The Classical Guitar
The Classical Guitar and Its Historical Development
The terms classical guitar, concert guitar and Spanish guitar refer to the same instrument. Classical guitars use nylon strings, while acoustic or Western guitars are fitted with steel strings. The Spanish luthier Antonio de Torres (1817–1892) is regarded as the pioneer of modern guitar making. His instruments became the foundation for the development of the classical guitar in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The revolutionary aspect of Torres’ work lies primarily in the instrument’s size and construction. Since a six-string guitar requires a larger resonating body, he expanded the back and sides and designed at least five different top shapes to suit his models. Compared to his contemporaries, these shapes offered greater volume and wider dynamic potential.
Although Torres enlarged the guitar, he aimed to keep the overall weight low. He used very thin soundboards, with a maximum thickness of around 2.5 mm. To ensure that the top could withstand string tension despite its light weight, he introduced a fan-bracing system instead of the previously common horizontal bars. This design reinforced the soundboard and allowed the vibration to spread more efficiently across the surface.
The scale length was standardized at 65 cm, and the neck was constructed from multiple parts to prevent warping. Torres also widened the fingerboard to provide more space for the left-hand fingers. For tuning, he replaced traditional wooden pegs with modern tuning machines, making the instrument easier to handle.
The classical guitar is primarily used in classical music, especially chamber repertoire, as well as in folk traditions, Latin American music and flamenco.
