Students will purchase or own a classical or Spanish guitar with nylon, not steel, strings. (See photo.)

1/2 and 3/4 size guitars are available for younger students. A classical guitar such as the one shown here has 12 frets outside the body of the guitar and a wider neck.

Students who wish to play an electric or amplified guitar can find similar guitars with nylon strings that can be played as an acoustic instrument or amplified.