Learn classical guitar with free classical guitar lessons, courses, tutorials, inspiration, and practice advice. I created this site for my students at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, in Victoria, BC, Canada. My curriculum guides beginner and intermediate students via my educational book series and free video lessons by me and from professional guitarists. I hope that this page helps supplement the learning experience or help those without a teacher. I also offer Skype and Video Feedback lessons.
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Classical Guitar Lessons – Essentials
- I have a dedicated page for Classical Guitar Courses.
- Also see the dedicated beginner lesson page.
- You’ll need a Classical Guitar, a Footstool or Support, and Gear (tuner, music stand, etc).
- Essential Lessons
- Basic Technique Overview Video – Slideshow of Photos, Tips, & Diagrams
- Sitting Position for Classical Guitar – Video, Photos, Tips, Diagrams
- Right Hand Position for Classical Guitar – Video, Photos, Tips, Diagrams
- Left Hand Position for Classical Guitar – Video, Photos, Tips, Diagrams
- 10 Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners – Video, General Tips
- Learn to Play and Read Music – My educational book series, study in the order below.
- Classical Guitar Method Book Vol. 1 – My free PDF method with 20+ video lessons for beginners
- Classical Guitar Method Book Vol. 2 – Continue your progress, 15+ video lessons
- Classical Guitar Technique – Start this along with the below books
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 1 – Dedicated lessons preparing you for each piece
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 2
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 3
- Ten Classical Etudes – Classical era studies with video lessons (Grade 4-7)
- Approaching the Early-Intermediate Level
- Fingernail Lesson for Classical Guitar
- Playing Musically
- Right Hand Tone Production
- Slurs on the Guitar
- Right Hand Fingering Lesson Parts 1-4
- Right Hand Planting & Preparation
- Left Hand Preparation
- Left hand stretches (beginner to intermediate)
- Vibrato Lesson for Classical Guitar
Classical Guitar Lessons (Reference as Needed)
As you progress you’ll start to recognize your strengths and weaknesses and the need to review certain topics. Use the below lists to review or learn techniques that are giving you trouble. Also, pick random topics on a daily basis as inspiration before you practice. Reviewing lesson videos might remind you of a factor you’ve forgotten or overlooked.
- Posture and Sitting Position for Classical Guitar – Video Lessons, Photos, Tips
- Right Hand Lessons
- Right Hand Position & Technique – 4 Video Lessons, Photos, Tips – Start Here
- Right Hand Tone Production – 2 Video Lessons – Start Here
- Right Hand Fingering Lesson Parts 1-4 – 4 Video Lessons
- Right Hand Planting (Preparation)
- Right Hand Articulation Lesson – Legato, Staccato, Pizzicato, Chords
- Should Beginners Use Rest or Free Stroke?
- Alternating Right Hand Fingers – 2 Video Lessons
- Q&A Lesson: Right Hand Stability
- Rasgueado Lesson for Classical Guitar – 3 Videos Lesson: Werner, Pepe Romero
- Practicing Right Hand Alone on Open Strings
- Basic String Crossing Exercise for Classical Guitar
- Is it ok to collapse the right hand fingertip joint when playing guitar?
- Arpeggios and Right Hand Planting
- Preparation (Planting) in the Right Hand – Start Here
- Practicing Giuliani’s 120 Right Hand Studies
- Right Hand Open String Exercises (No.20-35) – No.24 onward
- Open String Exercises No. 36-71
- Open String Exercises No. 72-100 – up to No.92
- Extension and Contraction of the Right Hand
- Beginner Arpeggio Exercises & Lesson
- Arpeggio Patterns on Single Strings
- Arpeggio Lesson by Thomas Viloteau
- Intermediate Arpeggio Exercise for Guitar
- Triadic Arpeggios
- Tremolo Lessons
- Tremolo Exercises from my Technique Book
- Beginner Tremolo Exercise for Guitar
- Intermediate to Advanced Tremolo Lesson and Exercise
- Tremolo Lesson by Jorge Caballero
- How m, a scales can improve your tremolo and arpeggios
- Fingernail Lessons
- Fingernails for Classical Guitar: How I Shape My Nails – Start Here
- Thomas Viloteau on Nails and Shaping
