Classical vs Non-Classical Guitar | Should You Learn Guitar on Nylon or Steel Strings?

Today we're here to discuss one of the classic questions around learning guitar-- should you start on steel or nylon strings? Nylon may be easier on the fingers, but is the traditional build of a classical guitar too much of a physical stretch for the beginner? Are some of the more uncomfortable aspects to learning guitar actually good for conditioning? Which has more versatility? Chris and Cooper both have some heavy opinions on these questions, so take a listen to their conversation here! How did you learn? Let us know in the comments, then browse our selection of both nylon and steel string acoustic guitars!
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[@HahnJames]

I learned on a steel string acoustic and my guitar teacher was... still is a classical guitarist. He was kind of reluctant to teach me on steel strings. He said, "You're just going to have to grin and bear it." That is what I did. He wasn't a purist but, I can still hear him saying, "Nut at the same level as your jaw, James>" He used to have me practice chord progressions and scales up and down the neck either in a darkened room or with my eyes closed. He wanted me to learn the feel of the guitar. After doing this for a long period of time, knowing where you are on the fret board becomes almost instinctual. I still often close my eyes when I play. I adapted this concept to teaching Judo. I often have my students spar with one another blindfolded. Those who can learn how to feel their sparring partner as he or she moves can usually take their Judo to a higher level than those who solely rely on their sight. Maybe, the principles learned while acquiring guitar skills can translate to other aspects of life. The same can be said for learning a martial art.

[@jamesfoo8999]

As Mr Miyagi once said "Hammer on, pull off". Something like that...

[@Nanjayal]

@@jamesfoo8999 😂😂

[@Naule01]

That’s really cool and good advice.

[@antonm8719]

When I drink my beers I also close my eyes...works great! Legit.

[@JoseAv-tx4yl]

Thanks ❤

[@Bullroarer1750]

I am a multi instrumentalist(and a cellist first and foremost) but, what I will say about the guitar, is that it has the most diverse potential of all the instruments I play. From nylon to electric, finger picking, tapping, and plectrum, it is almost unlimited in what can be produced. Don’t limit yourself. Go all in, learn classical, jazz, folk, rock, play it in all its forms. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

[@tommychan2621]

I think the important thing to consider whether you choose the steel string or nylon string guitar is what genre of music do you prefer. My first guitar was a steel string guitar, back then I was so into pop music, then I discoverd the beauty of classical music then I bought a second-hand concert grade classical guitar for half price. Now i have both Classical and folk guitar because of the demand of my perfomence.I serve as a guitarist in my church(play christian song using steel string guitar) and I mainly study and perform as a classical guitarist. If you still not sure what genre of music you prefer I recommend a steel string guitar because you can build the strength of you fingers and durability during the perfomence.

[@KeleCanberra]

So is it harder to play worship music with classical guitar?

[@tommychan2621]

@@KeleCanberra Not really, u can strum ur classical guitar with ease, but for personal taste, the strumming sound is a little bit overwhelming to me because of nylon strings timbre is a lot sweeter than steel strings, so they're optimal to finger-picking than strumming.

[@KeleCanberra]

@@tommychan2621 Okay, thanks Tommy. God bless you…

[@oliverdelica2289]

What classical guitar did you first get into?

[@harleycowboy321]

I really like the fact that you guys are together now you guys play off each other so well is very nice very cool

[@kapua1971]

It always makes me feel bad when somebody breaks any guitar.

[@Raziaar]

What are you, a guitar empath?

[@nathanielbartholomew5091]

@@Raziaar lol

[@averagegirl7113]

Man I feel stupid- this week my mom gave me her old guitar since I've been playing acoustic for 2 years. Looking at hers, I noticed it was shaped different, sounded different, the strings felt different, and I couldn't adjust the neck like my acoustic...so I just figured that's how guitars were built in the 70's. I didn't even consider it was a classical until I was changing the 40 year old strings and realized they were tied off, not anchored the way I was used to. I was thisclose to putting acoustic strings on the classical- so glad I found this video explaining why that is a terrible thing to do! Very excited to get the correct strings and discover a new music style.

[@texhaines9957]

My first guitar was named "Ginny" short for Virginia Smith whose Dad gave me his guitar. I played it every where from Texas -Louisiana to Montana and New Jersey to Alaska and points in between. It "froze" with me during a Montana winter in a bunkhouse. It needs some frets, some cracks repaired, a neck reset, and I still put fresh strings on it and play it sometimes. It has a narrower nut (1 11/16"). But mostly 49 years of playing has some age issues.

