At first glance, an acoustic guitar is the same as a classical guitar. However, any connoisseur of musical instruments will be ready to argue with you. To avoid getting confused and confused between these two concepts, read the differences between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar.
Definition
Both acoustic and classical guitars are plucked string musical instruments that are used as an accompaniment for performing songs and dances of various genres (art, folklore), due to the fact that the design generates sound resonance. Moreover, the concept of “acoustic guitar” is broader than the concept of “classical guitar”, in addition to classical guitar Acoustic guitars include jumbo (a round guitar), ukulele (a Hawaiian guitar with four strings), a Russian guitar with seven strings, and others. As the name suggests, the classical guitar is a conservative, formalized instrument. This is the main type of acoustic guitar, the most popular. It is on it that they perform classical works, and in musical educational institutions learn to play this type of guitar. To play such a guitar, you do not need a pick, since due to the features of the body, the sound does not turn out dull, as is the case with a dreadnought, which is an acoustic guitar (but not a classical one) - a pick is used to play it.
Structure of a classical and acoustic guitar
Conclusions website
- Acoustic guitar is a more general, collective term than classical guitar.
- An acoustic guitar may have different quantities strings (4,6.7,12). The classical guitar has 6 of them.
- Classical guitar is a classical, formalized and at the same time the most popular version of the acoustic guitar.
- The classical guitar is usually played without the aid of a pick, which is not the case with some other types of acoustic guitars.
Do you want to learn to play the guitar, but don't know which one to choose? For a non-professional it is difficult to discern the differences between different types, but they exist. We will help you understand what types of guitars there are and how they differ.
1. Classic is traditional plucked instrument, known since the Renaissance. They started their career with the classical guitar musical career the vast majority of professional musicians and simply lovers of melodic chords. It is with her that teachers of music schools or colleges work with their students.
Here are the main features by which you will always distinguish the classic model:
- The scale (length of the sounding part of the string) is 65 cm.
- Six strings made of synthetic material (nylon).
- A massive neck made of a single piece of wood (thickness - up to 3 cm, width - up to 6 cm). These sizes allow you to comfortably hold the neck in your hand and pluck the strings.
- The body is made of plywood, less often - of natural wood. Slightly smaller in size than other types of guitars.
- The sound is produced using fingers or a mediator. No other additional reinforcement elements are used.
- Low cost.
The classical instrument sounds softer and deeper. Therefore, romances, ancient melodies or passionate Spanish melodies are most often performed on it.
2. Acoustic - became widespread in America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Folk or country music was performed on it, and all rural parties and local celebrations were held to its sound.
And even now this model is considered the best for playing blues and rock ballads. Since the main purpose of an acoustic guitar is to accompany on stage, some changes have been made to its design to allow it to produce a louder and clearer sound.
- The body is large in shape.
- The strings are metal, mostly steel.
- The neck is elongated, narrow (maximum width up to 4.5 cm) and lighter in weight.
- There is an anchor rod that keeps the neck from deforming.
An acoustic guitar differs from a classical guitar only in sound. Therefore, it is impossible to say which one is better or worse. The choice depends on personal preferences and those musical styles, for the execution of which it is acquired.
Note! Professional musicians recommend starting with classical music and then moving on to acoustic music, since in order to play metal strings, it is advisable to have basic playing skills.
What is the difference between a bass guitar and an electric guitar?
It should be noted right away that the electric guitar is a separate species guitars, and bass - guitar is its subspecies. They are quite similar in design, which is why they are often confused.
- Bas-guitar was invented by Leo Fender in the 50s of the last century and is still the most popular accompanist when performing rock and jazz music. This model is distinguished from a six-string model by a rougher and heavier sound, because this bass sounds an octave lower classic look. There are a number of separate techniques designed for playing the bass guitar specifically. The standard type has 4 strings, but there are products equipped with 5, 6, 7 and 8 strings. American linden or walnut is used to make the body.
- Electric guitar is an instrument equipped with electronic pickups. These devices completely changed the sound of the usual guitar melody. They were developed in 1924 by engineer L. Loehr, who worked for an American guitar manufacturing company. The use of revolutionary sound conversion technology made it possible to extract hitherto unheard of sounds from an ordinary acoustic guitar, distinguished by a wide variety of new timbres. There is another subtype of electric guitar - electroacoustic ( or semi-acoustic). An electro-acoustic guitar is a type of acoustic guitar that has a special device called a piezo pickup installed inside the body.