- Filing nails with Matthew McAllister
- The Ping-Pong Ball Fingernail Repair Guide by Samuel Laroche-Pagé
- Fingernails and nutrition
- Left Hand Lessons
- Left Hand Position & Technique – Photos, Tips, Diagrams – Start Here
- 4th Finger Position and Left Hand Alignment
- Left Hand Tension and Relaxation Lesson
- Lesson: Left hand Position Playing and Practice
- Slurs on the Classical Guitar – Comprehensive, 5 Video Lessons
- Barre Lessons and Exercises (Bar, Capo) – Comprehensive, 4 Video Lessons
- Hinge Barres, Pivot Barres, and Partial Barres
- Left Hand Technique Advice with Matthew McAllister
- Left Hand Strength & Fatigue
- Left Hand Independence, Alignment, and Stretch – My Book
- Left hand stretches (beginner to intermediate)
- Vibrato Lesson for Classical Guitar
- Lesson: Left Hand Finger Independence (Pumping Nylon)
- Lesson: Using the 4th finger in first position
- Left Hand Thumb Position while playing
- Beginner Left Hand Exercises for Classical Guitar
- Intermediate Left Hand Exercise for Classical Guitar
- Lesson: Shifts and String Noise on Guitar
- How to Practice Scales on Guitar
- Lesson: Chromatic Scale Triplet Pattern
- Scott Morris Lesson: Left Hand Position & Guide Fingers
- A Lesson on Left Hand & 4th (Pinky) Finger Trouble
- Ornamentation on Guitar
- Lesson: Ornamentation in Bach by Jason Vieaux
- Baroque Ornamentation Lesson by Scott Morris
- Grace Note Lesson for Classical Guitar
- Lesson: Muting Strings During Cross-String Trills
- Q&A Lesson: Adding ornaments during early stages of practice
- Exercises with Lessons from my Technique Book
- Technique Routines (Discussions on Time Management)
- Beginner Technique Routine
- Late-Beginner Technique Routine
- Early-Intermediate Technique Routine
- Intermediate Technique Routine
- Late-Intermediate Technique Routine
- Early-Advanced Technique Routine
- Part 1 – Right Hand Exercises
- Right Hand Open String Exercises with i, m, a (No. 1-19)
- Right Hand Open String Exercises with p,i,m,a (No.20-35)
- Preparation (Planting) in the Right Hand
- Open String Exercises No. 36-71
- Open String Exercises No. 72-100
- Giuliani’s 120 Right Hand Studies
- Part 2 – Left Hand Alignment, Shifts, and Scales
- Alignment Exercises for the Left Hand
- Chromatic Scale Exercises
- Variations and Ideas for Practicing Scales
- Open Position Scales Through the Circle of Fifths
- One Octave Moveable Major Scales
- Shift and String Squeak Exercises
- Favourite Two and Three Octave Moveable Scales
- Major Scales with Open String Shifts
- Triadic Arpeggios
- Part 3 – Slurs, Finger Independence, and Stretch
- Slur Exercises (Hammer-ons, Pull-offs)
- Selected Slur Scales
- Left Hand Independence, Alignment, and Stretch
- Selected Major Scales in 3rds, 6ths, Octaves, and 10ths
- Part 4 – Additional Techniques
- Barre Exercises
- Tremolo Exercises
- Basic Rasgueado
- Common Natural and Artificial Harmonics
- Speed and Relaxation
- Lesson with Professional Guitarists
- Lessons and Conversations with David Russell – 2 videos
- McAllister Vlog Lessons: Work through adversity
- Scott Morris Lesson on How to Prepare a Piece
- Vibrato on Guitar with Matthew McAllister
- String Squeak by Matthew McAllister
- Matthew McAllister – Speed and Movement Lesson
- Jorge Caballero: A Lesson on Speed for Classical Guitar
- Tariq Harb – Another Way of Playing Fast Scales
- Tatyana Ryzhkova Warm-up Lesson
- Scott Morris Lesson on String Dampening
- Sharon Isbin Interview & Lesson (35 min lesson)
- Amazing Masterclass with Pavel Steidl
- David Tanenbaum Masterclass
- Masterclass with John Williams
- Chen Zi Masterclass with Li Jie Performing
- Discussion / Practicing / Lessons
- Playing Musically on Classical Guitar – Comprehensive, 3 Video lessons
- Avoiding Tension when playing – Comprehensive, 5 Video lessons
- Accomplish Small Goals and Feel Positive When Practicing
- How to Memorize Music (Memory Tips)
- Sight Reading Tips for Classical Guitar
- Practicing Slowly with a Metronome and Learning New Pieces
- Lesson on correct ways to use the metronome by Graham Fitch
- Why Guitarists use Lute Tuning & Capos for Renaissance Music
- Ted-Ed – How to practice effectively
- Replacing Tempo with Other Musical Elements
- Guitarists Should Practice Triadic Arpeggios more often!
