Many novice musicians can not decide on the instrument that suits their goals. If you enroll in a music school, then you will need to buy a classical guitar to take home to practice. Or you already have one at home. But after playing for a while, the understanding comes that it does not correspond to your plans. Or you walk into a store and are confronted with variety but don't know how the guitars are different. Therefore, first of all, decide on the styles that you most want to perform. And in any case - who forbids you to purchase two instruments (if you have the means) and enjoy playing on both?
What is the difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar? The technical side of the issue
1. Housing
The cases of most classics are inferior in size. This is especially noticeable in comparison with westerns, which have wide and massive cases. However, if you take "Palmore" or "Folk", they will not only be equal in size, but even lose to some classic. If you put two guitars “backs” (that is, backs with decks) to each other, you can clearly see the difference in the width of their “torsoes”.
2. Vulture
It also depends on how accurate you want to play. The classic has a slightly wider neck. The fact is that in this kind of music it is important that every note sounds clearly. Therefore, for the convenience of hitting with fingers, the distance between the strings is slightly increased. When played acoustically, a couple of "underpressed" notes do not feel so strong. In addition, it will be easier for a young student to learn the location of notes and accurately hit them when there is “space” for the fingertip. True, this is more suitable for people with wide palms or long fingers. Also, the distance between the strings at the 3rd fret and at the 15th will be proportional (unlike acoustics, where it narrows a little).
3. Strings
difference acoustic guitar from classical also in strings. The first is almost always put metal. There are times when it is difficult for a person to master rather hard and thick strings, and nylon is put in to make it easier. However, the sound will not be as rich, as they are intended for other purposes.
On the classic put exclusively nylon. There are cases when metal was installed on them. But doing this is not recommended. WITH highly likely there will be distortion of the body, curvature of the neck, and so on.
4. On acoustics, the neck is attached to the body at the 14th fret, on the classics at the 12th fret
The neck on the classics is attached after the 12th fret, on acoustics after the 14th fret. The difference of 2 units is not so significant, but when playing at high frets, you will immediately notice that the hand will rest against the body and it will be more difficult to reach the strings, especially the bass ones. Checking this is easy, just play the C major scale or any other scale around the 12th fret and you will immediately understand everything.
5. Different fastening of strings on the bridge
The different design of the bridges causes differences when replacing a worn-out set. The acoustic bridge most often consists of a solid plate with holes. In each of these grooves, the “tail” of the string is lowered (inside the body) and fixed with a special sleeve with a slot (boss, pin). In the classics, the string is passed through the holes from the outside and secured by tying knots. follows approximately the same pattern. Slip into the mechanism and spin the peg. But on the classics, you need to hold the edge of the string so that the knot does not untie.
6. The presence of an anchor and a glued neck
The differences between the guitars also lie in the absence of a truss rod in the classics. It is installed to protect the neck from deformation (on acoustics). Therefore, the classic neck is wider and thicker.
Vulture classical guitar is pasted. In acoustics, it is attached to the body with a bolt.
7. Peg mechanisms
They also differ in that they are metal in pop instruments. There are open and closed views. The classic is dominated by an open mechanism. This requires care from contamination and mechanical damage. But they can be regularly lubricated, which ensures long work and “perseverance” of the string.
8. Spring system in the body
Variety instruments use a spring system that covers the guides and closes them in places of the greatest load. IN classic version more common is a fan-shaped spring system, which distributes the load throughout the body. In the second case, the load on the tool is much less, so there is no need to strengthen the frame. In the first example, the springs provide not only the possibility of installing metal strings, but also reliable protection from deformation. In addition, with this technology, the guitars stay in tune longer and produce a high-quality sound at the output.
9. Fret markers on fretboard
Quite often on westerns and jumbo there are dots on 3, 5, 7, etc. frets. Both on the lining itself and on the side. They are necessary both for orientation by the numbering of the frets themselves, and for designating the tonics and reference steps of the scales. On the classics, such marks are on the side.
10. Number of strings
Classic - 6 strings. Stage - 6, 7, 12 and more rare variations.
11. No kataway cutout for playing high frets
On many westerns (electro-acoustic), jumbo and auditorium there is a kataway - a cutout from about 12-14 frets for ease of playing on high notes. Usually students of music schools and conservatories do not have such cutouts. It is believed that this affects the characteristics of the sound. But craftsmen can also make kataway for the classics.
12. The presence of straplocks for attaching the belt
The differences between the guitars are also in the presence of straplocks. Dreadnoughts and their relatives are widely used when playing "on the weight" and require a strap attachment. Flamenco and Spanish, because of the special fit, do not need such an addition as .
The difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar. playing instruments
1. Ways to play
Different types of guitarssuggest various techniques execution. The pop style involves playing with the use of a mediator. Metal strings sound louder and clearer. In addition, techniques are used that are very inconvenient to play with your fingers (but with a pick, that's it). Fingerstyle with percussive tapping on the body can cause damage. Therefore, the second is traditionally played with fingers (in particular, nails right hand). Of course, flamenco and the gypsy repertoire make extensive use of techniques such as rasgueado and combat. But they are not a priority, and often special guitars with a reinforced soundboard are used for these purposes.
2. Sound and volume
The classic has a warm and soft sound. Initially, it was used for performance in chamber halls. Therefore, it does not have a special volume. Dreadnoughts are more sonorous and sharp, there is “iron” in their sound.
An example of the sound of a classic
Acoustic example. Start at 37 seconds
3. Absence of Golpeador
Golpeador is a special plate that is applied to the top deck (under the rosette) to protect against mechanical damage. On acoustics, when playing with a mediator, the deck often hits. With an expressive game of fights, you can scratch or even break through the top layer. On classical, the golpeador is not used. However, it is put on flamenco instruments or made by masters at the request of the client.
4. Differences in Fit and Special Fittings
In the classics, the fit and location of the guitar are strictly monitored. It should lie on the left foot with the bar tilted up about 45 degrees. Also, professionals use a footrest. This provides a secure base. Variety artists have no exact restrictions. Therefore, often the instrument is placed on right leg and has no particular support.
5. Playing as a mediator
On the classics, they do not play with a mediator. And yes, it doesn't make much sense. sound characteristics do not allow it to sound louder or louder. Also the plector will slide off the nylon.
6. Acoustic guitars stay in tune better.
The structure of the body, the acoustic system of springs, iron strings allow you to keep the system longer.
7. Different applicability in play styles
What is the difference between an acoustic guitar and a classical guitar? – in addition to specifications also a repertoire.
Classic:
- Classical music different eras(baroque, classicism, neoclassicism);
- Brazilian music (bossa nova, samba);
- Gypsy music (gypsy jazz, folk);
- Romance;
- Spanish (flamenco).
Acoustic:
- Country;
- Estrada (pop, pop-rock);
- Rock'n'roll;
- Blues and bluegrass
Price and choice
It is impossible to say for sure how the guitars differ in price. There are expensive and cheap models for both types. However, it is better to look for a quality budget instrument for a beginner among acoustic guitars.
Conclusion
The differences between the guitars are not so significant as to strictly recommend any one option. Moreover, both classics and pop artists regularly borrow the techniques of the game, and also try different instruments. But you should know how guitars differ in order to determine your goal, which you will comprehend with your new girlfriend.
Very often we are asked the same question: "How does a classical guitar differ from an acoustic one?" In this article we will describe all the similarities and differences between these guitars.
To begin with, we note that the concept of "acoustic guitar" carries double meaning. On the one hand, this is a very broad concept - a type of guitar with a body with a cavity and a resonator hole. On the other hand, there is a narrower meaning of this word. An acoustic guitar is often referred to as an American-style pop guitar with a western, dreadnought, jumbo body ...
That is, one word "acoustic" can be called different guitars, hence all the confusion. As ridiculous as it sounds, let's put it this way: classical and acoustic guitars are subspecies of the acoustic guitar.
Now, for clarity, consider two narrow types of guitars, which are usually discussed when comparing classical and acoustic guitars.
classical guitar
The classical guitar is one of the oldest types of guitars. Previously performed on it classical compositions However, nowadays its scope is wider. And yet it is a more traditional and conservative instrument compared to other types of guitars. Classical guitar is often recommended for learning in music schools. Here good example tool entry level: Martinez C-91/N
Peculiarities:
- Frame: medium-sized (compared to western guitars), classical shape
- Vulture: wide (width at the nut - 52 mm)
- strings A: Nylon strings are used on 99% of classical guitars these days. Soviet guitars With metal strings- a relic of the past. It is extremely rare in our time to meet classics with metal.
- Game Method: predominantly finger technique
- sound: warm, soft, velvety
- Benefits of classical guitar: easier to learn; easier to clamp the strings; easier to perform classical works; comparatively lower cost
Acoustic guitar
Acoustic guitar in the narrow sense of the word is an instrument that goes back to American culture early 20th century. This guitar is played in non-classical styles: country, blues, rock. Although you can also play the classics, no one will forbid you to do this :)
Peculiarities:
- Frame: mostly large. Body shape may vary. Note that the body shape of the "folk" type is comparable in size to a classical guitar (for example, COLOMBO LF-3800SB). This guitar will easily fit into a case for "classics". Other forms (dreadnought, jumbo, auditorium...) are larger than classical guitar.
