Learning classical guitar as an absolute beginner

[theminer]

I am a beginner thats knows nothing about music theory but can strum, perform very simple arpeggios, and can play simple pop songs with simple chord progressions. My ultimate goal is to learn to play classical guitar. Is there a book for people in my position that do not know anything including theory or how to read music? should I start of by continuing to build my skills and then transition? or start with theory?

[indexless]

Greetings and welcome. I feel your questions would be better asked in the general topics section but it’s impossible to move them on this platform. I’m sure someone will chime in here and good luck with your guitar journey

[Hank]

Miner,

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of online lessons available to you.

if Classical guitar is your goal first learn the “Classical” position…instrument on left leg and then find an online instructor. then practice,practice,practice.

DO NOT do what I did and “teach” yourself….you won’t recognize bad habits until it is too late……and for me it is a lifetime of bad habits

if you fall in love with the guitar, you will find a friend for life…..a friend that will forgive your bad habits.

 

 

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Life is a journey…not a guided tour,
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[theminer]

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of online lessons available to you.

if Classical guitar is your goal first learn the “Classical” position…instrument on left leg and then find an online instructor. then practice,practice,practice.

DO NOT do what I did and “teach” yourself….you won’t recognize bad habits until it is too late……and for me it is a lifetime of bad habits

if you fall in love with the guitar, you will find a friend for life…..a friend that will forgive your bad habits.

i agree

[theminer]

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of online lessons available to you.

if Classical guitar is your goal first learn the “Classical” position…instrument on left leg and then find an online instructor. then practice,practice,practice.

DO NOT do what I did and “teach” yourself….you won’t recognize bad habits until it is too late……and for me it is a lifetime of bad habits

if you fall in love with the guitar, you will find a friend for life…..a friend that will forgive your bad habits.

i agree

 

i totally agree

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by indexless.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by indexless.

[Richard Hoover]

Hi Miner,

Having seen many successes and failures with beginning guitarists, I’m convinced that the key to a sustainable relationship with the instrument is gratification from the process. Only you, or a specialist in learning skills, can determine how you best process and retain information. It really is different for many of us.

I, for instance, would have never persevered with the guitar if I had been forced to learn scales, or theory, first. When I was given a student with the same challenge, I found it more successful to first show them how to put the three chords together so that could play their favorite song. Buoyed with that sense of accomplishment we could then explore the fundamentals needed to eventually sound just like the record with all its color and complexity.

If you are blessed with the ability to stick to traditional study through well functioning information storage and retrieval practices then you will most likely find satisfaction in this through the methodical accumulation of  knowledge and facility as you observe the ongoing improvement in your playing abilities. If you are in this category, and want to launce a serious study of classical guitar, send a message via this forum to Maestro Eric Skye and ask for his recommendation on the most appropriate study guide for fundamentals and technique.

The other excellent resource for learning to play like a pro is Homespun Tapes. Their detailed video and explanation of most styles of playing will keep you engaged in practice until you’re ready for your own TV show!

All the best, Richard

[Author]

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