What Is A Spanish Guitar?

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The Spanish guitar, known for its passionate sound, has played an major role in the world of music for centuries.

It’s important to touch on the different types, techniques, and famous musicians who have made it an integral part of their art. In this Killer Rig article, we’ll explore the rich history of this captivating instrument.

What is a Spanish Guitar?

A Spanish guitar, also known as a classical, is a string instrument widely recognized for its warm sound and traditional design.

Known for its nylon strings, the Spanish guitar has been a work horse in classical, flamenco, and folk music.

The Spanish Guitar Sound

The sound of a Spanish guitar is full of character. It’s a sound that captures the essence of Spain’s musical history and its cultural influences.

The tonal quality of this style is largely down to its construction and the materials used. As we touched on earlier, Spanish guitars traditionally use nylon strings.

But the choice of wood also significantly impacts the guitar’s tonality. For instance, a spruce top guitar is known to deliver a bright, clear sound with plenty of volume. While a cedar top tends to provide a darker, more nuanced tone.

But it’s not just the materials or the build that shape the sound, it’s also the way you play it!

The wide neck and flat fingerboard of Spanish guitars are designed to facilitate intricate fingerpicking techniques, allowing the player to create rich sounds.

Origin and Development

The Spanish guitar has its roots in early stringed instruments like the vihuela and the guitarra latina, which were popular in Spain during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These instruments shaped the guitar’s basic structure, including its flat back and tuning.

In the 19th century, the modern classical guitar began to take shape thanks to Spanish luthier Antonio de Torres.

Torres made key changes to the guitar’s design, including a larger body and a new bracing pattern, which improved its sound and volume. His innovations set the standard for the modern classical guitar.

In the 20th century, the rise of flamenco music led to the creation of guitars designed for the style, featuring brighter tones and a more percussive sound to handle the fast, rhythmic techniques of flamenco players.

Today, Spanish guitars remain a symbol of traditional craftsmanship and are widely used in both classical and flamenco music, continuing to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Brands that Make Them

Several popular brands are recognized for crafting high-quality Spanish guitars. Some of the most recognizable names include:

Kremona – A Bulgarian brand with roots in Spanish guitar tradition, known for high-quality craftsmanship at more accessible prices.
Ramirez – One of the most prestigious Spanish guitar makers, known for its craftsmanship and sound.
Cordoba – A well-known brand offering both traditional and modern versions of Spanish guitars.
Alhambra – A Spanish manufacturer that produces a wide range of classical guitars, known for their tone and craftsmanship.
Manuel Reyes – A custom luthier recognized for creating guitars with exceptional tone and design, favored by flamenco artists.

Price Ranges

The price of a Spanish guitar can vary widely depending on factors like craftsmanship, materials, and brand reputation. On the lower end, beginner-level guitars may range from $100 to $400.

Mid-range instruments typically cost between $500 and $1,500, offering better build quality and tone.

High-end guitars from prestigious luthiers can exceed $3,000, with custom-built models reaching $10,000 or more.

Guitar Players that Use Them

Many legendary guitarists are known for playing Spanish guitars, especially in the realms of classical and flamenco music. Some of the most notable players include:

Vicente Amigo – A modern flamenco guitarist, Amigo’s intricate and passionate playing has earned him widespread acclaim.
Andrés Segovia – Often considered the father of modern classical guitar, Segovia was renowned for his technical mastery and his performances on Spanish guitars.
Paco de Lucía – A virtuoso flamenco guitarist, Lucía elevated the genre to new heights with his innovative and passionate playing.
Julian Bream – A celebrated classical guitarist, Bream was known for his deep understanding of Spanish guitar music.

Recommended Guitars

With so many options on the market today, we have narrowed down 2 amazing options that you are sure to love!

Yamaha C40II Classical

The Yamaha C40II Full-scale Classical Guitar offers exceptional value for beginner and intermediate players.

With its solid construction and quality materials, including a spruce top and meranti back and sides, this guitar delivers a warm, balanced sound perfect for classical and acoustic music.

The natural finish adds a sleek, polished look, while the full-scale size provides a comfortable playing experience.

Known for its affordability without sacrificing sound quality, the C40II is a reliable choice for those starting their classical guitar journey or looking for a solid, budget-friendly instrument.

Sweetwater Price Today

Cordoba C7 Nylon String Guitar

The Cordoba C7 Nylon String Acoustic Guitar features a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides, delivering a rich, warm tone ideal for classical and flamenco music.

Its traditional Spanish fan bracing enhances resonance and projection, making it perfect for players looking to achieve a fuller, more expressive sound.

The comfortable neck and smooth finish contribute to an enjoyable playing experience, while the elegant aesthetic adds to its overall appeal.

With its combination of quality craftsmanship and excellent sound, the Cordoba C7 is an outstanding choice for intermediate players seeking a premium yet affordable nylon-string guitar.