What is the difference between an electro-acoustic guitar? Classical and acoustic guitar

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 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. Classic has nylon strings They are, in a word, plastic.

Here's what nylon strings mean:

Do not pay attention to the way the nylon strings are attached to the nut, as it may vary. 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 neck is not intended 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.

The decision to buy a guitar will sooner or later present you with a choice: acoustic or classical. There is, of course, a third option, an electric guitar, but this solution is not suitable for everyone. Let's look at the main differences between acoustics and classics and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.

The classical guitar has this name for a reason. This instrument is designed to perform classical music, plays and romances. Its design is almost no different from the old ones spanish guitars. It is not for nothing that such a guitar is sometimes called a Spanish guitar. This is what you should buy for a music school student.

Design features of a classical guitar

Nylon strings. This is one of the main characteristics of a classical guitar. Nylon strings sound softer, deeper and quieter than metal strings. Attempts by would-be musicians to enhance the sound by replacing strings usually end in instrument breakage, since classics are designed for the gentle pressure of nylon. It is also gentle on the fingers of beginning musicians; the soft strings do not require excessive effort when pressing chords.


The fastening of the strings is also different; they are tied with a special knot. Sometimes you can see unusual hybrids: classical guitars with metal strings. In most cases, these are products of Soviet factories, used for gatherings around the fire or backyard concerts. Serious companies rarely produce such instruments. In addition to nylon, there are carbon strings and veins made from animal intestines.

Case size. The classical guitar is smaller and often more graceful than its acoustic counterparts.

Neck width. The neck of a classical guitar is quite wide, usually on it 19 frets, twelve of which are located between the body and the headstock. Often made from a single piece of wood. The large distance between the strings allows you to conveniently play by picking and pressing individual notes. In other words, this neck is ideal for finger picking. Deflections are not allowed.

Acoustic guitar is also called variety. Its history is closely connected with America, with styles such as jazz and country. This instrument became popular only recently, in the twentieth century. Acoustic guitars come in a wide variety of styles. They come in different sizes, with or without electronic filling, and even the number of strings varies. Besides the above mentioned styles, great for performing modern music, including pop and rock. More convenient for playing with a pick than with a finger technique.

Design features of an acoustic guitar

Metal strings. Their sound is much richer, richer and brighter than that of nylon ones. In addition, it is an order of magnitude louder. The braided strings add additional quality to the sound. Manufacturers are constantly competing to produce strings braided from different metals. To produce an effective sound, the performer has to make great efforts. Learning chords, especially closed chords, can be a serious challenge for a beginning musician. You can make the task a little easier by installing thinner strings, but you cannot achieve the softness of nylon strings.

Number of strings. While classical guitars are exclusively six-string, acoustic guitars can have four, six, seven, or even twelve strings. However, most musicians use six-string instruments.

Large sizes. The speaker housing is larger and stronger. In combination with metal strings, a large resonator allows you to get a really powerful sound. Often the manufacturer makes a special cutout that makes it relatively easy to play the last frets. Characteristic element acoustic guitar - pickguard. This is a pad on the body that protects the deck from pick blows.

Narrow neck. The neck design of an acoustic guitar has a number of differences. It is noticeably narrower than the classical one, the strings are located closer friend to a friend. This makes it easier to play chords, and when playing strumming the sound is more complete. An anchor is often installed inside the neck. This is a metal rod with the help of which the bend of the neck is adjusted, which is quite acceptable for acoustic guitars. Another difference - larger number frets

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

Classical Guitar – 6-string plucked instrument, which 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 Parameters:

• 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).

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

The sound of classical guitars is deep, gentle and soft. That's why they perform Spanish and classical works, these instruments are taught to play music schools and vocational schools.

Distinctive characteristics of acoustic guitars

Acoustic guitar It is distinguished by a thinner, longer, somewhat rounded neck (sometimes with a metal rod). 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:

1. Dreadnought. The case was developed by Martin. It is large, almost rectangular, with a wide “waist” and an extended bottom. Their feature is volume and low-frequency timbre. Cutaway models are known as Western guitars.
2. Folk is an instrument that has retained its form classical instrument, but has all the characteristics of a steel guitar.
3. 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

Once, when I came to a music store to buy my first instrument, I asked to give me a classical guitar, but with iron strings. What was the following dialogue:

- so what kind of guitar do you want? Classical or acoustic?

- What is the difference between classical and acoustic guitar models?

— there are differences, now I’ll tell you them and show both guitars.

Let us tell you the difference between these guitars and which one is better.

