The Parts of the Classical Guitar

If you are new to the classical guitar then we have a few thoughts and ideas to get you started on this page

What to Look for when Buying a Guitar 
When it comes to buying a guitar, you generally get what you pay for. If you are serious about learning the classical guitar then you should probably pay over £150 for a good instrument. The appearance and beauty of the instrument is of secondary importance to the quality of its tone and how easily it plays.

You should look out for two things in particular when you buy. The "face" or "table" of the guitar (i.e. the front piece of the guitar which includes the sound hole) should be made from a solid piece of wood, usually pine or spruce, and not from layered ply wood. You can usually check this by looking at the edge of the wood around the sound hole to see if it has layers. The "face" of the guitar is the most important piece of wood in producing the sound of the guitar. If the wood is of poor quality then the guitar will never produce a really good tone.

A second crucial point is to check that the "action" of the guitar is satisfactory. The "action" is the distance between the strings and the fingerboard. If the distance is too great (more than 2 or 3mm) then it will be difficult to hold the strings down and to move the left hand fingers fast. If it is too close then the vibrating strings will hit the fingerboard and make a false sound.

It is possible to make small adjustments to the action by filing the nut or the saddle (see picture above). However, if the action is a long way out then it is possible that the neck of the guitar is warped or breaking away from the body of the guitar and a major repair will be necessary.

It is always best to take an experienced guitarist along with you when you go to buy an instrument. If not we wish you the best of luck!

Strings
A new guitar arrives with strings supplied by the factory or workshop. These may not allow the guitar to perform at its best. In addition strings wear and lose their tone over time If a guitar is played regularly then the strings will need to be replaced every three or four months.

Different makes of strings will suit different guitars, and it is a question of trying various sets and finding out which you like best. Some guitarists even mix strings, using different makes for the three bass strings and the three trebles. Good basic sets of quality strings which are not too expensive are Augustine Blue or Black Strings. 

Which tutor book is best?
There are several good tutors on the market. "The Guitarist's Way" series by John Whitworth and Peter Nuttall is designed with the young player in mind.

If you are starting on your own without a teacher then Frederick Noad's "Solo Guitar Playing - Book 1" gives a thorough explanation of the all important classical guitar technique. Debbie Cracknell's book, "Enjoy Playing the Guitar Book 1" is also popular.

If you wish to go back to a historical tutor then "Carcassi's Classical Guitar Method", written in the early 19th century has stood the test of time. For more details visit our Guitar Tutors page in the online shop.

It can also be good to have several tutors and mix the exercises. If there is a particular aspect of playing that you want to practice in depth then the exercises taken from several tutors can help.

Do I need a teacher?
The simple answer is yes. The all important classical guitar technique cannot easily be learned from a book and needs a teacher to demonstrate it so that he can correct your technique as you play. Although, at first, the technique feels very clumsy and awkward guitarists over the years have discovered that in the long run it gives greater speed over the strings and fingerboard and produces the best tone possible. There is no easy short cut to learning this.

If you do start without a teacher then we would suggest that you buy a tutor book and read carefully the introductory part where the basics and the technique are explained. One of the tutors currently on the market which has one of the most comprehensive introductions is "Frederick Noad - Solo Guitar Playing Book 1".