3 main categories of guitar

Acoustic nylon string guitar

(Classical guitar)

The acoustic nylon string guitar, or

more commonly referred to as the
classical guitar, is used mostly for
plucking the strings with the
fingers. Its wider neck and string
spacing allows for a greater variety
of finger movements.
The sound it produces is relatively
warmer and softer than its steel
string counterpart.
It is mostly used in the classical,
flamenco, mariachi genres.
Acoustic steel string guitar
(Acoustic guitar)

The acoustic steel string guitar, commonly

known as just acoustic guitar, is
frequently used for strumming and
accompanying vocals. However, it is also
used for finger picking. The neck is
narrower than that of the classical guitar
and on par with the electric guitar.
The sound is brighter and louder than the
classical guitar.
It is mostly used for pop, rock, and folk
genres among others.
Electric guitar

Unlike the previous two types of guitars, the

electric guitar produces sound through an
amplifier. Therefore, it is capable of much
higher volume. Without an amplifier the sound
it produces is hardly audible because it does not
have a hollow chamber.
The tone of the electric guitar is mostly
determined by the amplifier, pickups, and pedal
effects that might be used.
It is mostly used in rock, metal, and punk
genres.
Which guitar should I get?
You should get the type of guitar that is used for playing the genre of music you
wish to pursue. That said, for this class, an electric guitar is discouraged because of
logistical reasons (owning a small amplifier and setting it up before every class).
Without an amplifier, the instructor would not be able to hear the guitar.