical music should be played on classical guitars. In folk guitars, the strings are steel. High tension steel strings on folk guitars typically have a lower action for ease of playing. Because the music often calls for chords rather than individual notes and picks are more commonly used, widely spaced strings are less necessary. Classical... Action. They are indeed quite different guitars. Here are some photos for comparison. ... Acoustic guitars are used in folk, country, blues and a wide array of genres. The term “classical guitar” can refer to a specific instrument, a style of playing, or a course of study. It is a way of playing that has been refined over centuries. This guitar uses nylon strings as opposed to the steel strings used on electric and other acoustic guitars and is a smaller size. They run parallel to the guitar's head. You cannot play a great classical piece using an acoustic guitar same way you cannot strum a classical guitar, sing along and expect a bright ringing sound. General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion, http://www.stringsbymail.com/store/c...c-s-series-87/. 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