The flamenco guitar-similar, yet different
The Structure of the Classical Guitar
Characteristics of the sharp sounding flamenco guitar
Characteristics of the sharp sounding flamenco guitar
The classical guitar is not the only guitar with roots in Spain: another guitar-the flamenco guitar-can also be traced back to Spain.
Flamenco guitars are instruments used to spur on flamenco singing and dancing, and look much like a classical guitar. Yet this guitar sounds more lively and sharper than a classical guitar. Its characteristic swift twangs fade away quickly for clear sounding notes. Let's listen to the notes.
The difference with flamenco guitars is shown in the image below. When they are plucked, flamenco guitars respond quickly with short resonance to suit the energetic pace of flamenco dancing.
The difference in design is here!
The back and sides of flamenco guitars are made with lower density wood such as cypress-a member of the cedar family-and the neck itself is relatively thin. In fact, the entire body of the guitar is thinner overall. The strings of a flamenco guitar are also positioned lower than a classical guitar to allow the guitarist to press down on the strings quicker to suit the faster tempo of flamenco music. The height of the strings on the flamenco guitar and the acoustic guitar is almost the same. This means that the strings of a classical guitar are higher than other types of guitars.
