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Ease of chording on Classical guitar vs. steel-stringed

by Lorraine
(BC, Canada)

Is it harder to learn regular guitar chords on a classical vs. a steel-stringed acoustic?

I really love classical guitar, and hope that in time I may have the time to devote to learning it. For the time being, I would like to just learn a few chords for singing simple songs in a small group setting (so I don't need the bigger sound of steel string). I have the opportunity to buy a nice guitar from a friend for a good price (about all I can afford), but I've been trying some chording, but it is really hard for my hand, and I wonder if the hand needs to be bigger since the neck is wider on a 'classical' instrument.

Your thoughts?

Hi Lorraine,

You're right in the fact that the neck is wider on a classical guitar. Indeed, it's also thicker than most other guitar necks. But the "saving grace" for learning on a classical is that the nylon strings are much easier on the fingers for a beginner than an acoustic steel string guitar.

Given the choice, I'd rather get used to the thicker and wider neck than the steel strings but I guess everyone's different.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.