Is a particular type of guitar needed for playing flamenco style on acoustic?

Question

Is a particular type of guitar needed for playing flamenco style on acoustic?

Answer 1

Not necessarily, especially not in the beginning.  I've played flamenco guitar for over ten years, and I started out with a standard classical guitar.  After a couple of years I got a flamenco guitar, and over the years I've had three different flamenco guitars.

In general, flamenco guitars have a more percussive, dry, less-resonant sound than classical guitars.  They have a lower action,  to the point that the strings might actually "buzz" a little bit.  This is considered acceptable in a flamenco guitar.  The first link below discusses the construction of flamenco guitars.

As you progress in flamenco, eventually you'll want an actual flamenco guitar.  Fortunately Yamaha makes a great flamenco guitar for beginners.  The second link takes you to information on that guitar.  You can get one for $350, and sometimes even less.  I've played them, and they are as good as some flamenco guitars in the $800 range.  That said, they are great for beginners, but after a couple of years you would want something better.

I currently play a Shelton-Farretta flamenco.  (Third link.)  John and Susan are former flamenco performers who are currently making some fantastic instruments.  Their standard model sells for around $3000, but you could pay much more for other guitars and not end up with as good an instrument.  My guitar teacher plays one, as do most of his students.  They have an authentic flamenco sound, with a terrific action.  The first time I picked one up, I knew that it was MY guitar.  Shelton-Farretta guitars feel like they want to be played, and the sound literally leaps out with almost no effort.

But again, the Yamaha is a great guitar and is ideal for a beginning student.  Oh, one last thing -- get yourself a good flamenco teacher.  If you're serious about learning, you'll want one.  Flamenco is hard to learn but very rewarding, and it is important to start with correct technique.

Best wishes.