Beginner Questions

by Bryan Adams
(Toronto, Canada)

1. What are the differences between classical and acoustic and also the other 4 types of guitar?

They have a different type of construction altogether. Acoustic guitars are often steel string (although they look similar in the body to a classical) whilst classical guitars are always nylon strings.

In terms of the "other types" of guitar I take it you mean electric guitars and electric/acoustic such as the big jazz guitars that people like George Benson use.

Again, they have a totally different construction in both style and materials. One of the main differences is that these types of guitars use electric "pick-ups" to amplify the sound whereas the acoustic and classical guitar uses the "sound/echo chamber" of the body of the guitar to amplify the vibration of the strings.

2. Except for the classical songs of the Beatles can you play other pop or rock songs on classical guitar? (That was the reason I bought a guitar and want to learn it).

Of course you can play anything on a classical if that's the sound you want to achieve in your music including melody and harmony i.e. tunes and chord passages.

3. Can you use a pick when you play a classical guitar?

Yes, a pick can be used if that's the effect you want. In classical music per se you wouldn't use a pick but, as mentioned in the last question, it depends on what sound you want from the classical guitar in your music.