Are you thinking of learning classical guitar? Let’s talk about what makes it so different, what you need to begin with, why this instrument is so serious, why the journey is so rewarding.

Why Classical Guitar Deserves Your Respect

When people think of guitar, they normally imagine a rock band playing on stage or musicians strumming chords while singing a joyful song.

The classical guitar is totally different. It’s not a casual hobby although it can be, but it is a serious and deep art indeed.

Classical guitar is often misunderstood. It’s not about playing popular songs; fingerstyle covers or competing to be the “best guitarist”. It’s a formal musical discipline with centuries of tradition. It’s as complex as learning piano or violin. In Classical guitar the focus is on the quality of the tone, musical expression knowledge of musical eras and styles, not speed and show off.

What You Need to Start Learning Classical Guitar

If you are planning to learn classical guitar here is a short list of what you will need:

1. A Proper Classical Guitar
You need a proper classical guitar. If you are living in Dubai, you can purchase one at Sadek Music or at Thompsun Music if you are not sure the salesmen in those shops are really good and they will guide you according to your needs and budget. But if you are not sure or want to be more comfortable when buying a classical guitar, you can always contact me and book a free trial lesson with me a part of the trial lesson is to talk about the classical guitar and what model may sweet you.

2. A Qualified Teacher or online Course

To learn classical guitar in a proper fashion you need to have a qualified teacher that can guide you and teach you from the very beginning. Having a teacher is essential. I do not recommend doing it yourself, except if you enroll in an online guitar course which is also a guided learning. You can start guitar lessons with me by contacting me here or enrolling in one of my online guitar courses. Not that I am trying to sell myself here, but just because this is my website, I am inviting you to join my classes. Of course, you can do it with any other teacher, the point is: do not do it yourself if you can. An Online course is a good alternative if you don’t have time and you can’t effort regular weekly lessons.

3. Learn to Read Standard Notation
Why do you need to know the music notation. Simply because the classical guitar is before all interpretational. We perform music written by others and as a performers, our duty is to represent the music as close to the original as possible. The modern musical notation gives us the chance to perform the music as the composer intended with great accuracy provided, we know how to read music and not only. We need to be aware of the era in which the composer lived, that gives us a lot of information about the style and the aesthetics of that time, the philosophical thoughts of the time etc.

It is your teacher’s job to teach you how to read standard music notation. I you find that in your lessons or in your child’s lessons the teacher is not using musical notation but using TABs or “copycat” methods, consider changing them, that is not how the classical guitar (or any other guitar) should be taught.

4. Patience and Discipline

Here most beginners get disappointed and discouraged. Just accept that progress is slow it takes time to master the instrument and its technical specifics from one hand and from the other, the music as an academic discipline with its complexity. Each step that you take brings you up toward your musical perfection and artistic mastery. Do not neglect any part of the guitar lessons.

The Classical Guitar Mindset

What is the classical guitar mindset? We do not compete in terms of race or to show of who is the fastest and the coolest guitarist it is all about the tone quality discovering the microcosmos of the sound colors that the guitar can give us as means to express the music. Self-discipline and control, noble and restrict attitude towards the music and the instrument. Respect to the generations of musicians before us. Studying the past and appreciating the present. A classical guitarist is mastering the instrument to appreciate the music. If you are looking for fast tricks and wonders this may not be the path for you. But if you are looking to master the craft and the artistry of the music traditions that go centuries deep in the past and implement it in today’s wold- the classical guitar is a lifetime rewarding asset for you.

Classical guitar – an endless Musical Journey

As you improve as a guitarist and a musician you will be surprised to know how much more is there to know, listen, experience, learn and feel. Not only about the guitar itself but about the music in general. You will find yourself in an ocean of knowledge and beauty which was hidden for you before. You will start to feel the connection between your hands and the instrument. You will be more open to comprehending and appreciate the music in all its shapes.

Let’s Start Your Classical Guitar Journey Today

If you are ready to take the classical guitar as a part of your daily activities and as a path to discovering the amazing world of music without shortcuts,

Contact me today to arrange your free trial guitar lesson life in Dubai or online on Zoom