Buying a new instrument is a critical step for the novice guitarist. A basic knowledge of the instrument and an assessment of your musical goals will help you make a wise purchase, a purchase you can enjoy for years, perhaps even a lifetime. Walking into a shop without a basic understanding of the instrument and your goals is a formula for disappointment.
Classical
Guitar | Hirade H5R | Nylon strings and cedar top
What is a Classical Guitar?
A classical guitar is a traditional Spanish acoustic guitar with wide-neck and nylon strings. In contrast to the metallic voice of steel-string guitars, it has a sweeter and darker tone more akin to a harp or piano:
Classical Guitar Sound | Lesson for 2 Lutes
Like all acoustic guitars, the classical guitar produces sound through the mechanical vibration of strings. The vibration of the string is transmitted to the soundboard via the saddle and bridge. The combined resonance of the strings, saddle, bridge and soundboard are, in turn, "amplified" in the sound box or body of the guitar. The design and quality of the strings, saddle, bridge and soundboard have a major impact on the guitar's sound. One weak link in the transmission chain—a cheap plastic saddle, worn out strings, etc.—degrade sound considerably.
Parts
of the Classical Guitar
The classical guitar differs from its steel-string relatives in several significant ways:
Nylon strings are used on the upper three strings with wire-wrapped nylon thread on basses. Nylon produces a round, mellow sound and is the preferred sound for classical, Latin and many pop/folk styles. Cat gut strings were used until the invention of nylon in the 1940s.
Low
string tension (75-90 pounds versus150-200
pounds for steel-strings). Lower string
tension makes classical guitars easier to play
than steel-string acoustics.
Wide
fingerboard. The fingerboard, 50 to 52 mm at
the nut, provides room for intricate finger
picking. In contrast, the narrow fingerboard
of a steel-string acoustic, 40 mm at the nut,
is optimized for playing with a pick.
Longer
string length. The longer string length
from saddle to nut (650 mm vs. 644 mm for
steel-string acoustics) enhances bass
response and sustain.
Small,
easy to hold body. The classic body style
is smaller than most other acoustic
designs.
Classical Guitar | Guitarist Honybal Sosa | The guitar is the world's most popular plucked string instrument.
•••••••
•••••••
•••••••
•••••••
•••••••