[Frontera]

Any nylon string guitar will work, but find one that you can get the action down and then add a tap plate. Also the fingerboard width is of importance if you are serious about learning flamenco correctly.

[Peresh]

I own a Guild C3 now. It's a classical but somehow they market it as a Flamenco. Higher action , plays very deep and earthy. Great sound.

I have ordered a Yamaha CG171SF, got on ebay for $299 as I read many good reviews.

A few days ago after the order I went to Sam and Ash and playing it. It was ok( (I wasn't very impressed as my Guild sounds so much better) however when I picked up Cordoba C5, that kiced some serious ass. I couldn't believe the sound coming out of the cordoba but the action was a lot higher. So I'm thinking of sending back the Yamaha and buying the Cordoba. Still deciding.

[Mecachis]

Hi,
I understand your position about trying to find the right guitar.
I would start with finding a teacher or trusted mentor who will guide you to the right instrument.
To make an informed choice, pick someone's brain that is already in the game and has made the mistakes (and hopefully learned from them) you don't want to make. It's really like anything else. Different tools do different jobs and you have to rely on other peoples experience...at first. The time will come when you are called upon to give that same advice.
Happy trails

[ssante]

Originally Posted by lionheart5294

Being new to flamenco and having no acquired skills as yet, I would like to know if the present guitar I own will suffice to learn with. It is an Alvarez acoustic guitar. What type strings would be best playing Flamenco? Thank-you for any tips and advise.

Your guitar is not a good choice for flamenco and most likely you will harm your fingers and nails. You need a decent beginners "Flamenco Guitar". Do yourself a big favor and order a Yamaha CF171SF. BY FAR the best sounding Flamenco guitar under $400.00 . Most likely when your Flamenco skills exceed the level of this guitar you will then be able to discern if you want to go beyond the capabilities of the 171.

Regarding Strings for the yammie 171. Use Normal Tension. Have fun.

[garryj99]

When I went for my first ever flamenco guitar lesson (in spain) I took my old Yamaha classical guitar. The teacher took one look at it and asked me if i was serious about wanting to learn flamenco or not. I decided that I was and went and bought a Valeriano Bernal flamenco guitar that same week. it made an incredible difference to the learning process, being much easier to play and very responsive. I doubt I would have continued if I had still been bashing that old guitar.
So my thoughts: if you decide you are serious buy the best guitar you can (secondhand is fine) as soon as you can. it will really help (though you still have to practice!). And find a good teacher.

[GuitarVlog]

Originally Posted by garryj99

When I went for my first ever flamenco guitar lesson (in spain) I took my old Yamaha classical guitar. The teacher took one look at it and asked me if i was serious about wanting to learn flamenco or not.

A good flamenco guitar helps but much of it still depends on you.

Most teachers are alright if you decide to bring in a classical guitar if you're still exploring flamenco but you're better served by a flamenca (either a negra or a blanca) when you get serious. The Yamaha CG171SF is a suitable flamenca blanca.