Classical Guitar shares music, musicians, and instruments that matter. Explore the rich traditions, history, and vibrant community surrounding classical guitar.

The History of the Modern Classical Guitar and its Deep Iberian Roots

Amplification and Classical Guitar: The Search for Natural Colors

While classical guitarists prefer performing sans amplification, the realities of venues and audience expectations often require using sound reinforcement. Read More

yamaha hasimoto vintage japanese classical guitars

Fretwork: A Look at Vintage Japanese Classical Guitars

Japanese luthiers were already building fine classical guitars in the 1960s and solving technical challenges that would soon make them major exporters well into the 1980s Read More

Silhouette of guitar player on red background, how to start playing classical guitar as an adult

It’s Never Too Late to Start: Starting to Play Guitar as an Adult has Unique Challenges—and Opportunities

To those of you either struggling to learn guitar as an adult or returning to it later in life—no, it isn't too late to achieve something remarkable. Read More

Concierto de Aranjuez Composer Rodrigo with article author Graham Wade

The Truth About Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’

In this history of the classical guitar staple "Concierto de Aranjuez" we separate fact from fiction using composer Joaquín Rodrigo's own words. Read More

Classical guitar forbidden fifths fernando sor and jimi hendrix with parallel fifths notation

‘Forbidden’ Fifths in Guitar Music From Sor and Before to Hendrix and Beyond

The effect of parallel fifths has a tendency to compromise the independence of the two parts. Even still, composers from Sor to Hendrix have used it to great effect. Read More

Video Pick of the Week

Classical Guitar Video Pick: William Kanengiser Plays Fernando Sor’s ‘Grand Solo’

Watch a marvelous 2009 performance by LAGQ co-founder William Kanengiser of one of the most famous pieces in the instrument's repertoire: Grand Solo by Fernando Sor. Read More

Classical Guitar Video Pick: Changsha Winner Huaicong Mu Plays Regondi’s Bellini Variations

Watch the great young Chinese guitarist Haicuong Mu play Giulio Regondi's variations on themes from Bellini's opera "I Montecchi e Capuletti" Read More

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Music to Play

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ‘Berceuse’ by Albéniz (arr. J. Morel)

Edited by Neil Smith This is a most appealing arrangement for all Albéniz fans. The title (suggesting a... Read More

Baily Matsuda Ian O Sullivan Music to Play

Music to Play: ‘Born And Raised’ by Bailey Matsuda (arr. Ian O’Sullivan)

From the Winter 2016 issue of Classical Guitar Click here to download a PDF of ‘Born And Raised’ Bailey... Read More

Explore the Classical Guitar Archives

Download our bundled digital archives. Each issue covers the full spectrum of people, instruments, and ideas that matter to the classical guitar community.