Learning classical guitar on a steel-stringed acoustic?

by Jason
(NYC)

Hi,

I recently bought an acoustic guitar and I'm not really sure where to start. I borrowed some chord books from the library and I'm working through those, but I really want to play full-length pieces instead.

So I'm trained in classical piano, and I want to start learning classical guitar. Would that be possible on a steel-stringed acoustic?

I don't want to shell out the money for a classical guitar (having bought an acoustic), and I want to make use of what I have available. Are there any methods on learning classical guitar on a steel-stringed acoustic?

Thanks! This site rocks.

Hi Jason,

You could learn classical on an acoustic although it is not ideal for several reasons. First of all it's going to be a lot harder on your fingers (of both hands) to produce the correct sound in terms of both tone and degree of difficulty.

The strings of an acoustic guitar are of a much higher tension because of the steel strings. It is made to really be strummed with that "bright" sound and tone able to "cut" through over the top of other instruments that may accompany it, as in a band for instance.

For me it comes down to having the "right tool for the right job" as it were. Have you thought of maybe trading the guitar in or selling it outright then buying a classical? Just a thought.

I hope this was of help.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.