When choosing this musical instrument, at first you may encounter two of its most popular definitions - classical and acoustic model. People who want to learn to play the guitar often ask the same question on various forums - which of the two varieties of this musical instrument better and preferable. As in many cases, there is no clear and specific answer to this question. It all depends on the individual case. But, nevertheless, after reading this article, every reader will understand what the difference is and will be able to consciously decide and make the necessary choice of the model that suits him.

Classic model

The history of the classical guitar goes back several hundred years and dates back to the eighteenth century. The ancestor country of the “classics” is Spain, which is why such a guitar is sometimes called “Spanish flu” among the common people.

Features and properties:

The Classic model instrument is distinguished by a relatively small body (amateurs call it a drum), which adds convenience and grace to it. The body, as a rule, is made of valuable coniferous wood - cedar, spruce, etc.
This variety has a wide neck, which has either a solid cross-section consisting of one solid piece of wood, or has a composite character (several wooden blanks stacked on top of each other). As a rule, there are nineteen frets on the neck of the classic version (a fret is the distance between two vertically located metal rods).
The neck is attached to the body using glue.

The musical instrument is equipped with nylon (plastic-based material) strings, which may be black or white. Strings made from such material do not give of great importance resonance, which results in a quiet and soft sound.
The genres of music most suitable for playing on this type of guitar are Spanish, Latin American compositions, as well as ballads, plays, and romances.
Due to its simplicity and convenience, this musical instrument is often used for teaching in educational institutions.
The classic model is perfect for beginners due to its small size, soft strings and comfortable neck.

Acoustic model

This variety does not have such rich history, as in the case of “classics”. The acoustic model is about one hundred years old. The instrument gained worldwide fame, coming from America, where such instruments flourished in the mid-twentieth century. musical styles, like jazz and folk. After all, works of these genres, performed to the accompaniment of acoustics, sound very picturesque and attractive.

Properties and features:

The musical instrument has a large body, which, in part, provides deep sound.
In the middle of the section, along the entire length of the “acoustic” neck, there is a metal rod - an anchor. This element ensures the strength of the neck structure and protects it from breaking, since the strings are stretched with great force and create considerable bending force. In addition, a metal anchor adjusts the position of the neck relative to the body.
The neck is glued to the body like a classical guitar.

The musical instrument is equipped with metal strings, which, creating large values resonance with the body, provide the sound features of “acoustics”. The strings may have an outer braid of various materials. The metal of the winding affects the sound. For example:

• Phosphorus-bronze. Strings with this combination of material have thicker, rich bass and a velvety sound, but less clear high frequencies. The braid of these strings has a bronze-orange color.
• Bronze-tin. Strings that are optimal for the level of high and low frequencies; in most cases, these are the strings that famous manufacturers of musical instruments install on their guitars. Yellow-golden braid
• Steel or nickel steel. The common people call them “silver”, although of course there is no silver there. Characterized by a distinct bright ringing sound. Silver-gray braid.

Important: It should be noted that the use in classic version metal strings are unacceptable, since the absence of a steel anchor in the neck of the “classics” can lead to its breakage due to the high tension force of such strings.

Works that are relevant for performance to the accompaniment of “acoustics” belong to the styles of rock and roll, pop, chanson, folk music and any yard melodies.

This guitar will be a little difficult to learn, since the metal strings cut your fingers more. But if you are willing to endure for three weeks, then the sound will certainly please you.

Choosing between two tools

When making a choice, a beginner should focus on the following points:

The metal strings of an acoustic guitar, due to the rigidity of the material and strong tension, are capable of short time provide calluses to the fingers of an untrained person. Of course, this phenomenon is temporary and over a period of time the fingers will harden, no longer causing discomfort when playing, but at first the player will be accompanied by unpleasant sensations.

The soft nylon strings of the classic model are much better in this regard. In addition, due to the low tension force, they are less likely to tear.

The number of strings in a “classical” is always six, while an “acoustic” can have from six to twelve strings (a twelve-string guitar).

For young musicians the small body of the classic model will be preferable in contrast to “acoustics”, the overall dimensions of which require getting used to.

Manufacturing materials

If we talk about the material from which the body is made, there are two main options - wood or plywood.

• Wood provides a dull and noble character to the sound, but on the other hand, a body made of valuable wood species significantly increases the cost of a musical instrument. Don’t forget about storage - wood does not tolerate temperature changes and conditions of high humidity, which negatively affects sound quality.
• Plywood is more resistant to moisture, temperature changes or direct sunlight. The cost of such guitars is usually not high; famous guitars will cost from 90 US dollars or 6,500 rubles. But such guitars do not have a good and deep sound.