- Vulture: narrow (43-45 mm at the nut)
- strings: metal.
- Game Method: finger and mediator technique. You can use the method of tightening the strings ("bend")
- sound: bright, loud, sonorous.
- On the case there is often a cutout and a protective "drop" (so that the case is not scratched from the pick)
- The neck has a truss rod. It is needed to regulate the deflection of the neck.
- Acoustic Guitar Benefits: loud sound, convenient belt clips, easy to play with a pick, easy to use bends
So, classical and acoustic guitars, upon close examination, have both similarities and many differences. And yet, which one to choose? Which guitar is better, acoustic or classical. In this matter, we will not advise one thing. For the most part, it's all a matter of taste and personal choice. When in doubt, we recommend that you simply listen to the sound of different guitars and choose the one that you like best. After all, it is most pleasant to learn to play a guitar whose sound you like best.
Rely on your hearing! Choose the guitar whose sound you like the most, and for this, watch the comparison video:
What is the difference between classical guitar and acoustic guitar?- this is the question that Runet users often want to find an answer to. If we enter this phrase into the search bar, we will get many links to sites that explain the difference between these guitars. So on our site you can see two categories - and.
It is fair to say that the classical guitar is an acoustic guitar. In turn, the guitar is the most common instrument in a large group of plucked instruments. acoustic instruments. Acoustic guitars should be distinguished from electronic guitars by the way in which the energy of the string is converted into a sound perceived by the human ear. Electric guitars are equipped with adapters that convert string vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then converted into sound. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, represent a design that allows you to convert the energy of string vibrations into sound that is perceived by the ear, capable of amplifying this sound and conveying it to the listener in the right form.
The set of structural details is called an acoustic apparatus. The acoustic apparatus of the guitar includes a body with a soundboard (membrane), string clothes and a string fixing device (neck and string tension mechanism).
The acoustic guitar group is very large. You can distinguish guitars by voice, by system, by the number of strings. Depending on the size and tuning, guitars can be divided into prima, thirds, fourth, fifth. By the number of strings, acoustic guitars are most often found in 6, 7 and 12 strings. acoustic Bas-guitar usually has 4 strings. 4 strings is very fashionable now ukulele - ukulele.
And yet, with all the diversity, we are accustomed to the stable phrases " classical guitar" And " acoustic guitar”, which refers to guitars for a specific purpose.
So it is customary to call the modern acoustic guitar, which is used to perform the classical repertoire as a solo, ensemble or accompanying instrument. We won't go wrong if we call her Spanish guitar or concert guitar. The modern classical guitar was born in Spain, we can be grateful to the famous Spanish guitar maker for the invention of the modern guitar design. Antonio de Torres. Torres improved the design of the guitar to the extent that it allowed the instrument to reach the forefront of solo instrument roles. Historical meaning the words of the concert is piece of music complex shape based on the competition of solo instruments and orchestra. Greatest Spanish Guitarist Andres Segovia brought new methods of sound production and playing techniques to the guitar world, in addition, he expanded the usual guitar repertoire with his arrangements classical works. Segovia has achieved worldwide recognition for the guitar in the field of academic music. The classical guitar is equipped with synthetic strings; the guitarist plucks with fingernails or fingertips. Metal strings on a classical guitar cannot be installed, its design is not designed for the pressure of strings made of metal alloys. The guitar has an elegant figure-eight body.
Or folk guitar adapted for the use of metal strings. It has a more rigid design that can withstand stress. steel strings. The neck of the guitar is reinforced with a metal anchor, and the peg mechanics are equipped with rollers made of hard alloy. Guitars of different configuration and body size, such as dreadnought, grand auditorium, jumbo referred to as acoustic guitars. Dreadnought and jumbo guitars were born in North America and are very popular among country music artists, which is why they are often called western guitars. The sound on such a guitar is extracted with a plectrum or fingertips. The shape of Western guitars may differ from classical ones, dreadnought guitars are more rectangular in shape, and the lower part of the grand auditorium or jumbo body resembles a circle.
The guitar has become one of the most popular and widespread musical instruments among both beginners and professionals. Many want to learn how to play the guitar, but not everyone knows the elementary - How are guitars different?, which is the reason for the more complex choice of instrument. Below will be detailed analysis What are the types of guitars and their classification.
