Classical vs Acoustic Guitar: Nylon vs Steel Strings, Explained
Both are acoustic, but nylon and steel strings make two very different instruments. Here is how they differ in sound, feel and the music they suit.
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In this guide
A classical guitar has nylon strings, a wide, flat neck and a soft, warm sound. An acoustic guitar (steel-string acoustic) has steel strings, a slimmer neck and a brighter, louder sound. The chord shapes and notes are identical, so what you learn on one transfers to the other; the difference is in sound, feel and the music each suits best.
The differences at a glance
| Classical (nylon) | Acoustic (steel) | |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | Nylon trebles, nylon-core wound basses | Steel, with bronze-wound basses |
| Sound | Soft, warm, round | Bright, loud, ringing |
| Width at the nut | About 52 mm (2 in) | About 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Neck | Flat fingerboard, joins body at the 12th fret | Slightly curved, usually joins at the 14th fret |
| On the fingertips | Gentle | Sore at first, until calluses form |
| Usually played with | Fingers | Pick or fingers |
| Fret markers | Often none on the face of the fingerboard | Dots or inlays |
| Typical styles | Classical, flamenco, bossa nova, Latin, gentle folk | Pop, rock, country, folk, blues, singer-songwriter |
Sound
Nylon strings vibrate with less high-frequency content, so a classical guitar sounds mellow and intimate, with a short, round attack. Steel strings ring brighter and longer, with more volume, which is why strummed pop and folk songs usually sound "right" on a steel-string. If the music you love is Spanish, Brazilian or classical, nylon is the sound you are after.
Feel and comfort
- Fingertips: nylon is much softer and lower in tension, so practice hurts less in the first weeks. See how to stop your fingers hurting if steel is your choice.
- Neck width: the classical neck is roughly 9 mm wider at the nut. The extra space helps fingerpicking and clean notes, but some open chords and barre chords need a longer reach, especially for smaller hands.
- Body: classical guitars are usually lighter and similar in size to a concert-shape acoustic.
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Never put steel strings on a classical guitar
The reverse is not damaging, but it does not work either: nylon strings on a steel-string guitar are too slack, sit badly in the nut and bridge, and sound weak.
Which should a beginner choose?
- Choose by the music. If you want to strum pop, rock or folk songs, get a steel-string acoustic. If you want classical, flamenco or bossa nova, get a classical.
- Young children often start on a small nylon-string guitar because it is kinder to their fingers.
- If sore fingers are a worry but you want the steel sound, a steel-string with light-gauge strings and a good setup is a middle path.
Both teach you the same fretboard, chord shapes and rhythm. Switching later takes only a few days of adjusting.
Other nylon-string options
- Crossover or hybrid guitars use nylon strings with a narrower, steel-string-style neck, often with a cutaway and pickup. Useful for steel-string players who want the nylon sound.
- Flamenco guitars are a type of classical guitar with lower action and a brighter, punchier sound for fast rhythmic playing.
For steel-string shapes and sizes, see types of acoustic guitars. Choosing your first instrument? Read buying your first guitar, and when it arrives, tune it with our free tuner.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar?
The strings. A classical guitar uses nylon strings, which sound soft and warm and are gentle on the fingers. A steel-string acoustic sounds brighter and louder. The two guitars are also built differently to suit their strings.
Is classical guitar easier for beginners?
Nylon strings hurt the fingertips less, but the wide, flat neck makes chord shapes a longer reach. Steel strings are tougher on the fingers at first but the neck is slimmer. Neither is clearly easier; choose by the music you want to play.
Can I put steel strings on a classical guitar?
No. Steel strings pull much harder than nylon, and a classical guitar is not built for that tension. It can damage the neck and pull the bridge off the top.
Can I play pop songs on a classical guitar?
Yes. Chord shapes are the same on both guitars, so any song works. It will sound softer and warmer than on steel strings, and strumming with a pick is less common.
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