Play Classical Guitar - Learn Classical Guitar
Learn to Play Classical Guitar
This lens is aimed at helping those who have not yet fully decided to learn about and take up the noble instrument so they may Play Classical Guitar. At the same time there should be a lot of useful information for the established guitarist too. The Classical Guitar is one of the oldest instruments, it developed from the stringed instruments of Africa and Arabia, gradually being refined and improved to its current form by the great Spanish guitarists of the 19th Century.
The main features of the Classical Guitar are illustrated on the diagram attached. The instrument is stringed from bass E to high E, the strings being E, A, D, G , B and E as seen from left to right on the image. You thread the strings through the bridge and wrap the bottom end under the string then under and over it for 3 turns, the final 1 inch to 1.5 inches is pulled tight and laid along the bottom of the bridge. The next string is inserted through the bridge and its end is wrapped over the loose end of the previous string in order to hold it in place. The top end is passed over the nut and pushed through the hole in the machine head, loop the end around the string and tighten the machine head, use the string to overlap the loose end as you wind, the skill is in not over tightening initially so that the string needs a further 3 or 4 full turns to tighten, Once tight the loose end is always cut off on Classical Guitars, for appearance sake. You string from base E to top E and always replace all strings, if one is broken, this is due to the brightness of the string changing with wear and time. The tone of the instrument will not be balanced if you do not change all strings together. You will have fun learning to Play Classical Guitar.
All images from Amazon except for the Introduction image from Wikipedia - 2007
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Playing Classical Guitar
The Classical Guitar is ergonomic to play, if sat correctly on a square backed chair and using a footstool for the left foot. The left arm and hand are totally free to move up and down the instruments neck. The Classical position is easy on the body, but like any other repetitive task you should get up and move around periodically, to avoid cramping and repetitive stress injuries.
In order to play Classical Guitar you will need a guitar, a case, a footstool, spare strings, an instruction book, some music, a tuner, a metronome, a guitar stand and a music stand. I would advise you to find a good instructor, but you could also learn on-line, there are many free lessons on You Tube, and sheet music and tabs can also be found on the web. There are links to useful sites on my guitar blog at Play Classical Guitar
For the entertainment of those who have read this far I have included a video of Peo Kindgren playing Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven on the Classical Guitar. Beautiful! However note Peo does not use a footstool and could over time give himself repetitive stress injuries from this style of play. If you are interested in the correct position watch videos of John Williams, Andres Segovia and Julian Bream.
Stairway to Heaven
Why Not Bookmark This Lens So You Can Easily Return?
Learn To Play Guitar with these Top Rated Internet Courses
One specifically for the Electric Guitar Players out there, with 7 different tutors so you can pick the one you like most ,or try them all! It will cost less than a single live instructor and you can repeat a lesson as often as you need. Guitar Super Stars.
These systems are video based and have music you can play along to, students report that these systems give quicker results than standard music lessons, and all the lessons can be repeated as often as you like, until you have mastered them. This makes them both cheaper and faster to learn with than is the case with conventional music lessons.
For those that want to learn by ear there is a neat new product on the market that allows you to slow down the music but keep the correct pitch for each of the notes Riff Master Pro. You speed the music up as your technique improves, until you can play along to the music with correct timing.
If you have a good ear for music and like to learn by ear there is a fantastic new learning product that helps you get absolute pitch and relative pitch skills so that you can name any note and even place it in relation to where it is played on the instrument. The Pure Pitch Method. Wow!
When learning Classical Guitar and Lead Guitar one of the main secrets is mastery of the scales so here is a great course on mastering guitar scales. Guitar Scale Mastery
Many people (like me) have for some reason or another put off learning to play Guitar for many years and now there is a great course just for us! It is specifically designed for the different way that adults approach learning.
Adult Guitar Lessons This course made for the older learner, seems like a great idea to me!
Buying a Classical Guitar
The instruments that I have listed below are all good quality, fairly inexpensive models that are currently being offered at reasonable prices by Amazon or for auction on eBay, so it is a good idea to bookmark this page and so you can return often to check out the deals here.
I have found that in some music stores the instruments are handled and played by many people before they are sold. The advantage of buying them here is that the instrument you get will be new and unused and is delivered direct to your home, plus it is backed by Amazon's warranty.
If you live in a remote area then you may not be able to test instruments in a music store, buying through this site means that you get an instrument of good quality delivered to you, if you are not totally satisfied it can always be returned.
