Classical Guitar

Explore interviews, profiles, and other stories from the Classical Guitar archives – dating back to 1982.

‘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

Classical guitar music schubert moment musical

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Moment Musical by Schubert (Tr. Tárrega)

From the Classical Guitar archives, this is a 1922 setting of a most famous piece by Franz Schubert, "Moment Musical," transcribed by Francisco Tárrega. Read More

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Strathallan’s Lament (arr. Michael Clayton)

Strathallan's Lament, (traditional, Robert Burns), is a superb example of this style. It is arranged here for classical guitar by Michael Clayton. Read More

The Absolute Beginner Guitarist’s Guide to Sight-Reading

Sight reading on guitar is a useful skill that is indispensable for many musicians. It's like a quick Polaroid picture rather than a considered portrait. Read More

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ’Romanza’ by Grieg (Tr. Tárrega)

The fingering for this Edvard Grieg "Romanza" transcription by Francisco Tárrega uses some long reaches on the left hand. Read More

Composer Debussy alongside sheet music for Clair de Lune on classical guitar

Play ‘Clair de Lune’ by Debussy on Classical Guitar

This arrangement attempts to mimic the effect of the depressed sustain pedal on the piano by allowing adjacent notes, played on separate strings, to sound on together. Read More

Classical Guitar music for J.S. Bach's Gavotte

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Gavotte by J.S. Bach (Arr. S. Kenyon)

In this trio arrangement by Stephen Kenyon, less experienced players will find this setting fits on the fingerboard without undue difficulty. Read More

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ‘Little Lullaby’ by Adrian Ingram

This piece features an interesting mixture of chord textures for the less advanced player. Read More

isaac Albeniz and guitar sheet music for "Cadiz"

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ‘Cadiz’ by Albéniz (Arr. David Hill)

The BBC broadcast this work played by Ricardo Viñes who was apparently Albéniz's favourite interpreter. Certain features are marked and should be given attention. Read More

Scales on Classical Guitar: Setting the Foundation

Scale practice is commonly thought to have one essential function: the development of speed. But there is so much more to be gained from work on scales. Read More

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Stories

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

A Look Inside Villa-Lobos’ Influential 1920s Choros

New York Guitar Festival 2021 Celebrates the Life and Contributions of Julian Bream

The Classics

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

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Moment Musical by Schubert (Tr. Tárrega)

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Strathallan’s Lament (arr. Michael Clayton)

Watch

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

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

Classical Guitar Video Pick: Pavel Steidl Plays Losy’s ‘Suite in G Major’

Sessions

Gretchen Menn Plays Leo Brouwer’s ‘Etude No. 6‘ on a Custom Santa Cruz PJ Parlor Guitar

Classical Guitar Sessions: ‘Flametal’ Guitarist Ben Woods Plays Foo Fighters & A Rumba

‘Classical Guitar Sessions’ Presents Matthew Fish Playing Music by Johannes Möller

The Classics

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

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Moment Musical by Schubert (Tr. Tárrega)

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Strathallan’s Lament (arr. Michael Clayton)

The Absolute Beginner Guitarist’s Guide to Sight-Reading

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ’Romanza’ by Grieg (Tr. Tárrega)

Play ‘Clair de Lune’ by Debussy on Classical Guitar

Classical Guitar Music to Play: Gavotte by J.S. Bach (Arr. S. Kenyon)

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ‘Little Lullaby’ by Adrian Ingram

Classical Guitar Music to Play: ‘Cadiz’ by Albéniz (Arr. David Hill)

Scales on Classical Guitar: Setting the Foundation

Fretwork: A Look at Vintage Japanese Classical Guitars

The Truth About Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’

Amplification and Classical Guitar: The Search for Natural Colors

Towards the Holy Grail: A Short History of Guitar Methods