Explore classical guitar posture, right-hand technique, and basic classical pieces. Learn the refined approach that has shaped centuries of guitar artistry.
Classical guitar is a refined playing style that emphasizes proper technique, musical expression, and the performance of both traditional classical repertoire and modern concert pieces. It uses nylon strings, specific finger techniques, and formal positioning to achieve optimal tone, control, and musical expression.
• Classical Guitar: Nylon-string guitar with wider neck (typically 2" at nut)
• Footstool or Guitar Support: For proper posture and instrument positioning
• Music Stand: Essential for reading notation
• Metronome: Critical for developing steady timing
• Classical Guitar Music: Sheet music notation (not tablature)
Posture is fundamental to classical guitar technique and prevents injury while enabling optimal performance:
Chair Height: Sit with feet flat on floor, thighs parallel to ground
Back Support: Sit up straight with natural spine curve, avoid slouching
Guitar Position: Rest guitar on left thigh (for right-handed players)
Footstool: Left foot elevated 4-6 inches to raise left thigh
Guitar Angle: Neck angled upward at approximately 45 degrees
• Thumb Position: Behind neck, opposite middle finger, never wrapping around
• Finger Curvature: Fingers curved, fingertips perpendicular to strings
• Wrist Position: Straight, not bent in either direction
• Hand Height: Knuckles parallel to neck, hand not dropping below neck
• Finger Independence: Only necessary fingers press strings, others remain relaxed
The right hand is responsible for tone production, dynamics, and musical expression:
p (Pulgar): Thumb - plays bass strings (6th, 5th, 4th)
i (Indice): Index finger - plays 3rd string primarily
m (Medio): Middle finger - plays 2nd string primarily
a (Anular): Ring finger - plays 1st string primarily
Note: Pinky is rarely used in classical technique
• Wrist position: Straight and relaxed, not bent up or down
• Hand arch: Natural arch, as if holding a small ball
• Finger angle: Fingers approach strings at slight angle, not perpendicular
• Contact point: Pluck strings with fingertips (with nails if grown)
• Follow-through: Fingers follow through toward palm after plucking
The most common plucking technique for melodies and arpeggios:
1. Place fingertip on string
2. Pluck string by flexing finger joint
3. Finger moves parallel to guitar top
4. Finger does not rest on adjacent string
5. Used for: melodies, arpeggios, scales
A powerful technique for emphasized melody notes:
1. Place fingertip on string
2. Pluck string with decisive motion
3. Finger comes to rest on adjacent lower string
4. Produces fuller, stronger tone
5. Used for: emphasized melody notes, scale practice
Simple arpeggios and basic left-hand positions. Perfect for developing finger independence.
Beautiful melody with simple accompaniment. Introduces basic expression techniques.
Classic study piece focusing on melody and bass separation.
Expressive piece introducing tremolo technique and advanced expression.
Romantic piece with beautiful harmonies and melodic development.
1. Place thumb on 6th string, i-m-a on strings 3-2-1
2. Play p-i-m-a pattern slowly and evenly
3. Focus on consistent tone and timing
4. Gradually increase speed while maintaining quality
5. Practice 15 minutes daily for finger independence
1. Place all four fingers on consecutive frets (e.g., 1-2-3-4 on 1st string)
2. Play each note individually while keeping other fingers down
3. Focus on finger independence and clean notes
4. Practice on each string, then move to different fret positions
5. Work slowly and precisely before increasing speed
1. Play p-i-m-a-m-i pattern on open strings (p=6th, i=3rd, m=2nd, a=1st)
2. Start very slowly, focusing on even tone and timing
3. Use free stroke technique for all fingers
4. Add simple left-hand chord shapes (Am, C, etc.)
5. This pattern appears in many classical pieces
Classical guitar uses standard musical notation, not tablature:
• Treble Clef: All guitar music is written in treble clef
• Fingering Numbers: Right hand (p-i-m-a), left hand (1-2-3-4)
• String Numbers: Circled numbers indicate which string to play
• Position Indicators: Roman numerals show fret positions
• Expression Marks: Dynamics, phrasing, and articulation markings
Technical proficiency must be combined with musical understanding:
• Dynamics: Practice playing at different volume levels (pp to ff)
• Phrasing: Shape musical phrases like speech patterns
• Rubato: Subtle timing flexibility for expression
• Tone Color: Vary attack and plucking position for different timbres
• Balance: Bring out melody while supporting with accompaniment
• Poor posture: Slouching or incorrect guitar position
• Thumb wrapping: Left thumb coming around the neck
• Collapsed hand arch: Right hand losing its natural curve
• Excessive tension: Gripping too tightly in either hand
• Rushing practice: Playing too fast before mastering slow tempo
Structure your practice for maximum benefit:
5 minutes: Warm-up with scales or simple arpeggios
10 minutes: Technical exercises (finger independence, right-hand patterns)
15 minutes: Work on current pieces (slow, detailed practice)
10 minutes: Review familiar pieces for musical development
5 minutes: Sight-reading new material