These days, kids are exposed to all kinds of music, and many want to learn how to play an instrument. Guitars are particularly popular, and parents often face the question of which type to buy for their child – classical or acoustic?
Classical guitars are better than acoustic guitars for children. They have soft, round-wound nylon strings that are easy on the fingers. They also have wide necks, making them more comfortable to play with. Acoustic guitars are larger and have thick steel strings that can be harder on the fingers.
In this article, I’ll explore both types of guitars to discover how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and the best kind of guitar for a child. Let’s get started!
If you want to find out what my recommended guitar gear is, then here is what I recommend on Amazon:
- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
- Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner (Easiest Tuner I’ve Used)
- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
Classical vs. Acoustic Guitar for Child: What Is a Classical Guitar?
A classical guitar is a stringed instrument with a long slender neck and a round, hexagonal sound box. It is a descendant of the Spanish vihuela and baroque guitar.
The typical classical guitar has six nylon strings wound around metal cores. This combination produces a warm, rich tone that is well-suited to classical and flamenco music. The strings are stretched over a bridge on top of the soundboard. The strings are plucked with the right hand while the left hand presses down on the fingerboard to create different notes.
The neck of a classical guitar is broader than that of an acoustic guitar, which makes it easier to hold the chords. The strings are also spaced further apart, making hitting notes easier.
How Classical Guitars Work
Classical guitars are held on the lap and are played with the fingers, not a pick. The strings are plucked with the right hand, while the left is used to press the strings against the fingerboard, changing the tension on the string and altering its pitch. This type of guitar playing is called fingerstyle.
Fingerstyle playing produces a softer sound than strumming with a pick. It is also more delicate and nuanced, which makes it ideal for classical and flamenco music.
As the strings are plucked, they vibrate and create sound waves that travel through the air and are amplified by the guitar’s resonant chamber (sound box). The sound box is the primary source of the guitar’s distinctive tone.
The standard sitting position is to have the guitar’s body tilted so that the sound hole points away from the player’s body. This position allows the right hand to pluck the strings over the
sound hole while the left hand has easy access to the strings.
Classical guitars are played without amplification. However, they can be plugged into an amplifier or PA system using a pickup and 1/4″ audio cable for increased volume. Pickups can be installed on them but are not as common because the nylon strings produce a minimal signal.
The most quintessential quality of a classical guitar’s so