[@judeman333]

Nylon all the way. Learn a nylon and the acoustic and electric are child's play imo. I own 3 classical, 2 acoustic and two electric. I mainly play the classical but sometimes jam with the electric.

[@fathercharles5743]

Al De Meola uses a pick to play Nylon. I switched to nylon. Because of corpal tunnel. Most of my pain is gone after 6 months. Plugged in I can make it sound like anything I want. Now I don't want to play anything else. I play Cordoba GK Studio guitars . Anyway great video guys ‼️

[@CameraLaw]

I play both. The classical work really gives a great foundation yet making nylon strings sing out is no simple feat, much easier to end up with dull, lifeless tones unless I focus my attack on the strings. But when I transfer over to steel, the notes chime effortlessly. As a piano player, I appreciate the sound of steel. But … it’s the classical work, especially trying to conquer the wide flat fingerboard and thick strings, that makes me feel more in control when I switch over. Couldn’t say where best to start, but would definitely recommend classical to anyone who likes the repertoire and the challenge of reading notes on a staff.

[@louiscyfer6944]

for the very beginning start with a steel string acoustic with electric strings on them, say 9's. easy enough to play and sound decent. classical will take longer to get a good tone from.

[@JsquareProductions]

I see your point Kevin Parker

[@lelandstronks319]

I put nylon strings on my 1975 Ovation Artist shallow bowl and they sound amazing. A regular width neck is great to play on. I love them, I have neuropathy in my hands and feet,so nylon strings are better for my hands. Ovation guitar’s have the slide through holes on the bridge, so you can use both kinds of strings. Get an Ovation guitar you can play what you want.🤗

[@johnwbanjo]

You both make valid points. Thanks for sharing your debate.

[@dv5466]

I have played nylon string guitar for several years and now I am incorporating a steel string guitar, let me tell you my fingers are definitely feeling it, not enough calluses so it is painful, strings are harder to press and bar chords don't sound that good yet so I need to build more strength. I think the answer is, learn both, you will benefit from both, but I would start with an steel string guitar if I look back.

[@antonm8719]

I did put steel strings on my Spanish classical guitar in 1999 as a teenager back then, my guitar is still sounding great in 2024. When people ask why i did that the answer is my favourite - "because I wanted to!" Feels amazing, sounds amazing, and it didn't implode. yet. ))

[@serdip]

(Parody of “Hurts So Good” by John Cougar Mellencamp) Thought I was just some toy Put me away for all them days Now that you’re gettin’ older, so much older Wish you could be one who plays Which guitar to choose? Which guitar to choose? Lord knows the right strings for you, baby It’s up to you Strum on, let’s make it, uh Hurt so good Strum on, baby, make it hurt so good Guitar love is misunderstood Let’s make it hurt so good Gonna be so exciting Just tryin’ to have yourself a little bit of fun, yeah When my strings you start to tighten It’s like a dream when you are done Ain’t easy to do But I’m worth it, it’s true Press your fingers to my strings, baby Let’s make them red and blue Strum on, let’s make it, uh Hurt so good Strum on, baby, make it hurt so good Guitar love is misunderstood Let’s make it hurt so good Do you wanna play steel strings? For a while it hurts like Hell If you’re playin’ nylon strings Keep your fingers pressin’ down all day long Pressin’ down all day long, uh Hurts so good Strum on, baby, make it hurt so good Guitar love is misunderstood Let’s make it hurt so good Hurts so good Strum on, baby, now Strum on, baby, make it hurt so good Guitar love is misunderstood Let’s make it hurt so good Play, play! © 2023

[@serdip]

Very informative and entertaining video. Thanks for posting. OMG, smashing that steel string guitar at the end of the video was a shocker! :)

[@steveb9325]

Both!!!! And, yes, start and play whatever you're able to get! Have fun !!!

[@vasilias2230]

I love playing them, (nylon) and the sound Is more pleaseant acoustically.

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

I drew the dots with nail polish so this is not an issue. The spacing between strings actually makes it easier to play certain things so unless you have really tiny hands thats not an issue neither.

[@markvincentcocjin]

The end of this video reminded me of that Tarantino movie where Kurt Russel unknowingly destroyed a rare vintage guitar. No one told him that the prop was a loaned museum piece. He felt so bad about it.

[@s.k.3483]

Good God, what a shame!

[@christinepratt4656]

A classical guitar is harder to play. Wider neck and frets make it harder to grab the chords and reach notes. Easier on a beginner's fingers, though. Both sound beautiful.

