Can you handle the narrow string-spacing on a steel-string?

[ChiyoDad]

I know some of us play on steel-stringed acoustics and electrics as well as classicals. Can you easily play fingerstyle on a fretboard that has a 1-11/16" nut width and a narrower string-spacing at the saddle? Do your fretting fingers bump into strings and mute them accidentally? Do your plucking fingers trip over each other?

Switching to narrower string-spacing is probably easier for guitarists who started playing on steel and then expanded or switched into classical. It's probably a greater challenge if you're coming the other way around.

It goes without saying that steel is also hard on the nails which is why some of my gigging steel-string fingerstyle friends use artificial nails or finger picks.

[doug]

That's the main reason I switched to playing a classical guitar. I was taking lessons on a steel string acoustic, and having problems with my fingers touching other strings. One day, while waiting for my lesson, I messed around a little on a classical in the music store where my lessons were being taught. I liked it! I told my teacher that I was considering getting a nylon string classical, and he discouraged it. I bought one anyway, and began immediately playing it much more than the steel string. I'm 61, and just doing this for my own enjoyment.....what can it hurt? I haven't touched a steel string in about a year. I'm perfectly happy with my nylon string classical. I'm no longer taking lessons...which is a mistake! I'm trying to "teach myself"....using Per-Olov Kindgren's 'how to' books. I'm learning and improving...slowly. I'm enjoying it! .....and I guess that's what counts?

[Vlad Kosulin]

Yeah, I'd love to play electric, but my fat fingers are not well suited for those slim sticks they name fretboard
I can play, but find 52mm much more comfortable.

[Richard Christie]

<snip>I told my teacher that I was considering getting a nylon string classical, and he discouraged it. <snip>

Did he give you any good reason when he discouraged it?

[ChiyoDad]

Yeah, I'd love to play electric, but my fat fingers are not well suited for those slim sticks they name fretboard

I'm both confounded and amazed by some players with fatter fingers who seem to have no problem with narrow string spacings as they play fingerstyle. Is that just my imagination? Do they have some secret? Is their technique just super clean?

[BugDog]

I don't really have a problem going from one to the other. Need some getting used to time maybe.

I have noticed that if I'm not careful, my right hand technique will degrade somewhat after a while on the steel strings. It seems they're less sensitive to RH position and such.

[daweb]

I started out with a steel string acoustic a few months ago and found it somewhat challenging to learn classical style on. I just purchased a classical and find it has its own challenges but is much more enjoyable for this style. I am keeping the steel string and will continue to pick it up from time to time just to see how it goes and to keep familiar with it.

[Michael McGrath]

I also learned on a steel string, and still regularly play classical music (as well as popular music) on it; even though I now have a classical guitar.

I find I have issues handling the transition (either way, actually) for about 5 minutes and then it's like I never left one way or the other.

I would assuming if you were going from pure nylon string guitars to a dread-acoustic, you would be met with some challenges the first time; e.g the higher degrees of accuracy in fingering and hitting the strings, due to the smaller working area.

If you want a true challenge, at least from the right hand preservative, try a steel string 12 string. I just cannot get the knack of finger-picking it... Mine is stuck as a strumming beast for the near future!

[Bryanm]

I go back and forth without too much trouble. My RH barely notices the difference - LH is the problem as it feels pretty tight. Do yourself a favor and get a guitar with a 1-7/8" nut (I think most Taylors are that width.) Much closer to the classical width and easier to make the switch.

[bobtone]

Just toss a few beers and play sloppily and shamelessly like the rest of the rockers.

No, really. Whenever I play with my rocker friends, and pick up an electric or dreadnaught, the string spacing throws me off too. So to get around it, see statement above.

[dogonjon]

I feel a guitar is a guitar, whether steel or nylon strung it's the quality of the instrument that gives me pleasure. I find that my nails take a greater beating with steel strings so i default to a pick if things are getting loud or I'm taking a solo. If audiences are noisy steel strings amplify better. For my duo steel strings are best. If I'm doing my solo pop set I prefer nylon strings. If the audience is actually listening nylon strings are mandatory.

[robin loops]

I use a 12 string strung with only 6 for when I want to play a steel string acoustic. The spacing is really close to a classical feel. But I when it comes to electrics I play normal 6 string versions. If anyone wants to do this, you'll need to put a rubber band or scrunchy on the unused tuners to keep them from rattling (unless they are really snug ones) and string them to the ones closest to the nut so as not to put too much torque on the headstock. Also may need to adjust the truss rod/relief (or use heavy gauge strings) to compensate for the missing 6 strings...

[rever]

I have a reoccurring nightmare, the strings on my guitar are as limp and thin as fine ice fishing line. No tension and no sound. I trid to play a Les paul a while back those flimsy strings brought right into that nightmare. Two different instruments, when I play them.

[swestfisher]

I used to have trouble going back and forth, to the point that I quit playing my steel string for a long time. Then a few month's ago I went to hear Vicki Genfan so I decided to pick it up again. I magically didn't have too much trouble. I also used to have far more trouble playing different classical guitars due to the slightly different spacings, but now I seem to be able to adept pretty quickly.

[tuk]

I feel a guitar is a guitar,

I agree with this... it's all in the mind & what you are used to ...it's good for your hands, playing & musical outlook to switch things around ..eg playing cg on a narrow strat fretboard forces you to keep it tight & with positions closer together & slimmer neck...in theory you should be able to play faster