Fingerstyle vs. Classical Guitar - What's The Difference?

It's time to explore the difference between classic guitar and finger picking.

Before we get started, I need to make a disclaimer. I'm a classically trained guitarist.

But, before you go running for the hills, let me point out that when I discovered fingerstyle guitar, I became hooked.

So, I became a fingerstyle guitarist. And luckily for me, fingerstyle is much more similar to classical guitar than flamenco.

So, let's dive in deep to exploring the difference between classical guitar (or "classic guitar" as your grandpa would say), and fingerstyle, or finger picking.

What's The Difference Between Classical Guitar and Fingerstyle Guitar?

Since fingerstyle refers to playing the guitar with the fingers, you may be tempted to think of classical guitar as being a derivative genre of fingerstyle guitar.

But this is totally not the case.

Classical guitar is part of a broader genre known as Western classical music or art music. On the other hand, fingerstyle refers to the jazz or pop player who plays guitar with the fingers instead of the flatpick.

When I, as a classical guitarist, first attempted to transition into fingerstyle playing, it took me some time to loosen up and get my playing to sound, well, less stiff.

On the other hand, when a fingerstyle guitarist plays classical music, it's a little like a punk rock musician who wears formal clothing for the first time.

If you don't believe me, here's Tommy Emmanuel playing Antonio Lauro in front of a group of somewhat bemused classical musicians.

Classical guitarists emphasize proper posture and formal training. We'll delve into that later, but for now, let's look at the similarities between classical guitar and fingerstyle guitar.

What Are Some Similarities Between Classical Guitar and Fingerstyle?

As sensitive artists, both classical guitarists and fingerstyle guitarists have flexibility to explore their own creative liberties.

Technique

As you are likely already aware, both classical and fingerstyle technique involve precise fingerpicking, where each finger has a specific role assigned to it. The thumb generally handles the bass notes, while the other fingers take care of melody, harmony, and accompaniment.

Although it's fashionable to think that extended techniques such as percussive slaps, palm muting, harmonics, and alternate tunings are exclusively the domain of fingerstyle, this isn't the case.

Both contemporary classical guitarists and composers from earlier periods have incorporated these elements into their compositions.

You will learn these techniques and more in my online course called Play Fingerstyle Guitar Now!

Music

Both classical and fingerstyle guitarists primarily focus on written sheet music as a means of learning new songs, although some fingerstyle guitarists cannot read music and rely on learning by ear and improvisation.

In addition, fingerstyle and classical guitar players create their own compositions and arrangements for the guitar. On the other hand, other classically trained musicians, such as those who play piano or violin, don't typically create their own compositions.

Instead, classically trained violinists and pianists choose to adhere to traditional repertoire, which is vast in comparison to classical guitar.

Classical piano music often features pieces from composers like Bach, Beethoven and the boys. Classical guitarists have their own composers like Sor, Coste and Tarrega to contend with.

What Are Some Differences Between Classical and Fingerstyle Guitar?

Classical guitarists employ several techniques that distinguish their playing style from fingerstyle guitarists.

Classical vs Acoustic Guitar

The most obvious is the choice of instrument. Classical guitarists exclusively play on a classical guitar, sitting using a footstool or, more rarely, a classical guitar strap.

Fingerstyle guitarists play on steel string guitars. When a fingerstyle guitarist refers to a nylon string guitar, don't be tempted to think this automatically refers to a classical guitar.

There are nylon string guitars which have the same body shape as an acoustic, and the internal construction is very different. The cutaway guitar body shape is popular among many fingerstyle guitarists, such as Sungha Jung.

Classical guitarists are very careful to never dent or damage their instrument. Some fingerstyle guitarists aren't so careful with their instrument.

Finally, classical guitarists place much more emphasis on mellow, dark tone, whereas fingerstyle guitarists prefer a brighter sound.

Should I Choose Fingerstyle or Classical Guitar?

The choice of playing fingerstyle or classical guitar ultimately depends on the music that you want to play.

Modern classical guitarists have a repertoire that is typically more dissonant and contemporary than fingerstyle guitarists, whose repertoire draws from pop, blues and jazz.

Classical and fingerstyle guitar is effective both on nylon and steel strings, and both styles can be played with or without fingernails.

In my opinion, classical guitar music, played sensitively without nails and on a steel string guitar, sounds fantastic.

As a guitarist, the choice of fingerstyle vs classical guitar will depend on the song that you want to learn, which is usually influenced by the genre of music. 

Is Fingerstyle Guitar Harder Than Playing Classical Guitar?

No, fingerstyle guitar isn’t necessarily harder than playing classical guitar. There are very easy and very difficult fingerpicking songs, just as there are easy and difficult classical pieces that you can play.

Classical guitarists generally place a lot of emphasis on formal training, whereas many fingerstyle guitarists claim to be self taught.

That said, I think there is an enormous advantage in formal training. And if you are interested in getting started with fingerstyle guitar, I recommend my complete online course, Play Fingerstyle Guitar Now!