Learning How to Play Guitar: What is the difference between clasical guitar lessons and acoustic guitar lessons?

If you plan to learn how to play the guitar then you have the option to choose between classical guitar lessons or acoustic guitar lessons. What is the difference between classical guitar lessons and acoustic guitar lessons? Basically, the first one involves learning how to play a guitar with nylon strings while the other involves learning how to play a guitar with steel strings.

Classical Guitar Education

Classical guitar education involves many things. First of all, you start learning how to read notes and playing them on a classical guitar. Although it is considered an acoustic guitar, it is different from a steel-string acoustic guitar because it makes use of nylon strings instead. The design and style of both kinds of guitars also differ in terms of structure. Understand that all classical guitar pieces are written in standard guitar music notation and not in tab notation.

Second, you learn to develop finger picking technique with your right hand (or your left if you are left handed). Finger picking involves the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger and ring finger. The little finger is usually used for balance. In addition, you will be learning classical pieces of music to advance your knowledge on music theory and practice.

Acoustic Guitar Education

Acoustic guitar education involves learning how to play the steel-string acoustic guitar. Lessons in musical notation are also part of the education process. However, the focus is more on strumming and picking techniques. On another note, the acoustic guitar lessons are geared towards developing strumming and picking techniques to accompany popular songs. Unlike classical guitar, you will not be focusing on finger picking. However, some guitar instructors do train students on developing their finger style technique to a whole new level.

What to Choose

The choice will depend on you as a student. If you like to learn how to play awesome classical music and develop amazing right hand technique, then classical guitar lessons are for you. If you do wish to learn how to accompany popular songs through acoustic guitar playing, then acoustic guitar lessons are for you. You can also learn both types of guitar playing to widen your musical experience.