- General / Other Lessons
- Staccato Articulation for Beginner Classical Guitar
- Well-rounded technique and m, a scales
- Student Warm-up & Lesson for Classical Guitar No. 1, Free PDF
- How to string a classical guitar – A Guide to Changing Strings
- Tension & Relaxation Lesson for Classical Guitarists
- Back Problems & Lesson on Classical Guitar
- Learn About Luthiery and Guitars
- What are Soundports (Sound Portals)
- Elevated / Raised Fingerboards
- Armrests for Classical Guitar
- Short Scale Classical Guitars
- Bracing Styles for Classical Guitars
- Cedar vs Spruce Tops: tonewoods
Lessons for my eBooks
Video lessons for my ebooks are listed below the product description and are free to watch.
- Volume 1 – Method Book
- Volume 2 – Method Book
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 1
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 2
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 3
- Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, & Arpeggios
- 20 Favorite Exercises in TAB
- Easy Classical Guitar Pieces Vol. 1
- Easy Celtic Guitar Vol. 1
- Major Scales for Classical Guitar
- Ten Classical Etudes
Graded Repertoire Video Lessons
The grades here are loosely based on the RCM Toronto. The grades are preparatory to grade 10 and then the ARCT. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as grades in music, pros play from a variety of levels. Many pieces could go in different grades depending on the quality and speed you want to play it at. However, the intention is to help students find repertoire appropriate to their level. ‘Book’ refers to hardcopy links.
- Beginner (Method Book Level)
- Volume 1 – Method Book Level Pieces & Lessons (Free PDF)
- Exercise on the E String by Mertz (Free PDF)
- Arpèges de Trois Notes by Carulli (Free PDF)
- Lecon 13 by Bosch (Free PDF)
- Preparatory Grade
- Volume 2 – Method Book Level Pieces & Lessons
- Dreams by Richard Summers – Book
- Greensleeves Arrangement Lesson – PDF
- Lesson 46 by Sagreras Lesson – Book
- Robin Reddocke from the Ballet Lute Book – PDF
- Grade 1
- The Spanish Pavin (Anonymous) – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- Lección 75 by Julio Sagreras – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- Leccion 70 by Julio Sagreras – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- Ècossaise Op.33, No.2 by Giuliani – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- Lección 19 by Dionisio Aguado – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- La Tirantine by Adrian Le Roy – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- Exercise No.11 by Napoléon Coste – My Grade 1 Book (PDF)
- Andantino Op. 50, No. 1 by Mauro Giuliani – PDF
- Canson Englesa (Lusty Gallant) [also Bransle Englese] – PDF/Book
- Tanz by Georg Leopold Fuhrman – PDF
- Waltz by Calatayud (Grade 1) -Book
- Waltz, Op. 121, No. 1 by Ferdinando Carulli -PDF
- Andantino by Johann Kaspar Mertz – PDF
- Exercise No.13 by Mertz – PDF/Book
- Tordilione by Calvi – PDF/Book
- Grade 2
- The Passemeze Pavin – Anonymous – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Andantino in A Minor, Op.59 by Carcassi – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Allegretto in E Minor, Op.59 by Carcassi – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Espanoleta (Theme) by Sanz – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Lantururu by Sanz – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Romanza by Mertz – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Moderato by Mertz – My Grade 2 Book (PDF)
- Andante Op. 35, No. 1 by Fernando Sor – PDF
- The Ash Grove – Llwyn Onn – PDF
- Gigue from Suite in C Major by Johann Anton Logy – PDF
- Moderato by Ferdinando Carulli – PDF
- Andantino, Op.241, No.20 by Carulli – PDF/Book
- Waltz, Op.241, No.21 by Carulli – PDF/Book
- Oh Shenandoah for Easy Guitar – PDF
- The Skye Boat Song (Outlander Theme) – PDF
- Tu Anderai Col Bocchalon – PDF
- Andante by Johann Kaspar Mertz – PDF
- Il Bianco Fiore by Cesare Negri – PDF
