Acoustic guitar/classical guitar???

[Loraine]

Absolutely alright to play on both guitars @campfire . I think it’s a great way to practice and learn on both instruments.

[campfire]

Thanks @Loraine. Good to know that what I’m doing is OK>

[Alfred]

The classical being out of tune is probably just the nylon strings stretching. Nylon strings can stretch for days.

As far as the physical differences, the classical guitar will usually have a perfectly flat fingerboard and the steel string guitar will usually have a radius to the fingerboard. The nut on the classical should be wider. I don’t see why you wouldn’t play both depending on your mood. The classical would be a good platform for finger style, and you have your steel string for anything you want to do with pick in hand. Not that both guitars won’t do both.

My Dad plays his classical almost exclusively, but absolutely never uses a pick for anything. He plays blues, strumming songs, the whole business on his classical.

[campfire]

Thanks @Alfred. Theorose wrote the same about the nylon strings. I was told I would have to retune a lot but I didn’t think it would be twice in the same playing session. Glad I can use a pick w/ both guitars.

[Alfred]

Your strings will eventually settle in and keep tune. One thing to keep in mind. You can use a pick with your nylon strings but they will wear out much more quickly. If it were my guitar, I would keep it to fingerstyle, and use my thumb and fingers for strumming too. Otherwise you will end up replacing strings a lot. Also without a pick guard (flaminco guitars have a clear one these days I think) it will end up looking like Willy Nelson’s guitar some day.

[campfire]

I noticed there wasn’t a plastic cover (pick guard) on the classical guitar. I sure don’t want to mark it up at all. It is a special instrument to me since it’s from my brother. He still has the tag when he bought it, pd $199 for it in the early 70’s. Needless to say, it’s worth a lot more now. Thanks for the info. … I would have marked it up…..

[Cadgirl]

It’s ok if it gets marked up. That means it’s truly yours. Look at Willie Nelson’s guitar, it’s a classical guitar and it’s truly has that vintage beat to heck look 🙂

[Alisa]

Hi Campfire. I have both guitars as well! Once upon a time, I was pretty good at the classical one. It’s great for fingerpicking, but chords are more challenging because the strings are further apart. I got the acoustic guitar to learn chords and use a pick. I switch between the two as well and I don’t see any harm in it. The tuning issue is just new strings, I’m dealing with that as well right now, they go out of tune within a couple of minutes. It will get better.

[campfire]

Thanks @Theorose. It’s good to know about how fast the nylon strings go out of tune.

[KeyMaker]

Campfire, I am learning both classical and acoustic guitar. However, I hold the classical guitar differently and play differently. I use the “Complete Giuliani Studies” for classical and am learning classical pieces. This is a personal preference, but I treat them like two completely different instruments. I enjoy both styles and I think each helps to inform the other.

[campfire]

thanks @KeyMaker! I’ll look up Giuliani. My brother gave me all of his lesson books so that will help. He did not play chords.

[Cadgirl]

Hi @campfire , I have both. My classical is 1/2 size so it actually fits my body better being smaller than my full size guitar. I use them both. To me, it’s just a different sound. Steel strings give a bright sound and classical nylon strings are more mellow. I agree with you…. I think you said it right, the classical gives a warm sound.

[Niels]

Hi @campfire,
Most has been said above, but here are my two bits.

I had played on a single classical guitar for more than 25 years, until I started with acoustic (and electric) guitars about 10 years ago.

Classical guitar
More mellow sound.
The strings are further apart, which is nice for my stubby fingers.
Only 12 frets outside the guitar body, so playing on very high frets can be a problem.
If you fingerpick, the nylon strings will be gentler on the nails of your picking hand.
Nylon strings stretch, the more the thinner the string is – expect a week of tuning before a new set of strings has settled fully in.

Acoustic guitar
Brighter and louder sound.
Strings are closer together, which means that some chords are easier, some are more difficult.
Normally 14 frets outside the guitar body, maybe even with a cutaway, so access to the higher frets is easier.
Sound better when flatpicked.
Steel strings settle pretty quickly, typically within hours.

You can definitely switch between a classical and an acoustic guitar.
I do it all the time 😀

[JoeW]

Full size classical guitar necks are generally 2″ wide, much wider than other guitar necks.

You need nails to really get the correct sound from a classical. In the hands of a skilled player, the classical guitar really is the “little orchestra”.

[campfire]

Yes, I agree JoeW. I can remember my brother playing beautiful music on the guitar. He’s 6″ 8 so his hands and fingers are large and long. He could make all of the notes and read the notes beautifully.

[Michelle-PSL]

Nice gift @campfire !

Classical guitars, in addition to the nylon strings, are usually made with a cedar top which produces a lovely rich, warm sound. Most acoustics have the steel strings (although there are nylon sting acoustics out there), and most often have spruce tops, which produce a brighter, louder, crisper sound.

The standard tuning is the same. The notes are the same. Classicals usually have a wider neck. So the only other difference is if you hold the classical in the traditional more upright position. Otherwise, they definitely play the same.

I agree with @Alfred . If you are going to use a pick on the classical, consider a clear pickguard.

[Marty75]

Happy NGD @campfire A photo of your new Classical guitar and who made it. I have been looking at one for years. 😊🧙‍♂️😎

[campfire]

Is there a place on TAC to put a pic? I’m not ready to play in the forum yet. However, I have been playing “Blowin in the Wind” since it’s only 4 chords.

[Carol-3M-Stillhand]

I just love both classical and steel string guitars!!! It’s great to play both. And yes it takes a week at least for new nylon strings to settle in and hold their tuning. Most classicals are 12fretters and have a much wider nut and a very flat fretboard. Classical players don’t usually use a flatpick so no pickguard is standard fare. I find the nylon strings much softer on my fingers, the notes easier to fret and barre chords are somewhat easier. Also it has a distinctive tone that is just addictive. Welcome to the classical guitar world, enjoy your stay 🥰

[Alfred]

👍

[campfire]

my brother had a felt pick. I’ll try that tomorrow.

[Brian2501]

I too have been lucky in that my brother in law has lots of guitars that he hunts down…and to my great fortune he is running out of room in his house. He gave me a Taylor acoustic which is my favorite and recently a Yamaha classical. My issue is that I have a hard enough time playing just one instrument, let alone adjusting to two since the fretting is different. I really admire those that can switch from one to the other. If you have the patience to play both, then I am sure you will get great enjoyment. By the way if you want to study classical the Frederick Noad book can be very rewarding, especially if you get the companion CD to play along with. But I do pretty much just use the acoustic.

[campfire]

Thanks @Brian2501. I’m making notes of classical support to try out when the school year is over.