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.

What is the most popular classical guitar?

The Yamaha CS40 and C40 are two of our bestselling classical guitars. They both offer excellent value for money and are a great choice for beginners.

Are nylon string guitars good?

Yes, nylon string guitars are very good thanks to their distinctive sound and comfortable body size.

What is the difference between classical and nylon string guitars?

The use of nylon strings is a defining feature of the classical guitar.

Are expensive classical guitars worth it?

Absolutely. Special wood choices, premium craft and excellent playability are all part of what makes expensive classical guitars worth it.

Classical / Nylon String Guitars

Yamaha CS40 Classical 3/4 Size

(27)

£129.00 £157.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar

(44)

£139.00 £168.00

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In Stock

Special Offer

Jose Ferrer Estudiante 3/4 Classical 5209B

(8)

£69.00 £75.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Tree Of Death Transparent Black Flat

(1)

£599.00 £659.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

EastCoast C1-34 3/4 Size Classical Satin Natural

(4)

£89.00

Stock Arriving Soon

Valencia 3/4 Narrow Neck Classical VC203H

(28)

£99.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Yamaha CGS102AII 1/2 Classical Guitar

(8)

£119.00 £149.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Yamaha CG122MC Classical Cedar

(14)

£279.00 £343.00

FREE Delivery

Stock Arriving Soon

Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

(2)

£399.00 £503.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Yamaha C40 Classical Black

(10)

£139.00 £178.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

EastCoast C1-12 1/2 Size Classical Satin Natural

(1)

£79.00

Stock Arriving Soon

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

(1)

£179.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Takamine GC6CE Electro Classical Cutaway Black

(1)

£439.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

(4)

£199.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Brown Sunburst Flat

£429.00 £479.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Yamaha CG-TA Transacoustic

(6)

£649.00 £797.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Yamaha CX40II Classical

£149.00 £187.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

In Stock

Cordoba C10 Crossover Slim Neck

(1)

£1,239.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Natural Flat

£429.00 £479.00

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FREE Delivery

In Stock

Yamaha C40MII Matte

(3)

£139.00 £168.00

Stock Arriving Soon

Cordoba Fusion 12 Natural Cedar Cutaway with Fishman Presys

(2)

£619.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

(3)

£519.00 £549.00

Get it Monday, Feb 23

FREE Delivery

In Stock

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Classical / Nylon String Guitars

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Yamaha CS40 Classical 3/4 Size

Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar

Jose Ferrer Estudiante 3/4 Classical 5209B

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 VC203H

Yamaha CGS102AII 1/2 Classical Guitar

Yamaha CG122MC Classical Cedar

Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

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

Takamine GC6CE Electro Classical Cutaway Black

EastCoast C1S-44 Full Size Classical Solid Top Satin Natural

Alvarez Artist Series AC65HCE Hybrid Classical

Yamaha CG122MS Classical Spruce

Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

Alvarez Artist Series AC65CE Classical

ESP LTD TL-6 Natural

Alvarez Artist Series AC65 Classical

Yamaha NTX3NT Natural

Yamaha NTX1BL Black

Cordoba C9 Cedar

Fender CN-60S Natural Walnut Fingerboard

Ibanez FRH10N Brown Sunburst Flat

Yamaha CG-TA Transacoustic

Yamaha CX40II Classical

Cordoba C10 Crossover Slim Neck

Ibanez FRH10N Natural Flat

Yamaha C40MII Matte

Cordoba Fusion 12 Natural Cedar Cutaway with Fishman Presys

Cort AC70 Open Pore

Yamaha NCX3C Red Cedar

Yamaha NTX1BS Brown Sunburst

Yamaha SLG200NII Silent Guitar Nylon Natural

Ibanez GA35TCE Dark Violin Sunburst

Yamaha NTX3 Brown Sunburst

Yamaha CG142S Classical Spruce

Taylor 314ce-N Nylon Grand Auditorium

Yamaha CG182SF Flamenco

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