The difference between an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar. For beginner guitarists: how does an acoustic guitar differ from a classical one?

Whenever you have to choose an instrument for serious music practice or professional purposes, you will have to understand the difference between existing models. Each instrument has unique acoustics, but this does not prevent us from dividing the entire range of guitars into two large categories: classical and acoustic.

Features of the classic instrument

The classical guitar is a 6-string plucked instrument that is usually played without the use of a pick. It began its history in Spain and received the informal name “Spanish flu”. This model with a successful set of acoustic properties was developed by a master named Antonio Torres back in the 19th century.

Technical specifications:

Synthetic or nylon strings, “scale” (length of the working part) - 650 mm.
A relatively massive neck with a width of 5-6 cm and a thickness of 2-3 cm.
The neck is made of solid wood or several layers of wood and has a smooth base along the frets (usually 19 of them).
The 12th fret falls where the neck and body meet.
The body can be plywood (Beginner), partially plywood (Solid Top) or completely wooden (Concert guitar).

Which strings to choose for classical guitar and we looked at how to choose a classical guitar in the relevant articles.

The sound of classical guitars is deep, gentle and soft. Therefore, Spanish and classical works are performed on them; they are taught to play on these instruments. music schools and vocational schools.

Distinctive characteristics of acoustic guitars

An acoustic guitar has a thinner, longer, somewhat rounded neck (sometimes with a metal stem). The strings are steel, they resonate well and give a loud and ringing sound. The shell and neck are connected in the area of the XIV fret, there are 20-21 frets in total.

To achieve good acoustics, the body parameters have been increased. The stand on it is located closer to the resonator. Fastening of strings and tips is provided by vertical plastic pegs.

Rock ballads, rock’n’roll, country music, folk, and blues are successfully performed on acoustic models.

Main subspecies:

Dreadnought. The case was developed by Martin. It is large, almost rectangular, with a wide “waist” and widened bottom. Their feature is volume and low-frequency timbre. Cutaway models are known as Western guitars.
Folk is an instrument that has retained its form classical instrument, but has all the characteristics of a steel guitar.
Jumbo. The body is also large, but with more curved and graceful shapes. The first such instrument was released by Gibson.

To choose between an acoustic or classical guitar, visit

Although both are guitars, the difference between a classical and a regular acoustic guitar is quite significant. Let's figure out how they differ.

Main differences:

Strings
Tree
Method of attaching strings to the body
Neck width
Tool dimensions/shape
Strings

An acoustic guitar has steel strings with or without braid, while a classical guitar has nylon strings. Perhaps this is the most important thing in which acoustics and classical differ.

Naturally, the sensations when playing these guitars are completely different, nylon and steel strings also sound differently, which is why these guitars are used in different styles music. Nylon strings are softer, but it cannot be said that a classical guitar is easier to play. There are many nuances there, and any instrument will require long hours of practice before you start to get something more or less pleasant-sounding.

Iron strings sound popular songs. Almost everywhere. Nylon is used less often, usually if you need some kind of Spanish or oriental mood in the composition.

Of course, both sounds great, there are no rules. Whatever suits you best is what you use. Nylon sounds softer. Iron is more percussive and sounds good with strumming and picking.

Tree

Although some types of wood are used to build both acoustic and classical guitars, there are a few important differences.

The most popular types of wood for acoustic guitars are:

Sitka spruce (front)
Engelmann spruce (front)
Red Spruce (front)
Mahogany (used in both body and neck)
Entandrophragm cylindrical or sapele (used both in the body and in the neck)
Acacia or koa (front, back and sides)
Maple (back and sides)
Walnut (back and sides)
Cherry (back and sides)
Cedar (front, also used on classical guitars)
Macassar ebony (back and sides - rarely used)
Tasmanian ebony(back deck and sides - rarely used)

The most popular types of wood for classical guitars:

Cedar (front)
Spruce - different varieties, but Engelman is the most popular (front deck)
Mahogany (front, back and sides)
Maple (front, back and sides)
Rosewood (back and sides)
Entandrophragm cylindrical or sapele (back deck and sides)
Cocobolo (back and sides)
Acacia or koa (back and sides)

As you can see, there are differences and this affects the sound character of the instrument.

