How to Start Teaching Yourself Fingerstyle and Classical Guitar: Tips for Experienced Musicians

Are you an experienced musician with a background in music theory looking to dive into the intricate world of fingerstyle and classical guitar? Though self-taught materials can provide a starting point, it's essential to have guidance from an expert who can help you develop proper technique and avoid bad habits that might hinder your progress.

Why You Need an Instructor

Being able to read music and find notes on an instrument is a great start, but it's not the same as learning to play the instrument well. Self-taught musicians often develop bad habits that are difficult to break once they've been set in stone. For guitar players, a common pitfall is gripping the neck too tightly or using the thumb incorrectly, which limits one's ability to play anything beyond simple block chords. This is especially problematic for those aiming for mastery in classical guitar.

Online and In-Person Instructors

To learn fingerstyle and classical guitar effectively, you have the option of both online and in-person instructors. Make sure that the instructor you choose can teach both styles and has a deep understanding of fingerstyle and classical techniques. For classical lessons, a nylon string guitar is required. If you wish to include folk and pop elements in your learning, be sure to communicate this to your instructor from the outset, ensuring a versatile learning experience.

A Different Approach to Understanding the Guitar

Think of the guitar not as a single chromatic instrument like the piano, but as six independent instruments. Each string is limited to approximately a 1.5-octave range, with the exception of the G and B strings which are a fourth apart. The guitar is tuned in fourths, making it difficult to play dense chord voicings like on a piano. However, this tuning allows for easy voicing of chords and creating drone notes, which can be used to play melodies or chords on other strings.

Recommended Resources and Composers

Begin your journey with the Frederick Noad series, as recommended by many. However, to truly understand the unique nature of classical guitar music and theory, it's essential to explore additional resources such as scores and listen to classical pieces on YouTube. Among the best composers for this genre is Heitor Villa-Lobos. His approach to the guitar was innovative, thinking beyond the confines of traditional music theory. He utilized pedal tones, drones, and sliding chords to create rich harmonic textures. His work remains integral to the development of rock and jazz guitar in Brazil.

Final Words of Wisdom

Your journey to mastering fingerstyle and classical guitar is a rewarding one. Commit to regular practice, seek out experienced instructors, and immerse yourself in the rich history and literature of this versatile instrument. Enjoy the process and the beautiful sounds you will create.