20+ Difference between Classical and Acoustic Guitar (Explained)

The guitar is one of the instruments that is performed by most people all over the globe. It is used in various musical styles because of its extraordinarily adaptable nature.

The acoustic guitar’s history parallels Western music’s history, beginning with Spanish flamenco and moving on to accompanying folksongs and eventually gaining center stage as a solo instrument in classical compositions.

A hollow wooden body is the guitar’s foundation, with six strings strung over its surface and neck.

The body of a guitar will often have a single, round sound hole. You may string strings with your fingers or pluck them to make different sounds.

Table of Contents

Comparison Between Classical And Acoustic Guitar

Parameter	Classical	Acoustic Guitar
Definition	A classical guitar is a type of stringed instrument that is used in classical music.	An acoustic guitar is a type of guitar that is used for producing acoustic sounds in music.
Type of string	A characteristic feature of a classical guitar is that its strings are made up of nylon.	Acoustic guitars contain strings that are made up of metal.
Shape	They have a larger size compared to acoustic guitars.	An acoustic guitar has a dreadnought shape. It is smaller in comparison to the standard classical guitars.
Neck	Standard classical guitars contain a wider neck in comparison to acoustic guitars.	An acoustic guitar has a smaller neck width, so strumming or finger plucking is easier.
Frets	These guitars do not have any fret markers.	An acoustic guitar contains fret markers.
Bridge	Standard classical guitars have a “warp-around” type of bridge.	An Acoustic guitar has penned on its bridge.

Contrast Between Classical And Acoustic Guitar

Definition:

Classical – As the name suggests, classical guitars are stringed instruments with hollow bodies used in classical music. They are the forerunners of the modern acoustic guitar.

Acoustic Guitar – As understood from its name, an acoustic guitar is a stringed instrument that produces soft, acoustic sounds. The classical guitar inspired it.

Strings:

Classical – A distinguishing characteristic of a classical guitar is that it uses strings that are made up of nylon.

Acoustic Guitar – All modern acoustic guitars contain metal strings.

Size:

Classical – These instruments are comparatively larger than acoustic guitars.

Acoustic Guitar – A standard acoustic guitar is available in a parlor size. Although some exceptions exist, most parlor-sized acoustic guitars are smaller than a standard classical guitar. Furthermore, these guitars have a dreadnought shape.

Neck:

Classical – The neck of a classical guitar is wide. Also, they do not contain any fret markers. This might result in inconvenience for some players.

Acoustic Guitar– These guitars contain a smaller neck width. Thus, the strings are placed closer, which makes finger plucking or strumming easier. Also, acoustic guitars have fret markers.

Bridge:

Classical – Classical guitars have a “wrap-around” bridge. This means the guitar strings are tied into a knot behind the bridge. They can also have ball-end classical strings.

Acoustic Guitar– In contrast to classical guitars, the strings of acoustic guitars are secured in place with the help of pegs.

Type of sound produced:

Classical– The nylon strings in classical guitars produce a mellow sound. The melody produced is softer and ideal for classical music.

Acoustic Guitar -The guitar has a bright and crisp sound. It has a tIn addition, a stingy melody has a resonance higher than a standard classical guitar. As a result, acoustic guitars are used for modern music.

Use:

Classical – The nylon strings of classical guitars have a similar texture to plastic. Therefore, they are perfect for beginners as nylon is softer for the fingers.

Acoustic Guitar– Acoustic guitars have steel strings that are similar to that of an electric guitar. As a result, they are sharper for the fingers.

The tension of strings:

Classical – The nylon strings are thicker and therefore have less tension.

Acoustic Guitar – Acoustic guitars have metal strings that have a much higher tension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the order of tuning of strings in a guitar?

In a guitar, the strings are tuned in an EADGBE order.

Q2. What are the genres of music where acoustic guitars are used?

Acoustic guitars are mostly used in Folk, country, and Pop Music.

Q3. Which one is more difficult to learn, classical guitar or acoustic guitar?

For beginners, classical guitars are easier to learn as the nylon strings are easier on the fingers.

Q4. What is the hole of a guitar known as?

The hole of a guitar is called a “sound hole.” This is because the hollow wooden body of the instrument amplifies the sound produced by the strumming of the strings.