The sound of a guitar can be determined by many factors. It can be by the quality of the string, the tuning etc.

Many people are used to the traditional guitar, which is steel-stringed. Others prefer playing guitar with nylon. If it will be based on a standard tuning, there will be no difference with the chords, tabs, or notes. The only difference of these two kinds of string sets will be the sound made when a guitar pickup and amplifier are used. There is a huge difference when these two kinds of guitars are played solo with a guitar pickup and amplifier.

What are the differences of nylon-stringed guitars and steel-stringed guitars?

1. Nylon-stringed guitars are also called "classical guitars". Some guitarists who prefer plucking more than strumming the guitar select this kind. They are easy to tune high, especially the 3 lead strings (G, B, E). Most people describe nylon-stringed guitars as " the strings are 'rotating' once plucked" . Once a single string is struck, the string vibrates, and "rotates". If played together with a guitar pickup and amplifier, the principles of plucking to fingerstyle melody is highly suggested to apply. The 3 lead strings of a nylon-stringed guitars are durable as they do not break easily. They are like plastics at first sight, but they are actually made of nylon. In this kind of guitar, the 3 bass strings (E, A, D) give more impact than that of the 3 lead strings. Other guitarists do not use a capo here, because this is more about plucking. Harmonics can be easily done here.

The only problem is that, once a string is lost, particularly the bass string, and you replace it with a steel one, the sound is totally ruined. The effect will be a "dry" sound, because the string will only vibrate once, then stop afterwards. A hollow sound will surely be present, and a clean and beautiful guitar play would be totally absent. The fretboard of a nylon-stringed guitar is limited, mostly 18-20. Also, the nylon strings are not attached on a guitar by means of bridge pins, they are instead knotted around the bridge, put in place in the saddle, then all the way up to the tuning pegs.

2. Steel-stringed guitars are mainly and commonly used for acoustic accompaniments. They are the best when it comes to the rhythm part, or the strumming part. They can be also used for plucking and fingerstyle purposes. Sung Ha Jung plays this kind of guitar in his fingerstyle playing. These guitars give a bright and equalled impact sound. This is because the bass strings and the lead strings give an equal loudness. The most beautiful base chord to play is the chord E. This kind of guitar is also preferrable for the slashed chords like A/G, G/F#, etc. Most guitarists use capo in this type. Because this doesn't lose its original sound even though a capo is attached. Also, the fretboard is not that limited, it can extend from 21-24 frets or a total of 2 octaves.

A steel-stringed guitar has its lead strings got a low durability, meaning they are easy to break. Once a string breaks in this kind, it can be replaced immediately with a new one. There is a probability that the sound would still be balanced even though a full set of string is not bought. But, there is also a tendency that the replacement string can be hard to tune. Sometimes, you may find the tuning peg too tight to tune higher. In this case, steel-stringed guitars gains their disadvantage.

No kind of guitar is perfect. Even though an open, bright, classical sound can be said excellent, there is still an open hole for disadvantages. But in summary, they are both perfect for guitarists who got passion, determination and dedication in the principle/s they chose to learn.