Classical Guitar vs. Acoustic Guitar: Which One Is Best for You?

If you’ve ever wandered into a guitar shop or scrolled through models online, you’ve probably asked yourself: What’s the difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar? And more importantly, which one should I start with?

For beginners and hobbyists alike, this isn’t just about looks or string types - it’s about finding the right tool that fits your musical goals, comfort level, and playing style. From finger pain to genre preference, this decision affects how you learn, the kind of music you play, and how motivated you’ll stay long term.

Whether you dream of fingerpicking mellow Spanish melodies or strumming folk tunes around a campfire, the right guitar matters.

At Music Street, we’ve helped thousands of British players - both beginners and seasoned pros - find their perfect match. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between classical and steel-string acoustic guitars in a way that’s clear, honest, and practical. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what fits you best.

Let’s start by looking at their key differences side by side, so the choice becomes a whole lot easier.

Key Differences Between Classical and Acoustic Guitars

Which Guitar Is Easier for Beginners?

When you’re starting out on guitar, comfort and ease of learning can play a big role in how motivated you stay. One of the most common questions we get at Music Street is: Should I start with a classical guitar or an acoustic?

The truth is, there’s no universal answer - it depends on your hand size, musical goals, and how much finger discomfort you're willing to tolerate in the early days.

Classical Guitars: A Softer Start for Your Fingers

If you’re worried about finger pain, a classical guitar is often the more forgiving option. Nylon strings are softer and have lower tension, which means they’re easier to press down and far less likely to hurt your fingertips. This makes it easier to practise longer without feeling discouraged, especially for children or adults who are new to playing any instrument.

The wider neck of a classical guitar gives your fingers more space between the strings, which is great for learning fingerstyle techniques. However, this extra width can feel awkward for players with smaller hands and might make it trickier to form chord shapes at first.

A classical guitar is a great fit if you're drawn to traditional styles like Spanish or flamenco music, or if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed playing experience overall.

Acoustic Guitars: Easier Chords, Louder Sound

On the other hand, acoustic guitars are often preferred by beginners who want to play contemporary styles like pop, folk, country, or rock. These guitars are louder and brighter due to their steel strings, which also give the instrument a more familiar tone - the kind you often hear in mainstream music.

However, steel strings come with higher tension and can be harder on the fingers in the beginning. It's common to experience some soreness in your fingertips during the first few weeks, but this usually fades once calluses start to build.

The neck on an acoustic guitar is typically narrower, making it easier to grip and switch between chords - especially for players with smaller hands. Many beginners also replace the factory strings with lighter ones to reduce tension and ease the transition. 

Still unsure which acoustic model suits you best? Our blog on Things to Consider When Buying Your First Acoustic Guitar is a great next step, offering clear guidance on budget, body shape, and setup.

Our Honest Advice: Try Both and Trust Your Hands

If you’re not sure which one to go for, the best advice we can offer is to visit a guitar shop and try them both in person. You don’t need to play a song - simply hold the guitar, try pressing down on a few strings, and see which one feels more comfortable.

At Music Street, we help beginners every day find their ideal setup, including the right guitar accessories to make the learning process smoother - from lighter strings to ergonomic straps and footstools that support better posture and comfort.

Essential Guitar Accessories for Beginners

Choosing your first guitar is exciting, but to truly enjoy the learning journey, you’ll want to equip yourself with a few must-have accessories. Whether you’ve gone with a classical or steel-string acoustic, the right tools can make a big difference in how comfortable, consistent, and motivated you feel.

Below is a quick guide to beginner-friendly accessories that are practical, affordable, and widely recommended - especially for those just getting started in the UK.

1. Digital Tuner

• A tuner is non-negotiable. Even the best guitar will sound awful if it’s out of tune, and new players often don’t realise how often they need to tune.
• Clip-on tuners are ideal - they attach to the headstock and pick up vibrations, so they work even in noisy environments.

2. Guitar Strap

• Even if you mostly play sitting down, a strap can help stabilise the guitar and improve posture. It also makes standing practice more natural. 
• Look for one that’s adjustable and padded. You might also want to add a guitar strap button or a guitar strap lock to keep things secure.

3. Picks (Plectrums)

• While classical players mostly use fingers, acoustic guitarists - especially strummers - will benefit from having a range of picks.
• Thin to medium picks (0.60mm–0.73mm) are perfect for beginners. Just avoid using picks on classical guitars without a pickguard.

