Free shipping
within Germany for orders over 29€
55.000 products
ready for shipment
Money Back
30 Day Return Policy
You have placed the following items into your shopping cart
Free shipping
within Germany for orders over 29€
55.000 products
ready for shipment
Money Back
30 Day Return Policy
With its warm, singing tone, the classical guitar is at home in classical music. At the same time, its comfortable feel and nylon strings make it a popular choice for beginners, lessons and relaxed playing at home.
The classical guitar traces back to a form that developed in 17th-century Spain from the lute and the vihuela. In the 19th century, luthier Antonio de Torres (1817–1892) shaped the instrument into the design we know today. While Torres’ core construction principles remain, subtle changes—especially to the internal bracing—have refined how the top vibrates and how the guitar projects. Today, classical guitars are loved by fingerstyle players and are equally at home as a solo instrument or for accompanying vocals.
While classical and steel-string acoustics can look quite similar at first glance, each type has distinct features that affect tone, feel and playing style.
The most important difference is the string type: classical guitars use nylon strings, while steel-string acoustics use steel strings. A classical guitar should never be fitted with steel strings, as the higher tension can damage the neck, bridge and overall construction. Nylon strings also produce that smooth, rounded tone, whereas steel strings tend to sound brighter and more immediate.
With a typical 52 mm nut width, classical guitars provide more room on the fingerboard—great for fingerpicking and traditional techniques. Fingerboards are usually flat, which matters when choosing a capo.
A visual hallmark is the slotted headstock, often called a “window” headstock. Some makers also use this classic look on steel-string models.
Classical guitars come in a range of body sizes so younger players can start comfortably and with good ergonomics. Common sizes include 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 and 7/8.
All sizes are available with or without a cutaway. A cutaway gives easier access to upper frets, though removing a small section of the body can slightly reduce acoustic resonance.
Many brands also push innovation with standout instruments such as Yamaha’s Silent Guitar models. With minimal body, onboard pickup and a cutaway, they’re perfect for quiet practice while still delivering a convincing classical-guitar tone through amplification. Prefer something even more unusual? Godin’s Ultra Fretless models offer a distinctive look and high-quality pickup systems. Left-handed players aren’t left out either: left-handed classical guitars are available from many manufacturers.
Spanish flamenco is traditionally played on a classical guitar known as a flamenco guitar. While the outline looks similar to a standard classical guitar, flamenco models often feature slightly shallower sides for a more comfortable feel. They’re typically built lighter—often using cypress for back and sides—which contributes to a fast, punchy response and strong projection. Since flamenco needs to cut through singing, clapping and percussion, a clear, direct sound is essential. Spruce tops are common for their bright, articulate response. A protective tap plate called a golpeador helps prevent damage from percussive techniques, while a lower action supports the genre’s rapid runs.
Alongside bracing, the choice of woods, build quality and finish strongly influence a classical guitar’s tone. Higher-end instruments often use spruce tops with fine, even grain for clarity and projection. Depending on your sound preference, other top woods are also used: cedar tends to sound warmer with rich overtones, while mahogany can deliver an even rounder, more focused response with fewer overtones. Entry-level guitars often feature laminated tops, which are less sensitive to humidity and offer a dependable, consistent sound.
For back and sides, classic choices include mahogany, rosewood and maple, each adding its own character. Necks are commonly made from mahogany or maple for stability. For the fingerboard, rosewood is a frequent choice, with ebony used less often. Modern alternatives such as Richlite can offer a consistent, even response across the fingerboard, and woods like walnut or laurel are increasingly common too.
Beginners often see these terms early on, and they can influence both sound and price. Solid wood tops are generally considered more responsive, while laminate construction is often found on more affordable models. Still, build quality matters—so it’s worth looking at the full package, not just the spec sheet.
For a first instrument, laminated acoustic guitars can be a smart pick: they’re budget-friendly and tend to be more resistant to humidity and temperature changes—ideal for everyday use and travel.
In the mid-range, you’ll often find guitars with a solid top, which usually offers improved dynamics and projection.
Advanced players often choose all-solid guitars for maximum resonance and volume, as solid back and sides can contribute to a freer, more complex response.
For stage and studio, a pickup system can be a big advantage: you avoid the hassle of mic placement, reduce feedback risk and get a clear, direct signal that works well in live mixes.
Any classical guitar can be fitted with a pickup by qualified technicians, but it’s often easiest to choose a model with an onboard system. Many brands offer affordable electro-classical guitars, and some include an integrated tuner for quick tuning on the go.
When buying your first guitar, one of the big questions is what’s best for getting started. For many players, it comes down to choosing between a steel-string acoustic and a nylon-string classical guitar.
Starting on a steel-string acoustic is absolutely possible—its punchy, projecting sound is perfect for singer-songwriters and strumming. But steel strings can feel tougher at first and require more finger strength. That’s why many beginners choose a classical guitar: nylon strings usually feel gentler on the fingertips, making early chord changes more comfortable. With regular practice, you’ll quickly build calluses and both string types become much easier to play.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to begin. There are many affordable starter sets that include essentials such as a stand, tuner, footstool, capo and more—great value for money. It’s a practical way to get everything you need and start playing right away.
For most beginners, a comfortable, well-made 4/4 model (adults) or a smaller size (3/4, 1/2) for children is ideal. Look for good build quality, an easy action and a sensible starter set.
Most adults play 4/4, while smaller players and children often prefer 3/4, 1/2 or 1/4. The best fit is the one that allows a relaxed posture and comfortable reach.
Classical guitars use nylon strings for a warm, smooth tone. Steel-string acoustics sound brighter and more direct. Classical guitars also tend to have a wider neck, which many players prefer for fingerstyle.
Steel strings create much higher tension and can damage the neck, bridge and overall construction. Classical guitars are designed specifically for nylon strings.
Nylon offers the classic warm sound, carbon often feels snappier and more defined. High-tension sets can increase projection but feel stiffer—many beginners start with normal or medium tension for comfort.
Lower action usually makes fretting easier, while higher action can allow more dynamics. Many guitars can be adjusted via saddle/nut work (and setup, model-dependent). For best results, have adjustments done by a technician.
A solid top typically offers better dynamics and a more responsive feel. Laminates are more durable and affordable—great for beginners and everyday playing.
If you play higher up the neck often, a cutaway is very helpful. A full body without cutaway can offer slightly more acoustic resonance.
For gigs and band settings, a pickup is a practical choice because it provides a direct signal and can reduce feedback compared to microphones. Many electro-classical models include a preamp and tuner.
Good starter sets include useful essentials like a gigbag, tuner, footstool and stand. Make sure the guitar size fits and the setup feels comfortable—then practice is much more enjoyable from day one.
