Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners
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The classical guitar is known by many names. It is commonly called the Spanish guitar. The classical guitar is one of the prominent members of the guitar family. Its use is versatile, and the sounds produced from this musical instrument can be described as magical.
The classical guitars remain a favourite for many people because of the unique sounds they produce. These musical instruments can be used to play different genres of songs and the effect is remarkable. There are many online courses for classical guitar to help people learn how it is played.
The versatile nature of the classical guitar is one of the reasons more people are interested in learning how to play it. The classical guitar also gives you a chance to be creative and develop your repertoire.
The use of classical guitars for arpeggios is another reason you should consider learning its outstanding techniques. It is so fascinating to watch guitarists deliver smooth sounding arpeggios with the classical guitar. As a classical guitarist, you can easily find a way to play with bands because it is a musical instrument that complements others, especially in a band.
It is also known that the classical guitar is more ‘gentle’ on your fingers. By using the right fingerpicking methods, you can have an amazing training session or performance without ending up with sore fingers.
The classical guitar is also a favourite because students get to learn different techniques which may require simply delivering the best sounds when playing songs. This means, you can have a great time with the musical instrument even when you are not singing a song.
The online classical guitar courses for beginners have been mostly prepared by experienced guitarists who have packaged years of their training and performance experiences as online lessons for you. These lessons are mostly presented as instructional videos, audio files, and PDF files. T
he online classical guitar lessons for beginners start from the scratch, covering areas such as music theory related to the musical instrument and practical exercises to help you start playing songs after a few weeks of learning.
Below, some of the recommended classical guitar lessons for beginners have been reviewed as a guide.
15 Best Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners Review
1) ArtistWorks: Classical guitar lessons for beginners with Jason Vieaux
The Video lessons in this classical guitar course for beginners cover essential areas to help students have a strong foundation as classical guitarists. The lessons include instructional videos that teach students music theory and practical exercises to promote training.
Students are taught how to begin by properly holding the guitar while playing. There are also lessons that cover basic areas of the scales, etudes and arpeggios students need to know at the preliminary stages. The lessons also introduce beginners to the left and right-hand techniques for playing classical guitars.
Students will find the simple exercises in this course useful because they help to exercise the hands to enable students to enjoy longer training sessions. During the course, students can record training sessions and upload their videos for assessment by the instructors. The uploaded videos are viewed by other students who can learn while watching.
There are special lessons in this course teach students how to play classical songs with the guitar. The video lessons for this classical guitar course for beginners will have more impact because of added features such as looping and slow motion. These video features make it easier for students to closely study the techniques used by the instructors in the videos. The course is extensive and will be beneficial to beginners.
2) Truefire.com: Online classical guitar instructions for beginners
Everyone looking for a broad approach to learning how the classical guitar is played from scratch will find this online course helpful. The lessons feature over three thousand instructional videos for all students.
It is easy to learn and get value from this course as a beginner because of the well-articulated structure which helps students understand the basics. After gaining knowledge from the introductory lessons in this course, students are guided on how to select a learning curriculum to help them achieve their goals.
The course covers all areas such as reading tablature and notations, learning the chords, scales and the basic aspects of the arpeggios.
The lessons in this course are presented as video files which have been comprehensively arranged in a format to help students progress from one level to the next. The quality of video files for this course has been improved to add value; students can use the slow motion and looping features to closely study the performance and descriptions of the instructor during the course.
After learning the basics, students are also given access to tracks that can be used for special jamming sessions to make training more fun. Students can also track their progress during this course with tools embedded in the course outline.
3) Guitartricks.com: Beginner classical guitar lessons.
The fundamental aspects of this course have been put together by an instructor whose main focus is helping beginners gain confidence and start playing songs with the classical guitar. The lessons in this course present simple guides which are easy to understand.
Students are first introduced to the classical guitar and the different parts of this musical instrument. The music theory aspect covers the essential areas such as reading the notes on the fretboard, the chords, and how to read tablature. Students are given exercises that help them practice how to hold the classical guitar and the basic strumming techniques every student should know.
The outline of this course makes it easy for students to adopt the best learning approach according to their lifestyle. However, each lesson features particular exercises that encourage students to start and maintain an attitude of consistent practice to improve their skills.
