What's the Difference Between an Acoustic Guitar and a Classical Guitar?

The most obvious difference is the material of the strings. Instruments commonly referred to as “acoustic guitars (folk guitars)” are strung with metal strings made of steel or bronze. On the other hand, “classical guitars (gut guitars)” are strung with nylon or fluorocarbon strings (historically, gut strings made from sheep intestines).

This difference in material results in a dramatic difference in string tension. The total tension of an acoustic guitar’s strings reaches approximately 70 kg to 80 kg, whereas that of a classical guitar is only about 35 kg to 40 kg—roughly half the force. This difference in tension is directly linked to the differences in neck thickness and internal body structure, which will be discussed later.

The shape of the neck—which is gripped by the left hand—also differs significantly. The neck of an acoustic guitar is relatively thin, with a standard nut width (the width at the junction of the headstock and neck) of approximately 42 mm to 44 mm. Additionally, the fingerboard (the surface where the frets are set) has a gentle curve (radius), making it well-suited for playing chords using a “lock grip” style, where the thumb wraps around the top of the neck to secure the grip.

In contrast, the nut width of a classical guitar is designed to be very wide, at approximately 50 mm to 52 mm. Furthermore, the fingerboard is completely flat. This is because it is designed for the classical playing style, where the thumb is placed against the back of the neck and the fingers are held upright to precisely press down each individual string. The spacing between the strings (string spacing) is wide to prevent fingers from touching adjacent strings, even during complex fingerings.

Although not visible from the outside, there are clear differences in the arrangement of the internal reinforcing structure (bracing) within the body. Acoustic guitars employ a sturdy structure known as “X-bracing” to withstand the strong tension of metal strings. In contrast, classical guitars traditionally use “fan bracing,” in which wood is arranged radially, to maximize the resonance of the gentle vibrations produced by nylon strings.

Additionally, the joint where the neck meets the body differs. While most modern acoustic guitars are joined to the body at the 14th fret, classical guitars are typically joined at the 12th fret. As a result, the bridge (where the strings are anchored) on a classical guitar is positioned closer to the center of the body, producing a rich, full resonance.

The structure of the tuning pegs on the headstock also differs. While acoustic guitars generally feature a “solid headstock,” where the peg shafts protrude perpendicularly from the headstock plate, classical guitars employ a “slotted headstock,” in which two grooves are carved into the headstock and the shafts pass through them horizontally.

Furthermore, there is a difference in how the strings are secured to the body. Acoustic guitars use pins called “bridge pins” inserted into holes to secure the ball ends of the strings, whereas classical guitars lack ball ends and instead use a method (tie block) where the strings are threaded through holes in the bridge and tied directly.

Staff Comment

Even though we simply call them “acoustic guitars,” your options vary greatly depending on the genre you play and the sound you want to achieve!
Each type is packed with elements that, once you get hooked, you won’t be able to put down—it’s a lot of fun! If you’re just
vaguely thinking, “I’d like to try playing an acoustic guitar,” I recommend starting with a folk guitar!

It’s characterized by the bright, sharp high notes unique to steel strings and a long, lingering sustain. The powerful sound produced when strumming chords vigorously with a pick, as well as the crisp, clean cutting style, are unique charms of the acoustic guitar.

It is suitable for a very wide range of genres, playing a key role in much of modern popular music, including pop, rock, folk, country, and blues. When it comes to singer-songwriters accompanying themselves, the acoustic guitar is the first instrument that comes to mind. It’s also ideal for modern solo guitar playing that employs special techniques, such as “slap” playing, where you tap the body to produce percussion-like sounds. Take a look at actual instruments and try to imagine how the sound differs based on body size.

Its greatest appeal lies in the rounded, warm, and soft tone produced by its nylon strings. While it lacks the volume and sustain of an acoustic guitar, the angle of the player’s fingernails and the nuances of their touch are directly reflected in the tone, giving it a very rich expressiveness.

It is indispensable not only for classical music solos but also for genres such as bossa nova, flamenco, jazz, and Latin music. The basic playing style involves using the fingers (and fingernails) of the right hand—without a pick—to play multiple melodies and accompaniment simultaneously. In recent years, thanks to its gentle, soothing tone, it has gained immense popularity for playing ballads in popular music and for solo guitar sessions during relaxing moments on days off.

Acoustic Guitar Inventory List

To put it simply, the golden rule is to choose “the guitar used in the songs you most want to play.” If you want to perform singer-songwriter-style music like Aimyon or Gen Hoshino, go for an acoustic guitar; if you want to play bossa nova classics or classical pieces, choose a classical guitar.

Rather than relying on general advice like “this one is recommended for beginners,” choosing an instrument that keeps you motivated is the best secret to sticking with the guitar for the long haul. Try checking out videos to see what kind of guitar your favorite artists are playing.

A question we often hear from beginners is, “Acoustic guitars make my fingers hurt, so should I start with a classical guitar with softer strings?” It’s true that nylon strings are softer than metal strings, so they put less physical strain on your fingers when you fret the strings.