It is with its help that the instrument is connected to amplifying equipment and is able to produce a more powerful and loud sound required for concert venues. Under normal conditions, this type of guitar can be played without a connection.
The electric guitar is the main and indispensable attribute when performing rock music, and very often individual solos on the electric guitar are included in performances. Like regular acoustics, it has basically six strings, although visually they are completely different.
An electric guitar can have a variety of avant-garde forms, emphasizing the style and extravagance of the performer. The body is made of alder, maple, ash, and rosewood or ebony wood is used as fingerboards.
Note! The main difference is that the bass guitar is an improved double bass, while the electric guitar “evolved” from a regular acoustic.
Seven-string from six-string guitar
The main feature of difference, as the name suggests, is the number of strings. But these are not all the signs by which these two popular varieties can be distinguished.
- Six string guitar(it is also called “Spanish”) - this is exactly the classical design, the description of which we gave above. It sounds equally good both solo and to accompany a melody as part of a musical group. The six-string is the most common type that can be found among most fans of guitar music.
- Seven string guitar- “Russian” or “Gypsy”. In the past, it was very widespread in our country, because these were the models that were produced by most factories in the USSR. Today, the popularity of the seven-string guitar has decreased a little, and the “Russian” is increasingly being replaced by a modified version - the so-called “American” seven-string guitar.
The main difference between the seven-string and the classical is the tuning, that is, the sound of the open strings that the instrument produces. The technique that is used to play the “Russian” guitar allows you to obtain a melodic series that is in tune with Russian folk songs.
The sound of the seven-string is softer, melodious, and it is not for nothing that this instrument is considered the ideal accompanist for Russian and gypsy romances.
Structure of a seven-string “Russian” guitar:
Rare species
But this is far from full list plucked string musical structures that originate from the classical guitar. In addition to the well-known and popular varieties, there are many other modifications that are more or less known to the general public:
- Hawaiian (ukulele) – small-sized folk Hawaiian instrument with four strings, made from local mahogany. A very common guitar option that can be found in any music store.
- Guitar - first used in late XVIII century in England. Large in size, outwardly reminiscent of a “hand-held” harp with a neck, this exotic device is capable of producing a very interesting sound and, although it does not have a crowd of fans, is still produced by many well-known companies. Even in electronic variations.
- For left-handers - specially made models for left hand. They have a mirror arrangement of all the necessary elements, which makes it much easier for left-handed musicians to play. Although the range of such products on sale is not large (compared to traditional forms), but in specialized stores you can find a “left-handed” guitar of any type - from ordinary classics to electric or bass.
Choose the instrument that you like, improve your technique, and who knows, maybe you will eclipse the glory of the legendary Jimi Hendrix or the magnificent Eric Clapton.
Useful video
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 music. Nylon strings softer, but it cannot be said that the 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 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 come without balls and are simply wrapped around the nut 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. That's why many musicians love ordinary acoustic guitars, because it’s more convenient to play on them.
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 classical music, you want to learn to play notes, learn 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.
Somehow arriving at a music shop to buy my first instrument, he asked me to give me a classical guitar, but with iron strings. What was the following dialogue:
- so what kind of guitar do you want? Classical or acoustic?
- What is the difference between classical and acoustic guitar models?
— there are differences, now I’ll tell you them and show both guitars.
Let us tell you the difference between these guitars and which one is better.
When choosing this musical instrument, at first you may encounter two of its most popular definitions - classical and acoustic model. People who want to learn to play the guitar often ask the same question on various forums - which of the two varieties of this musical instrument better and preferable. As in many cases, there is no clear and specific answer to this question. It all depends on the individual case. But, nevertheless, after reading this article, every reader will understand what the difference is and will be able to consciously decide and make the necessary choice of the model that suits him.
Classic model
The history of the classical guitar goes back several hundred years and dates back to the eighteenth century. The ancestor country of the “classics” is Spain, which is why such a guitar is sometimes called “Spanish flu” among the common people.
Features and Properties:
The Classic model instrument is distinguished by a relatively small body (amateurs call it a drum), which adds convenience and grace to it. The body, as a rule, is made of valuable coniferous wood - cedar, spruce, etc.
This variety has a wide neck, which has either a solid cross-section consisting of one solid piece of wood, or has a composite character (several wooden blanks stacked on top of each other). As a rule, there are nineteen frets on the neck of the classic version (a fret is the distance between two vertically located metal rods).
The neck is attached to the body using glue.
