Classical Guitar Lessons

The classical guitar, also known as the Spanish guitar or nylon-string guitar, is a six-string guitar from a family of instruments referred to as the “chordophones”. The classical guitar is revered for its ability to perform complex melodic and polyphonic accompaniments in much the same manner as the piano.

In addition to the instrument, classical guitar may also refer to a technique, historic repertoire as well as shape or construction on the instrument.

Classical guitar is commonly used to play classical arraignments, though it is also found in folk, jazz, and flamenco. Late 19^th century designs by Antonio Torres Jurado contributed to the modern classical guitar sometimes being referred to as the “Spanish guitar”.

History of Classical Guitar

The classical guitar was used in the renaissance, baroque, classical and romantic time periods, as well as the modern adaptation of neo-classical and avant garde music.

The appreciation of classical guitar is not only dedicated to the music it produces, but the construction of the actual instrument as well. Early classical guitars used different materials to produce the instrument than modern day guitars. As a result, the aesthetic value, or sound the instrument produces are different.

Depending on the time period, the guitar was designed to match the types of compositions being produced. So, for example, guitars found during the baroque period of music were different than romantic pieces.

Why Classical Guitar Lessons?

Unfortunately, classical music is not nearly as respected by the younger generations that would just as well play classic rock tunes by Led Zeppelin or The Doors. While this is to be expected, a true musician should learn about classical compositions because it is the true roots of music.

Classical guitar is a challenging form of guitar to master, and will take some practice even for intermediate to advanced guitarists. Therefore, in addition to playing a unique, important role to music classical guitar is also challenging for guitarists.

Style of Classical Guitar

Unlike popular music, classical compositions are not always restricted to the song form, embracing other forms like concerto, symphony, sonata, opera, dance and more. Classical music has the ability to create a specific mood with its sound, the guitar contributing to that final result along with a number of different instruments.

In addition to learning to play classical guitar, aspiring guitarists should have a solid background on classical music, which may take years of schooling and practice to understand.

Performing classical compositions is demanding and requires advanced technical mastery including: the ability to read and write music, the understanding of tonal and harmonic principals and familiarity with the style/musical idiom inherent to a given period.

Famous Classical Guitarists

There are a number of famous classical guitarists depending on the era, but for a broad overview of famous classical guitarists, study the work of: Robert de Visee, Mauro Giuliani, Francisco Tarrega, Agustin Barrios and Sergei Orekhov.

Classical Guitar Lessons

Classical guitar lessons are not near as popular as other types of guitar lessons. It is likely due to a lack of demand compared to, say, rock guitar lessons as well as the advanced skills and expertise it takes to play classical guitar.

In the past, classical guitar has been primarily taught at secondary schools or with specialized music teachers, though information is becoming more and more available on the Web.

Conclusion

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