Classical guitars use nylon strings, have a wider neck, and a soft tone, while acoustic guitars use steel strings and sound brighter and louder.
Classical guitar
- Nylon strings.
- Wider, flat neck.
- Mellow, warm tone.
- No truss rod in most.
- Used for classical, flamenco and bossa nova.
Acoustic guitar
- Steel strings.
- Narrower neck.
- Bright, loud tone.
- Truss rod in the neck.
- Used for folk, country and pop.
Playing
Nylon is easier on the fingers.
Not interchangeable
Steel strings can damage a classical guitar.
Strings, neck and sound
Classical guitars use nylon strings, have a wider, flat fingerboard (about 52 mm at the nut) and a slotted headstock. Acoustic steel-string guitars use steel strings under higher tension, have a narrower neck (about 43 mm at the nut) and a bolt-on or set truss rod.
- Steel-string tension is about 160 to 180 lb in total versus 75 to 90 lb for nylon.
- Classical guitars give a warm, mellow tone and are used for classical, flamenco and bossa nova.
- Steel-string guitars give a brighter, louder tone for folk, country, rock and pop.
- Fingertips and nails are used for classical, while picks are common for steel-string.
Can you swap strings
Do not put steel strings on a classical guitar. The higher tension can damage the bridge and neck, because classical guitars have no truss rod. Beginners may find nylon strings gentler on fingers, but a wider neck is a challenge for small hands. Choose by the music you want to play. Typical entry-level prices run 100 to 300 USD for either type.
Strings, neck and sound
Classical guitars use nylon strings, have a wider flat neck (about 52 mm at the nut) and a softer, warmer tone. Steel string acoustic guitars have a narrower neck (about 43 mm) and a brighter, louder sound. Nylon strings are under about 80 to 90 pounds of total tension while steel strings can exceed 150 pounds.
Do not swap strings
Putting steel strings on a classical guitar can damage the neck and bridge because classical guitars are not built for the extra tension. Classical guitars often use a tie bar bridge and no truss rod. Classical is used for classical, flamenco and some folk, while steel string acoustic is typical for pop, rock and country.
Playing and tone
Classical guitars have a 12th fret neck joint, a wide fretboard for fingerstyle and normally nylon trebles with wound basses. Steel string acoustic guitars have a 14th fret neck joint, a truss rod and braces designed for about 160 to 180 pounds of string tension.
Choosing as a beginner
Classical guitars are gentler on fingertips, and good beginner models cost 150 to 300 USD. Steel string guitars suit strumming popular styles and cost 200 to 500 USD for beginner models. Electric acoustic models add pickups. A guitar’s action height affects comfort; ask a luthier for setup.
Based on data from Fender and the Guild of American Luthiers
