Classical vs acoustic guitar. What is the difference?

The main difference is the use of nylon strings instead of steel strings. This changes the sound and feel. It also means that classical guitars do not require a truss rod within the neck for strength. Classical guitars tend to have flatter fingerboards and can have slightly thicker necks.

Can you play a classical guitar like an acoustic?

There is certainly no rule to say that you can't! Since they both have 6 strings and are traditionally in the same standard tuning, you can play acoustic songs on a classical guitar. It will sound a bit different due to the nylon strings but some may actually prefer that sound.

Can you use acoustic strings on a classical guitar?

No, we would strongly advise against the use of steel strings on a classical / nylon string guitar. Since classical guitars do not have a truss rod inside their necks like steel string guitars do, steel strings are not suitable. The added tension could easily damage the guitar's neck permanently and beyond repair.

Are all nylon string guitars classical?

The use of nylon strings is a defining feature of the classical guitar. These strings gives it a distinctive sound and feel that sets it apart from the modern acoustic guitar. You can get nylon string guitars with electric capabilities but these are still generally considered to be a form of classical guitar.

Classical / Nylon String Guitars

Yamaha CS40 Classical 3/4 Size

(24)

£149.00 £168.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar

(36)

£149.00 £180.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Tree Of Death Transparent Black Flat

£659.00

FREE Delivery

Available to Order

EastCoast C1-34 3/4 Size Classical Satin Natural

(3)

£89.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

Valencia 3/4 Narrow Neck Classical VC203NA

(23)

£89.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

Yamaha CGS102AII 1/2 Classical Guitar

(8)

£149.00 £160.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

EastCoast C1-44 Full Size Classical Satin Natural

£99.00

Available to Order

(7)

£119.00 £129.99

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

Taylor Academy 12e-N Grand Concert

£749.00 £958.80

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha C40 Classical Black

(10)

£169.00 £190.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

EastCoast C1-12 1/2 Size Classical Satin Natural

£79.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

EastCoast C1SE-44 Full Size Classical Solid Top With Pickup Satin Natural

(1)

£179.00

Available to Order

Cordoba Stage Natural Amber Hybrid Classical Guitar

£599.00 £619.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE Hybrid Classical

(1)

£399.00

FREE Delivery

Available to Order

EastCoast C1S-44 Full Size Classical Solid Top Satin Natural

£149.00

Available to Order

Yamaha CG122MS Classical Spruce

(7)

£329.00 £367.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Takamine GC6CE Electro Classical Cutaway Natural

(1)

£379.00 £579.00

Out of Stock

Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

(1)

£499.00 £539.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Alvarez Artist Series AC65CE Classical

(6)

£399.00

FREE Delivery

Available to Order

Cordoba C7 Cedar

(5)

£479.00

FREE Delivery

Available to Order

Taylor Academy 12-N Grand Concert

(3)

£649.00 £874.80

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

EastCoast guitarguitar Acoustic Pack 3/4 Size

£99.00 £109.98

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

(4)

£179.00 £199.99

Get it Sunday, May 19

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Brown Sunburst Flat

£425.00 £469.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

£749.00 £775.00

FREE Delivery

Available to Order

Cordoba C10 Crossover Slim Neck

(1)

£1,149.00 £1,212.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba C12 Cedar

(4)

£1,799.00 £1,929.00

Get it Sunday, May 19

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Natural Flat

£425.00 £469.00

FREE Delivery

Available to Order

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Expert Advice

Classical / Nylon String Guitars

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Yamaha CS40 Classical 3/4 Size

Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar

Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Tree Of Death Transparent Black Flat

EastCoast C1-34 3/4 Size Classical Satin Natural

Valencia 3/4 Narrow Neck Classical VC203NA

Yamaha CGS102AII 1/2 Classical Guitar

EastCoast C1-44 Full Size Classical Satin Natural

Fender ESC80 3/4 Classical Guitar

Yamaha CG122MC Classical Cedar

Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

Fender ESC105 Classical Narrow Neck

Taylor Academy 12e-N Grand Concert

Yamaha C40 Classical Black

EastCoast C1-12 1/2 Size Classical Satin Natural

EastCoast C1SE-44 Full Size Classical Solid Top With Pickup Satin Natural

Cordoba Stage Natural Amber Hybrid Classical Guitar

Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE Hybrid Classical

EastCoast C1S-44 Full Size Classical Solid Top Satin Natural

Yamaha CG122MS Classical Spruce

Takamine GC6CE Electro Classical Cutaway Natural

Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

Alvarez Artist Series AC65CE Classical

Cordoba C7 Cedar

Taylor Academy 12-N Grand Concert

EastCoast guitarguitar Acoustic Pack 3/4 Size

Alvarez Artist Series AC65 Classical

Yamaha NTX3NT Natural

Yamaha NTX1BL Black

Cordoba C5-CE with Fishman

Cordoba C5 Cedar

Cordoba C9 Cedar

Fender CN-60S Natural Walnut Fingerboard

Ibanez FRH10N Brown Sunburst Flat

Yamaha CX40II Classical

Yamaha CG-TA Transacoustic

Cordoba C9 Crossover Cedar Slim Neck

Cordoba Fusion 12 Maple

Cordoba C10 Crossover Slim Neck

Cordoba C12 Cedar

Ibanez FRH10N Natural Flat

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