[@mOlyxd]

I'm struggling 😂

[@joshbutler8311]

There’s a lot of great considerations in this video for any first timer/beginner. At the end of the day though, the best guitar is the one you will actually play.

[@jean-marcmollus8946]

Easy answer to me is the steel guitar. First, the pain is always portrayed like the nylons feel like a small round pebble in the shoe and the steel feels like a nail through the foot. But in reality the steel feels like a bit rougher pebble, which you only have to bear for two weeks instead of six weeks. From a pedagogic point of view, with the steel it is more easy to learn the general basic rules of playing guitar, the alphabet, basic words and how simple sentences are written when you compare it to school. And because the steel strings are more unforgiving with mistakes than nylon, the feedback is more direct with less room for playing. My personal experience is, that it is easier to adjust later on to the wider nut than to the smaller space. But to become good at playing and have fun early on, the motivation is the most important thing you should consider, so like mentioned in the video, take the guitar which is more apealing to you, is looking cooler or sounds better for the music you like and want to play early on.

[@MatthewZmusician209]

The wider neck makes it easier to distinguish what string to hit and easier to play bar chords because the strings are more space out you don’t have to worry about your finger accidentally muting a string .

[@Yaxqb]

I've played nylon on and off my whole life. So when I looked for a guitar today on black weekend, I wanted to not feel "limited" by nylon. Love my Fender cd-60 👍

[@bobdaniel282]

How about a 12 fret (maybe parlor sized?) for a first guitar? Shorter scale, less string tension, small body.

[@gfd165]

Steel string because when you start playing , you are learning strumming and chords. Nylon to learn finger style because of string spacing.

[@marydiscuillo142]

But wait, don't you strum nylon?

[@junebuge.9192]

They seem to both have equal amounts of pros and cons so really that didn't help me decide what I wanna try. Thanks guys.

[@TheHesseJames]

They do. I like both. I play my nylons the most because I can just grab it any time and don’t need to find a pick first. But then, I play all my guitars without a pick, even my electrics.

[@JKrantz846]

I started on a plywood Harmony with wire strings. After working on that for a few months, my parents bought me an Ovation. Never got used to the round back and the stupid rubber pad on my thigh that didn't hold like it was supposed to. After high school, I traded the Ovation in for a Classical guitar, which was what I wanted in the first place. Like most guitarists, I then began to collect instruments. At 68, I can't remember how many guitars I've had in my life. Never forget that Harmony though.

[@stevengaber7977]

My first guitar was a Yamaha 325D It was too big for me. Next I got a Yamaha C-40 nylon string one. My thick, arthritic fingers could not make chords because of the wide neck. Now I have a Martin 00-28. Jut the right size, has a 1 /3/4" neck. I can do most chords easily. The 00-28 sounds amazing and smells good too.

[@TheRockyBalboa100]

I'm about to purchase a Yamaha C40M. Should I change my mind?

[@Goldsteinphoto]

This is an opinion from a beginner transitioning to intermediate. I started learning guitar about a year ago and have tried virtually every type and size of guitar. (I buy, fix up and sell guitars.) By far the easiest guitar to learn on is a form fitting body contoured electric guitar with 7 gauge strings. (very light) Such a guitar is way easier on your fingers, comfortable, well balanced and easy to get your arm around. Stratocasters, offsets and Explorers are excellent choices if playing seated. I have a thin body Ibanez S series that is the most comfortable guitar I have found. If you look around you can find a Strat copy for $50 or so that would be great to learn on provided...you put 7 gauge strings on it and can set the action pretty low. (Countless YT videos on this.) Maybe you have a friend who can set it up. Next is an unusual guitar...a Yamaha AEX500N which is a nylon string classical/electric guitar in a body size just a bit larger than a Les Paul. Neck is thin like on an electric not a classical. Very comfortable to play...hollow acoustic ...not very loud but perfect plugged in. I absolutely love playing this guitar. It is not cheap but I got a deal on one. I thinl there are solid body nylon electrics too. There are similar electric nylon guitars from Cordoba, Ibanez not cheap. Less ecpensive ones from Harley Benton and others. For me, the larger the guitar, the less comfortable it is for me to get my arm around. That really limits how long I want to play it. Maybe larger guitars should wait until you are better, and especially if you can play without watching your hands. I noticed the great Roy Buchanon watched his fingers a lot. But if you are comfortable with a larger guitar, don't let me stop you. The normal tension nylon strings hurt my fingers after a while whereas the 7 gauge steel strings on the electric don't. I can practice the electric guitar longer. Next on my list is an Ovation shallow body steel string acoustic/electric. This is the largest guitar I can play reasonably comfortably at this point in my progress. I've tried deeper Ovations and other standard size guitars and didn't enjoy playing them. A parlor size nylon string guitar is good for me. I found one for $30 so you can't lose buying something like that even if you start on an electric. Don't worry about guitar quality, volume or sound quality at this point...nobody is listening to you yet. All that matters when beginning is a comfortable neck and low strings. (Low action.) Later you'll figure out what you want in a better guitar.

