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

Fender CN-140SCE Black

£329.00 £369.99

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha CG142SBL Black

(1)

£329.00 £454.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha CG142S Classical Spruce

£329.00 £454.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Fender CN-140SCE Natural

£369.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Alvarez Artist Series AC65CE Classical

(6)

£399.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba C5 Crossover Limited

£399.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha CG162C Cedar

(3)

£399.00 £526.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

(1)

£399.00 £539.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

(2)

£399.00 £539.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha NTX1BL Black

(1)

£399.00 £539.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha NTX1BS Brown Sunburst

£399.00 £539.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Santos Martinez Raymond Burley Signature Classic Guitar

£399.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Santos Martinez Preludio Cutaway Electro-Classic Guitar Natural High Gloss

£399.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Sigma CR-10 Classical Spruce

£399.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba C5-CE with Fishman

(5)

£429.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Natural Flat

£429.00 £469.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Brown Sunburst Flat

£429.00 £469.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Indigo Blue Metallic Flat

£429.00 £469.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ibanez FRH10N Rose Gold Metallic Flat

£429.00 £469.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Alvarez Artist Series AC70

£449.00 £499.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba F7 Flamenco

(6)

£449.00 £510.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Santos Martinez Allegro Cutaway Electro-Classic Guitar Natural High Gloss

£449.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba C7 Cedar

(6)

£461.00 £504.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha NCX1FM Flame Maple

(1)

£469.00 £658.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cort Sunset Nylectric II Natural

£499.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ibanez AEWC300N Natural Browned Burst High Gloss

£539.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha CG182SF Flamenco

(3)

£549.00 £673.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha CG192C Solid Cedar

£549.00 £758.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cort Sunset Nylectric Deluxe Tobacco Sunburst

£549.00 £649.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

New Arrival

Yamaha NTX3 Brown Sunburst (Pre-Owned) #1Q0310718

£579.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba Stage Black Burst

£599.00 £624.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba Stage

(2)

£599.00 £624.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba GK Studio Negra Cutaway with Fishman

(2)

£619.00 £674.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha CG-TA Transacoustic

(5)

£619.00 £853.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Cordoba C7-CE with Fishman

(2)

£639.00 £685.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Alvarez Artist Series AC70Hce Armrest

£659.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Godin Etude Nylon String Guitar

£699.00 £779.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Taylor Academy 12e-N Grand Concert Walnut

£699.00 £749.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Ex-Demo

Yamaha NTX3BSB Brown Sunburst (Ex-Demo) #IIN260442

£699.00 £799.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

Yamaha SLG200NII Silent Guitar Nylon Natural

£699.00 £978.00

Get it Saturday, Jul 12

or FREE delivery on Monday

In Stock

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Expert Advice

Classical / Nylon String Guitars

Filter

Fender CN-140SCE Black

Yamaha CG142SBL Black

Yamaha CG142S Classical Spruce

Fender CN-140SCE Natural

Alvarez Artist Series AC65CE Classical

Cordoba C5 Crossover Limited

Yamaha CG162C Cedar

Yamaha NCX1CNT Natural

Yamaha NTX1NT Natural

Yamaha NTX1BL Black

Yamaha NTX1BS Brown Sunburst

Santos Martinez Raymond Burley Signature Classic Guitar

Santos Martinez Preludio Cutaway Electro-Classic Guitar Natural High Gloss

Sigma CR-10 Classical Spruce

Cordoba C5-CE with Fishman

Ibanez FRH10N Natural Flat

Ibanez FRH10N Brown Sunburst Flat

Ibanez FRH10N Indigo Blue Metallic Flat

Ibanez FRH10N Rose Gold Metallic Flat

Alvarez Artist Series AC70

Cordoba F7 Flamenco

Santos Martinez Allegro Cutaway Electro-Classic Guitar Natural High Gloss

Cordoba C7 Cedar

Yamaha NCX1FM Flame Maple

Cort Sunset Nylectric II Natural

Ibanez AEWC300N Natural Browned Burst High Gloss

Yamaha CG182SF Flamenco

Yamaha CG192C Solid Cedar

Cort Sunset Nylectric Deluxe Tobacco Sunburst

Yamaha NTX3 Brown Sunburst (Pre-Owned) #1Q0310718

Cordoba Stage Black Burst

Cordoba Stage

Cordoba GK Studio Negra Cutaway with Fishman

Yamaha CG-TA Transacoustic

Cordoba C7-CE with Fishman

Alvarez Artist Series AC70Hce Armrest

Godin Etude Nylon String Guitar

Taylor Academy 12e-N Grand Concert Walnut

Yamaha NTX3BSB Brown Sunburst (Ex-Demo) #IIN260442

Yamaha SLG200NII Silent Guitar Nylon Natural

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