It was noted above that the neck of the “classics” is wider and in the case of playing using special “barre” chords, left wrist will experience pain during the first stages of use, due to the need to completely cover the bar with your fingers.

Another difference between the two models is the lack of a truss rod in the classic neck.

The anchor provides greater structural reliability and resistance to external environment, as well as the ability to adjust the deflection of the neck. Although more and more often budget models of classical guitars have a truss rod in the neck.

When playing an acoustic guitar, a mediator is often used - a special plate made of metal or plastic that adds volume to the sound. Such a device is not applicable to the “classics”, unlike the first option.

Resume

Having examined the features, properties and differences of each of the guitars, it will become much easier to choose one of the two options considered and say which model is best for you.

However, all the above points relate, by and large, to physical characteristics, which are not always decisive.

First of all, it’s worth putting your own musical preferences. “Acoustics” are capable of producing much louder, clearer and higher tones. Therefore, if the player gravitates towards pop styles, rock and roll, jazz, blues or folk, then feel free to take an acoustic guitar, and you will not regret your choice.

But the classic one shouldn’t be written off either. This type of instrument is ideal for performing classical compositions, fiery Spanish melodies, romances and plays. and also great for learning.

Over time, you will have both models, since each of them is unique and cannot replace the other.

Very often we are asked the same question: “How is a classical guitar different from an acoustic guitar?” In this material we will describe all the similarities and differences between these guitars.

To begin with, we note that the concept of “acoustic guitar” carries with it double meaning. On the one hand, this is very broad concept- a type of guitar that has a body with a cavity and a resonator hole. On the other hand, there is a narrower meaning of this word. An acoustic guitar is often called a pop guitar. American type with Western, Dreadnought, Jumbo hulls...
That is, one word “acoustic” can describe different guitars, hence all the confusion. As ridiculous as it may sound, let's put it this way: classical and acoustic guitars are subtypes of acoustic guitar.
Now, for clarity, let’s consider two narrow types of guitars, which are usually discussed when comparing classical and acoustic guitars.

Classical guitar

The classical guitar is one of the most ancient types of guitars. Previously, classical compositions were performed on it, but nowadays the scope of its application is wider. Yet it is a more traditional and conservative instrument compared to other types of guitars. The classical guitar is often recommended for teaching in music schools. Here good example entry level tool: Martinez C-91/N

Peculiarities:

• Frame: medium-sized (compared to Western guitars), classic shape
• Vulture: wide (width at the sill - 52 mm)
• Strings: Nowadays, 99% of classical guitars have nylon strings. Soviet guitars with metal strings is a relic of the past. It is extremely rare to find classics with metal these days.
• Game method: predominantly finger technique
• Sound: warm, soft, velvety
• Advantages of the classical guitar: easier to learn; easier to clamp strings; it is easier to perform classical works; comparatively lower cost

Acoustic guitar

Acoustic guitar in in the narrow sense the word is an instrument that goes back to American culture beginning of the 20th century. This guitar is played in non-classical styles: country, blues, rock. Although you can also play the classics, no one will forbid you from doing so :)

Peculiarities:

• Frame: mostly large. Case shape may vary. Note that the body shape of the "folk" type is comparable in size to a classical guitar (for example, COLOMBO LF-3800 SB). Such a guitar will easily fit into a case for “classics”. The other shapes (dreadnought, jumbo, auditorium...) are larger than the classical guitar.
• Vulture: narrow (43-45 mm at the sill)
• Strings: metal.
• Game method: finger and mediator techniques. You can use the technique of tightening the strings (“bend”)
• Sound: bright, loud, ringing.
• There is often a cutout and a protective “drop” on the body (to prevent the body from being scratched by the pick)
• There is a truss rod in the neck. It is needed to regulate the deflection of the neck
• Advantages of an acoustic guitar: loud sound, convenient belt mounts, convenient to play with a pick, easy to use bends

So, upon closer examination, classical and acoustic guitars have both similarities and many differences. And yet which one to choose? Which guitar is better, acoustic or classical? In this matter, we will not advise one thing. For the most part, it's all a matter of taste and personal choice. If you are in doubt, we recommend that you simply listen to the sound of different guitars and choose the one you like best. After all, the most enjoyable thing is to learn to play the guitar whose sound you like best.

Rely on your hearing! Choose the guitar whose sound you like best, and to do this, watch the video comparison: