Guitar playing

by Gracia
(Singapore)

Hello,

After much persuasion, my parents have allowed me to sign up for a guitar class. When registering, the lady there told me that I would be learning how to play a classical guitar. However, I own an acoustic guitar. So basically, I would just like to ask, are the playing methods the same, like strumming, picking, chords, etc.

Thanks:)

Hi Gracia,

They are actually quite different. Classical uses finger picking/finger style methods i.e. playing arpeggio (broken chords - one note after another) and melodies using fingers in succession whereas the acoustic guitar is mainly for playing and strumming chords.

The steel strings help the acoustic guitar to "cut' through other instruments when in a band or some similar ensemble. The classical guitar is most often a solo instrument although of course you can play with other classical guitars and orchestras.

That is not to say people don't use classical guitars for bands etc. They do and it's often successful (if the players are good that is :))

My advice would be to "go with your heart". What will make you most happy? That's the important thing.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.