Guitars are divided into acoustic and electronic. Acoustic guitars with nylon strings - classic look, on which they play mostly classics. Often, the mediator is not used with them, they are played only with fingers. There is also a folk guitar - the same acoustic, only with six metal strings. A semi-acoustic guitar is different in that there are also pickups with a classic acoustic body.
An electric guitar is a musical instrument with metal strings and the main special difference from acoustics is the presence of electromagnetic pickups. Electric guitars, in turn, are classified into bass guitars and solos. There is not much to say here: the solo is a guitar that can be played solo, independent separate parts, and the bass guitar is mainly used as a “foundation” in the face of a low register and harmony that supports other instruments. The difference between an electro-acoustic guitar and a regular guitar is an installed device that amplifies the sound.
Guitars can be distinguished by a variety of criteria. For example, according to the shape of the body and the structure of the guitar: flattop with a flat body; the archtop can be both acoustic and semi-acoustic, its difference is the presence of f-shaped resonator holes in the soundboard area, its body looks like an enlarged violin; dreadnought is folk guitar relatively large sizes, its timbre is dominated by low frequencies for the most part, and the sound is louder; jumbo is an enlarged folk guitar, it received the greatest recognition from representatives of the country direction; western - an instrument that can be both acoustic and semi-acoustic, under the last frets it has a cutout.
Guitars are also divided by ranges, because each of them is unique according to this criterion: a regular guitar has a range from D small octave to D third, a tenor guitar has a banjo system and only four strings, a baritone guitar is distinguished by an elongated scale and a bass guitar, whose range is one octave lower than that of a conventional guitar.
These plucked stringed instruments also differ from each other in the number of frets: a regular guitar has all the frets; a fretless guitar, more commonly found as a bass guitar, has no frets at all; The slide guitar also does not have frets, but a special device called a slide is used to clamp the strings.
Each instrument has its own home. Guitars appear different countries V different time and also differ by country of origin: Spanish guitar, which appeared in the thirteenth century; the Russian guitar, which originated in the eighteenth century; ukulele;
Guitars differ in the number of strings; there are guitars with classical six strings, they are used as solo guitars; seven-string guitars can also be soloed; there are even four-strings that often serve as bass guitars; twelve-string guitars are less common and are mostly played by professionals.
Very important factor guitar differences - manufacturer and material. The best electric guitars are made by Yamaha, Gibson, Faster, Kramer and a few others. Manufacturers of acoustic guitars are not much different from electric guitars. As good materials spruce, cedar are used for acoustic guitars, mahogany, in particular, rosewood, for the top deck. Electric guitars are made from alder, ash, linden, agatis and also mahogany.
When potential students contact me, they usually give some brief backstory about what it was that brought them to the teacher. All these stories are quite different, however, during their professional activity I began to notice them common features. In this article, I would like to dwell on one of the situations often described by potential students: “I really want to learn how to play the electric guitar, but I have a problem. I have never played an acoustic (classical) guitar, and many people say, and I myself have read various articles that Before learning to play the electric guitar, you need to master the basics on acoustic or classical. But acoustic or classical guitars do not attract me at all, but the electric guitar is the opposite. How critical is the lack of ability to play acoustic (classical) guitar in order to start learning electric guitar?
The fact is that the classical guitar, acoustic guitar and electric guitar are three completely different musical instruments that differ not only in sound, but also in their functionality. Consequently, they also differ in the technique of sound production. To make it clearer, I will give a couple of analogies as an example. If a person wanted to learn how to drive a car and for this purpose came to a driving school, it is unlikely that the local teachers will offer him to learn how to ride a motorcycle or a dump truck. Despite the fact that these modes of transport travel on the same roads, they are still fundamentally different from each other. In the same way, people who want to train in boxing are likely not to go to a boxing trainer. Greco-Roman wrestling, since it is obvious that these two are absolutely different types martial arts. And if these statements almost no one doubts, then with guitars, the situation is completely different.
Unfortunately enough a large number of people don't really understand the difference between classical, acoustic and electric guitar. Of course, quite a lot of people are aware that the above tools have little to do with each other. However, among them there are those who are convinced that it is impossible to start learning to play the electric guitar without learning how to play acoustic or classical. With all responsibility, I dare to assure that these beliefs are only a stereotype and do not represent any informational value. Following these unfounded speculations is a gross mistake that will lead to nothing but wasted money and time. Where does this stereotype come from, the second question. Someone read it on the Internet, someone guessed it himself, someone explained it to a teacher who is either incompetent and believes in this nonsense himself, or just a scammer trying to keep a student as long as possible at any cost.
