The terms acoustic and classical guitar are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different instruments that suit different styles of music. Understanding the difference will help you decide what is right for your wedding.
What is classical guitar?
Classical guitar is a nylon-string instrument played with the fingers (not a plectrum). The tone is warm, round, and intimate, well suited to traditional classical repertoire (Bach, Vivaldi), Spanish music, and certain romantic pieces. Classical guitarists typically wear formal concert dress and play from sheet music.
What is acoustic guitar?
When most people think of acoustic guitar, they are thinking of a steel-string acoustic, the kind you see singer-songwriters playing. The tone is brighter, fuller, and more resonant than classical guitar. It has more natural sustain and projection. I play a steel-string acoustic guitar at all my weddings.
Which repertoire suits each instrument?
Classical guitar is the natural choice if you want formal classical repertoire, Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Pachelbel's Canon, or similar. It suits very traditional, formal ceremonies.
Acoustic guitar is the better choice if you want contemporary music, Beatles, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, film themes, pop songs. The instrument has more warmth and character for this kind of repertoire, and it projects better without amplification in larger spaces.
Can acoustic guitar play classical pieces?
Yes, I play Pachelbel's Canon, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, and other classical pieces on acoustic guitar when couples ask for them. They sound beautiful on steel strings, just with a slightly different character to a classical guitar.
What do I play?
I play a high-quality steel-string acoustic guitar through a professional amplification system. This means I can be as loud or as quiet as the space requires, and I can play equally well in a small room or a large barn or marquee. My repertoire spans contemporary pop, rock, folk, soul, and selected classical pieces.
If you have questions about which style of guitar is right for your wedding, get in touch and I will help you think it through. You can also visit the FAQ page for more common questions.