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Though they are often referred to as the same thing, there are actually quite a few differences between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar.
In fact, in some ways they are as different as an acoustic guitar is to an electric guitar, but still these two instruments sometimes get lumped under the same term.
So this post will outline the things that make these two instruments quite different.
The Major Differences between an Acoustic Guitar and a Classical Guitar
First let’s take a look at the most obvious differences and then we can take a look at some more subtle differences.
The most obvious/main differences are:
- Strings used
- Tonewoods used
- Attaching the strings to the bridge
- Neck Width
- Size/Shape
Strings Used
An acoustic guitar uses steel strings, whereas a classical guitar uses Nylon strings.
This is perhaps the most significant difference.
There is a big difference in tone and feel between steel strings and nylon strings. These differences are one of the major reasons why each instrument is typically used for different styles of music.
There are exceptions to every rule though: you can get guitars that are essentially acoustic guitars that are made for Nylon strings.
Related: How to Choose Steel Strings for Acoustic Guitars
Related: How to Choose Nylon Strings for Classical Guitars
Tonewoods Used
Often, the tonewoods used to build a classical guitar are different to those used on an acoustic guitar. Though, there are crossover tonewoods that are used for both.
The most common tonewoods for acoustic guitars are:
- Sitka Spruce (top wood)
- Engelmann Spruce (top wood)
- Adirondack Spruce (top wood)
- Mahogany (top wood and back and sides wood)
- Sapele (top wood and back and sides wood)
- Rosewood (back and sides)
- Koa (top and back and sides)
- Maple (back and sides)
- Walnut (back and sides)
- Cherry (back and sides)
- Cedar (top, also used on classical guitars)
- Macassar (back and sides, less common but used)
- Tasmanian blackwood (back and sides, less common but used)
The most common tonewoods for classical guitars are:
- Cedar (tops)
- Spruce – in all varieties but Engelmann is quite popular (tops)
- Mahogany (tops and back and sides)
- Maple (tops and back and sides)
- Rosewood (back and sides)
- Sapele (back and sides)
- Cocobolo (back and sides)
- Koa (back and sides)
A lot of these woods are used on both but some are more common on classical (like Cedar) and some more common on acoustic guitars.
Attaching the Strings to the Bridge
Typically, classical guitars and acoustic guitars use different methods for attaching the strings to the bridge end of the guitar.
Steel strings have “ball-ends” and these are placed inside the bridge. Bridge pins are then used to hold the strings in place.
Nylon strings are typically tied to the bridge, though you can get some Nylon strings with ball-ends.
Related: How to String a Guitar: Illustrated Guide
Related: How to string an acoustic guitar that doesn’t use bridge pins
Neck Width
Classical guitars typically have 2″ (50mm) neck widths and above.
Neck width on Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, typically have 1 11/16″ (43mm) or 1″ (44mm) neck widths. 12 String Acoustics typically have wider neck widths to accommodate the extra strings and there are other widths for acoustic guitar necks but these are the most common.
Size/Shape
Acoustic guitars come in a variety of sizes and shapes these days but typically speaking classical guitars are smaller.
There are acoustic guitars you can get that are smaller than classical guitars but the average acoustic guitar is bigger than a classical guitar.
Classical guitars also have less variation in shape and size. Most classical guitars fit within a certain size and shape, with only subtle variations. Acoustic guitars have a wider range of different shapes and sizes.
>>Learn more about acoustic guitar shapes/sizes
Less Obvious Differences
There are also some less obvious differences between classical guitars and acoustic guitars.
Truss Rod
Acoustic guitars typically have a truss rod (a steel rod) running through the neck of the guitar. This is needed on acoustic guitars because of the extra tension that steel strings place on the neck. They aren’t needed by classical guitars because Nylon strings produce less tension.
Where the neck Joins at the body
On a majority of acoustic guitars, the neck joins the body of the guitar at the 14th fret. There are acoustic guitars that join at the 12th fret and this was traditionally the case. 12-fret acoustic are making somewhat of a renaissance at the moment.
On most classical guitars, the neck joins at the 12th fret, there are exceptions to that too, but most join at the 12th fret.
Machine Heads
The machine heads on classical guitars usually have an open mechanism and the headstock is slotted.
The machine heads on acoustic guitars sometimes have an open mechanism but usually the machinery in hidden and the headstock is usually a solid piece and is seldom slotted.
Cutaway
You will find more acoustic guitars with cutaways than you will find classical guitars with cutaways. That said, there are classical guitars with cutaways, but they are less common.
Final Thoughts
Though the line between these two types of instruments is somewhat more blurred these days, with many crossover guitars – and acoustics incorporating things like 12-fret neck joins and some made for Nylon strings, there are still some quite definite differences.
There are exceptions to most of the differences above but by and large acoustic guitars and classical guitars are still quite different instruments and typically used for different styles of music.
