Performance psychologist Dr. Noa Kageyama from the Bulletproof Musician examines a study where adding variation to a motor skill test improved results to as much as double in participants. I completely agree that when practicing, adding variations to the passage…
Lutenist Elizabeth Pallett has been performing works by John Dowland (1563-1626) every 2 weeks throughout 2026 to celebrate 400 years of his life and works. This is part of her playlist John Dowland 400th Anniversary Video Collection via Pallett’s YouTube (go subscribe). Below is the…
Norwegian classical guitarist Kristina Vårlid performs Balada para Martín Fierro by Argentine composer Ariel Ramírez (1921-2010). This comes via Siccas Guitars and their YouTube channel (go subscribe). Beautiful performance by Varlid with a very expressive touch, flowing phrases, and a resonant and plaintive pacing. Originally written as the soundtrack…
Question: How can I play cleanly without looking at the left hand (fretting hand) on classical guitar? Answer Summary: A combination of technique practice and muscle memory, string crossing and shift exercises, and some dedicated practice looking away eventually results in the…
Chorale: Ach Gott und Herr BWV 255 by by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) presented by the amazing Netherlands Bach Society and their YouTube from their project All of Bach. Beautiful performance and a lovely and natural theorbo accompaniment setting. Here’s their description: Bach incorporated chorales into…
Troy Serson and Bradford Werner look at six metal-oriented exercises and riffs that translate well to classical guitar technique. Exercises and riffs from John Petrucci – August Burns Red, Metallica, Steve Vai, Megadeth, Dream Theater, and Primus. Troy Serson is…
Argentinian classical guitarist Pablo Márquez performs the Ciaccona (Chaconne) from the Violin Partita No.2, BWV 1004 in D-Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). This comes via his YouTube channel (go subscribe). Spirited performance by Marquez on a historic Johann Anton…
Asturias (Leyenda), No.5 from Suite Española, Op.47 by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909). Performance, Lesson, and PDF Sheet Music for Classical Guitar. Comes with both a notation edition with left hand fingering and a separate tab edition in the same pdf. The level…
Greek classical guitarist Filippos Manoloudis performs Sonata II: Allegro Vivace by Eduardo López-Chavarri (1871-1970). This comes via Guitar Salon International and their YouTube channel (go subscribe). Great performance by Manoloudis with some incredibly even and rapid passages and rhythmic intensity. Here’s a quote from…
Cantilène Espagnole by José Ferrer (1835–1916). From No. 1 from Gerbe de Fleurs Quatre Pièces faciles pour Guitare Op. 41. PDF sheet music for classical guitar with performance and lesson video. Comes with both a notation edition with left hand fingering and…
Kristiina Watt (theorbo) and Sophia Prodanova (baroque violin) perform Sonata No.3, Op.5 by Arcangelo Corelli (1653 -1713). This comes via Kristiina Watt’s YouTube channel (go subscribe). Beautiful performance with excellent phrasing, rhythmic pulse, and pacing. Theorbo and violin is such…
This is Classical Guitar presents guest artist Misha Smirnov performing Prelude No.2, Op.3 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) on Classical Guitar. This is a YouTube collaboration so go subscribe to Smirnov’s YouTube channel. Wonderful performance by Misha Smirnov with a unique…