In fact, there is not the slightest connection between acoustic, classical and electric guitars, except for the number of strings (and even then not always). As mentioned earlier, each of these musical instruments has its own specifics and functionality, which impose certain features on it, expressed in the sound production technique. That is, if a musician is good at, for example, an acoustic guitar, this does not mean at all that he will be able to master an electric guitar or a classical guitar without training.
Differences between guitars in terms of picking technique
What is the difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar? Take, for example, such a parameter as the purity of sound extraction. Electric guitar, unlike acoustic or classical, in fact, is a hypersensitive instrument, as in the vast majority of cases it is used when playing overdrive. It is so sensitive that it requires constant total control over the muting of extra strings. Pronounced dirty playing on an acoustic or classical guitar involves the direct attack of extra strings instead of/together with the play strings. With an electric guitar, everything is much more complicated. Even if the mediator hits the playing strings perfectly accurately, the extra strings will still resonate in the absence of muting, which will instantly be heard from the amp speaker in the form of a pile of dirt and all kinds of overtones. That is why one of the main problems encountered in the path of beginner electric guitarists is pure sound production. On acoustic and classical guitars, this situation is also possible, but it will not be as obvious to people with undeveloped hearing. To learn to hear on acoustics and classical music the resonation of adjacent strings and the imposition of out-of-sonance (dissonant) notes caused by side vibration of extra strings, you need a certain experience in playing these musical instruments, which beginners, of course, do not have. Consequently, hands when playing different types of guitars will work in a completely different mode.
Obviously, count on clean game on the electric guitar, while learning only on the classics or acoustics, it is not worth it. This does not mean at all that an electric guitar is better than an acoustic or classical guitar - they are just different. But which one is better (or rather, I like it more), everyone should decide for himself, relying solely on taste (musical) preferences. There is no other way to answer such a subjective question.
On the universality of teachers
The example of pure sound production is just one of many parameters, one way or another, interpreted in its own way when playing different types of guitars. And each parameter makes significant adjustments to the technique of playing these instruments. I personally felt the significance of these differences in 2003, when, having studied for three years in the specialty “classical guitar” with one of the best teachers in Russia, Leonid Reznik, I could not cope with the electric guitar, spending a lot of time on futile attempts self-mastery of this musical instrument. Subsequently, between 2004 and 2006, I managed to pass full course learning to play the electric guitar with one of the best and most sought-after teachers in Moscow, Yuri Sergeev.
In life, I always try to be wary of universal solutions. No matter how great modern smartphones are, they will never record sound like a separate good microphone will, they will never take pictures as well as a decent SLR camera will, they will not sound like an adequate speaker system, etc. d. No matter how cynical it may sound, in my opinion, the situation is similar with specialists. The more versatile the specialist, the worse he performs each of his functions. This applies to both musicians and teachers. However, in this rule there may be exceptions (and I know people who have demonstrated this by personal example), but they are possible only if a number of certain requirements are met.
Of course, one of the necessary requirements is the ability to adequately play on musical instrument. But, as you know, a good musician is not always a good teacher. In my understanding, the competence of a teacher lies, first of all, in the presence of a program for teaching him to play exactly the musical instrument, the lessons of which he offers. Let me remind you that under training program in my understanding, it means a whole range of educational and methodological elements, the implementation of which is aimed at achieving specific results in mastering a particular musical instrument. It is not difficult to guess that since the classical, acoustic and electric guitars are so different from each other, then the training programs for playing these instruments will not coincide much.
Quite a long time ago I decided to connect my professional career with the electric guitar. A few years ago, I managed to compile and skate my own training program, which is the basis of my current teaching activity. Development of a training program in my understanding is a painstaking work that requires a certain amount time, teaching experience, stable flow of students, collection of statistical data, systematic analysis the results obtained, on the basis of which the program will be modernized, etc. and so on. It is my deep conviction that in order to teach on another musical instrument without turning into another “universal” specialist in a bad sense of the word, it will be necessary to go all this way from the very beginning.
Conclusion
It is no secret that the work of a handyman is paid much less than the work of a specialist in a narrow profile. Coincidence? No, rather an objective pattern. A boxer should teach boxing, ride passenger car- an instructor with the rights of category "B" ... Absolutely, music and even more so teaching activities is no exception here. Therefore, if you want to learn acoustic guitar, I highly recommend contacting an acoustic guitar teacher. If you want to learn classical guitar, look for a teacher who specializes in classical guitar. And if you want to learn how to play the electric guitar, then I am at your service!
