Why Does My Playing On A Classical Guitar Never Sound Right?

Question

I have a classical guitar which I've had for a while but everytime I try to stum chords on it..It sounds completely off tune and I never get the right sound..

Im thinking of getting an acoustic guitar but I worried it will be a waste of money and my playing wont get any better. Is it me Or the guitar?

Answer 1

It could be both. but if U what an instrument that U can strum, I'd say go for an acoustic guitar,1 reason is the steel strings are more made from strumming in mind. although U could chicken-pick the strings too if U want as well.

Answer 2

you can do a tuneing every time you play!! or goahead and switch over to an acoustic... check out a few pawn shops in your area and you might get a good deal on one, I got one for my daughter for $25 and another beginers for my young son for $15..... I saved a bundle!!!!!

Answer 3

you need to feeeeel the music man.

the guitar should be an extension of your body mind and spirit. peace out my brother.

Answer 4

Without hearing it, it's hard to say for sure but obviously assuming that you guitar is tuned correctly nylon strings tend to lose intonation long before they show signs of physical wear. So best bet is if you haven't changed your strings recently start there. This is on the assumption it is a discordant sound you referring too. If however the tone seems to bright or deep then you may consider changing the string guage.

Answer 5

Several possibilities here:

1. You need to tune your guitar

2. You need to change your strings

3. You are strumming with the flesh of your fingers instead of the nails

4. You are doing chords incorrectly

5. You are muting the guitar with body, arm and hand

6. Your guitar is damaged and flattening the sound

7. Your guitar is cheap and flattening the sound

8. Your expectations are based on...?

Here is someone strumming on a classical.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZfUrXimr...

If this is not what you expect, then you probably are thinking of a steel string guitar's sound and may then want to switch.

Good Luck

Answer 6

I almost hate to ask this... but DO YOU HAVE A TUNER? and do you USE IT? I have an Alvarez and a Taylor classical guitar and I don't have your problems...  so I suspect it's something you are doing.. or not doing.!

Answer 7

the problem is that classical guitars have nylon strings that are made for picking and not strumming. if you want to strum or play something other then classical get a steel string guitar, electric or acoustic.