[@blaynek3004]

Omg I played my first classical guitar today. A takamine c132s. I absolutely loved the sound. I've always played an acoustic electric. My brother has wanted to buy me a guitar for awhile and kept telling me to go find one I like. I was telling him about the guitar and the only way I could describe the sound was "spaghetti western". I'm glad I'm not crazy! Haha!

[@CesarC487]

Bossa Nova can only be played with nylon strings, same with flamenco

[@MatthewZmusician209]

Yes and my ears go crazy when I hear it on a steel string sounds so muddy

[@danit5146]

I have played piano and violin for years. I had always wanted to learn the guitar and even took a few lessons in junior high school. I found just strumming chords boring and I quit. When I next picked up the guitar, as an adult, I tried my older brothers Fender electric and my grandfather’s horrible cheap acoustic. Neither one made sense to me. When I picked up the classical guitar it was a perfect fit. The warmth and tonality are perfect and the music familiar. I’ve since played acoustic and electric but they are more for goofing off for me. I ended up teaching guitar for several years and had only three students who had classical guitars. By far the most common are acoustic. I’d teach all three, it didn’t matter to me, just please practice please. Guitar is such an amazing instrument to play. I’m much more inclined to play my guitar than my violin or piano. I love the challenge of learning and improving on my skill level. I love classical rock but coming from my background, classical guitar worked for me. However, I feel the acoustic guitar is more versatile and popular. My vote is for the acoustic guitar.

[@daovictoria]

I don't know man, I think it is easier to sound good in a acoustic guitar than a classical one. Classical require more effort, and really expose how shit you are if your playing is shit . Most of the technique on acoustic can use on classical ( not tapping though).

[@donnachamcgowan]

It really comes down to which ever suites the the.person..and not really what people say .Try out Several guitars 🎸 until you find that special one...That suites you.

[@fredymendez3864]

He hit the nail on the head there regarding price on classical guitars. If you been playing for a bit and want a premium classical guitar it will be at the 2500-4000 price points. You could get a quality Martin steel string at 2,200 or a Gibson Les Paul electric. I rather just stick to a steal string at that point as there are more options for a beginner no doubt. I will say classical guitar has a better tone than a steal string.

[@ianrichardson3968]

They do nylon strings with ball ends. Willie nelson used them. Tying them on is easy enough once you've done it a few times, doesn't take me very long. You can use a pick classical guitarists don't because back in the day picks didn't exist. Practicing at home they are quieter. You want volume amplify it. I have steel string acoustics and electrics but most of the time I pick up a nylon. If I could only have one guitar it would be a nylon. For blues they have a more authentic sound. Only thing is it's a good idea to lower the strings a bit as they come with high string action. I have small hands and short fingers but playing a classical made me stretch my fingers better. The way classical players hold their guitar gives you better access to the neck. Which for some people is an advantage. I like the warmth and tone of nylons. I play songs usually played on steel strings but so what? End of the day it's personal choice but for me I love my nylon strung guitars.

[@Zelig2Cents]

To the question, should you buy a nylon-stringed or steel-stringed guitar, I agree with the 'yes' answer. They each have their own way of communicating beauty. The one area where I'd disagree is the idea of "it depends on the sound you want". I would only agree with that notion with hardcore classical music. For example, to play a Tárrega piece with steel strings seems profane. However, there are many genres that, although we associate them with one type of guitar or another; nevertheless, the greats have shown us plenty of good reason to not automatically follow a trend or rule. I can think of 2 great examples at the moment. Willie Nelson plays country and Americana on a nylon-stringed guitar (1969 Martin N-20) and NOT a steel-stringed guitar. He makes country sound completely at home on nylon strings. In reverse of that, Roy Clark often played Spanish music, which is always, always associated with nylon strings, on steel-stringed guitars and masterfully so. Just like Willie playing country on nylon strings, Roy made Spanish music sound right at home on steel strings. If you'd like to hear what I'm referring to and have not heard it before, here are a couple examples you can try on for size. By the way, in the Roy Clark example, not only is he playing Spanish music (Malagüeña) on a steel-stringed guitar... it's a TWELVE string steel-stringed guitar. WILLIE NELSON Video Title: Willie Nelson and The Boys - Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain (Episode Five) KZbin Channel: Willie Nelson ROY CLARK Video Title: Roy Clark's Mesmerizing "Malagueña" (Live) KZbin Channel: BringBackMyYesterday Personally the rawness, stripped-down simplicity and sheer story-telling abilities that "Outlaw Country" has in talking about the sufferings and resilience of the human spirit, has been resonating more and more with me. So, I expect to start with a steel-stringed guitar, but can't wait until I can add a nylon-stringed guitar and take genres normally associated with one type of guitar, but play it on the "wrong'n".

