While a classical and an acoustic guitar both visually look similar — with a construction including six-strings tuned EADGBE, a soundhole, and tuning pegs — many of these similarities function differently.

Before you dive into playing or purchasing a classical guitar, go through a few key differences you should keep in mind.

Shape

Most acoustic guitars come in a dreadnought shape in a standard parlor size. Parlor size guitars are typically smaller than a classical guitar, but some are larger depending on the type of acoustic guitar manufacturer.

Neck

Typically, a standard classical guitar has a wider neck than an acoustic guitar. Remember that an acoustic guitar is meant for strumming or fingerpicking; therefore, the smaller neck widths and shorter string spacing make these techniques easier for players. It’s also best to keep in mind that classical guitars tend to not have fret markers, which may or may not pose a challenge to players.

Bridge

A classic wrap-around bridge is used on a standard classical guitar. On this type of guitar, the strings are tied in a knot around the bridge to secure them in place, similar to a ukulele. But classical bridges also accept ball-end classical strings, which is the preferred string method for these types of rigs. In contrast, the bridge on an acoustic guitar has pegs that securely hold the strings in place.

STRINGS

The ultimate difference between an acoustic and a classical guitar is the strings. Classical guitars use nylon strings as opposed to steel strings on an acoustic guitar.

95% of the time, the best guitar for beginners is a steel-stringed acoustic guitar. You can definitely learn on an electric guitar, but overall, acoustic guitar wins out every time. It’s easier to sound good, easier to play and it’s easier to learn. Overall, it’s a simpler experience.

Here are 2 main types of acoustic guitars.

Dreadnought Guitars

Start off with the most common body shape of all, the Dreadnought. C.F. Martin first produced this body shape in 1916 and named it after the HMS Dreadnought, a battleship, due to its larger size and bold sound.

The Dreadnought shape includes very broad square shoulders and a larger internal cavity, which produces a very tight sound that accentuates not only the bass frequencies, but also gives a strong midrange with cutting highs.

These features made the Dreadnought body shape become a preferred tool in the Bluegrass flat picker’s arsenal. The extra volume and tonal range allowed the player to compete with the brash and loud banjo picker, and capable of producing the same highs as the mandolin player.

If you want to hear a great example of the Dreadnought in the Bluegrass setting, look no further than the master himself, Tony Rice.

Parlor Guitars

Acoustic guitars types with the Parlor shape have gained in popularity in recent years. They are among the smaller bodies, which can be appealing to people with smaller body frames.

That makes a lot of sense, but they have a certain sound that can be very intimate under certain approaches such as a Folk solo artist who prefers to finger pick alongside soft vocals.

C.F. Martin invented the Parlor body shape in the 19th century and has enjoyed resurgence in recent years due to players who prefer its “throwback” vibe. Many early Blues players, most notably the late great “King of the Delta Blues” Robert Johnson, used his bottle neck slide in conjunction with his Parlor guitar to change the music world.