Classical Guitar Quiz
Play Classical Guitar - My Guitar Blog
Extracts from Play Classical Guitar
Comparison Of CG40 to CG111C Yamaha Guitars
I would say if you really want better tone then the more expensive the guitar, in general, then the better the tone will be. Yamaha guitars are excellent, as their quality control is second to none. The elite guitarists still prefer handmade instruments from top quality luthiers, but these are variable and are to be advised only if you have a really good ear and are wanting a guitar built to suit your style of playing. I would not advise any guitarist to go this route until they have mastered the instrument or if the money is no object to them.
Beginner to Intermediate Classical Guitars from Amazon
Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar Package
This is a good quality (for the money) first full size guitar for the younger player. If the player has serious aspirations then it is probably better to pay up to 3 or 4 times this amount to get an instrument that will last them many years, or even for life.
Alvarez Acoustic Guitar AC60SC Cutaway Classical Top Solid Cedar Back & Side Mahogany
This guitar is a cutaway and therefore the sound is compromised to some extent. The compensating factor is that it is much easier to play the really high notes. Also note that many cutaway models also are designed to be electro-acoustic and are suitable for adding nylon string guitar music to a band.
Amigo AM15 Nylon String Acoustic Guitar
The Amigo is a real cut down guitar to allow children to learn to play on an instrument suited to their small hands and arms.
Hohner HC02P 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar Package
The Hohner is a childrens guitar that is 3/4 of the size of a full size and some petite people even find these easier to play than a full size as adults.
Stagg C546LH Left Hand 4/4 Spruce Classic Natural
The Stagg is a Left handed model that will save having to re-string a right handed model to suit the left handed player. Since it was designed this way you will not have to worry about whether the bridge can be reversed or not, which can be an issue with some models of other makes of guitar.
Intermediate to Advanced Guitars from Amazon
Yamaha GC41 Handcrafted Classical Guitar with Case
This guitar is probably the best deal of all the guitars on Amazon for the serious player. It is around half normal price and it would be the ideal gift for someone special who plays.
Yamaha CG201S Full Size Classical Acoustic Guitar
This model is Yamaha's 201 with a spruce front, the spruce will gradually yellow/darken up and may end as almost orange, this is a feature of the wood and adds to its beauty. A really good value guitar for the money.
Yamaha CG151S Classical Acoustic Spruce Guitar with Natural Finish
This is the identical guitar to the CG151C only this time it has a Spruce top rather than Cedar, the choice is a matter of personal preference, and this is a really great sounding guitar.
Yamaha CGX171CCA - Acoustic/Electric Cutaway Nylon String Classical Guitar
For those musicians that prefer an electric instrument Yamaha make this fine cutaway Classical Guitar this is ideal for the solo performer or those guitarists that play in an ensemble where the guitars natural voicing will not be sufficient.
Professional Standard Classical Guitars From Amazon
Great Bargains on Guitars and equipment from eBay
Guitar Cases from Amazon
Gator Cases Deluxe ABS Classical Guitar Case (Plastic)
This is a plastic case with reasonable impact resistance and suitable for carrying your guitar to gigs, or on an airplane.
Yamaha GA10 Classical Chipboard Guitar Case
This case is made from chipboard which makes for a reasonably strong case, but it may crack if subjected to hard knocks.
Chipboard Case for Amigo 1/2 Size Classical Guitar
This is a chipboard case made specifically for the Amigo 1/2 size guitar, and it is durable enough for most transportation purposes.
Kaces KPFC18 Boutique Line Polyfoam Guitar Case, Classical
These cases are cheap but only really suitable for carrying your guitar short distances and then only if you are accompanying it these cases will not stand transportation by air for example.
Guitar Footstools and Stands from Amazon
Performance Plus Deluxe Mahogany Guitar Footstool
This is an extremely nice looking footstool, but it does have mixed reviews since the wood design means it is not as durable as the Tour Grade footstool.
Ultra Wd Gtr Foot Stool W/Bag
This is another wooden footstool with better reviews, but it is not as elegant as the Mahogany one.
Tour Grade Guitarist Footstool
I actually use a footstool very similar to this one, and have done so for around 18 years so can personally vouch for their longevity.
OnStage GS7462B Folding Guitar Stand
This type of guitar stand is extremely useful for putting the guitar down during performances and can be used for temporary storage at home. Your guitar should ideally be cased when not being played.