However, as mentioned earlier, the neck of a classical guitar is very thick, so people with smaller hands must spread their fingers wide to fret chords, which presents a different challenge. With an acoustic guitar, you’ll need to be patient until the skin on your fingertips toughens up a bit, but the thinner neck makes it easier to grip, and chord changes are relatively easy to learn.

Whichever guitar you choose, the most important factor is that the “string action” (the height from the fretboard to the strings) is properly adjusted. Choosing an instrument that has been thoroughly set up by a professional technician can significantly reduce the dropout rate among beginners.

Find a used guitar that’s been adjusted for ease of play

Staff Comment

Even though we simply call them “acoustic guitars,” your options vary greatly depending on the genre you play and the sound you want to achieve!
Each one is packed with elements that, once you get hooked, you’ll never want to let go—it’s a lot of fun! If you’re just
vaguely thinking, “I’d like to try playing an acoustic guitar,” we recommend starting with a folk guitar!

Players who usually strum with a pick will be surprised by the precision required in picking nuances and the depth of expression when they pick up a classical guitar. Whether for jazz improvisation or accompanying a mellow ballad, the warm tone of nylon strings becomes a unique asset.

For those who find the thick neck typical of classical guitars intimidating, we recommend models known as “Ele-Gatt” (electric gut guitar) or “crossover guitars.” While these feature nylon strings, they’re designed with a narrower nut width of approximately 46mm to 48mm, making the transition from acoustic or electric guitar incredibly smooth. The fact that they can be easily plugged into an amp for live performances is also a major draw for practical players.

Elegatt Inventory List

When looking for your second or third guitar, expanding your search beyond New instruments to include the used market multiplies the joy of instrument selection many times over. Vintage models from Martin and Gibson—brands that have shaped the history of acoustic guitars—produce a rich, mature sound that new instruments simply cannot match, thanks to the wood having dried out over many years.

For example, whether it’s a Martin D-28 that recreates pre-war specifications or a Gibson J-45 with its distinctive percussive tone, each instrument that has stood the test of time possesses its own unique character. Even with classical guitars, searching for used instruments crafted by legendary luthiers like José Ramírez or Ken Kono is a truly blissful experience. Why not set out to find the one that’s meant for you?The “matured tone” found only in instruments that have been played for many years will lend your performance a profound sense of conviction.

Staff Comment

When choosing an acoustic guitar, the time spent considering specifications—such as materials and body shapes—can be both a challenge and a joy! The points mentioned
above are merely general trends; there’s no rule stating that a particular guitar “can’t be used for this genre” or “isn’t suitable.” Don’t overthink
it—feel free to pick up any guitar that catches your eye!

“I used to sing and play, but now I’m obsessed with solo guitar, so I want a guitar suited for fingerpicking.” “I need the sound of nylon strings, but my budget is tight.” In cases like these, trading in the guitar you no longer play is the smartest move.

A guitar is happier being properly maintained and played by the next owner than sitting unused in a case. Furthermore, high-quality guitars are always in high demand on the used market, and it’s not uncommon to receive a buyback price higher than expected. By trading in your guitar, you greatly increase your chances of being able to afford high-end models or vintage guitars that you might have otherwise had to give up on due to budget constraints.

When selling a musical instrument, it is crucial to choose a store that specializes in musical instruments rather than a general recycling shop. Acoustic and classical guitars, in particular, involve a wide range of factors to evaluate, such as the type of wood used (whether it’s a rare wood like rosewood), the degree of neck warping, the condition of the bracing, and the historical value as a vintage instrument.

At stores without specialized knowledge, there is a risk that these factors will be overlooked, resulting in an unfairly low offer. By having your instrument appraised by expert staff, you can be assured that its true value will be accurately determined. If the specialty shop also has in-house repair capabilities, it can offer a fair price even for instruments in somewhat poor condition.

Click here for reliable instrument buyback and free appraisals by expert staff

Learn more about high-value acoustic guitar buybacks

Staff Comment

Scale length, nut width, and neck shape are crucial factors that affect both playability and sound! It would be counterproductive to prioritize a specific
sound profile only to end up with an instrument that’s difficult to play, so we recommend first finding a combination that feels comfortable for you to play!

The brilliant tone of an acoustic guitar and the warm resonance of a classical guitar each have distinct structural differences and genres they excel in! Beginners can choose intuitively based on the songs they want to play, while experienced players might want to explore switching instruments or venturing into the world of vintage models in search of new ways to express themselves!
If you’re unsure about choosing or upgrading your instrument, consult a trusted specialty store to find the perfect guitar just for you!

Author: Mochizuki (Advance Guitars Staff)

In my personal life, I mainly play electric guitar. Drawing on my boundless love and interest in instruments—so much so that I keep playing guitar even during work breaks—I share the appeal of acoustic guitars using some of Advance Guitars’ finest strumming techniques.

Qualifications and Experience: 4 years as a musical instrument appraiser

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