spanish guitar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, used in both everyday and specialized musical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “spanish guitar” mean?
A type of acoustic guitar originating in Spain, characterized by nylon strings and a wide neck, used primarily for classical and flamenco music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of acoustic guitar originating in Spain, characterized by nylon strings and a wide neck, used primarily for classical and flamenco music.
The term can refer to the musical style, tradition, or repertoire associated with this instrument, or be used figuratively to evoke Mediterranean or artistic atmosphere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In US contexts, 'classical guitar' is a more common technical synonym.
Connotations
UK: Often evokes images of holiday music, flamenco, or traditional serenades. US: Slightly more likely to be associated with formal classical music studies.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects, though the UK might use it slightly more in general travel/cultural descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “spanish guitar” in a Sentence
[Subject] + play + Spanish guitar[Subject] + study + Spanish guitar[Subject] + be accompanied by + Spanish guitarVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spanish guitar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He began to Spanish-guitar his way through a folk tune. (Informal, rare)
American English
- Not typically used as a verb.
adjective
British English
- She has a Spanish-guitar style of playing. (Hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- The evening featured Spanish-guitar melodies. (Hyphenated attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism marketing (e.g., 'restaurant with live Spanish guitar').
Academic
Used in musicology, ethnomusicology, and cultural studies contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing music, hobbies, holidays, or cultural events.
Technical
Used precisely to distinguish from other guitar types (e.g., 'the piece is written for Spanish guitar').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spanish guitar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spanish guitar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spanish guitar”
- Using 'Spanish guitar' to refer to any guitar made in Spain, including electric ones. Confusing it with 'acoustic guitar' as a general term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Spanish guitar' is often used to refer to the traditional classical guitar, especially in a non-technical context. The term highlights its origin and typical repertoire.
Traditional Spanish/classical guitar technique uses the fingers (fingerstyle). Using a pick is uncommon and can damage nylon strings.
A flamenco guitar is a specific type of Spanish guitar. It's typically lighter, has a shallower body, and a different internal bracing for a sharper, more percussive sound suited to flamenco music.
Nylon strings produce a warmer, mellower tone compared to the brighter sound of steel strings. This suits the dynamics and tonal requirements of classical and traditional Spanish music.
A type of acoustic guitar originating in Spain, characterized by nylon strings and a wide neck, used primarily for classical and flamenco music.
Spanish guitar is usually neutral, used in both everyday and specialized musical contexts. in register.
Spanish guitar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspæn.ɪʃ ɡɪˈtɑː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspæn.ɪʃ ɡɪˈtɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Figurative use: 'the Spanish guitar of his prose' suggests lyrical, rhythmic quality.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Spanish dancer's movements being as fluid and precise as the fingers on a SPANISH GUITAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS EMOTION (The warm, complex tones of the Spanish guitar evoke deep feeling).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key distinguishing feature of a Spanish guitar?