- Packington’s Pound – PDF/Book
- Canario by Carlo Calvi
- Grade 3
- Bella Gioiosa by Caroso – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Tanz by Fuhrmann – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Allegro, Op.50, No.10 by Giuliani – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Andantino Op.44, No.3 by Sor – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Study in C Major by Tárrega – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Lección No. 86 by Sagreras – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Ejercicio No. 2 by José Ferrer – My Grade 3 Book (PDF)
- Brouwer Etude No. 1 – Book
- Brouwer Etude No. 2 & 3 – Book
- Brouwer Etude No.4 – Book
- Danny Boy for Easy Guitar – PDF
- Españoleta Theme by Gaspar Sanz – PDF
- Ferrer: Ejercicio No.9 – Free PDF
- Sarabande by David Kellner – PDF/Book
- Double by Kellner – PDF/Book
- Loch Lomond for Easy Guitar – PDF
- Romance in C by Molino – PDF
- Romance in A Minor by Molino – PDF/Book
- Prelude in A Minor by Molino – PDF/Book
- Rujero by Gaspar Sanz – PDF
- Sor Study Op.31, No.1 – PDF/Book
- Sor Study Op.31, No.6 – PDF/Book
- Sor: Study, No. 6, Op. 60 – PDF
- Study in C by Tarrega – Free PDF
- Tarrega: Estudio in E Minor – Free PDF
- Andante in C by Mertz – PDF/Book
- Grade 4
- Ave Maria by Schubert, Gr.4, Romantic, Notation or TAB
- Andante Op. 60, No. 14 by Fernando Sor – PDF
- Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Free PDF
- Brouwer Etude No. 5 – Book
- Brouwer Etude No. 8 – Book
- Brouwer Etude No. 10 – Book
- Brouwer Etude No. 12 – Book
- Dowland: Mr. Dowland’s Midnight – PDF
- Dowland: Mrs. Winters Jump – Free PDF
- Ferrer: Cantilène Espagnole– Free PDF
- Giuliani: Etude No. 22, Op. 50 – PDF
- O’Carolan’s Welcome For Guitar – Free PDF
- Sagreras: Lección No. 84, – Free PDF
- Sagreras: Nostalgia, No.3, Op.19 – Free PDF
- Sanz: Folias – PDF
- Tarrega: Lagrima by Tarrega – Free PDF
- Grade 5
- Anonymous: Spanish Romance – Romanza – Free PDF
- Bach: Air ‘On the G String’ – PDF
- Brouwer Etude No. 9 – Book
- Cutting: Greensleeves – Free PDF
- Johnson, Robert: Alman – Free PDF
- Pachelbel’s Canon in D – Free PDF
- Carcassi Etude No.1, Op.60 – Free PDF
- Carcassi: Etude No. 4, Op.60 – Book
- Carcassi: Etude No. 6, Op. 60 – PDF
- Carcassi: Etude No.7, Op. 60,- Free PDF
- Carcassi: Etude No. 10, Op. 60– PDF
- Carcassi: Study No. 14, Op. 60 – PDF
- Carcassi: Study No. 19, Op. 60 – PDF
- Giuliani: Etude Op.1, Part 3, No.1 – Free PDF
- Giulaini: Grazioso, No.23, Op.50 – Free PDF
- Obregon: Amanda’s Gavotte – Free PDF
- Sor Study No.18, Op.35 – Free PDF
- Grade 6
- Bach: Bouree from BWV 996 – Free PDF
- Brouwer: Etude No. 6 – Book
- Brouwer: Etude No. 7 – Book
- Brouwer: Etude No. 11 – Book
- Brouwer: Etude No. 13 – Book
- Carcassi: Study No. 19, Op. 60 – PDF
- Johnson, Robert: Alman – Free PDF
- Kellner: Passepied in A – PDF
- Kellner: Pastoral in A Major – PDF
- Mertz: Nocturne Op.4, No.1 – Free PDF
- Murcia: Folias Gallegas – PDF
- Murica: Payssanos (Greensleeves Theme) – PDF
- Murcia: Villanos – PDF
- Narvaez: Guardame las vacas – Free PDF
- Pratten: March Funebre, Gr.6, Free PDF
- Adelita by Tárrega – Free PDF
- Prelude No. 4 by Villa-Lobos – Book
- Grade 7
- Bach – Prelude from Cello Suite BWV1007 – PDF
- Bach – Prelude in D minor, BWV999 – PDF
- Kellner – Rondeau in A – PDF
- Brouwer – Etude No. 14 – Book
- Brouwer – Etude No. 15 – Book
- Llobet – El Testament d’Amèlia – Free PDF
- Llobet – El Noi de la Mare by Llobet – Free PDF
- da Milano: Ricercare XVI – Free PDF
- Viñas: Sueño (Reverie) – PDF
- Visee: Passacaille in E Minor – Free PDF
- Weiss: Mademoiselle Tiroloise (SW28) – PDF
- Grade 8
- Marieta, Mazurka by Tarrega – Free PDF
- Giga by Kellner – PDF
- Grade 9
- Tarrega: Capricho Árab – Free PDF
- Tarrega: Gran Vals – PDF
- Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra – Free PDF
- Villa-Lobos Etude No. 1 – Book
- Prelude No.1 by Villa-Lobos – Book
- Grade 10
- Coste Etude No.23 with Gohar Vardanyan – book
- Advanced
