Can You Play Classical on an Acoustic Guitar? Pros and Cons

If you are learning classical guitar, or would like to learn classical guitar, CGS is a great place to discover resources to help you on the journey. Whether you’re just beginning guitar, or have been playing for decades but want to rise to new levels in your playing, you’ll find highly detailed tutorials and lessons.

You’ll find some of the deepest-diving explorations of classical guitar and Spanish guitar pieces anywhere online, with step-by-step instructions on how to play guitar beautifully so that the music sings and connects with listeners (any yourself) on an emotional level. Music is not entirely subjective. Some ways of doing things are more effective than others. If you learn these basic “rules”, you’ll automatically play with more grace, beauty, and feeling.

At CGS, you’ll also discover archives of comprehensive articles about many of the issues, details, habits, and best practices surrounding playing guitar. You’ll find tips and tricks on how to be more effective at practicing. You’ll find articles on subjects as varied as getting great classical guitar tone, how to avoid pain and injury playing guitar, and the differences between practice and exercise. If you ever need a break from your practice and want to enrich your understanding of all that is classical guitar, browsing the Classical Guitar Shed archives are great place to explore.

If you would like to hear me (Allen Mathews) playing, visit my other youtube channel:

[ClassicalGuitarShed]

Find out more about using an Acoustic Guitar to play Classical Style:

[jondoesvlogz]

Bravo. this is the only guitarists that I can find on youtube that recommends a classical guitar instead of an acoustic

[danieldeiparine]

He looks like he's holding a foreign object when holding that acoustic guitar
😂

[shrkwt]

I learned and played Classical guitar music on acoustic one for more than 2 years, always noticed it won't sound as good as what I wanted.
Later on I discovered that I actually should be using classical guitar for that and now it's even easier to play on classical guitar.

[henningmorbus]

I find it peculiar and very interesting that there are this somewhat hidden gems on youtube. Knowledge of all sorts.

There are some guys (and obviously also girls) like you out there who just want to give the knowledge they have to others without something in return.
I truly admire that. More popular channels tend to not hold such great value in them. There are of course exceptions to this, but in my opinion this is pretty much the case.
So really thanks for doing this. This should truly be appreciated. And don't forget the lurkers who enjoy this content and don't contribute with comments. They also appreciate.

[glitch]

I have an acoustic and a strat but holy shit i’m dying to get my hands on a classical. I’ve also had my eyes on maybe 6 other guitars too but that’s just the way it is, once you get one guitar it’s always “ahh cmon i mean sure i have this one but that one is that one and this one is this one”. No one seems to understand that besides other guitarists

[davidivey]

I’ve played acoustic for 3 years and for the last year I’ve mainly played classical music. I finally switched and I definitely recommend it. Feels so much better on my fingers even tho I have calluses

[Ghilliedude]

After playing guitar causally for years with tabs, I decided to break out my acoustic and start learning classical from the beginning. I was a bit disappointed to see that the instruments are different, but this video helped put me at ease. For now I’ll practice and learn proper technique on the steel string, and if I stick with it, I’ll have a nice upgrade waiting as a reward.

[jawmunji]

I played fingerstyle on steel for years, coming from classical background as a kid, could never get the tone I wanted from my nails, always too bright. And chewed up my nails a lot. Switched to a crossover nylon thinking that would be perfect, ended up back on classical because I wanted a wide neck - more space to work with! I also find I can be more emotive on nylon as you pointed out Matt. Good topic!

[tacituskilgore]

I really like how in depth and clear his explanations are. I love this guy, he so different and not pretentious as most. Definitely deserves a sub from me.

[marpatmarver]

My son is playing classical guitar with the Suzuki method. When we started I had no idea there was a difference. I was actually a bit disappointed to realize that he wasn't going to play acoustic but immediately I fell in love with the beautiful sound of classical. So beautiful. Thank you for your video. Subscribed.

[choo]

classical guitar - natural taste of melon
Acoustic guitar - Melona ice cream taste

[jboggs]

Great topic. I started on a typical “dreadnaught” size acoustic and moved to a classical after about a year. I later picked up an acoustic parlor guitar with a wider fretboard and smaller body than a typical acoustic to play fingerstyle folk and blues, using a lot of classical technique. Now I predominantly play the classical and parlor - it’s just an easier transition for me to go between those two vs going between a classical and a typical acoustic.

[hopefulhyena]

I inherited a steel string from my mother. She didn't die she just didn't want it anymore. It took me a long time to get used to how close together the strings are! Really a strange feeling.

[eduardoleitemartins]

Really like your channel! I learned to play 'classical' on my old acoustic guitar. I mean, one can learn from it, but in my case, after a couple of months, as soon as i could, I switched to a classical guitar with nylon strings and found it much better for the repertoire..

[alinarachal]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! This answered so many of my questions! So glad I found your channel!!!

[ropehitch]

There is always great info to be found in the classical guitar shed. Much appreciated.

[TW-ilvy]

I practiced your Gypsy Dance tutorial for one day on my new metal string acoustic and my fingertips are on fire! I didn't even know classic and acoustic guitars are different, so now I know it's not just the playing style.

[milkmeapollo]

That background is the definition of "tasteful"

[Sarahhannahtx]

Thank you for this simple but excellent lesson.