For beginner guitarists it is very important to choose the right instrument on which they will play. And here many have the question of how an acoustic guitar differs from a classical one. At first glance, they are absolutely identical. But this is not so. And any guitarist will confirm this. Indeed, between the "acoustics" and "classics" there really are big differences. These are almost two different musical instruments. And beginners need to figure out how they differ in order to determine which guitar is needed: acoustic or classical. So, below are the most significant differences between these musical instruments.
How is an acoustic guitar different from a classical one?
The birthplace of classical guitar is Spain. And from the 18th century to the present, its original appearance has been preserved. Acoustic guitar came to us much later, somewhere in the early 20th century. This musical instrument was invented in connection with the need to amplify the sound of a classical instrument from the stage.
If you put these two instruments side by side, you will immediately see how an acoustic guitar differs from a classical one - in size. Acoustic is much more than classical. Since it was intended for performing on stage, its body is enlarged, and metal strings are also used. The classic nylon strings that sound much quieter and softer.
The difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical one
lies in the structure of the neck. "Acoustics" has a wooden bar, inside which a steel anchor is installed. This is done to compensate for string tension and temperature changes. In addition, the anchor adjusts the distance between the bar and strings. The classical guitar has a fretboard completely wooden, and it is much wider than the acoustic. Also, the ring mechanism is different for the tools.
Due to differences in designs, the areas where the guitars are used also differ. Classical is more suitable for playing classical music or Spanish motifs. It is on such instruments that they teach guitar mastery in music schools. Acoustic is great for "yard" songs, pop music, rock, etc.
The main differences between acoustic and classical guitar
1. Acoustic guitar is a broader concept than classical. Classical is a type of acoustic. Types of acoustic guitar also include Russian (seven-stringed), Hawaiian (four-stringed), jumbo and others.
2. A classical guitar has only 6 strings. And this amount is unchanged. Acoustic can have a different number of strings (from 4 to 12).
3. The classical guitar is played without a pick. Due to the features that the body of such a musical instrument has, the sound is soft, quiet, but not deaf. An acoustic guitar is often used with an acoustic guitar to make it sound louder. Especially with some of the types of acoustic instruments - for example, the so-called dreadnought.
So, now itās clear how an acoustic guitar differs from a classical one. And these differences are not so few. Therefore, when choosing your musical instrument, you must have a solid idea of āāwhat it is intended for.