Music Stands from Amazon
Hisonic Signature Series 7121 Two Section Folding Music Stand with Carrying Bag
This is a fairly lightweight stand suitable for a few pieces of sheet music, but not really sturdy enough for heavy books.
On-Stage SM7211 Professional Folding Orchestral Music Stand, Black
This is an orchestral quality stand and will carry most music books that you are ever likely to use.
Guardian Portable Music Stand (Adjustable, Purple)
This is another lighter stand that is just fun to use due to the color.
Peak Music Stands Portable Music Stand Black
Another stronger stand that is included for choice.
Guitar Music
If you can not afford lessons get a classical guitar, a footstool, a music stand, a metronome and this book and you can teach yourself.
CP69239 - Progressive Complete Learn to Play: Classical Guitar (Progressive: Complete Learn to Play Instructions)
This is probably the best book to buy for a beginner player as it goes from complete beginner to professional in one book. It is clearly written and has tabs as well as conventional Classical Guitar notation so it is suitable for players that have initially been learning from tabs and the pure classical players too!
Pumping Nylon - Classical Guitar - Bk
This is a great book for developing your left hand and right hand techniques for the intermediate to advanced player. This is a synopsis of the techniques use by Abel Carvellaro, probably the best player ever, from the technical standpoint. Abel's book is no longer generally available.
![Progressive Classical Guitar Method: For Beginner to Intermediate Students [Book 1]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q1NTzH5aL._SL160_.jpg)
Progressive Classical Guitar Method: For Beginner to Intermediate Students [Book 1]
This is a wonderful book for getting you started along the right tracks. Jason Waldron is one of the top Australian Guitarists and I have used all of his books and they are really good..
Progressive Popular Classics of the Great Composers Volume I
There is a a whole series of these books and you will be able to play all of them as you progress. Jason has done a great job in selecting pieces that progress with you, and as you work through the books you will build technique and confidence. Most people will recognize the tunes, and this aids in playing the correct rhythm and timing for the pieces.
Progressive Popular Classics of the Great Composers Vol. 2 (Morning; Air on a G string; Toreador Song from Carmen; et. al.)
The second book in the series is somewhat harder than the first, but again Jason has selected the pieces to progress with you, so if you have mastered book one this is a natural progression for you.
Don't Want To Wait For Your Music?
Download It and Mp3 versions Too Here!
Guitar Strings, Capo Tuner and Metronome
Albert Augustine 525A Gut Classical Guitar Strings, Light
This is my personal favorite string but It is close between this string and Savarez! It is also available in Red and Gold Label.
Savarez 520R Traditional Classical Guitar Strings, High Tension, Red Card
This is a concert Quality string and one of my favourites. I think I prefer Augustine Blue Label as they seem to last longer, but it is very close!
Planet Waves NS Classical Guitar Capo in Black
Every aspiring Guitarist should be aware that the capo is a guitarists best friend. Some musicians claim that they are not necessary, but they really help with pieces that require a barre to be held in a certain position and then all the playing takes place either there or further up the neck.
Korg TM-40 Large Display Digital Tuner and Metronome
This is both a tuner and metronome. The traditional way of tuning is to use a tuning fork for the bottom E string (Bass) and tune the guitar to itself from there, however since the accuracy of modern electronics exceeds the best ear, it is now perfectly acceptable to tune all six strings electronically. Since strings tend to stretch you should re-tune after every piece you play, until the give goes out of the strings.
Reader Feedback
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ConvenientCalendar May 8, 2013 @ 11:19 am | deleteI am a big fan of the classic guitar! Great lens! -
Thank you, I am trying to have a little something for every classical guitarist here. -
I like to play my classic guitar. Great lens. -
That is a like I really appreciate form another Classical Guitarist. -
this is a very well written lens. -
Thank you Sean -
Wow that's a great lense...
Please kindly like and visit my lense www.squidoo.com/womens-road-bike
Thanks -
Thank you, but please do not add links to other people's lenses.
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I play a few instruments, but I never really picked up the guitar. Wish I had! -
Well it is never too late to start!
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Very cool! This is one of the best lenses I have seen, I don't mean to be dramatic, but you are probably one of the best writers too.. very nice, and please don't stop. I plan to see more from you
*like* from Zacrew7!
http://www.squidoo.com/unheardofpresents check out mine and tell me what you think? I'm in the search of great squidoo members to review my lense and give me tips. Thanks. -
Thank you Zacrew7. I certainly try and hope that my lenses help people too.
