The Sound of a Classical Guitar – Cedar or Spruce?

When it comes to the sound of a classical guitar, no component has a greater impact than the top wood. For most guitarists, the decision eventually comes down to two choices: cedar or spruce. Both are time-tested tonewoods found in nearly every high-quality classical guitar—from affordable beginner instruments like the Yamaha C40 to legendary hand-crafted guitars by Hauser or Ramirez. The top, or soundboard, is the heart of the classical guitar. It’s where the string vibration meets the body of the instrument and determines how sound is produced, projected, and coloured. Whether you’re learning on a Cordoba C7 or performing on a concert-level Alhambra 7C, the top wood shapes your tone more than any other element. And while cedar and spruce guitars can look similar, they sound very different.

Spruce is traditionally the most used tonewood in classical and flamenco guitars, particularly European spruce, sourced from regions like Germany or the Italian Alps. It produces a bright, clear sound with strong note separation and a wide dynamic range. Many spruce guitars feel tight when brand new but gradually open up with consistent playing. This tonal evolution makes them particularly rewarding for long-term use. The sound is brilliant, with strong projection, and responds exceptionally well to dynamic contrast, making spruce ideal for contrapuntal music, Baroque repertoire, and works requiring clarity and definition. Famous luthiers such as Hermann Hauser and Daniel Friederich often used spruce, and models like the Cordoba C12 and Ramirez Studio 1 have become popular options for players seeking that signature brilliance.

Cedar entered the classical guitar scene later, rising to popularity in the second half of the 20th century. Western red cedar, known for its dark reddish hue and straight grain, provides a warm, full-bodied tone that speaks quickly. Unlike spruce, cedar tends to sound broken-in even when brand new. It offers an immediate response and a rich, rounded sound that appeals to many classical guitarists—especially those playing romantic or Latin American pieces. José Ramirez III was instrumental in popularising cedar tops, and many performers seeking intimacy and warmth still gravitate toward models like the Alhambra 5P, Esteve 9C, or Ramirez SP.

There’s often a belief that cedar is louder than spruce, but in performance settings, spruce usually offers greater projection and volume, especially in large concert halls. Cedar may feel louder to the player due to its quick response and warmth under the fingers, but spruce often carries further to the audience. In recordings and ensemble situations, the focused character of spruce can help the guitar stand out, while cedar tends to blend in with a lush, mellow texture.

In recent years, double top guitars have gained traction among performers looking for a middle ground. These instruments use a sandwich of spruce and cedar (or other combinations), layered with a synthetic core like Nomex. The result is a soundboard that combines the sparkle of spruce with the warmth of cedar and offers excellent sustain and volume. High-end makers and boutique luthiers now build double tops to meet the demands of players seeking balance, power, and nuance.

For students trying to decide between the two woods, it’s helpful to think about your playing style. Spruce is ideal for players who work with a wide dynamic range, prefer clean note separation, and often perform in public or ensemble contexts. Cedar appeals to those who favour expressive legato playing, intimate phrasing, and want a guitar that sounds rich and full from the first note. For many, the decision comes down to personal taste—but having the opportunity to try both types side by side is the best way to discover what suits you.

String choice can also influence how a spruce or cedar top performs. Spruce guitars often pair well with high-tension or carbon strings to increase warmth and body, while cedar tops may benefit from normal-tension nylon strings to preserve their natural softness and responsiveness. Brands like Savarez, D’Addario, and Alba GB offer a variety of strings suited for either wood type, and experimenting with different tensions can help unlock your guitar’s full tonal palette.

It’s also worth noting that the maker plays a major role in how either wood will sound. A spruce guitar built by a skilled luthier like Manuel Reyes or Ignacio Fleta can sound radically different from a factory-made model using the same material. Bracing patterns, wood thickness, and construction techniques all affect the final tone. That’s why models like the Yamaha CG192S or Alhambra 7C continue to perform well across various price points—they combine solid materials with experienced design.

If you’re currently exploring new guitars, try comparing some of the most respected models in each category. For spruce, consider the Cordoba C12 SP, Yamaha CG192S, Alhambra 7C, and Ramirez Studio 1. For cedar, look at the Cordoba C7 CD, Alhambra 5P CT E2, Esteve 9C, or Ramirez SP. These are all well-regarded instruments that offer clear examples of how the different woods behave. And if you’re stepping into the world of concert-level performance, it’s worth looking into handmade instruments or double top guitars that allow you to fine-tune every aspect of your sound.

Ultimately, both spruce and cedar offer something beautiful. The best choice is the one that feels alive in your hands and connects with your musical voice. For some, that means the bold, articulate sound of spruce. For others, it’s the rich, singing quality of cedar. And for many, the answer changes over time, as your technique evolves and your taste deepens. The beauty of the classical guitar lies in this variety—and in how every choice, from the wood to the strings, helps shape the sound that is uniquely yours.