[@motorbikeray]

Regarding comments about destroying the steel-string acoustic guitar at the end of the video. Pause at (15:49) and notice the nearly forearm length crack on the soundboard area above the guitar's sound hole and immediately below Cooper's forearm. It was probably a cheaply made guitar not worth having the soundboard fixed.

[@robbyclark6915]

I didn't even know what a nylon string guitar was when I started playing, lol. I wanted to rock out, and my dad played a 1968 Gibson ES 339 in heritage cherry red with a Bixby tremolo, so that's what was available. Not bad, i must say. I soon moved on to a strat, and so on and so on. I now have 2 LPs, a strat, a Carvin super strat, a 214ce deluxe, a Yamaha OM style guitar, a classical that i love, btw, and I think that is it. Of course, there's always room for more! My dad still has that Gibson brw, and more guitars than me.

[@dstdenis01]

Get a guitar suited for the style of music you want to play. If you want to play music from the classical guitar repertoire, get a nylon string classical guitar. If you want to play country, bluegrass, folk or pop, get a steel string acoustic. If you want to play rock, get an electric. Nylon strings are easier on the finger tips, but learning classical guitar technique and playing the repertoire is actually quite difficult. The neck profile is larger and the fingerboard is flat. Playing classical guitar requires more strength and flexibility in the fingerboard hand and accuracy and precision in the plucking hand. Steel string acoustic guitars are actually easier on the hands once you've developed the necessary callouses on your finger tips.They're both capable of producing beautiful music.

[@lucameneghin2059]

I have all...classic...acoustic....and Electric. But the classic with nylon is the most warm and intimate. Classic guitar is the first made. The real one guitar.... A hug from italy!!!

[@edsgar4505]

I have both, true nylon easier on the hands, I started from it, I play them alternately and it depends on what you play on fingerstyle techniques.

[@Noum77]

I started on a nilon string guitar then switched, then found out the tiny neck of the steel guitar and the steel strings themselves were a handicap for me, especially the tiny neck I never got used to it even two years later

[@marcelinogonzalez7015]

You kill it with the Ovation comment!!!

[@RogerThat902]

Great video. IMO if you have a hero and want to play his or her songs, get that kind of guitar. If you just want to play "guitar" start w/ a steel string--easier to switch to the others after learning that. Going from steel to electric will be a piece of cake w/ everything but muting. I have a bunch of different guitars now, but even after playing for years if I play electric too much I find that my technique gets lazy and it's a shock going back to steel--at least for a bit.

[@roberthealy1814]

I think a wider nut would be beneficial in one way, and that is that the strings are a little farther apart, so fingers will fit on the strings easier, without touching the string next to it.

[@thomasparker9638]

That's why I have a nylon string Cordoba and a steel string Breedlove.

[@johaneskrisostomus4863]

for me, my preference for guitar really depends on the guitarist i aspire. Since nearly all of them uses classical guitar i ended up liking classical better than acoustic (eventhough i still think steel strings sounds really beautiful though)

[@Nina-cr6cl]

I was hoping you played snippets of a few genres with each to really hear the difference between types (started sifting through the catalog of your videos to see you’ve done one), otherwise it was helpful

[@EviMlcak]

I'm looking into those Alhambra cross-over guitars, or at least trying to. They have cedar tops, most of them at least, cut-aways, slightly narrower neck at the nut. Can't wait to get a feel for them.

[@joesanders6898]

My 1st guitar was a Gibson B-25 Natural. That was in 1967 or 68, and I didn't know what I had. I paid $100 for it. I played that (poorly) until the mid 70's and sold it for $100. Now I'm playing an Orangewood Dana, a Fender CD-60 and a Yamaha FG800. I like all three.