- Bach: Prelude in E Major, Lute Suite BWV1006a – Free PDF
Lessons from my eBook: Ten Classical Etudes
Approximately Grade 3-7 RCM
- Sor Study, No. 6, Op. 60 by Fernando Sor (Etude #1)
- Allegretto, No. 22, Op. 50 by Mauro Giuliani (Etude #2)
- Lesson: Study No. 14, Op. 60 by Matteo Carcassi (Etude #3)
- Allegro Moderato Study No. 19, Op. 60 by Carcassi (Etude #4)
- Lesson: Moderato, Study No. 6, Op. 60 by Carcassi (Etude #5)
- Lesson: Study No. 24, Op. 60 by Fernando Sor (Etude #6)
- Lesson: Allegretto, Study No. 10, Op. 60 by Carcassi (Etude #7)
- Thirds in G Major No. 5, Op. 1 by Mauro Giuliani (Etude #8)
- Lesson: Octaves in G Major by Giuliani (Etude #9)
Lessons from my ebook: 20 Favorite Exercises
- No. 1 – Right Hand Walking
- No. 2 – Basic Left Hand Position Exercise
- No. 3 – Left Hand Position: Horizontal Builders
- No. 4 – Basic Arpeggios + Full & Sequential Planting
- No. 5 – Basic Tremelo Exercise for Classical Guitar
- No. 6 – Left Hand Slur Exercise: Vertical Builder
- No. 7 – Left Hand Slur Exercise: Horizontal Builder
- No. 8 – Right Hand Cross-String Exercise
- No. 9 – Basic Rasgueado Exercise
- No. 10 – Fixed Position Exercise for the Left Hand
- No. 11 – Scale Exercise: Destination Points
- No. 12 – Scale Exercise: Rhythmic Vitality
- No. 13 – Scale Exercise: Articulation and Dynamics
- No. 14 – Slurs and Shifts Combo Exercise
- No. 15 – All-In-One-Arpeggio Pattern
- No. 16 – Barre Exercise for Guitar
- No. 17 – C Major Exercise in Thirds, Sixths, and Octaves
- No. 18 – Chromatic Scale in Octaves
- No. 19 – Scale Etude (alternating i,m)
- No. 20 – Triads & Arpeggios Etude
Brouwer Etudes (Estudios Sencillos)
- Brouwer Etude No. 1 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 2 & 3 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No.4 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 5 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 6 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 7 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 8 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 9 and Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 10 & Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 11 & Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 12 & Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 13 & Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 14 & Lesson
- Brouwer Etude No. 15 & Lesson
- Also see my full Spotlight: Leo Brouwer Sheet Music and Lessons
Pumping Nylon Video Lesson
- Lesson: Left Hand Finger Independence
- Lesson: Odair’s Favorite Drill for Guitar
- Lesson: The Spider – Left Hand Exercise
Ricardo Iznaola’s Kitharologus: The Path to Virtuosity Video Lesson
Flamenco Influenced Lessons
- Tremolo technique with Adam del Monte
- Arpeggio and Right Hand Lesson with Adam Del Monte
- Playing faster scales on guitar with Adam Del Monte
General topics in music:
- Ted-Ed – How to practice effectively
- Itzhak Perlman: Why Singing is Important
- The Difference Between Playing and Practicing
- Practicing Well: Positive Success Ratios
- Practicing with a metronome: pros, cons, & tips
- Relaxation in Music: functional & dysfunctional tension
- Practicing Scales: Versatility and Vitality
- A definition of rubato in music
- The Wedding Gig: how to play music at a wedding
- Lesson: Performance Anxiety in Music
Recommended Methods & Technique Books
- Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, & Arpeggios – Notation, 122 pages, Gr. 1-9. Video lessons, hundreds of exercises. Start after my method books and continue with repertoire.
- 20 Favorite Exercises, Notation + TAB, Video lessons, Gr.1-6, Great for crossover or a quick boost.
- Classical Guitar Method – Vol. 1, Notation, Video Lessons, 100 pages, Free PDF
- Classical Guitar Method Vol. 2, Notation, Video Lessons, 89 pages.
- Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 1 – Eight pieces at the grade one level with dedicated lessons preparing you for each piece.
- Ten Classical Etudes, Gr.4-7, videos lessons, Notation & Notation + TAB