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So you want to learn to play classical guitar.
Maybe you’ve looked up classical guitar lessons – maybe you’ve taken a few classical guitar lessons.
Or maybe you think that classical guitar sounds amazing and you’re ready to give it a shot.
But… you’re not sure where to start.
There are tons of classical guitar tutorials online – some are free online tutorials, some are not.
How do you know which is best and which is a waste of time?
Don’t worry… if you’re trying to figure out how to learn classical guitar…. I can help….
Can I Teach Myself Classical Guitar?
Absolutely!
However, teaching yourself to play guitar is much more difficult than learning from a guitar teacher.
Teaching yourself to play classical guitar is even more difficult.
Here’s why:
Classical guitar relies strongly on proper form, technique, and reading music.
These are all things that many casual guitar players don’t really care about – which is why you are going to need some kind of structure or tools if you plan on teaching yourself to play classical guitar.
There are two tools I suggest:
Let’s start with the best classical guitar book…
What is the Best Classical Guitar Book to use?
This is my favorite book for teaching yourself classical guitar (or any guitar for that matter).
It’s incredibly comprehensive.
It’s also three books in one.
It covers a lot of ground.
And it’s dense.
If you have the focus, motivation, and discipline to teach yourself guitar, this book is for you.
If you have zero guitar experience, you may want to start with a more hands-on approach such as….
What is the Best way to Learn Classical Guitar Online?
If you are looking for a hands on approach to teaching yourself classical guitar, I cannot say enough positive things about JamPlay.
I’ve written a more in-depth review of JamPlay here, but here are the high points:
JamPlay is affordable. For the cost of the Modern Method to Guitar book (above), you can get a one month subscription to JamPlay.
JamPlay is hands-on. While you won’t get the immediate feedback of having a guitar teacher in your room. You will be able to interact and ask questions to JamPlay’s guitar teachers.
All of their teachers are thoroughly vetted (which is why I recommend JamPlay instead of YouTube).
At the time of this article, they had a little over 80 guitar teachers.
JamPlay is specific to your needs. In other words, they have specific lessons catered towards classical guitar:
There are over 50 classical guitar lessons (and they’re constantly adding more).
I’d probably suggest starting the Pamela Goldsmith’s lessons – she has a great teaching style that’s perfect for beginners.
But aren’t there any Free Classical Guitar Tutorials or Lessons?
If you’re looking for free classical guitar lessons online, or even just a free classical guitar tutorial you can find plenty just by searching Google.
YouTube has tons of free lessons as well.
The problem is that they’re all over the place.
You never know the accuracy of the instruction.
Plus, it can be frustrating and time consuming to wade through the thousands of YouTube classical guitar video lessons.
Again – why I recommend trying JamPlay or a similar service since all of their classical guitar teachers have been vetted.
What about Flamenco Guitar Lessons?
Learning flamenco (frequently referred to as Spanish Guitar lessons) will probably be just as tricky as classical… if not more.
Again – the same philosophy applies:
YouTube may be ok to get you started, but after that you’ll probably want more targeted flamenco guitar instruction.
Again, I’d go with JamPlay:
Just like with their classical guitar tutorials, there are over 50 lessons on flamenco guitar.
Will this really work, or do I need a classical guitar teacher?
Yes, these methods will work.
Whether you choose JamPlay, YouTube, or a guitar methods book – any of these will teach you how to play classical guitar.
Will they teacher you to play the guitar better (or faster) than having a private guitar teacher?
Probably not.
But we can’t all afford a private teacher.
And we all don’t have time for weekly scheduled lessons.
If you set your expectations and remain focused and disciplined you will absolutely be able to teach yourself classical guitar.
That’s it! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
(Jake Posko does Online Guitar Lessons and Coaching as well as in-home lessons in the Annapolis, Maryland area including: Annapolis, Edgewater, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crownsville, Arnold and Kent Island, inquire about lessons by e-mailing him at jake@jakeposko.com).
(Photo Credit: Angel Torres)