I was at my favorite guitar store a few days ago and noticed that there were only seven or eight nylon string guitars among dozens of steel string instruments. This makes sense, since most popular music features steel string guitars, but nylon strings have a unique, warm tone that is often overlooked by new guitarists. I learned to play on a steel string acoustic guitar, but when I heard a soloist perform a rendition of "Carol of the Bells" on a nylon string classical guitar, I was hooked.
A classical guitar, sometimes called a Spanish guitar, is different from an acoustic guitar in several ways. All of the strings are made of nylon, but the lower three strings are steel-wrapped. Nylon strings are easier to play than steel strings, making them a good option for new guitarists who have not yet developed calluses on their left hand fingertips. Also, since classical guitars are generally strummed or plucked with the fingers rather than with a guitar pick, a classical guitar has a wider neck than an acoustic guitar. This makes it easier to isolate individual strings with the right hand. A classical guitar may also feature different internal construction, since nylon strings have much less tension than steel strings. Finally, a classical guitar usually does not have a protective plastic pick plate.
The classical guitar is rich with tradition and has a repertoire that includes baroque compositions written for other instruments but adapted for guitar such as those by Bach. Renaissance music originally played on the lute such as "Greensleeves" is also part of the standard repertoire. Then there are songs such as Malaguena that were written specifically for the classical guitar. Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani and Matteo Carcassi are three well-known classical guitarists who composed pieces for solo guitar during the early part of the 19th century. In the early 20th century, Andres Segovia popularized the classical guitar as a concert instrument. In 1940, Joaquin Rodrigo wrote a concerto for guitar called "En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor." The second movement of this piece, written as a memorial to victims of the Spanish Civil War, is--in my opinion--one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of music ever written. However, in addition to traditional repertoire, the classical guitar can also be used to play folk, new age, latin, gospel, jazz and many other styles of music. It has also found its way into popular music, such as in Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" and the popular 1960's hit "Classical Gas."
Classical guitarists traditionally read standard notation (looks like piano music, but without the bass clef). Beginning classical guitarists may choose to fast-track their studies by using guitar tablature (tab) which makes many songs--including the traditional classical repertoire--more accessible to those unfamiliar with standard note reading. However, most classical guitar pieces are notated with standard notation, so I highly recommend that anyone interested in playing the classical repertoire learn to read notes at some point in their skill development.
A classical guitarist traditionally plays while sitting, using a foot stool to elevate the left leg. The classical guitar rests in the guitarist's lap, with the guitar neck pointing up at about a 35 degree angle. This position may feel strange for guitarists accustomed to a horizontal neck. However, it allows the guitar to sit securely so that the left hand can concentrate solely on playing. It also allows the guitarist's left wrist to be held straight rather than bent. This playing position can take a while to get used to, but I've found that I'm able to play for longer without wrist fatigue and I am more relaxed when I play. I have even started using this position for some of my steel string acoustic and electric guitar playing.
Classical guitarists typically shape their right hand fingernails in a way that allows them to easily pluck strings with their nails. This creates a sharp attack and allows for more volume dynamics than just plucking with the fingers. Personally, I enjoy a finger-plucked tone, but the best players typically use their fingernails in concerts and recordings. The sound of the classical guitar can be varied by playing in different locations with the right hand. Strumming towards the bottom of the strings, away from the fretting hand, produces a hollow, tinny sound that works well for certain pieces, while strumming over the fretboard closer to the fretting hand produces a soft, harp-like tone. Classical guitars can also be played in a percussive, flamenco-like style to produce a distinctly Spanish sound.
If you enjoy great music with history and tradition, you'll find what you're looking for in the classical guitar. If you've never pictured yourself as a classical guitarist, you may be surprised by how much fun it is to play. You don't have to change your name to Giovanni and develop a taste for fine wines and cheeses to enjoy playing the classical guitar. With a little dedication, you may even find that your electric solos and acoustic fingerstyle playing will improve. Whatever your musical interests, give the classical guitar a try and find out what you've been missing.