The musical instrument is equipped with nylon (plastic-based material) strings, which may be black or White color. Strings made from such material do not give of great importance resonance, which results in a quiet and soft sound.
The genres of music most suitable for playing on this type of guitar are Spanish, Latin American compositions, as well as ballads, plays, and romances.
Due to its simplicity and convenience, this musical instrument is often used for teaching in educational institutions.
The classic model is perfect for beginners due to its small size, soft strings and comfortable neck.
Acoustic model
This variety does not have such rich history, as in the case of "classics". The acoustic model is about one hundred years old. The instrument gained worldwide fame, coming from America, where such instruments flourished in the mid-twentieth century. musical styles, like jazz and folk. After all, works of these genres, performed to the accompaniment of acoustics, sound very picturesque and attractive.
Properties and features:
The musical instrument has a large body, which, in part, provides deep sound.
In the middle of the section, along the entire length of the “acoustic” neck, there is a metal rod - an anchor. This element ensures the strength of the neck structure and protects it from breaking, since the strings are stretched with great force and create considerable bending force. In addition, a metal anchor adjusts the position of the neck relative to the body.
The neck is glued to the body like a classical guitar.
The musical instrument is equipped with metal strings, which, creating large values resonance with the body, provide the sound features of “acoustics”. The strings may have an outer braid of various materials. The metal of the winding affects the sound. Eg:
- Phosphorus-bronze. Strings with this combination of material have thicker, rich bass and a velvety sound, but less clear high frequencies. The braid of these strings has a bronze-orange color.
- Bronze-tin. Strings that are optimal for the level of high and low frequencies; in most cases, these are the strings that famous manufacturers of musical instruments install on their guitars. Yellow-golden braid
- Steel or nickel steel. The common people call them “silver”, although of course there is no silver there. Characterized by a distinct bright ringing sound. Silver-gray braid.
Important: It should be noted that use in classic version metal strings are unacceptable, since the absence of a steel anchor in the neck of the “classics” can lead to its breakage due to the high tension force of such strings.
Works that are relevant for performance to the accompaniment of “acoustics” belong to the styles of rock and roll, pop, chanson, folk music and any yard melodies.
For learning, such a guitar will be a little difficult, since metal strings Fingers cut more severely. But if you are willing to endure for three weeks, then the sound will certainly please you.
Choosing between two tools
When making a choice, a beginner should focus on the following points:
The metal strings of an acoustic guitar, due to the rigidity of the material and strong tension, are capable of a short time provide calluses to the fingers of an untrained person. Of course, this phenomenon is temporary and over a period of time the fingers will harden, no longer causing discomfort when playing, but at first the player will be accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
The soft nylon strings of the classic model are much better in this regard. In addition, due to the low tension force, they are less likely to tear.
The number of strings in a “classical” is always six, while an “acoustic” can have from six to twelve strings (a twelve-string guitar).
For young musicians the small body of the classic model will be preferable in contrast to “acoustics”, the overall dimensions of which you need to get used to.
Manufacturing materials
If we talk about the material from which the body is made, there are two main options - wood or plywood.
- Wood provides a dull and noble character to the sound, but on the other hand, a body made of valuable wood species significantly increases the cost of a musical instrument. Don’t forget about storage - wood does not tolerate temperature changes and conditions of high humidity, which negatively affects sound quality.
- Plywood is more resistant to moisture, temperature changes or direct sun rays. The cost of such guitars is usually not high; famous guitars will cost from 90 US dollars or 6,500 rubles. But such guitars do not have a good and deep sound.
It was noted above that the “classical” neck is wider and in the case of playing using special “barre” chords, the left wrist will experience pain at the first stages of use, due to the need to completely cover the fingerboard with your fingers.
Another difference between the two models is the lack of a truss rod in the classic neck.
The anchor provides greater structural reliability and resistance to external environment, as well as the ability to adjust the deflection of the neck. Although more and more often budget models of classical guitars have a truss rod in the neck.
When playing an acoustic guitar, a mediator is often used - a special plate made of metal or plastic that adds volume to the sound. Such a device is not applicable to the “classics”, unlike the first option.
Summary
Having examined the features, properties and differences of each of the guitars, it will become much easier to choose one of the two options considered and say which model is best for you.
However, all the above points relate, by and large, to physical characteristics, which are not always decisive.
Still, it’s worth putting your musical preferences first. "Acoustics" are capable of producing much louder, clearer and higher tones. Therefore, if the player gravitates towards pop styles, rock and roll, jazz, blues or folk, then feel free to take an acoustic guitar, and you will not regret your choice.
