Electric vs. Classical Guitars: Which Is Right for You?
, by Denny Badri, 5 min reading time
When choosing your first or next guitar, you’re faced with an important question: should you go for an electric guitar or a classical (acoustic) guitar? While both instruments are great choices, they each have their own unique features that are suited to different playing styles, skill levels, and preferences. In this blog for DB Musicstore, we’ll dive deeper into the key differences between electric and classical guitars, so you can choose the guitar that’s right for you.
1. Construction and Materials
The most noticeable difference between electric and classical guitars is in their construction and materials.
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Classical Guitar : This guitar has a hollow wooden sound box that acts as a resonance chamber. This means that a classical guitar does not require amplification to produce sound. The neck is wider, which creates more space between the strings, ideal for fingerpicking. Classical guitars are usually equipped with nylon strings, which creates a softer, warmer sound and a milder touch, perfect for genres such as classical music, flamenco and folk music.
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Electric Guitar : Electric guitars have a solid or semi-hollow body, which produces little to no acoustic sound without amplification. They use steel strings and have a much narrower neck than classical guitars, making them easier to play for fast chords and riffs. Electric guitars are designed to be played through an amplifier, which means the sound is highly dependent on the amp and effects you use.
2. Sound and Tone
The difference in sound is perhaps the most important aspect when choosing between an electric and classical guitar.
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Classical Guitar : The sound of a classical guitar is natural, warm and soft. The sound is purely acoustic, meaning that the guitar relies on the sound box to amplify the strings. Classical guitars are ideal for genres such as classical music, jazz, flamenco and folk, where a warm, clear and unamplified sound is desired.
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Electric Guitar : The tone of an electric guitar is generated by the pickups and amplified by a guitar amplifier. This allows you to create a wide range of sounds, from clean and bright to heavily distorted and powerful. Electric guitars are perfect for rock, metal, pop, jazz and blues because you can change the tone to suit the style of music using pedals and amp settings. The ability to experiment with effects is a great advantage of the electric guitar.
3. Playing Style and Technique
Depending on the type of music you play, one guitar may suit your playing style better than another.
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Classical Guitar : This type of guitar is often played with your fingers instead of a pick, which makes for a more intimate playing experience. The wider neck also makes it easier to do complex fingerings, especially in genres like classical music or fingerstyle. The nylon strings are gentler on your fingers, making it a good choice for beginners.
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Electric Guitar : Typically played with a pick, electric guitars are popular in styles that emphasize speed, power, and effects. The narrower neck and lower string tension make it easier to play fast riffs, solos, and complex chords. Additionally, the playing style can be enhanced with various effects, such as overdrive, reverb, and delay, giving you more creative freedom.
4. Reinforcement and Accessories
Another major difference is the need for additional equipment.
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Classical Guitar : Since classical guitars have no electrical components, you don’t need an amplifier or other equipment. This makes the classical guitar a great choice for beginners who don’t want to invest in an amplifier or effects right away. If you still want to amplify your acoustic sound, there are electro-acoustic models with built-in pickups that you can connect to an amplifier.
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Electric Guitar : For electric guitars, an amplifier is essential to produce sound. In addition, the use of effects pedals offers many possibilities to manipulate your sound. These extra necessities give you more control over your sound, but also bring with them more costs, which can make the beginning of your musical journey more expensive.
5. Music Genres and Applications
The choice between a classical or electric guitar often depends on the style of music you want to play.
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Classical Guitar : This type of guitar is ideal for genres such as classical music, flamenco, folk, bossa nova, and singer-songwriter styles. The warm, natural sound goes well with music that is acoustic and melodic.
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Electric Guitar : Electric guitars are versatile and can be used for a wide range of music genres, from rock and metal to jazz and funk. By using amplification and effects, you can tailor your tone to almost any genre, making electric guitars ideal for musicians who want a lot of variety in their sound.
Conclusion: Which Guitar Suits You?
The choice between an electric and classical guitar depends on your musical preferences, playing level, and the style of music you want to play. If you like a pure acoustic, warm sound and a calm playing style, then the classical guitar might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you like to experiment, like to try out different sounds and effects, or like genres such as rock, pop, or metal, then the electric guitar is probably a better option.
At DB Musicstore we are happy to help you find the perfect guitar. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced guitarist, our team of specialists is ready to provide you with personal advice, so that you choose the guitar that perfectly suits your playing style and wishes. Feel free to visit our store on the Biltstraat in Utrecht to try out different guitars and experience the sounds yourself!