[dorst]

Hi all,

I'm a complete newbie very interested in learning how to play guitar. I see that most here recommend nylon-string guitars for beginners. This works for me because I like classical guitar very much--but I also like folk, bluegrass, etc. Will getting a classical guitar limit the kind of music I can play on it? I like the idea of finger picking, and I'm thinking of getting a smaller, parlor sized model like the Motif by La Patrie. But maybe that's not such a great idea if I suspect I won't have the time necessary to learn classical, which seems more difficult. I guess I'll be able to learn the basics on most any stye guitar?

Thanks for your help.

[Fretsource]

Hello and welcome
A classical guitar will limit you if you're interested in strumming-sing along type playing. You really need steel strings played with a pick for that style.
Nylon strings don't take kindly to being whacked with a pick - and won't deliver the volume and tone you want.
But for classical playing and some types of fingerstyle, they're great.

[Doug]

further to what Fretsource said, the difference between a classical and a folk (or steel string) is not just the nature of the strings - it's also the width and shape of the neck. On classicals, the neck is much wider (2" and more) and the neck profile is flat. On steel string guitars the width is much narrower and the profile is slightly crowned. The strings on a classical tend to be higher off of the neck as well (but they're softer on the finger tips). All told, the classical is much easier to play individual notes and the steel is easier to play barre chords because of the string spacing as well as the crowning of the neck. I really don't know which would be better for a beginner - I have (and play) both. I have friends who strum classicals around a camp fire and there are people who can make a steel string sound classical.
Your first guitar is very seldom your last so it's not as though this decision is irreversable. I'd suggest going to a music store, find a quiet room, and play a few different guitars. Pay attention to how you respond to the guitars on an emotional level. It comes down to aesthetics.

[Justapicker]

The type of guitar isn't going to limit the style of music you can play. The tones a classical produces won't necessarily line up with what you'd expect to hear in a bluegrass jam and metal wouldn't sound quite right (although it might sound better) but you can play any genre.

Volume-wise a well-made classical played with good technique can overpower a steel-string guitar, but concert quality classical guitars cost an arm, leg, your first born and a big chunk of cash.

Buy the guitar that sounds the way you imagine a guitar should sound.

[scotty_b]

All of the above is correct, but if you are just starting out you can use anything that can be tuned and is easy to play. See if you truly like it first, and then you can start the endless road of aquiring that 'necessary' guitar/amp/effects unit, ad infinitum.

[skinnybloke]

Originally Posted by Justapicker

and metal wouldn't sound quite right (although it might sound better) .

*Chuckle*

[dorst]

Thanks all--this is very helpful.

[Dave Wallbridge]

Originally Posted by dorst

Hi all,

I'm a complete newbie very interested in learning how to play guitar. I see that most here recommend nylon-string guitars for beginners. This works for me because I like classical guitar very much--but I also like folk, bluegrass, etc. Will getting a classical guitar limit the kind of music I can play on it? I like the idea of finger picking, and I'm thinking of getting a smaller, parlor sized model like the Motif by La Patrie. But maybe that's not such a great idea if I suspect I won't have the time necessary to learn classical, which seems more difficult. I guess I'll be able to learn the basics on most any stye guitar?

Thanks for your help.

Hi Dorst, having spent an evening in the company of a very accomplished UK duo on Friday last, the Eden-Stell duo (check them out if you ever get the chance) I can honestly say that here were two Classically trained individuals who performed Classics to Blues, with a little avante guarde Jazz & experimental compositions in between. All on Nylon strung machines. I did'nt realise that so many sound variations were possible ans as for carrying off the genere's they just about floored me. I certainly won't pidgeon hole players in future on the basis of what I saw.

Oh PS, why not try PEO Kindgren on YOU TUBE, his Beatles rendidtions also stand out
Very best

[allthumbs]

Willie Nelson has always played a nylon string. The only time it let him down was when he took a solo with ZZ Top.

[fly135]

dorst, I've been playing acoustic and electric for almost a year now. I just bought my first Classical guitar about a week ago. I bought a Yamaha CG101 at Guitar City for $200. I bought it because I felt like I needed to put more time in learning fingerstyle playing. I haven't tried playing it with a pick but I have strummed it with my fingers and it sounded good.

If you want to start out right away learning fingerpicking then I'd say a classical is a good choice. It has a very sweet clear tone when picking. The nylon strings are easier on your fingers and you can play for a longer period of time w/o fatigue setting in. The fretboard is wider and flatter. You really space out and stretch your fingers, and don't have to worry about hitting multiple strings scrunching up your fingers.

Also, classical guitars are smaller by the nature of the beast. From what I understand they are smaller and lighter built to get volume out of the nylon strings, which have less energy than the steel. And take less energy to pluck as well. I think it's a good choice, if you plan to start out learning Kirk's fingerpicking lessons. If you are more interesting in strumming chords then a steel string acoustic is a better way to go.