But the classic one shouldn’t be written off either. This type of instrument is ideal for performing classical compositions, fiery Spanish melodies, romances and plays. and also great for learning.
Over time, you will have both models, since each of them is unique and cannot replace the other.
Comparison of classical and acoustic guitar.
IN modern world produce large quantities string instruments, and they are all intended for different purposes, even if they look similar to each other. Sometimes the differences between the two, externally similar tools, much more than, for example, between a fox and a wolf. Today we will compare two completely different types guitars. So, what is the difference between an acoustic and a classical guitar? (In fact, both guitars are acoustic in sound properties. It’s just that over time the name “acoustics” was assigned to the pop guitar).
Appearance and structure
Sometimes the external similarities between these guitars cause beginners to confuse them, but first impressions can be deceiving. If you examine both instruments carefully, you will find the following differences:
1.
The body of a Western (acoustic) guitar is slightly larger and more massive than that of a classical (Spanish) guitar.
2.
The neck of a classical guitar is wider, for comfortable movement of the fingers of the left hand. And Western ones are narrower, which makes it easier to play chords.
3.
The “Spanish flue” does not have a plastic cover on the body (however, the acoustics may not have it either, so this is not their main external difference).
4.
The neck of classical guitars does not have a metal rod (truss rod), which is another reason why it is much wider and thicker.
5.
Acoustics often have a cutout in the body for convenient playing on the last frets (high notes).
6.
The main difference is the material from which the strings are made. Classical guitars have nylon strings, while Western guitars have metal strings.
Methods of sound extraction. Sound
“Spanish flu” is intended for finger playing; a pick is used extremely rarely, since the softness of the nylon strings does not allow playing, for example, with a variable stroke. In the history of music, there are guitarists who use everything, from fingernails to a bow, but these are all isolated cases that should not be emulated. Nylon strings combined with finger playing give a soft and pleasant timbre.
An acoustic guitar is not limited in terms of sound production methods. Everyone is allowed to play such an instrument: with fingers, a pick, fingerpicks, nails, a coin, and anything that is comfortable to hold in your hand. Metal strings and a voluminous body allow you to produce a bright acoustic sound.
Purpose and application
Acoustics are used for playing different genres music, this type of guitar is popular among rock musicians, singers of chanson, blues and others. Loud metal strings are perfect for playing accompaniment chords and solo parts. A guitarist most often prefers to perform standing, so special straps are made for this instrument that support the instrument in a canopy.
The Spanish guitar is perfect for playing classical music. Playing such an instrument is taught in higher education institutions. musical institutions And music schools. The guitar is used in orchestras and for pop performances. In most cases, playing the classical guitar occurs in a sitting position. At this point, the guitarist holds the instrument on his left knee, and under this leg there is a stand for a comfortable position.
Technique
For the left hand, the execution techniques are almost the same, but Western still has more techniques used. When right hand everything is much different. Classical guitars most often use the following techniques: flamenco, pizzicato, bartok, tambor, campanella and others. All these techniques are performed with the hand (fingers), without using a mediator.
Acoustics prefers: chord technique, playing with a pick, finger/fingerstyle, slap, tapping, piano technique, rasgueado, etc.
Recording notes for guitar and tablature
My subscribers often ask me if my tabs and notes of songs for guitar are suitable for classical music if I perform them on an acoustic guitar. In terms of notation for guitar, notation, and tabs, there is no difference between acoustic and classical guitars. All the same. The differences are primarily related to sound. For example, in my adaptations such as Behind Blue Eyes or In the Last Autumn and some others, there is a game of combat. Nylon strings are not intended for strumming, so the sound will be less bright than metal strings.
Another nuance is the width of the neck. On an acoustic, the neck is narrower, and some chords will be easier to play than on a classical one, because the strings are located closer to each other. But there is also back side medals. On an acoustic guitar, due to the proximity of the strings to each other, it happens that the fingers muffle the sound of the adjacent string, touching it. The classical guitar does not have this problem. The conclusion is this. Any tabs and notes for guitar that are on my website are suitable for any guitar, by the way, even electric.
Let's summarize. Both instruments presented in comparison have their own history of origin, their own special methods of performance, as well as differences in the method of producing sound. But at the same time, these two types of guitars have a lot in common. And in some cases they may be interchangeable.
Here you can download both sheet music for acoustic guitar songs and classical transcriptions by famous composers.
