Types Of Guitar

When you begin,the 2 types will be:

• acoustic ('akoostic') guitar with nylon strings. Also called a classical guitar.
  
  Classical Guitar (nylon strings)
  
• acoustic guitar with steel strings.
  
  Acoustic Guitar (steel strings)
  

The classical has nylon(plastic) strings, and has a quiet sound. This is the easiest to play, in the first few weeks. You might also see a 3/4 size guitar. They are made for older children, and are smaller, but still are OK for adults. Their neck is the same width as a steel string guitar.

The steel-string guitar is louder, but the strings are harder to press down. Also the neck is narrower, but this does not really matter at the start.

You can buy these guitars from £60 upwards.

Sometimes you can buy a classical guitar in a charity shop from £10 to £20. THe main thing to check is that all 6 tuners work. Turn them all, and see if the strings tighten up. Do not put steel strings on a classical guitar - it will break.

The other main types of guitar are:

• electric guitar
  
  Electric Guitar
  
• bass ('base') guitar.
  
  Bass Guitar
  

Normally, both these are made of solid wood, not hollow. They are not acoustic. They need an amplifier to make a sound.

Guitar Amplifier
A bass guitar has 4 thick strings, and makes very low, deep notes. It is used to accompany other instruments.