Can you learn/play both classical guitar and acoustic?
I am 1 year in to learning acoustic guitar. I have always had a passion for classical/spanish guitar also and would like to learn this. I know I will need a new guitar for this and also it is different posture and other differences. But is it advisable and possible to learn both of these simultaneously? Is there major differences?
A classical guitar IS an acoustic guitar; its simply built and set up for nylon strings rather than steel strings. Otherwise, they’re both tuned exactly the same, and any chords, scales, and other material you learn on one can be played on the other.
Correct traditional classical technique requires specific posture and right and left hand fingerings that are not as important in folk, country, rock, blues, etc music played on a steel string, but there’s no reason why you can’t do both.
A classical guitar IS an acoustic guitar; its simply built and set up for nylon strings rather than steel strings. Otherwise, they’re both tuned exactly the same, and any chords, scales, and other material you learn on one can be played on the other.
Correct traditional classical technique requires specific posture and right and left hand fingerings that are not as important in folk, country, rock, blues, etc music played on a steel string, but there’s no reason why you can’t do both.
References :
You can’t avoid it: classical guitars are acoustic guitars.
References :
It’s very possible to continue learning a traditional acoustic while also learning classical guitar. I believe it will work to your advantage, as well, that you’ve been learning western guitar for the past year. A lot of aspiring guitarists don’t understand the differences between the steel- and nylon-string guitars and how they’re played, but it’s clear you’re very aware of the distinctions. Since you understand the differences, it’s very unlikely you’ll become confused if you study both simultaneously.
I’ve never tried playing classical guitar (I play western acoustic and electric guitars), but I’ve got two friends who play both kinds of guitar (one of them makes his living playing) and their playing of traditional acoustic guitar has been enhanced because of the skill required to play classical. Whereas most of us get away with combined strumming and rather generic leads, classical players can incorporate intricate fingering techniques into pop, rock and country music, which makes their playing much more interesting.
It sounds like you’re driven enough to handle both kinds of guitars and if you find it’s difficult learning them simultaneously, you can always scale back on one or the other for a while. There’s no reason not to follow your passion. And if you find you greatly prefer one style over the other, you’ll be able to focus on that. Good luck!
References :
Guitarist for 20+ years, custom guitar builder.