In a few weeks, students who follow the different modules in this course and complete them will have the essential knowledge and idea about plucking the classical guitar strings to produce the right sounds that match songs they attempt to play.
The instructor has also added many tips and tricks to help students complete each part of the course and remember how those useful features can be applied in subsequent training sessions.
4) Udemy: Learn classical guitar technique, and play ‘Spanish Romance.’
Each lesson in this beginner’s course for people who want to learn how to play classical guitar is focused on teaching the students how to play classical pieces. The course comprises instructional videos, audio and PDF files. After registration, students are given access to hundreds of educational materials about the classical guitar.
The music theory lessons cover areas such as learning the scales, arpeggios, chord blocks, and the right-hand techniques. Students will also be guided on how to properly hold and pluck the classical guitar strings at the introductory part to practical lessons for beginners.
The entire course lasts for a total period of five hours. Students are also given access to download learning materials for this course. These materials serve as a reference for beginners during private training sessions.
During the course, the instructional lessons guide students on how to pluck the strings with the right hand while working the classical guitar’s neck with the left hand. The final lessons for beginners are focused on teaching students how to combine knowledge from this course to play their favourite classical songs.
The video lessons for this course are captured from different angles to give students a better view while learning. The maximum duration for the lessons is less than thirty minutes. This helps busy people catch up with the lessons and complete the course.
5) Udemy: Classical guitar essentials- The basics Part 1
A comprehensive introduction to the classical guitar for beginners is introduced in this online course. The lessons presented are for young and older students who want to learn how to play the classical guitar.
At the start of the course, students are introduced to the classical guitar. The first lessons cover areas such as posture and how to hold the guitar. After learning the finger positions and basic plucking methods, the music theory lessons are presented.
In this area, the standard notations are introduced, and students get a good training about the chords and scales. A handful of lectures have been dedicated to teaching students how to start playing simple songs with the classical guitar.
The lessons in this course can be experienced by students as young as twelve years old and everyone else above this age. After learning how to read notes and other aspects of music theory, students can start applying their knowledge in areas such as how to play the rest strokes, using the thumbs while plucking strings, tuning the guitar and mastering the technique of playing two voices with the classical guitar. This course is suitable for people who have never played the classical guitar before.
6) Udemy: Discover classical guitar Level 1
Everyone one can take this beginners course for classical guitar. The lessons are suitable for young children as well. The lessons in this course follow a structure that guides students from the basics to more practical exercises regarding playing the classical guitar.
The lessons are structured to feature the Spanish style of playing classical guitars. This involves the Malaguena basics, understanding the rest and free strokes, the chords, and a simplified approach of performing cascades with the classical guitar. In addition to the video lessons, the instructor has added some helpful notes to make it easier for students to understand the lessons.
The courses last for about one hour thirty minutes in total. However, the individual lessons last for about ten minutes each, which makes it easy for students to follow the courses at their own pace. There are also articles and educational content that can be downloaded as part of the course.
At the end of the course, each participant is expected to understand how to play simple songs with the classical guitar. The foundation established through this course will help students progress and understand further lessons at the intermediate level.
7) Udemy: Step by step classical guitar course for beginners
The outline for this course is divided into three different parts to make it easier for beginners who take the lessons. Students are introduced to the different aspects regarding the classical guitar such as the music theory, basic techniques, and repertoire.
In the music theory, students are taught about the chords, scales, and how to read music. The part of this course for basic techniques reveals dozens of tips and tricks students can use to start playing their favourite songs after a few weeks of consistent learning. The next guidelines help students to combine their knowledge and build a unique repertoire.
The lectures are presented as instructional videos and audio files. The features of these lessons have been simplified to enable students as young as six years participate and get value from this course. The step by step approach is crucial to helping students complete the entire course without leaving out any essential aspect regarding playing songs with the classical guitar.
During the course, students are allowed to print exercises. This is a good feature because students can use these exercises any time for further practice and improve their techniques.
8) Udemy: Beginner classical guitar course
The structure of this course has been enhanced for beginners. These features are observed from the simple English used by the instructors while giving narrations during demonstrations in the video lessons.
