Practicing Scales

If you're desire is to play rock or pop music, I would not recommend using a classical guitar. A steel-string acoustic guitar is much more suitable. However, you may not know how to distinguish one from the other, so here is a guide to figuring out whether you are looking at an acoustic guitar or a classical guitar. Although there are a lot of variations in design amongst both types of guitars, these are the most common differences.

Body

The first big giveaway is the body shape, but it can sometimes be a subtle difference. Classical guitars are often slightly smaller than acoustic guitars, and there are differences between the actual shape of the body between the two. This isn't always the easiest method of distinction though, as both classical and acoustic guitars come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Acoustic guitars often have a scratch plate (a piece of plastic placed next to the sound hole, which protects the guitar's wooden body from scratches as you play), where classical guitars do not.

Fret board

The fret board of an acoustic guitar is noticably narrower than that of a classical guitar. Also, classical guitars often do not have the fret markers (dots) along the frets.

Head stock

This is usually quite a bit more obvious. The head stock of a typical classical guitar looks very different to that of an acoustic guitar.

Strings

Typically, classical guitars use nylon strings. These look, feel and sound different from the steel strings which most acoustic guitars use. Nylon strings are thicker and have a mellow, "rounded" sound compared to the bright, rich twang which you can get from steel strings.

Price

Classical guitars are usually cheaper than acoustic guitars, which is one reason many unknowing guitarists may choose to purchase one as their first guitar.

The differences between a classic guitar and an acoustic guitar become very obvious once you understand what you're looking for. If in doubt, ask!