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

Cort CEC3 Natural Satin

£309.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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New

Fender CN-140SCE Natural

£329.00 £369.99

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Ibanez AEG50N Black High Gloss

£329.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG122MC Classical Cedar

(12)

£329.00 £367.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG122MS Classical Spruce

(7)

£329.00 £367.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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New

Manuel Rodriguez Mod C3 (Pre-Owned)

£369.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CGX102 Classical Guitar

(2)

£379.00 £428.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG142SBL Black

(1)

£399.00 £454.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG142C

(2)

£399.00 £454.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Sigma CR-10 Classical Spruce

£399.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG142S Classical Spruce

£399.00 £454.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Almansa 401 Classical

(3)

£399.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba C5-CE with Fishman

(4)

£399.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba C5 Crossover Limited

£399.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CGX122MS Spruce

£399.00 £449.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CGX122MC Cedar

£399.00 £449.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba F7 Flamenco

(5)

£449.00 £499.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cort Sunset Nylectric Black

(1)

£449.00 £499.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Ibanez FRH10N Rose Gold Metallic Flat

£469.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Ibanez AEWC300N Natural Browned Burst High Gloss

£469.00 £539.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba C7 Spruce

(1)

£479.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Alvarez Artist Series AC70

£499.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cort Classical CEC7 Natural

£499.00 £579.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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New

Juan Montes Rodriguez Flamenco Redgum Special (Pre-Owned)

£499.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha NCX1NT Natural

(1)

£499.00 £539.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

(1)

£499.00 £539.00

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Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

(2)

£499.00 £539.00

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Yamaha NTX1BL Black

(1)

£499.00 £539.00

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Yamaha NTX1BS Brown Sunburst

£499.00 £539.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha SLG200N Tobacco Brown Sunburst (Pre-Owned)

£549.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha NCX1FM Flame Maple

(1)

£599.00 £658.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cort Sunset Nylectric Deluxe Tobacco Sunburst

£599.00 £649.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Almansa 403 Classical

£599.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba Stage

£599.00 £624.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba Stage Natural Amber Hybrid Classical Guitar

£599.00 £619.00

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Yamaha CG182S Spruce

£599.00 £673.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG182C Cedar

£599.00 £673.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Yamaha CG182SF Flamenco

(2)

£599.00 £673.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Taylor Academy 12-N Grand Concert

(3)

£649.00 £874.80

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Cordoba C7-CE with Fishman

(2)

£649.00 £685.00

Get it Sunday, Apr 21

or FREE delivery on Monday

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Expert Advice

Classical / Nylon String Guitars

Filter

Cort CEC3 Natural Satin

Fender CN-140SCE Natural

Ibanez AEG50N Black High Gloss

Yamaha CG122MC Classical Cedar

Yamaha CG122MS Classical Spruce

Manuel Rodriguez Mod C3 (Pre-Owned)

Yamaha CGX102 Classical Guitar

Yamaha CG142SBL Black

Yamaha CG142C

Sigma CR-10 Classical Spruce

Yamaha CG142S Classical Spruce

Almansa 401 Classical

Cordoba C5-CE with Fishman

Cordoba C5 Crossover Limited

Yamaha CGX122MS Spruce

Yamaha CGX122MC Cedar

Cordoba F7 Flamenco

Cort Sunset Nylectric Black

Ibanez FRH10N Rose Gold Metallic Flat

Ibanez AEWC300N Natural Browned Burst High Gloss

Cordoba C7 Spruce

Alvarez Artist Series AC70

Cort Classical CEC7 Natural

Juan Montes Rodriguez Flamenco Redgum Special (Pre-Owned)

Yamaha NCX1NT Natural

Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

Yamaha NTX1BL Black

Yamaha NTX1BS Brown Sunburst

Yamaha SLG200N Tobacco Brown Sunburst (Pre-Owned)

Yamaha NCX1FM Flame Maple

Cort Sunset Nylectric Deluxe Tobacco Sunburst

Almansa 403 Classical

Cordoba Stage

Cordoba Stage Natural Amber Hybrid Classical Guitar

Yamaha CG182S Spruce

Yamaha CG182C Cedar

Yamaha CG182SF Flamenco

Taylor Academy 12-N Grand Concert

Cordoba C7-CE with Fishman

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