The Classical Guitar, Spanish Guitar, and Concert Guitar – One Instrument, Many Names

The classical guitar, Spanish guitar, and concert guitar are all names for the same instrument—one that has been refined over centuries and remains central to many musical traditions. Known for its nylon strings, flat wide fingerboard, and warm resonant tone, the classical guitar is designed for fingerstyle playing and used in classical repertoire, flamenco, Latin American music, and beyond. It’s also widely regarded as the best guitar for beginners due to its comfortable string tension and responsive character.

The term Spanish guitar became popular because the modern form of this instrument was developed in Spain. Antonio de Torres Jurado, often considered the father of the classical guitar, made significant design innovations in the 19th century that defined what we now recognise as the concert guitar. He increased the body size to improve projection, introduced fan bracing to allow better vibration across the top, and established a scale length of 65 cm, which remains the standard for most nylon string guitars today. His changes improved tone, clarity, and volume, and many luthiers still follow his core principles.

One of the most distinctive features of the classical guitar is the slotted headstock. This design evolved from earlier plucked instruments and became popular with the introduction of mechanical tuners. Rather than changing the headstock shape entirely, makers retained the flat plate and introduced side slots and axles for the tuners—a style that remains a signature of nylon string guitars. Different luthiers began crafting unique headstock profiles as a way to distinguish their instruments. Among the most famous is the carved relief design by Daniel Friederich, now iconic among classical guitarists and collectors.

Equally important is the guitar rosette, which surrounds the soundhole. Originally intended to strengthen the wood and prevent cracking, it has since become a decorative and symbolic element. The term comes from the circular stained-glass windows in European cathedrals. On guitars, the rosette became a space for artistic expression and a signature feature for many luthiers. Makers like Edmund Blochinger, Matthias Dammann, and Gernot Wagner have developed instantly recognisable rosette designs, helping players and connoisseurs identify their work at a glance.

While the names classical guitar, Spanish guitar, and concert guitar are interchangeable, some players associate slight differences with each. “Classical guitar” typically refers to the modern nylon-stringed instrument used in classical repertoire and music education. “Spanish guitar” sometimes evokes the instrument’s cultural roots, particularly in flamenco and folk traditions. “Concert guitar” is a term often used to describe professional-grade guitars built for performance, usually handcrafted by luthiers using premium tonewoods and traditional construction methods. Guitars from luthiers like Fernando Mazza, Rinaldo Vacca, and Leonardo De Gregorio are considered modern examples of concert guitars, combining clarity, balance, and projection suitable for recording and live settings.

Today’s classical guitar is available in many forms, from entry-level student models to master-built concert instruments. Some of the most searched and admired models include the Yamaha C40, Alhambra 3C and 7P, Cordoba C5 and C12, and the Ramirez Studio series—all of which cater to different levels of experience and budget. Players seeking luthier-built options often look for double-top or lattice-braced models, which offer enhanced projection and responsiveness, especially in concert halls. These are often custom-made and feature exotic woods, such as spruce, cedar, rosewood, and ebony.

Nylon string guitars are still the preferred instrument for fingerstyle techniques and precise left-hand control. Compared to steel-string acoustic guitars, which use higher-tension metal strings and a narrower fingerboard suited to strumming and flatpicking, the classical guitar is more forgiving on the hands and more suitable for expressive solo playing. This is one reason it remains so popular in music schools and with beginners learning to play guitar for the first time.

Although classical guitars are not typically amplified, many models now include discreet pickup systems for live performance. These are especially useful for players performing Latin jazz, flamenco, or fusion music, where the natural tone of the guitar must be preserved on stage. Still, the vast majority of classical players choose the instrument for its acoustic properties and its long history, which includes repertoire from Sor, Giuliani, and Tárrega to Brouwer, Rodrigo, and Villa-Lobos.

The classical guitar continues to evolve in the hands of today’s makers, but its core identity remains tied to Torres’ design and the traditions of Spanish luthiery. Whether called a classical guitar, Spanish guitar, or concert guitar, it remains one of the most expressive and personal instruments in the world. From the carved headstock to the inlaid rosette, every detail carries history and craftsmanship. And from beginner guitars to concert-grade models, players today have more choice than ever when it comes to finding the right nylon string guitar for their needs.

At Alba GB, we offer a curated selection of classical guitars that reflect this legacy. Our full-size and ¾-size models are selected for build quality, tone, and playability, whether you’re just starting or looking to invest in a handmade concert guitar. With partnerships across Europe and Latin America, we continue to work with some of today’s most exciting luthiers to bring players authentic, performance-ready instruments at every level.