The scope is comprehensive and the course can set all students on the right path to becoming more proficient with the classical guitar. During the coaching program, new learners are introduced to basic aspects of classical guitar for beginners such as how to read music notations, different chord techniques, plucking techniques, playing duets, and playing solos with the classical guitar from the first position.
The first lessons in this course for beginners are crucial because they teach the students how to hold and pluck the classical guitar. The exercises included in this coaching guide for beginners include playing the classical guitar as accompaniment to simple songs, understanding the etudes, and applying knowledge from music theory to improve the learned classical guitar techniques.
There are special lessons in this course that cover the right-hand techniques for playing classical guitars. These lessons will be helpful to give beginners a good understanding about this technique which will be applied at the intermediate classical guitar level. The course is broad, and students will have skills that encourage confidence at the end of the program.
9) Udemy: Classical guitar fingerpicking for beginners-Right-hand arpeggios
Everyone who has admired and wants to learn how to perform right-hand arpeggios will find this classical guitar course for beginners helpful. The lessons in this course are structured according to the classical techniques of playing the guitar.
Students are first introduced to the classical guitar with previews that describe the different parts of the musical instrument. There are short courses on tuning the classical guitar and maintenance.
Students are then introduced to the music theory aspects which feature lessons about the scales, and chords. The right-hand arpeggios are introduced through a basic approach which makes comprehension easy.
While taking the lessons in this online beginner’s classical guitar course, students are given exercises that encourage personal training and longer practice sessions. By following the lessons, every participant will understand the basics and gain confidence while applying the music theory principles related to right-hand arpeggios.
At the end of the course, the instructor added the Tremolo as a bonus feature for this course. These added lessons present descriptions of more patterns and techniques students will find helpful to improve their repertoire. The lessons are short and precise; this helps to keep the students engaged during the entire course.
10) Lynda.com: Classical guitar lessons for beginners
This is a three-hour beginner course for students who need to learn how to play the classical guitar. The lessons have been structured by the instructor to have features that make the course easy for everyone.
For example, the lessons are short and precise; they also feature exercises to give students a quick chance of using the skills they just learned in the music theory section of this course.
The lessons cover areas such as a basic introduction to the classical guitar, tuning the guitar, and plucking techniques with the right-hand. Students are also taught how to read tablature, the chords, and the fretboard notes.
The course is extensive and self-explanatory. The aspects of practical training have been comprehensively described with video lectures to guide students. For example, participants in this course are shown how to switch chords, strumming techniques, flat picking, and other essential dynamics beginners must know about the classical guitar.
There are also short lessons aimed at teaching all students the basic terminology related to playing classical guitars. This area helps to provide the necessary foundation for more advanced classical guitar lessons.
11) JamPlay: Beginner classical guitar lessons with David Isaacs
The lessons in this course have been steered towards helping beginners learn skills they can use to play in bands or fun music groups. This course will be most useful to students who need a practical approach to learn about the classical guitar.
The course outline features lessons about finger picking the strings, how to use the fretboard and produce the best sounds with the right-hand technique, understanding posture, and holding the guitar, and learning how to play simple songs.
These lessons have been created in a way that beginners who have never played the classical guitar before can easily learn the techniques and improve their skills.
The lessons in this course are presented as high-quality video files to help students understand the instructors’ demonstrations and narratives. In addition to the basics, the instructor has added value to this online classical guitar course for beginners by adding videos about playing chords, using the charts, understanding rhythm, and gaining finger independence while paying the classical guitar.
Students are also given a basic introduction to bluegrass and the value the classical guitar in this area. The diversified nature of this course allows students to select specific areas they want to concentrate on as beginners and during the advanced classical guitar courses.
12) Learn and Master: Classical guitar lessons for beginners
People who need a classical guitar course for beginners that features different learning materials will find this course helpful. The lessons are presented in a variety of formats such as high-quality video files which are DVDs, and lesson books to aid private study.
The course package also includes five CDs which contain tracks students can jam along in their spare time. The lessons for beginners start with sample lessons prepared by the lead instructor; these lessons aim to help students understand the type of lessons they will be undergoing during the course.
All areas regarding the classical guitar have been covered in this course. The video lessons are captured from different angles to help students understand the techniques and how they can be applied during private training.