[@dmanh5144]

I listened to several of your video reviews and I chose to buy the cheap, no name, grand auditorium style nylon string and steel string guitars. So for about $200 total, I bought one of each to get into guitar playing, but I have also been watching Patrick Marr describing many electronic keyboards also. I am starting with keyboards but I also want to know a little about guitars as well. If my interest continues with guitars, I will upgrade only from Alamo Music. All of my Keyboards came from another vendor (not Amazon) but my guitars will come from Alamo because of the great explanations you guys provide. You do a great job of helping beginners understand the important points to be considered.

[@DiogoPedrosaMusic]

The main thing, in my opinion, is to buy the guitar for the style of music you listen to and want to play. If you listen to Pop, Rock, Country and most mainstream styles of music, you'll want to be on a steel string. If you want to play classical pieces, Bossa Nova, Flamenco or some other traditional styles of music you want a nylon. Then down the line you'll mostly likely find it's actually nice to have one of both.

[@GarethMcDougan-m7i]

@GarethMcDougan-m7i 1 second ago I would say that the acoustic guitarist has a point. I play both but a classical and flamenco have a diapason or fret scale of tycally 650mm -640mm so all your chords need the fingers to stretch more, much more which makes playing pieces tougher. But many classical players resort to ordering 630 scale classicals or less. The are some annoying luthiers that alter the string spacing as well. But if you play a pro classical for say folk nusic, it sounds sweet but it doesn't cut through for that music if you do a lot of strumming. But if you have a classical with active pickup and equalizer you can make it acceptable in a way. So what I'm saying is, next time you see someone playing some amazing impossible classical piece, hang on, ask whether its played on a full scale 650 mm classical, or just someone posing as a true naster with a reduced fret scale which turns the challenging piece into something much easier muuuccch easier. So much so that if you play that piece then on an acoustic. Yes it sou ds different, steel strings bit due to the even more reduced fret spacing scale..its easy by ten to the power of peasy.

[@joemaniscalco780]

Great video, as usual. You came near when talking about strings.... But nylon strings take almost a week to keep their tune. Steel strings just a couple days.....

[@01blaval]

Learn on both

[@michaelcarydakis790]

my first guitar was a nylon classic Valencia then a steel string yamaha acoustic 1982 and then in 1986 Stirling Stratocaster now a Maton acoustic love it steel string is my fave now

[@opinionhaver574]

I started with a guitar class in junior high and they had (cheap) classical guitars for us to learn on. I didn't really care what I learned on - I just wanted to play guitar. I figured I'd eventually be playing steel string and electric guitars so I was ok with starting on a classical guitar. Anyway, I almost gave up because it took me more than a week to be able to even fret a note but I was stubborn and kept at it. Now I have a degree in guitar performance and get to entertain people on the daily with such questions as, "Would you like fries with that?"

[@DriveCarToBar]

Not only should you start with steel strings, you should start with a steel string electric. The biggest reasons are the smaller nut width is easier for most players to reach. Yes, it requires a bit more dexterity but better to learn it early on something that's easier to play. Next one is the smaller steel strings, while they might cause a little more discomfort initially, last longer and hold tuning better. Finally, the stability of an electric is head and shoulders above an acoustic. Even on a less expensive electric, the ability to take the guitar apart, shim the neck, actually adjust bridge saddles, etc. makes it the easy choice. On the other hand, a cheap acoustic is likely using cheaper woods and you have no idea how they were dried, the lack of adjustments and the heavier strings just make it a worse choice for a new player. Especially for children who will likely find the electric much easier to hold. The thin body fits them better. The narrower nut width fits little hands better. Being able to plug it in means they get all sorts of sounds and tones that an acoustic just can't offer. Also, upgrading an electric is a real option. A $200 Squier or Ibanezcan be made to play great. A $200 acoustic is going to be firewood in a few years.

[@richardcocco2110]

I would suggest steel string set up with extra light strings for a beginner.

[@marcusmattau7334]

I started with nylon string guitars but I have to agree with Cooper (sorry Chris). When you start with steel strings and suffer the pain on the fingers it is easier (much easier) to adjust to a nylon strings. But,the vice versa is not so.

[@Bryan_Lion]

My first guitar was a cheap steel string from Costco. My fingers were strong and when I picked up an electric for the first time, I switched to that

[@kendrom]

No doubt nylon string guitars are easier to play. Also, the nut width is not really an issue, because classical guitars come in 1/8, 1/4, 3/4, and 4/4 sizes. So you can get the benefit of wider spacing between strings, but will still be proportionate to your hand size. However, there is a good point to be made about letting the student pick what they want, irrespective of what is easier on the hands. While it might be impractical in terms of learning, letting them choose is a big factor in how interested they’ll be in pursuing it. If we’re talking about really young students (6-10), I’d say go with the nylon for sure. It’ll be way easier on their hands, which will make them less likely to get discouraged, and they probably won’t even know the difference in sound between the two.

