Types of Guitar

There are four types of guitars – the acoustic, classical, and electric guitar. The guitar types are very much different from each other and if you’re a guitarist who is planning to purchase a new instrument it pays to know about these different types so that you can make a good buying decision and what do you want.

Acoustic

Today in the world, the acoustic guitar is one that has steel strings. The guitars are usually made from soft and hard woods. This type of guitar can be modified using different pickup systems and internal small condenser microphones. You can also plug the guitar into a PA system or an amplifier. Still, this guitar is designed to project acoustic energy. Because of its steel strings, the guitar produced louder and brighter sound. When played, there is added tension and so stronger bracing is required. You can strum the strings using your fingers or you can also use flat picks. Acoustic guitars usually have six strings but you can also find models with 12 strings.

Classical Guitar

This is also called a Spanish guitar. This is similar to Flamenco guitar and it has six gut or nylon strings. The back and the sides of the guitar are usually made from hard wood while the top side is made from cedar or spruce. Classical guitars were already used during the renaissance but according to some experts, it was already used by the Greeks. As compared to the acoustic, this type of guitar is lighter and produces a warmer or softer sound. You can use this guitar to play country, bluegrass, jazz, rock, pop, and folk music. The best classical guitars are produced in Spain which is popular in the world.


Electric Guitar

Guitars with semi or solid bodies are called electric guitars. The steel cored strings need electromagnetic pickups to turn to electrical current. The tonal effects can vary using effect pedals and are attached to speaker cabinets or amplifiers. You can’t achieve these things with an acoustic guitar. The neck and body of electric guitars are made from woods. To pluck the strings, you will need a flat pick or plectrum. Some guitarists use thumb picks while others use their fingernails. Electric guitars are very popular in pop culture and in western music. You will often hear electric guitars played in heavy metal, rock, alternative, funk, and pop. Popular guitarists using electric guitars are Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, Chet Atkins, and many others.


These are the different types of guitars. The Spanish guitar is actually considered as the fourth type but it’s also called classical guitar which was already mentioned earlier. If you’re a beginner, it would help a lot if you know the guitar types so that you can make an informed decision. These guitars are available in different brands and models. You can get them at a wide range of prices. It wouldn’t be hard to find a guitar that you can afford and one that meets the kind of style that you are playing. Learn the differences in features and appearance.

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