An advanced (professional) guitarist friend of mine told me that if I prefer to play finger picking I should seriously consider getting myself a nylon string guitar. He said he prefers the sound too.
I have been considering getting myself one as I'd like to explore more classical/baroque/renaissance style songs and test out whether I have a preference for either steel or nylon stringed guitars.
My questions are:
1) Are finger pickers better off using nylon stringed guitars, or is it just personal preference? and
2) Besides the sounds and fret board width, what are the differences in the two types of instruments - what are their advantages and disadvantages?
Neil I realise that you play a steel string and also seem to play a lot of finger style music. So, I'm assuming it is a personal preference thing, but I'd be interested in your thoughts.
He also suggested that I consider a Yamaha - 151 or 171 models, which apparently are very good value for money.
THoughts on the above?
Are nylon stringed guitars better for predominantly finger style players?
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neverfoundthetime
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Hi Michele
When I started off, I was borrowing my mother's Spanish classical guitar with nylon strings and found it didn't hurt my fingers so much. I then had a steel 6 string which really hurt my fingers. Next guitar was a 12 string. I found the wider fret board better and more like the classical guitar and easier to play. Of course, there is more strength required to hold down 12 strings but the pressure is more spread across your finger tips and it doesn't hurt as much as 6. Then I got a Takamine CN60E, a western with nylon strings and cut-away and electronics. I really love this guitar and I found it so much easier to play and I liked the sound. I played it on my If You Could Read My Mind video. A nylon western guitar is my recommendation because it's not too much of a change when you pick up a steel 6 string as the neck widths are not too far apart. The classical is much wider and changing back an forth is a more difficult as your fingers don't find their place on the fretboard so well.
When I started off, I was borrowing my mother's Spanish classical guitar with nylon strings and found it didn't hurt my fingers so much. I then had a steel 6 string which really hurt my fingers. Next guitar was a 12 string. I found the wider fret board better and more like the classical guitar and easier to play. Of course, there is more strength required to hold down 12 strings but the pressure is more spread across your finger tips and it doesn't hurt as much as 6. Then I got a Takamine CN60E, a western with nylon strings and cut-away and electronics. I really love this guitar and I found it so much easier to play and I liked the sound. I played it on my If You Could Read My Mind video. A nylon western guitar is my recommendation because it's not too much of a change when you pick up a steel 6 string as the neck widths are not too far apart. The classical is much wider and changing back an forth is a more difficult as your fingers don't find their place on the fretboard so well.
Very good response Wiley. I learned alot from your post.
Michele, I, too, have a nylon stringed guitar, but I seldom play it even though I tend to work on fingerpicking more than strumming. I much prefer the steel string guitars in terms of sound and feel.
Michele, I, too, have a nylon stringed guitar, but I seldom play it even though I tend to work on fingerpicking more than strumming. I much prefer the steel string guitars in terms of sound and feel.
michelew wrote:
Chris cheats!!! Isn't it against the International Guitar Rules that only steel string guitars may be used to play old folk songs? :laugh:
Seriously, I used to own an Ovation Folk Balladeer with nylon strings. It was really fun to play but a real Bear to hold on to so I sold it.
Nylon versus steel is totally a question of playing style. Nylon guitars are MUCH easier to play than stedel string so they are really nice for fingerstyle and classical musical music. Neil is one of the few guitarists I've encountered that will take on serious classical and baroque music on a steel string guitar. Your technique has to be beyond good to do that.
If you can afford it, I'd have both. But that decision, beyond economics, is about what kind of music you like. Most of the music on this site lends itself better to steel string guitars. Some if can obviously be played on nylon but in most cases the original versions are all on steel.
There are some great nylon stringed guitars on the market. Go play a couple and see what you think! It will be fun! Cheers!! :cheer:
Thanks Chris. I noticed that you had a nylon string and that it wasn't a classical guitar. It's got a great sound. Once I'm ready to buy I'll look at that as a option too. Thanks. M.
Chris cheats!!! Isn't it against the International Guitar Rules that only steel string guitars may be used to play old folk songs? :laugh:
Seriously, I used to own an Ovation Folk Balladeer with nylon strings. It was really fun to play but a real Bear to hold on to so I sold it.
Nylon versus steel is totally a question of playing style. Nylon guitars are MUCH easier to play than stedel string so they are really nice for fingerstyle and classical musical music. Neil is one of the few guitarists I've encountered that will take on serious classical and baroque music on a steel string guitar. Your technique has to be beyond good to do that.
If you can afford it, I'd have both. But that decision, beyond economics, is about what kind of music you like. Most of the music on this site lends itself better to steel string guitars. Some if can obviously be played on nylon but in most cases the original versions are all on steel.
There are some great nylon stringed guitars on the market. Go play a couple and see what you think! It will be fun! Cheers!! :cheer:
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neverfoundthetime
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2009 2:14 pm
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Yeah, cheatin's best MicheleChris cheats!!! Isn't it against the International Guitar Rules that only steel string guitars may be used to play old folk songs?
Of course, a nylon with electric pick up is best because you can play the softy version but churn out a steel sound with effects if you want.... just need to invest in some more snazzy STUFF. Guys stuff, I know.
Thanks guys.
Wiley - I read your post again - so much info - it opened up more possibilities and choices/decisions things to looks for. Lots to thinks about. With so much choices - style, makes, models, fret board width, which woods,.... I wonder how anyone makes a decision. I was on my way to work this morning - in a bit of a rush so I just gave a quick reply - I hope it didn't come across as curt.
Bear, Chris - 'cheating' sounds a little alluring. When I can, I think I will get myself one. The question is 'do I go for a basic model or spend a little more? I guess I'll find out once I start testing them - and go form there. Perhaps I'll look for one with a thinner neck - more like a steel string as suggested by Chris. At least that will be one less decision...maybe...
Re: guy music tools - not into that right now - but know knows - one day I may even consider buying an electric guitar (not just an acoustic with a pickup), but the nylon string guitar will come firsts (and maybe a really nice steel string)..hmmm now I'm dreaming about collecting guitars...tHat could be addictive.
Ta
Michele
Wiley - I read your post again - so much info - it opened up more possibilities and choices/decisions things to looks for. Lots to thinks about. With so much choices - style, makes, models, fret board width, which woods,.... I wonder how anyone makes a decision. I was on my way to work this morning - in a bit of a rush so I just gave a quick reply - I hope it didn't come across as curt.
Bear, Chris - 'cheating' sounds a little alluring. When I can, I think I will get myself one. The question is 'do I go for a basic model or spend a little more? I guess I'll find out once I start testing them - and go form there. Perhaps I'll look for one with a thinner neck - more like a steel string as suggested by Chris. At least that will be one less decision...maybe...
Re: guy music tools - not into that right now - but know knows - one day I may even consider buying an electric guitar (not just an acoustic with a pickup), but the nylon string guitar will come firsts (and maybe a really nice steel string)..hmmm now I'm dreaming about collecting guitars...tHat could be addictive.
Ta
Michele