Developing speed on the classical guitar is a very big focus for a lot of people. Which is kind of strange seeing as the majority of pieces are not really that fast. To be sure there are some speedy scales out there, but for the most part our repertoire is filled with moderately paced material. … Read more
In level 1, we looked at the basic thumb free stroke on the classical guitar and how it is rather unique compared the other fingers. In this level we are going to add two very useful variations to this basic stroke. The thumb rest stroke, and using the flesh of the thumb. Rest stroke A … Read more
The rest stroke, also known as apoyando, produces a full and powerful sound, and differs from the free stroke in its follow through. Whereas the free stroke moves the finger through the air, clearing the adjacent string, the rest stroke moves through the string and then rests on the adjacent string. For beginners, the rest … Read more
Free stroke, also known as tirando, is the most commonly used stroke in classical guitar technique. It can produce a variety of sounds and dynamics, while using very little energy from the right hand. Tirando is Spanish for pulling The free stroke movement begins on, or just above the string. It moves through the string, … Read more
Synthesis For all of the lessons here in the Level 1 course, scales provide the most efficient synthesis of technique. You are going to have to use right hand positioning, nail shape and stroke, left hand positioning, thumb stroke, rest stroke, free stroke, and of course the synthesis of all these actions is a technique … Read more
When we sing, we use our lungs to activate our vocal chords, and when we play a trumpet we also blow air out from our lungs. If there is no air, there is no sound. This is not the case with the guitar. The guitar makes a sound with the initial stroke of the … Read more