What is the difference between a spanish and accoustic guitar?

What kind of accoustic guitar should I choose as a beginning guitar player?

• I figured I want to learn to play the guitar (accoustic). I conducted some research on the internet, but I'm not sure what guitar I should choose (steel or nylon strings etc.) if I want to play pop music and maybe compose some pop songs myself too (so basically a pop/singer-songwriter guitar if such thing exists :)). I have been playing the piano for years, so I wouldn't have to start from scratch. So is it even a good idea to pick a beginner guitar as I would probably want to switch after some time? Also, I figured there are different levels in guitars like in tennis rackets. Is that true, for example that skilled guitar players play on 'advanced' guitars only? And for the budget, I would rather not spend too much money (250 bucks max.). Thanks a lot!

• Answer:

  For pop, stay away from the classical guitar (nylon strings). The neck is wider and more difficult to play. Your price range is perfect for a Fender or Alvarez acoustic guitar which I recommend. Ovation guitars are very nice too. I would go to a local music store and have a salesman play several guitars for you to listen to as you stand in front of them listening to THEM play. (you want to hear how your prospective guitar sounds from the audience perspective...you can't hear that playing it yourself.) So, just listen to several in your price range. When you hear one you like, then play it a bit and make sure the strings are nice and close to the fretboard...easy to press down to get a solid chord or note. The price of guitars is not so much due to "levels" of playing, but rather the difference in craftsmanship and types of wood used. Some have piping around the edges and intricate inlay work on the fretboard. That raises the price. Be sure to explore the different string gauges like ultra light, medium, and heavy. The lighter the gauge, the easier they are to press down...but easier to break. But I play light gauges all the time and rarely break them. Just buy some extra strings so you can replace any that break. I play piano too...its wonderful to be able to play both! Good luck! Note: if you buy a classical guitar with nylon strings - never never never replace them with steel strings! I used to work in a music store and the classical guitars are not built to handle the stress load of steel strings. They will eventually warp the front of the body and the bridge will actually start to elevate, ruining the whole guitar and it will be unrepairable. Yes, nylon strings are easier on the fingers, but they have a mellow tone not suited for pop music. Besides, you WANT to develope calluses on your fingertips over time. Its painful at first, but once they are established you will be able to play for hours with no pain!