Method of attaching strings to the body of a guitar

There are 2 main ways to attach strings to the body of a guitar, as well as 2 types of strings - with balls at the end and without balls.

Strings “with balls” are usually placed on acoustics; there are special holes in the body of the guitar into which the end of the string with a ball is inserted and then clamped with a special peg. The ball prevents the string from jumping out of the guitar body.

There are also nylon strings with balls, but they are not hidden in the guitar, but are inserted into the saddle. Usually nylon strings come without balls and are simply wrapped around the nut like this.

Neck width

On classical guitars this is usually 2” (50 mm) and above

On acoustic ones - 43 mm (1 11/16”) or 44 mm (1 ¾”). 12-string models may have a wider neck to accommodate all the strings, but these 2 sizes are the most common.

Of course, the width of the neck = the distance between the strings. The wider the bar, the greater the distance. Classical guitars have more. Therefore, many musicians love regular acoustic guitars, because they are more convenient to play.

Guitar body size and shape

There are many body types for acoustic guitars, we won’t list them all, but the main difference from classics is that classics have a more compact body than acoustics.

Of course, there are acoustic guitars with smaller bodies, but standard acoustic guitars are larger than classical guitars. This must be taken into account when purchasing a case or case for your instrument.

Also, when buying a case for an acoustic guitar, it is important to understand that there is no universal solution and a case for a jumbo and a dreadnought are 2 big differences.

Anchor

This is such an iron thing inside the neck that regulates its deflection. Acoustic guitars have a truss rod because steel strings create high tension and without a truss rod the neck will simply break. Classical guitars do not use a truss rod because the string tension is much lower.

Attaching the neck to the body

On most acoustic guitars, the neck is attached to the body at the 14th fret. Sometimes there are models where the neck is attached to the body at the 12th fret, but this is very rare.

On most classical guitars, the neck is attached to the body at the 12th fret. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

Pegs

The tuners on a classical guitar usually have an open mechanism, and there are special cutouts on the headstock for them.

On an acoustic guitar, as a rule, there are no cutouts; the tuners usually have a closed mechanism.

Neck cutout

Classical cutaway guitars are much less common. This is due to the high cost of producing such instruments. Making a stable classic with a cutout is much more difficult than without a cutout. Well, as a rule, access to the last frets is a requirement of a serious, experienced musician. Beginners don't need this.

conclusions

Despite the fact that in Lately The line between acoustic and classical guitar has become very blurred; these are still two different types of instruments with their own characteristic sound, timbre and feel when playing. All this affects the sound. Perhaps the most important difference- it's that these guitars just sound different. You can't say that one is better than the other. It's a matter of taste. If you like classical music, you want to learn to play notes, learn Spanish guitar, flamenco, romances, etc. - your choice is a classical guitar. If you want to quickly select your favorite song and you like contemporary music, choose acoustics

P.S. A few important notes that may help you with your choice.

The classical guitar is not played with a pick, but rather with the fingers, usually using the fingerpicking technique.
A classical guitar sounds quieter than an acoustic guitar. Accordingly, the acoustics sound louder. Because of the body and iron strings.
Nylon strings detune faster than iron strings
It's better to play acoustically
Acoustics have a thinner neck, which is more convenient for many
Acoustics suitable for more styles of music than classical
Acoustics have a longer neck and access to high frets is easier than classical ones.
Steel strings are less sensitive to temperature changes
A classical guitar needs to be tuned more often because its tuning fluctuates over time.
It is more painful for a beginning guitarist to play on iron strings. Calluses should appear and go away, after which it will become easier. The skin will become thicker.
Classical guitar sounds softer, more romantic, ideal for Latin music
The classical guitar is smaller and easier to travel with.

“What is the difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar”- This is the question that RuNet users often want to find an answer to. If we enter this phrase into the search bar, we will get many links to sites that explain the differences between these guitars. So on our website you can see two categories - and.

It's fair to say that the classical guitar is an acoustic guitar. In turn, the guitar is the most common instrument in large group plucked acoustic instruments. Acoustic guitars should be distinguished from electronic guitars by the method of converting the energy of the string into sound perceived by the human ear. Electric guitars are equipped with adapters that convert string vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then converted into sound. Acoustic guitars represent a design that allows you to convert the vibration energy of the string into a sound perceived by the ear, capable of amplifying this sound and conveying it to the ear. in the required form to the listener.

