Classical guitar vs Acoustic guitar?

Question

I've been playing guitar for about a year and a half. I was in a guitar store looking for a new guitar. I'm not an expert guitar player by any means but I've learned my basics on a cheaper Ibanez acoustic guitar. The body on that guitar is what I believe is called a Dreadnaught style(BIG).

I was looking for a smaller body guitar with a cutaway style. I found one but is an acoustic/electric(which I don't mind because it has a tuner on it) classical Ibanez. The body was perfect and more so I like the shorter and wider fret board. I've read that they only take nylon strings and aren't really meant for picks. I don't mind the pick part b/c I prefer to use my fingers to strum anyway(however I haven't really got the hang of picking the strings individually yet).

So I guess my question is.... If i prefer to play rock/folk/country/etc. songs should I keep searching for an acoustic guitar instead of the classical? Will the sound of the nylon strings make the songs I normally play sound bad? Is there anything else I should consider or does anyone have acoustic guitar to suggest to me? I really like this classical guitars body style and fret board.

Answer 1

Well first off , dreadnaught is probably the most common size for a steel string acoustic , not really big.That being said, If you're just playing at home for your own enjoyment or maybe to entertain a few friends then go for the guitar you like the best. The songs will sound a little different on a classical but not necessarily in a bad way. If you get yourself a small acoustic guitar amp they might even sound pretty good. Whatever you do don't convert a classical guitar over to steel strings. Most classicals have no trussrod and the neck will warp in short order. Now , if your in a band or out playing to audiences in some capacity I would say keep looking for a smaller steel string if that's what you really want.

Answer 2

This is your third time asking this question and the answer you received the first time was spot on. I'm not sure I can add anything to that one but I'll try.



Classical guitars (which are acoustic guitars) are used almost exclusively for playing classical music. As you pointed out, they only use nylon strings and are only played fingerstyle. Unless you're interested in playing classical music - which clearly you're not - then it's the wrong guitar for you.



You would be much better off with a steel string flattop acoustic guitar with a small body. A grand concert or auditorium size guitar (also known in Martin terminology as 00 and 000/OM, respectively) with a cutaway would be perfect. Take a look at the Taylor 312ce and 314ce. They are reasonably priced and great sounding guitars that are very versatile. Martin and others make equivalent models. If you want the very best, get a Goodall grand concert with a cutaway.



Good luck.

Answer 3

Acoustic means the sound is made by the body. All Classical Guitars are Acoustic but not all Acoustic Guitars are Classical.