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thanks for providing this great information...pretty cool lense... -
I am glad you liked it. It has taken a while for this lens to take off, but it now actually outranks the web site it was built to promote!
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My guitar is in the living room, but I have not had much time to play it lately.
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That makes two of us, I always have mine available, but I do not do the hours to achieve the 100,000 hours required to be a Master Musician. It is funny but those figures hold true for mastering any really hard task, horse riding, music, ballet etc. etc. Even Clapton started 5 hours a day at the age of 5 those hours give you the edge alright! Probably why there are so few real Masters!
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I'd love to learn to play! Unfortunately my fingers are a bit stubby. :/ -
Check out the videos of Srgovia on You Tube he had stubby fingers too, but it did not stop him from being an all time Great Player!
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Thanks for the article, I love playing the guitar. -
I am glad you liked it keep on playing it is a great hobby!
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I absolutely love classical guitar.... in fact I love most guitar music but classical is just so relaxing. -
It is relaxing or exciting depending on who is playing and the actual piece. It is the most versatile style and can and is adapted to play anything.
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I think classical guitar is my favourite style of music for guitars - a great lens, thank you! -
When it is played well it is by far the most versatile style. Did you watch Peo Kindren play Stairway to Heaven?
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I would love to Play Classical Guitar one day. -
If you really mean that the sooner you start the better as it takes a lot of practice to become good. Think of the 100,000 hour rule. Apparently any really complex task is not fully mastered untill you have been at it for around 100,000 hours (so it takes years, literally) Clapton would play for 5 or 6 hours a day as a kid. Remember too it has to be meaningful practice, aimed at improvement not just standing still.
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I tried playing my husband's guitar once, my fingers pained.
But I love classical music and feel one should learn at least one instrument. -
I do not know what type of guitar your husband has but the action (height of the strings above the frets and type of string make a big difference. Steel strings are thinner and also strung tighter than nylon. This means that it requires more pressure on the strings to fret them correctly on a steel string guitar, therefore a Classical which is strung with gut, nylon or carbon fibre strings is easier to fret correctly and a much better bet for the beginner guitarist.
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i think i need to learn more about music -
It is not as hard as some people think. You all ready know the spacing of a major scale from doh reh me fah lah soh tea doh, which you probably learned as a child. Tone, tone, semi-tone, tone, tone, tone, semi-tone. Add the notes a, b, c, d, e, f, g and back to a.
Buying a guitar and a good music tutor is a great way to start. You can also now take lessons on-line, which has the advantage that you can repeat them as often as you like for no additional cost and they are available in just about any style. Check them out here or on my other lens Learning to Play the Guitar. -
Great lens! -
Thank you!
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I know my grandfather still has his classical guitar. I'm gonna make it a point to try and get him to find it. I'd love to try and learn to play. -
It really is worthwhile so do it!
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Great read, thanks. I tried learning guitar when I was a kid but stupidly gave up. -
It is never too late to start again I did when over 40!
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Then i have plenty of time to start :D -
Nice informative lens! I hardly know anything on playing hte guita but this lens had me all hooked up! -
I hope you act on it and start to play it is great relaxation and entertainment for family and friends.
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Great comprehensive lens! -
Thank you.
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Lots of good info here. The first thing I ever learned was how to read music before I ever picked up a guitar. I enjoyed reading this lens and I learned a couple of things too. -
Learning to read music is the best start for any instrumentalist, I had my first guitar and learned as I went along, but there are many other successful methods. This is because there are patterns for your finger movements of the left hand due to the tone, tone, tone, semi tone, tone, tone, semi tone gaps that constitute the major scales.
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Very nice information. Thanks for sharing. Guitars are my favorite instrument...especially when I hear the professionals play :) -
I agree the true professionals are awesome. I saw John Williams as a kid and was hooked by the sound and his technique.
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The guitar is really a wonderful and portable instrument. My sons play. Nice lens!
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It is the portability and versatility of the sounds that it can produce that have made it the instrument of choice for most bands, be they country, blues, pop, rap, or jazz, such is the versatility of the guitar.
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Great lens. while not a classical guitarist, I am a guitar player and have been classically trained on other stringed and brass instruments. I do tend to use more classical sounding riffs in my playing, as they just seem to flow more easily though my mind. -
I find that if you were classically trained it is easier to pick up on other styles, because there are reasons for why the classical method evolves,usually the classical approach is easier on the body ergonomically.
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Nice lens. - Load More
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