The set of structural parts is called an acoustic apparatus. The acoustic apparatus of a guitar includes a body with a soundboard (membrane), string clothing and a string fixation device (neck and string tension mechanism).

The acoustic guitar group is very large. You can distinguish guitars by voice, by tuning, by the number of strings. Depending on the size and tuning, guitars can be divided into prim, tertian, quart, fifths. By the number of strings, acoustic guitars are most often found 6, 7 and 12 strings. Acoustic Bas-guitar usually has 4 strings. 4 strings is very fashionable now ukulele - ukulele.

And yet, with all the diversity, we are accustomed to stable phrases « classical guitar" And " acoustic guitar ", which means guitars for a specific purpose.

This is the common name for a modern acoustic guitar, which is used to perform classical repertoire as a solo, ensemble or accompanying instrument. We won't be wrong if we call her Spanish guitar or concert guitar. The modern classical guitar was born in Spain; we can thank the famous Spanish guitar maker for the invention of the modern guitar design. Antonio de Torres. Torres refined the design of the guitar to such an extent that it allowed the instrument to take on advanced roles as a solo instrument. Historical meaning words concert is piece of music complex form, based on competition between solo instruments and orchestra. Greatest Spanish Guitarist Andres Segovia brought new methods of sound production and playing techniques to the world of guitar, and also expanded the usual repertoire of the guitar with his transcriptions classical works. Segovia achieved worldwide recognition for the guitar in the field of academic music. A classical guitar is equipped with synthetic strings; the guitarist plucks it with his fingernails or fingertips. Metal strings cannot be installed on a classical guitar; its design is not designed to withstand the pressure of strings made of metal alloys. The guitar has an elegant figure-eight body.

Or folk guitar Suitable for use with metal strings. It has a more rigid structure that can withstand the tension of steel strings. The neck of the guitar is reinforced with a metal anchor, and the tuning mechanics are equipped with carbide rollers. Guitars of different configurations and body sizes, such as dreadnought, grand auditorium, jumbo classified as acoustic guitars. Dreadnought and jumbo guitars were born in North America and are very popular among country singers, which is why they are often called western guitars. The sound on such a guitar is produced with a pick or fingertips. The shape of Western guitars may differ from classical ones; the dreadnought guitar has a more rectangular shape, and the lower part of the body of the Grand Auditorium or Jumbo resembles a circle.

Such musical instrument, like an acoustic guitar, everyone has seen it and not only in the photo, but only professionals know and understand the difference in the characteristics of the product. Individual models may differ in acoustics, material used for their manufacture, body type, number of strings, neck structure, and price. Having understood all the nuances, you can choose a product that meets your requirements.

What is an acoustic guitar

This instrument belongs to the plucked string instrument of the guitar class and often has 6 strings. Sound reproduction occurs due to their vibration, the hollow body acts as a resonator, an amplifier. Many modern devices are equipped with built-in pickups: magnetic, with equalizer, piezoelectric and with volume control. Without a guitar it is impossible to imagine any of these genres: folk music, art song, gypsy, Cuban, classical music, rock, jazz and others.

The very name “acoustic” can have two meanings: on the one hand, it is a method of amplifying sound using a body without the use of electricity, and on the other hand, it is the name of a separate class of guitars that have metal strings and a hull of the Dreadnought, Jumbo, Folk type. These include 12-string, 7- and 6-string instruments that have a narrow neck with an anchor rod.

Types of Acoustic Guitars

Each acoustic guitar, and there are several types, is designed for a specific purpose. musical style and has its own distinctive features. Products have different shapes body, neck structure, dimensions and number of strings. Thus, there are ordinary classical guitar, Jumbo, Dreadnought, Russian seven-string, Folk and twelve-string.

Classical

This acoustic guitar is also called a six-string Spanish guitar. The instrument produces a soft sound, has a wide neck and is suitable for those who love bard songs. Almost all such devices are equipped with nylon strings, the frequency of which is greater than metal ones. If the product had metal strings when purchased, any strings will work with it. If you purchased a product that has nylon strings, then there is no question of others. Guitar tuning should be done by a person who understands this; it is better to do this with the help of harmonics.

