What's the difference between classical and flamenco guitars? Tthough both guitars are in the nylon string class (as opposed to the steel-string class of plectrum and electric guitars) and are extrememly similar in outline, they have several basic differences. For example, assuming both instruments are standard models, the classical is the larger and heavier of the two. The back and sides of its body are made of rosewood (among others), whereas the flamenco uses the lighter cypress. Although there is some difference in the internal structure concerning the arrangement of the harmonic bars it is primarily the size and weight differences that account for the contrast in timbre--the "grave" mellowness of the classical and the tense metallic pitch of the flamenco. Another difference and the most physically discernable lies in the tuning head. The head of the classical guitar houses metal tuning mechanisms and rollers; the flamenco head, at least the traditional type, contains tuning pegs made of wood, similar to those on a lute (however, this difference is fast disappearing--most modern flamenco guitars also now have machine tuning heads). Another diffference is the pick guard--unlike the flamenco guitar the classical does not have or need a pick guard or tapping plate. This is because the percussive effects (rapping) so frequently employed on the flamenco are only rarely used on the classical and even then are not so harshly executed. But again not all flamnenco guitars having rapping plates.
Traditional flamenco guitar head
Flamenco guitar with rapping plate
