7 Steps to Learn Classical Guitar

"What do I need to learn classical guitar?"
This short article will give you pointers by briefly explaining the key points you'll need to consider.

1. Find a good teacher.

Classical guitar technique is so vast and intricate, that if you try to learn it on your own, you'll at least double the time it takes to learn the basics.
And you might even miss some critical points. This is dangerous, because if you form bad habits, these will be very hard to correct in the long run. But remember: find a GOOD teacher! A bad teacher can be worse than none at all...
Also remember that you want to learn classical guitar, not a skiffle... ;-)

2. How do I know if the teacher I've found is good or not???

This is a hard one. Many concert guitarists with succesful careers are not necessarily great, or even good teachers. And they often have great big egos: many will take every chance to make you feel useless! After all, YOU are their potential competition!!!

On the other hand, a teacher with little to no experience as a recitalist will likely not be the person to lead you where you want to go. So this is a real tough one.

A good approach in the beginning, before you know much or anything about classical guitar, might be not to become too attached to a single teacher or approach. Explore a bit, see what makes sense. Watch videos, go to masterclasses... have fun! This will help you form your own criteria. Then you can decide for yourself what the best course of action is.

3. Get a good guitar.

Ok, you are learning, and your budget is a little tight. But remember that a bad guitar will force you to generate bad habits. When I finally found the teacher who taught me a technical system that clicked, he insisted that I start from scratch, with a guitar that seemed expensive: VERRRY expen$$$ive!!! I could buy a car with that money!!! But it was worth it.

4. Don't lock yourself into the tiny world of the classical guitar.

The musical world is full of marvels. Listen to, and learn from other instrumentalists. Remember that the guitar is a baby when compared to the piano or the violin!!! Make sure to learn general music theory, get good ear training, etc. Play chamber music (preferably with non-guitarists).

5. Don't lock yourself into the methods your clasical guitar teacher(s) teach you.

There is much to be learned from Jazz, Flamenco, etc. Learn to improvise! This will actually help you learn to play classical guitar faster, by freeing your intuition.

6. Analyse:

Not many guitarists do this. Analyse every piece you play: form, harmony, counterpoint, etc... this will give you a far broader perspective, and will help you if you ever want to get into composition!

7. Understand the guitar fretborad; guitar theory: