Question: How many pieces should I play within a grade level in music before moving to the next? Here’s the full question from the student (paraphrased): “Do you think being able to play ten pieces well at grade 5 is…
Question: Is it acceptable to hit an adjacent string during slurs? For example, when playing a pull-off on the 2nd string is it okay to make contact with the 1st string with the left hand slur finger? Answer Summary: The answer…
Question: How do I not mute adjacent strings with the left hand when playing chords and arpeggios on classical guitar? More specifically, when practicing Giuliani Arpeggios, the 4th string D gets partially muted by my left hand 2nd finger that…
Question: How do I play through a simple mistake in music? For example, I have a habit of when I play a wrong note, I go back and correct it. It may not be a difficult passage, just a simple…
Question: What is the best way to learn a new piece on classical guitar? Answer Summary: There are many variables involved in learning a new piece such as understanding the composition itself, the guitar techniques involved, and the comprehension and skill…
Question: How do I get a beautiful right hand tone on classical guitar? I notice a “twangy “ sound when my finger strikes the guitar string a certain way, but a mellower sound when striking from a different position, but…
Question: How do I play rest stroke thumb with free stroke fingers at the same time on classical guitar? Variant: How do I play free stroke thumb with rest stroke fingers? Answer Summary: The ability to play each technique separately…
Question: How can I improve my slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs) on classical guitar? Answer Summary: Improving your slurs should begin with a review and examination of good guitar positioning and left hand hand alignment followed by accuracy and relaxation exercises. Once…
Question: How is the weight of the left arm used in classical guitar technique? When proper technique, sitting position, and curved fingers are in use, the weight of the left arm can be used to help pull the fingertips into…
Question: Is it better to memorize pieces in music and classical guitar? Short answer: yes. Long answer: depends on the situation. Yes, it is generally it is better to memorize your music for performance. Memorized music often results in a…
Question: Does the headstock have to be at eye level for classical guitar? Having the headstock of the guitar at eye level is a guideline that helps to ensure a healthy 45 degree angle or steeper for your guitar position…
Question: How proficient should I be at a piece before I continue to the next one? For a bit more context on this question, the actual question asked was: When using your method books without an instructor, how proficient should…