For first guitar should I get a classical or steel string?

Question

I've played bass for the past 9/10 years and I'm interested in learning guitar. But, I have no idea if I should start with a classical guitar or just a regular steel string. What do you think?

Answer 1

There's a simple answer to this. Classical guitars are used almost exclusively for playing classical music. If you're interested in playing classical music then get a classical guitar. If not, then get a steel string flattop acoustic guitar. For most people they're a much better option since you can use them for rock, pop, folk, blues, bluegrass, country, and more.

Answer 2

You should try both types of acoustics - nylon strings and steel strings and decide on your own.

One point of notice: The nylon string guitar (AKA "classical") can play any genre of music that the steel string guitar can play The steel string guitar can also play "classical" music just as well as the nylon string guitar plays it.

The main differences: the Nylon string guitar nut is wider than the Nut on the steel strings guitar. Players with "fat or long" fingers do benefit from the bit wider separation of the strings of the nylon string instrument. The steel strings closeness to each other tend to be preferred by players that concentrate primarily in chord playing. Players that prefer the melody line of music do like the nylon strings better since the separation make it easier to avoid th possibility of fretting/playing the wrong note in the melody of a musical piece.

World Famous jazz guitarist Earl Klugh plays a nylon string guitar. Watch him play at You Tube where there are various videos of his playing all types of music.

One more point: nylon strings are easy on your fingers - no callouses to worry about. You don't need a pick to play nylon string while steel strings for a beginner player is very punishing on the fingers. My suggestion is to try both types available within your budget range and decide on your own. Good Luck.

Answer 3

As Mikey said, there is a simple answer. If you want to play classical music get a classical guitar. If you want to play pop, rock, country, etc. get a steel string.

Answer 4

Google Ana Vidovic playing "recuerdos de la alhambra" (or anything- she is amazing). If that is what you want to do - buy a classical guitar and find yourself a good classical guitar teacher. Otherwise - steel string acoustic, and I would purchase one with a good piezo pickup system - Fishman or equal, because you being a bass player, I have no doubt you'll want to plug that puppy in.

Answer 5

Start on the type you prefer. You can play any type of music on any type of standard guitar but most people prefer a steel string acoustic unless they want to learn to play classical style.

Answer 6

steel, definitely