Russian seven-string

This instrument differs from its classical counterpart only in the larger width of the neck, which is necessary for an additional seventh string (the classical one has 6). Such devices were very popular in the mid-20th century, when many different songs were written on the Russian seven-string. Nowadays it is rarely used on the pop stage and mainly for performing Russian romances.

Dreadnoughts

Dwelling on the varieties of acoustic products, it is necessary to say about dreadnoughts (also called Western), which are used to accompany singers. The nuances of the dreadnought shape: a narrow neck and a large, heavy body widened at the bottom, providing a pronounced loud sound. Devices are made from different breeds wood and composite materials, trying to find a new sound in this way. When producing the dreadnought shape, the emphasis is on quality and strength due to its high string tension. For the same reason, a mediator is used when playing.

Folk

This type of inexpensive musical acoustic instrument is distinguished by a durable body and hard pegs, and has a rigid narrow neck reinforced with an anchor. Most models have a cutout called a cutaway. This part allows access to the high frets. The instrument can be fitted with thin metal strings, which reduce the volume, but they are easy to press against the fingerboard and easier to play.

Jumbo

The Jumbo acoustic guitar is similar to the Dreadnought and produces loud sounds with plenty of bass. This type of instrument is often used for accompaniment and is used to perform rock, blues, and country-style compositions. It is necessary to play the Jumbo with the help of a pick, since the product is equipped with metal strings. There is a plastic cover on the body.

What is the difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar?

People who first encounter the concept of “acoustic guitar” find it difficult to understand how it differs from a regular classical one. At first glance, it is almost impossible to find differences between them; they are very similar. Knowledge of the basic parameters and structural features of the instrument, its dimensions, drawing up comparative characteristics. Distinctive features visible even in the photo.

Size

Classic model It has a relatively small body size, which adds convenience and comfort to the product when playing. An acoustic instrument has a large body, which provides a deep, spacious sound. This model was invented for concert performances and such musical genres as classical, romance, folk song etc. For the manufacture of these musical instruments are used valuable species wood: spruce, red cedar, rosewood or plywood.

The price of the guitar in the first case will be high; it is necessary to observe the storage conditions of the product: protect it from sudden temperature changes and high air humidity. These factors will worsen the condition of the device and its sound. Plywood is more tolerant of such natural influences; such an instrument will cost less, but you should not expect high-quality sound from it.

Neck structure

The acoustic instrument has a narrow, long and light neck. There is a metal rod on it - an anchor, which regulates the deflection of the neck, ensures the strength of the product, and compensates for the tension of the strings. The classic model has a wide neck (with a solid section or from several wooden blanks), with nineteen frets located on it.

Strings

The classical instrument is equipped with nylon strings; they do not provide much resonance, so the melody sounds quieter and softer. This model only comes with six strings and can be played manually. Acoustic device can have from 4 to 12 metal strings that create acoustics. To play them, a mediator is used, which enhances the sound produced.

Metal strings can have several different braids that differ in color and create different sound:

Steel (nickel steel). They are also called silver because of their characteristic color. These strings provide a ringing sound.
Phosphorus-bronze. They have an orange tint, create a velvety sound, bass, clear high notes.
Bronze-tin. They are golden in color, ideal for creating a balance between high and low tones.

How to choose an acoustic guitar

When choosing an instrument, you should not pay attention to budget models, cheap acoustic guitars. It is unlikely that they will please you with quality. For such a purchase, it is better to go to a music store, which is located not only in Moscow, but in almost any city in Russia, where you can always find quality goods. Don’t be lazy and try to place an order using online store catalogs, where you won’t be able to check the quality of the product or its sound before purchasing. So, if you are a beginner, when purchasing a product, pay attention to some points described below

Manufacturer

Not all companies producing musical instruments do it well, and some even sell counterfeit brands. Among the world famous companies producing quality guitars, the following manufacturers stand out:

Fender;
Yamaha;
Aria;
Crafter;
Epiphone;
Ibanez;
Martinez;
Flight;
Luna (acoustic, semi-acoustic guitars);
Cort;
Samick ( acoustic electric guitar Greg Bennett);
Gibson.