[@Robin-bk2lm]

Lots of good info. Thx

[@crowonawirehome]

I’d say, from this point forward there will be more nylon players. Since about 3 years ago most of the music on my channel is nylon string.

[@annlee8361]

BOTH! Who doesn't want both!?

[@jadonx]

And a 12 string...😀

[@lindyloulie80]

I studied classical guitar first, so I got used to the wide nut/neck, but when I switched over to steel string acoustic guitar I transferred my fingerstyle playing to it, AND I love playing classical tunes on steel string acoustic. WHAAATTT?? I know, I know, that is sac religious, but when played on a steel stringer that has a wonderfully warm sound, and using properly manicured finger nails on right hand, classical music sounds beautiful. Studying classical guitar made going fingerstyle on acoustic steel string a breeze. I also wear my acoustic guitar high in order to have greater left hand dexterity.

[@ericoswood1856]

Actually, a hybrid nylon string guitar is a great first guitar. Nylon strings with a narrower nut and fretboard.

[@rubikscubeking8398]

I picked up guitar in my early 50s, went for steel stringed acoustic. Short term pain for long term gain. Playing any other kind of guitar is much earlier, imho

[@JamesEstes927]

"learning guitar, that's what we want to encourage you to do". 10000000000%

[@vickyburton2434]

I love classical guitar and feel of you learn classical, you can learn anything. Saying that, what will you play. That is what you are going to want to learn. I actually found my hands worked better on a wider neck. I remember sore fingers still…..🥺

[@tylerhouston9746]

I learned on a steel string guitar first and still far prefer it. I came from steel string banjo to steel string guitar so callouses weren’t a problem. I do have a nylon string guitalele that I carry to work every day and play on breaks just to get some extra time playing in. Honestly I may still buy a steel string mini guitar one day to replace it and pass it along to the kids. Time will tell.

[@johnlord1399]

Started when I was 11, which was a long, long time ago, on a Sears Silvertone. The white pick guard was painted on, and the action was about 3/8 of an inch from the fretboard at the nut. I was determined,, but you can only get so good on a guitar like that. I played that guitar for 7 years!

[@johnlord1399]

As we’ve been deep-diving into Taylor of late, my wife has wondered aloud more than once, how much better I might be if I’d started on something like an Academy, or even a decent Yamaha.

[@thomascampbell6374]

I still have nightmares about wrestling with the frets of my Harmony trying to fret B minor when I was about ten. I think learning to make your small fingers do strange things while enduring pain is a real turn off for young would be guitarists and probably responsible for millions of guitars posing as hat racks. I think kids should learn the basics on nylon strings and then move to steel strings, the whole point is to keep them playing. That said, I now have a house full of steel stringed guitars and I am intimidated by classical guitars.

[@nedludd3641]

Is there a nylon string set made for steel strings? I got a mate with Alzheimer's who used to play banjo & guitar in band in pubs and universities. His finger tips have softened, he don't like the pain, but he knows the fretboard like the back of his hand. Any advice, suggestions?

[@carlosacostag]

Hi, there is a set from Daddario called Folk Nylon, which is basically a set of nylon strings with ball ends. There is another one from Ernie Ball called Ernesto Palla. Hope one of those works for your friend. Regards!

[@zaid11_.]

Which one is better??

[@bnouk2777]

And thinking. Not or.

[@libelle8124]

Steel string and nylon string and add to that a ukulele. These little stringers are so underestimated. I wish you'd do more for them :-)

[@beck12255]

Here’s another point of interest that nobody is thinking about. I’m in my 70’s and i have 3 steal string guitars. When your a senior your skin on your hands are getting thinner. The nylon string guitars are easier on your finger tips. Just a thought

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you :)

[@christopherstanford5599]

Buy both 🤗🤗

[@kevinmencer3782]

My giant bear paw mitts dictate that I'm going to start on a classical guitar, for the very reason that the nut is wider and there's a little more space between everything.

