“My improvement has more than exceeded my expectations. I went from only being able to play from TAB to playing and taking my grade 5 practical exam in fewer lessons that if I had taken one lesson per week for a year.”
— Duncan, St Albans
Toby's Music Lessons - Classical guitar playing
Toby's Music Lessons - classical guitar front view

classical guitar

With its instantly recognisable and beautifully melodic sound, the classical guitar has been a popular choice of instrument for over 300 years, being used in everything from orchestras to Spanish flamenco bands.

The classical guitar (or Spanish guitar) is an acoustic instrument, meaning it does not need an amplifier to be heard because the sound is amplified in the guitar's body. 

Below are some of the main traits of the classical guitar:

  • It has a wider neck than electric or acoustic guitars, and less frets.

  • It uses nylon strings - these have less tension than electric or acoustic guitars and tend to be easier on the fingers.

  • Classical guitar players use their fingers and thumb to play the strings.

  • Classical guitar players need to use a footstool or guitar rest to play in the correct position.

  • Classical guitar players learn to read musical notation.