4. Gig Bag or Case

• You’ll want to protect your guitar from dust, scratches, or worse - accidental drops.
• A padded gig bag is light and easy to carry. A hard case offers more protection but is bulkier and pricier.

5. Spare Strings

• Strings will break - it’s just part of the learning process. Having a spare set means you won’t be stuck waiting for replacements.
• Make sure you buy the right type (nylon for classical, steel for acoustic) and go for a light gauge to start with.

6. Capo

• This handy tool allows you to change the key of a song without learning new chord shapes, perfect for beginners looking to expand their song list quickly.
• A spring-loaded or trigger-style capo is easy to use and affordable.

7. Guitar Stand

• Out of sight often means out of mind. Keeping your guitar visible (and off the floor) encourages regular practice.
• A basic A-frame guitar stand will do the job nicely.

8. Cleaning Cloth & Care Products

• After each session, wiping down the strings and body helps prolong their life and keeps the instrument looking fresh.
• Look into basic guitar care kits that include cloths and fretboard oil.

9. Cables and Pedals (For Later Use)

• While not needed on day one, you may eventually explore amplification or recording. Having quality guitar cables, a basic pedalboard, or even microphone accessories can open up new ways to experiment with your sound.

Start simple. Focus on what makes practice more comfortable and encourages you to pick up the guitar more often. Over time, you’ll naturally figure out which accessories help your playing style and which ones just collect dust. At Music Street, we stock a curated range of guitar accessories that suit both classical and acoustic players - hand-picked for quality, comfort, and value.

Exploring Other Guitar Types You Might Consider

Once you've wrapped your head around classical and acoustic guitars, you might start wondering - what else is out there? Whether you're curious or planning your next upgrade, here’s a look at other popular guitar types that bring their style, tone, and playing experience.

Electric Guitars: Versatile, Modern, and Stage-Ready

Electric guitars are the go-to for rock, metal, blues, and modern pop. Unlike acoustics, they need an amplifier to be heard properly, which means a slightly higher setup cost - but a much wider range of tones to explore.

They're physically easier to play for many beginners, thanks to lighter strings, a slimmer neck, and lower string action.

If you're just starting out, look into starter bundles that include a guitar, amp, and a few extras. The Fender Mexican Stratocaster is a brilliant mid-range choice that balances tone, comfort, and reliability.

If you’re after ease of play plus reliability, check out our breakdown of the Best Fender Acoustic Guitars for models that balance comfort and performance beautifully.

Semi-Acoustic & Archtop Guitars: Vintage Vibes, Jazzy Tones

Semi-acoustic guitars (sometimes called semi-hollow) offer a unique blend of acoustic resonance and electric tone. They’re brilliant for jazz, blues, and softer rock, with a warm, airy tone that feels more “alive” than solid-body electrics.

Similarly, archtop guitars are fully hollow and often used in traditional jazz or swing. They have a beautiful, mellow sound but are more prone to feedback at high volume.

Les Paul Style: Fat Tones and Sustain

The Les Paul guitar, originally made famous by Gibson, is known for its rich, thick tone and long sustain. It's a favourite for rock, hard blues, and even metal. Heavier than a Stratocaster, but with serious presence and punch.

Bass Guitars: Foundation of the Band

The bass guitar is often overlooked, but it's the glue that holds the rhythm section together. If you prefer rhythm over melody and enjoy setting the groove, bass might be for you.

It has four thicker strings (compared to six), and while it looks like a guitar, it plays quite differently - focusing on single-note lines rather than chords.

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are, Play What You Love

Choosing between a classical and acoustic guitar isn’t about picking the “best” one - it’s about finding the one that suits you. Whether you’re drawn to the soft, expressive tone of nylon strings or the bold punch of steel-string resonance, the most important thing is to start.

Don’t overthink it. Pick the guitar that makes you want to practise, even for just ten minutes a day. 

And once you’ve got a guitar in hand, nothing beats starting with songs you'll actually enjoy - our Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners guide gives you tried-and-tested tracks and chord tips to play from day one.

At MusicStreet, we’re here to help at every step - whether it’s finding your first instrument, recommending a used guitar that fits your budget, or walking you through premium options like a PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo or a timeless Yamaha Revstar. You’ll also find expert-approved setups like the PRS McCarty 594, the ultra-smooth PRS NF53, or the bold, classic tone of a PRS Modern Eagle V.

Whatever path you take - just keep playing. We’ll be here to help you sound your best.