[@louisesabourin9572]

My choice is the classic guitare because of the sound that it makes and the kind of music I prefer but I have small hands ✋ not sure I could be able to play the notes easily 🎵 🎶 ? 😦

[@gobeco]

No doubts about this, the classical "Spanish" nylon guitar is a warm natural sounding winner. Metal string guitars was design for more volumen, traveling and tune stability but have ugly sound, we are familiar with it becouse we hear it on thousands of hundreds records but....nylon wins for sure.

[@juanmccnylgarcias8370]

I started with a steel string guitar, an Art Lutherie, not sure if it is good or bad, but that is what I started with. I want to get a nylon string guitar since interest of music playing are in Rancheras, Mexican Music. I want to get a nylon guitar, not sure if I want the electronics, but nice to have. My fingers suffer and are tortured by the steel strings; therefore, I can't play for a long time. I am hoping that with the Nylon I would do better and play for longer time. I feel not being able to play for long does not allow me to move forward with my learning. I feel I got stuck since I could not move on from what I have already learn, and I was stubborn and did not want to give up. I wanted my fingers to become tough but I give up. I like Rock, and heavy metal like Black Sabbath and my favorite Deep Purple, and Beatles, so the string guitar allowed me to play a bit of Across the Universe

[@wb7997]

The issue is not resolved because it tends to be framed as "classical vs steel-string acoustic.". Instead, it should be "nylon-string acoustic vs. steel-string acoustic." Unfortunately, few guitar makers are building nylon-string guitars with a steel-string form factor. I want a guitar with 18 frets (or 18 frets over 24 inch scale)-- tough to find. There a some labeled as "cross-over", but very few, indeed. I hope someone from Taylor Guitars is listening. I learned to play on a Yamaha CS-100. Much easier to play than any steel string I've tried. I bought a Yamaha NXT5 but retured it due to excessive fret buzz. I bought a Taylor 312 but returned it because of the wide nut width and because it only has 18 frets over a 25 inch scale length.

[@domagojoinky8262]

I would like to have a nice nylon string hybrid guitar. I cannot stretch my hand over 2in nut.

[@veiantony4966]

I sure love my Cordoba GK

[@YourDreamsB11]

I'm still confused which is sound good steel or nylon, I want but best Guitar for singing and performance but I'm still confused which is best steel string or nylon, please someone help me, which is sound better for every type singing 👍

[@tensorw764]

okay i’m going to give my $.02. For finger-style (having the guitar sing) or campfire songs go with steel strings. For relaxing classical graceful music go for nylon. I have both and started on steels. MOST IMPORTANT THING: You will have to grow your calluses! no other way around it! no easy way out! it’s a price everyone has to pay, nylon is easier on the pain but steel will grow ur calluses stronger. After 2 weeks ish u won’t feel anything. TLDR: Steel for fingerstyle/campfire/pop Nylon for classical/graceful/emotional

[@jack2k20]

thx

[@DanielSnyder-bz8kp]

I would start out on an electric guitar with .08 gauge strings, probably the easiest to play. Some questions I have...Can you use a capo on a classical guitar? ...and why is it that i've never seen a classical guitarist with a strap on his guitar and standing up kicking his leg. You also never see a classical guitarist smash his guitar or light it on fire or hump his amplifier like Jimi Hendrix used to do. I do not understand why I have not seen this. Is it arrogance?

[@GMec78]

I’m primarily an electric player who also owns a steel acoustic from a popular T name company (which I hate the sound of). Seriously my daughter’s Coco nylon string guitar from Cordoba sound better to my ear. I thought that it was maybe that particular steel acoustic but I when to a large guitar store and it turns out I just don’t like the sound of steel string acoustics. I guess I’m going to go the Willie Nelson route and play a nylon string guitar like a steel string.

[@willistaylor4077]

My Classical Guitar is actually the most expensive guitar in my collection. My Electric Guitars were cheaper. And, I just have a fairly cheap acoustic steel string guitar.

[@leemp337]

lol that piano guy skit and the end was hilarious!

[@fred4664]

Good video. I’ve played both nylon and steel string guitars as a beginner. The extremely high action of a nylon strung guitar compared to steel strung guitar is a big negative. It’s hard to fret notes clearly. I only own steel string guitars now. Put extra light strings on a steel string guitar to start with to help the sore fingers.

[@amandagosling7622]

Having started on a classical guitar as a child, i got used to the wider neck, in my twenties, i bought my first steel and i cant play it. I am currently waiting on a 45mm width nut steel parlour, im hoping that is a happy middle ground for me

[@danmcnamara7782]

you gents date good together. THANKS!

[@peterpascone6942]

...and out of the Nylon string Guitars, is the Flamenco Guitar's lower action easier than a classical?