Number of frets

When choosing an instrument, don't hesitate to check the frets. Press the notes, check their sound - make sure that the product is of high quality (this will not work in an online store). The sound should be clear, without rattling or interference. If you are a beginner and want to start learning, choose a product with a number of frets from 12 to 18, you don’t need more for now. It will take a fair amount of time before you become a virtuoso and professionally play an instrument with 24 or more frets.

Top material

Some manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of a musical instrument, use plastic, plywood, or musical laminate (veneer) for its production, which cannot be compared with real wood. This natural material has a number of characteristics that improve the sound and make it velvety. Special meaning It depends on what wood the top deck is made of, which is responsible for the sound. The most suitable trees for making this part of the guitar are the following:

Common spruce. Makes the sound brighter, louder, clearer. Some models have a top made of Sitka or Engelmann spruce, which softens the sound. There are instruments that were made using red spruce, but this species is very rare, so it is not difficult to imagine how much an acoustic guitar made from such wood costs.
Cedar. Makes the guitar sound sonorous, soft, enveloping.

Back material

Mahogany is used here, providing an even, clear, soft, balanced sound. The material allows you to listen and feel every note. This musical instrument will be appreciated by lovers of fingerpicking and soloing. Another tree species used to make the back and sides is rosewood, which sounds viscous and deep. There are occasionally units made from maple, walnut, bubinga, and other materials, but they all produce a sound similar to mahogany and rosewood.

Which acoustic guitar to buy

If you decide to buy an acoustic guitar, decide for what purpose you need it, what kind of music you want to play on it - this will help you choose the type of body. Study the types of materials used to make such products and decide which one you need. If you are a beginner musician, then it is better to buy an instrument, choosing from simple, inexpensive acoustic models and immediately take a set of spare strings. For professional musicians We present a rating of the most popular guitars from famous brands.

Not everyone can distinguish a classical guitar (classical) from an acoustic one (acoustics) at first glance. And now we’ll talk about what the difference is between these two types of guitars.

Let's start with a description of the classical guitar. Let's look at the picture of the classics:

At first glance, a classical guitar can be distinguished from an acoustic one by looking at the strings. The classical one has nylon strings, in a word, plastic.

Here's what nylon strings mean:

Don't pay attention to the mounting method. nylon strings To sill, because it may differ. But more often in a classical guitar, the strings are attached this way.

The neck also stands out - it is wider and, unlike acoustics, it is thinner. It is worth noting that it is easier to play such an instrument, because the pressure of the strings is practically not felt, and they also cut your fingers less. But the sound on such a guitar is, to put it mildly, not so great. That is, it is probably not suitable for you to play yard songs around the fire, much less record. Only classical music is played on classical music.

What is an acoustic guitar?

Let's look at the drawing of an acoustic guitar:

The biggest difference from the classical one is the strings. Here they are made of iron, and accordingly the sound is much brighter, richer, more saturated..

Such strings can be with different types braids:

copper;
aluminum;
silver plated;
gold plated braid, etc.

Besides the strings, the difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar is the neck. Here it is much narrower, but thicker. It’s more convenient to play, all fingers reach where they need to.

Also, the neck on an acoustic is mainly attached to the body using a bolt (anchor), whereas on a classic the neck is glued:

The anchor connection of the neck is better, because, firstly, such a connection is more reliable, and secondly, in the case of curvature of the neck, it (this curvature) can be edited using an anchor (hexagon).

Iron strings for a classical guitar?..

Many people wonder: " Is it possible to put iron strings on a classical guitar?" Answer: highly undesirable. That's why:

If you put iron (metal) strings on a classical guitar, the neck of the guitar may bend because iron strings have a ABOUT higher tension, and the classic bar is not designed for this.

For example, I once put iron strings on my classical guitar (by the way, the first guitar in my life). And not because I didn’t know about the consequences, but I just wanted to check. And yes, indeed, the neck was slightly bent. The main thing is that I changed the strings back to nylon in time. So I do not recommend conducting such experiments.

Conclusion

We can summarize that it is better to take an acoustic guitar with iron strings. Because we are not going to play classical music.