Play Better Classical Guitar – How to quickly advance from beginner to intermediate (Article)

August 16, 2008 | By guitarsampsandmore In ARTICLES-Cassical Guitar | Comments(0)

The classical guitar is a difficult instrument to learn how to play. It takes perseverance and a lot of practice but with some practical tips you can make the transition from beginner to intermediate very quickly.Have Discipline – The most important thing you have to do in order to advance in your skill with the classical guitar is to practice regularly. This of course you already understand but in order to do this you might want to make yourself a schedule and stick to it. Decide in advance what days of the week you can practice, pick a time and stick to it. Block out at least one hour for each session. If you can do this at least five days a week your ability with the guitar will advance very rapidly.Listen to the music – The biggest problem for a beginner is the physical challenge of learning how to use your hands and fingers; so almost all of your focus is on this. The intermediate guitarist learns the finger position then focuses on how to play the music with feeling. You should make this a priority early in your playing. One of the best ways to do this is to run a tape recorder while you are playing then listen to it afterwards. This way you can concentrate on how the music sounds without having to focus on your hands.Establish a repertoire – You should establish a set of pieces that you will memorize. This can be as few as five pieces or as many as ten. But you should decide that you will memorize these pieces and then you should practice them, with memorization in mind, at every sitting.Use Different Learning Techniques – Everybody learns differently and we all have strong ways and weak ways of learning. You should try different learning techniques and see which ones work best for you. You also get the benefit of bringing a well-rounded approach to your learning. Here are some different techniques you should try:
Reading sheet music – This is a great, but slow, way to learn the language of music and will over time dramatically enhance your ability to play.
Work with an instructor – Some people establish a rapport with an instructor and do very well when they have someone they can ask questions.
Practice with friends - camaraderie is a great motivator. It will keep you playing.
Purchase a book with a cd or dvd - Having the sheet music along with a video or cd that plays the music will engage more of your mental faculties at the same time.
Download instructional videos - You may be a very visually oriented person and how a classical guitarist places his fingers may be an excellent way for you to learn
Try learning pieces directly from music you hear on CD’s – this is an excellent but difficult technique. If you put some time into this your ear for the guitar will improve dramatically.There are many ways you can quickly develop your skill as a classical guitarist. The two most important things to remember are that you should have the discipline to practice regularly and that you should try different techniques because some techniques will work better for you than others.

About the Author

Will Kalif is the author of two self-published epic fantasy novels. You can download free samples of his work at his personal website:
Storm The Castle – Creativity and Fantasy with an edgeOr you can visit his site devoted to classical guitar at:
The Classical Guitarist

Filed under: ARTICLES-Cassical Guitar

Learn To Play Classical Guitar

August 8, 2008 | By guitarsampsandmore In ARTICLES-Cassical Guitar,ARTICLES-Learning Guitar | Comments(0)

Learning to play classical guitar is an art that should be taken seriously. Classical guitar has a long history and many traditions that need to be respected and upheld when you learn to play classical guitar.AttitudeAttitude is an important factor when you learn to play classical guitar. When learning there are a few things you need to do before you start. You must be prepared to let go of all of your old habits, and be able to accept new habits and instruction easily. Many people fail at classical guitar because they cannot let go of old habits learned with modern guitar.The art of classical guitarClassical guitar is an art form that goes back many centuries. The traditions and history involved in classical guitar are wonderful and interesting. It is important when you first learn to play classical guitar that you take the time to research the history and beginnings of the classical guitar to give you a full understanding on the instrument.Become one with your guitarWhen you learn to play classical guitar you need to understand your guitar and make it an extension of your body. Movement should be smooth and fluid. Playing classical guitar should feel natural and spiritual, this will be displayed in your music and the way you appear when playing. Become one with your classical guitar and you will find everything else will come easily to you.RelaxationWhen you learn to play classical guitar relaxation is important. Learning to relax your body and move with the instrument will ensure you move through chords and notes easily. Sometimes it can be hard to let go of the stiff rigid stance we are used to when playing modern guitar, but once you let go and relax you will find your music will improve.TeachingsMany teachings have been written for people who want to learn to play classical guitar. Finding the right method for you can be a long process. The best way to find the right teaching method for you is to research and try different teachings until you find the one that works best for you.Basic principlesUnderstanding the basic principles when you first learn to play classical guitar is important to future success. Basic principles will provide you with a good foundation for success in the world of classical guitarClassical guitar is a fun and rewarding instrument. When you first learn to play classical guitar it may seem as though you will never improve or become as good as the professionals. The thing to remember is the professional classical guitar players all started where you are. They were all once beginners too and they achieved success by practicing and mastering their craft.

About the Author

Christopher Buckley is owner of one of the internet’s largest guitar learning resources. To find out more about learning classical guitar, visit Learn Guitar Blog

Filed under: ARTICLES-Cassical Guitar,ARTICLES-Learning Guitar

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