The course outline features a special coaching program which offers support to all students. For example, if a student is having some difficulty in a particular area, related to the course, they can ask for more clarity by reaching out to the instructor through the channels indicated on the tutorial videos.
At the end of this course, students are expected to have the basic knowledge needed to use the play along CDs to improve their techniques during private training sessions.
13) This is Classical Guitar: Classical guitar lessons for beginners
The classical guitar lessons in this course are focused on training the students through a series of practical exercises aimed at improving techniques with the musical instrument. The lessons cover vast areas which have been grouped into shorter sessions to make learning easier for all students.
After the introductory lessons, students are taught the basic rules that guide the hand techniques, hand positions, and strumming methods. There are particular lessons that focus on practicing the scales with the classical guitar, vibrato, finger picking and Barre exercises regarding the classical guitar.
People who have never played the classical guitar before will find lessons such as the instructions to gain confidence and overcome tension and tips on how to get more value for practice sessions helpful. There are also lessons that aim to help students gain speed while paying the classical guitar.
In addition to the video files, students are given access to eBooks which are method books to guide students and help them improve their techniques. There is also a comprehensive section in this course for students who wish to develop their repertoire with classical guitars.
14) LAGA Online Guitar Academy: Online classical guitar lessons for beginners
The curriculum of this online classical guitar course for beginners’ features lessons aimed at helping the beginner become confident and creative while playing the classical guitar. The lessons start from the basics to help students build a strong foundation based on classical guitar fundamentals.
The lessons begin with guidance on the right posture beginners should have while playing the classical guitar. There are also lessons on sight-reading music notes, learning about the first position notes, and the function of the six strings.
Students are also taught how to use basic plucking techniques, and there are tips on how to increase speed and endurance while playing the classical guitar.
The lessons in this course also focus on helping students develop a professional repertoire which is essential for progress when they engage in further and more advanced lessons. Students are also introduced to the arpeggios and how to improve their sounds. The lessons in this course give students the advantage of forming a good foundation by understanding all about the chords, scales, vibrato, and how to read tablature.
At the end of this course, students are expected to have a basic knowledge regarding playing the classical guitar to songs in different music genres.
15) Guitar Compass: Classical guitar lessons for beginners
Students interested in learning the right-hand classical guitar techniques from scratch will find the lessons in this course useful. The course outline features both music theory and the practical lessons which give students enough time to practice. Students are introduced to the basic aspects of fingerpicking while playing the classical guitar with the right hand.
As beginners, the lessons teach students how to use the thumb, and other fingers to pluck the strings following a pattern and rhythm to produce the sounds they want. During the course, students are presented with dozens of tips and hints to help them improve their techniques.
For example, there are instructions to help students start playing the classical guitar with the correct posture and maintaining their stance throughout the session.
The lessons in this beginner’s course for the classical guitar are focused on teaching students the right-hand techniques and tremolos. The course outline makes it possible for students to have at least ten minutes of practice every day.
At the end of the course, students are expected to understand the basic methods of plucking strings, how to read tablature, and apply music theory to produce the right sounds while playing the classical guitar.
Choosing the Best Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners
You can become an excellent classical guitarist with a lot of practice; however, there are important aspects of music theory related to the classical guitar that cannot be overlooked.
Choosing a suitable beginners course to learn how to play classical guitars will make you consider these factors. For example, you need a course that takes you through the entire aspects of music theory and instructions on how to use this knowledge.
However, if your goal is to play simple songs for pleasure or with friends for fun, you can choose courses that teach simple fingerpicking techniques to learn how to play the songs you like.
Generally, a majority of the online courses for the classical guitar are presented as video files in DVD format. Some of these courses offer video files captured with multiple cameras.
The outcome of these lessons is a high-quality video clip that shows how the instructor uses professional fingerpicking methods to create beautiful music. It will also be helpful if you use the online course for beginners that offer downloadable content. These materials help to build your library.
Some online classical guitar courses for beginners allow video exchange among students and with the instructor. The advantage of this feature is showing off your practice sessions to others who can correct mistakes and learn from you. This is the type of online learning community you want to join if you need extra support to build your confidence while playing the classical guitar.
However, many of the courses have been taken by others in the past so you can read the feedback to make a good decision.