The WoW Style

When seeing some acoustic guitar players on the stage, you may want to imitate and learn from these cool guys. However, many of the new learners have brought classical guitars home since the difference between acoustic and classical can be very confusing. Even though these two guitars might seem pretty similar, they tend to have a lot of differences when you dive into the nuances. For example, guitar string sets are one of the key factors in distinguishing them. Check out more factors below!

8 Factors that differentiate Acoustic from Classical guitars 

Guitar String Set: 

The material between the guitar string sets of the acoustic and classical guitar is the most notable difference. Nylon guitar string sets are commonly used in Classic guitars, while you are going to see steel strings on Acoustic guitars. Nylon strings are thicker and produce a more melodious and softer sound than steel strings. Acoustic guitar string sets are mainly made of steel with a coating around the steel core.

Guitar Neck Size: 

Compared to classical guitars, acoustic guitars have narrow necks. The fretboard in acoustic guitar tends to be a bit slimmer than the classical counterpart. That means there is less spacing between the guitar strings set in acoustic. 

Fingerboard Shape: 

When it comes to the fingerboard, the fingerboard of an acoustic guitar is noticeably narrower. The fingerboard of classical guitars doesn’t have fret markers (or dots) along with the board. 

Body Size & Shape: 

In general, acoustic guitars are bigger than their classical counterparts. The back of the acoustic is more rounded with a wider waist, resulting in a much thicker sound from the acoustic guitar string sets compared to classical guitars

Guitar Bridge: 

Another big difference between classical and acoustics is at the bridge, where you fasten the end of the strings next to the sound hole. Acoustic guitar strings are tied to the bridge with small balls. Changing strings in classical is slightly different given that the guitar string set is tied around the bridge. 

Tone and Volume: 

Classical guitar string sets have a more evocative, pleasant, and soothing tone than many modern guitars. However, acoustic guitars sound more robust, strong, and piercing as steel strings sound rich when strummed. And when it comes to volume, acoustic guitars are generally much louder instruments because of the differences in string type and tension.

Musical Style: 

With the different features of their guitar string sets, acoustic guitars and classical guitars are welcomed in various musical styles. To be more specific, guitar players often play modern rock, blues, folk, and country with an acoustic guitar, while performing classical music, Flamenco, or Spanish with a classical guitar.

Degree of Difficulty in Learning  

Learning guitar can be tough, no matter classical guitar or acoustic guitar. Contrary to what clickbait videos will tell you, the process of learning and mastering guitars generally takes years. But in general, acoustic guitars are a bit easier for starters to grab and play since it has a narrower neck and shorter string spacing.

Can I Use Classical Strings on Acoustic Guitar And Vice Versa? 

It is certainly possible to swap guitar strings sets and play whatever you want. But it is not advisable to put nylon strings on a steel-string guitar. The same goes the other way around. Steel guitar string set and nylon strings might not be worlds apart, but since steel strings produce twice the tension, there is a significant difference from nylon string sound. 

Given the difference in tension, the sound and volume can be widely different between the acoustic guitar and nylon string guitars. If you install steel strings on a nylon-string classical guitar, it will pull the fret apart or break the bridge off. When it comes to putting nylon strings on a steel-string acoustic, the only thing that will break is your heart when you try to get actual music out of it. 

What Strings Should I Buy? 

Guitar string sets can make a difference in what you perform. Therefore, instead of putting up with the wrong strings, you should choose the high-quality strings that are particularly designed for classical guitar or acoustic guitar from a reliable supplier like Alice. 

Alice is a technology-oriented enterprise that offers a large range of instrument accessories in which guitar string sets are included. Their A206 acoustic string set and AC168 classical guitar string set combine an affordable price with impeccable quality. 

Alice A206 acoustic guitar string set

This stainless-steel plain string is designed for 6-string acoustic guitar, and its winding material is copper alloy in phosphor bronze color. Its anti-rust coating allows this guitar string set a much longer lifespan.

Alice AC168 classical guitar string set

This plain string is made of multi-filament nylon and carbon trebles to balance the tension and perform a crisp but forceful tone. Its winding material of it is silver-plated copper, giving it high resilience and anti-rust ability.

Wrapping Up

Classical and acoustic guitars have so many differences that using the wrong type of guitar string set on them is not a wise choice. With Alice’s affordable but high-quality acoustic and classical guitar string sets, you don’t have to settle for unsuitable strings that may harm your guitar.