Classical Guitar Kirkby in Ashfield

I have been playing the classical guitar since I was about 6 or 7, and whilst other instruments have come and gone in my life, this is one of the few that has remained! I now not only enjoy still playing this instrument, but also offering lessons for the classical guitar. Kirkby in Ashfield is one of the areas I cover.

Andres Segovia, Francisco Tarrega, Villa Lobos, Joaquin Rodrigo are just a couple of well known composers of classical guitar music and they are repeatedly highlighted in classical guitar performances and repertoire. Perhaps the most well known contemporary classical guitar piece is Classical Gas by Mason Williams. The Classical guitar sometimes is called the “Spanish” guitar, and whilst there are many Spanish compositions written for the classical guitar (including Flamenco guitar), this is by no means the limit of its repertoire!

A search on www.YouTube.com for “classical guitar songs” will go some way to show the flexibility of this remarkable instrument, with adaptations of the various computer game themes (Super Mario Bros!), the Pink Panther, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as versions of popular and rock songs, Annie’s Song, Bohemian Rhapsody – the one by Queen! Just as you can perform any style of music or song on an instrument such as a piano, you can do likewise with a classical guitar.

There are acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and then the classical guitar – in fact so many styles of guitar playing that it is astounding!

Do you have a classical guitar? How can you tell? Many people confused with the classical guitar with the acoustic guitar, but the chief difference is that the classical guitar strings are nylon. Acoustic guitar strings are made from steel and can be referred to as steel string guitars. The construction of the guitar inside is different, even if they look alike from the exterior – you could describe it as the likenesses and distinctions between a Horse and a Zebra!

There is very little that compares with the sound of a classical guitar in the hands of an accomplished guitarist. There have been disagreements between people new to hearing classical guitar music who could not comprehend that it was being performed by just one person!

Also, whilst the acoustic guitar can be played quite loudly, relatively easily with a plectrum, at one concert I attended in 2008 to see Mark Ashford – Classical Guitarist, in a room which was particularly close to the Bell Tower of Lincoln Cathedral, the cathedral bells had quite a job of being heard over Mr Ashford’s fantastic guitar playing – without the aid of amplifiers or speakers!

If you would like to know more about learning to play the classical guitar, please contact me to arrange a chat or a lesson. It does take time and dedication to truly master the classical guitar; however you will soon be playing quite beautiful sounding pieces with a little guidance and practise!