Classical guitars: many different types
The flamenco guitar is one of the true symbols of the guitar world: passion, virtuosity and a sound all of its own. Classical guitars are normally smaller than most folk/acoustic guitars. The sound is more percussive and the size makes it a great starting point for youngsters.
The small size also greatly aids the fast finger frenzy playing style of classical and flamenco guitar. Classical guitars may even feature a cutaway that enables advanced players to get all the way down the fretboard and play very high notes.
The typical flamenco guitar is well known by the public but there are other lees well known types. Did you know there is an ‘Italian guitar’? It has an accentuated and elongated 8 shape to the body. There is also a baritone guitar with a very long neck, and fretless guitars.
Strings
Most guitars have 6 strings, but in Russia it is more common to have 7. And if you want a very unique sound and you are prepared to work very hard on your technique, you could plump for a 12 string guitar.
Some of the great 12 string players are Jimmy Page, Pat Metheny and countless Flamenco virtuosos. Check out Vinnie Bell On the Bob Dylan classic, ‘The Hurricane’.
These are just a few of the variations that have evolved since the days of the lute.
