
Beginning Classical Guitar – Practice-Along Videos to Get Started
Whether you’re an absolute beginner at classical guitar, or if you already play other styles of guitar, you’ll find solid fundamentals below. These will help you get started with strong basics. That way, you can launch forward and make good progress, knowing you’re on the right track. You’ll play fluently and proficiently….
…So that soon you’ll be playing for friends and family, or for your own pleasure. It may not always be flawless – perfection takes time. But it will be fun and rewarding. And it can happen sooner than you think, if you train your hands well.
The lessons below are applicable to classical guitar, finger-style guitar, or any other genre of guitar music.
Here’s the rule: If you move your hands well, you can play any style you choose. The basics are the basics, and if you put your attention on them, you’ll grow and advance.
The Beginner Toolbox
How to Use this Guide: This Guide will show you the basics you’ll need to know to start learning guitar. In the “For Your Hands” section below, you’ll discover how to use your hands. In the “What to Know” section, you’ll get a basic introduction to essential skills and knowledge.
Scroll Down for practice-along videos guiding you through areas of your practice.
Beginner Classical Guitar Lessons For Your Hands:
Click each box to open the lesson.
Other Bits You May Enjoy…
Mindset Tips
- Know that guitar takes time. Just keep going!
- Remember: you’re in this for fun.
- Be gentle on yourself. This stuff is hard for everyone.
- Notice and work on the small details. Your energy and attention are your greatest assets.
Print Reference Materials
How to Create a Guitar Routine: Practice Along
Guitar takes time and repetition. Increase your chances of success by setting a routine. Make it easier on yourself by making it easy to pick up the guitar and practice:
Time – Is there a consistent time you can practice each day? If so, great! Make it a habit by linking practice with whatever comes just before it. For example: “After breakfast, I pick up the guitar.”
Place – Keep everything you need in one place. Ideally, you practice away from distraction. So close the door and set the phone to airplane mode. Set a timer so you don’t have to watch the clock. And remove anything distracting from in front of you. The goal is to focus for a few minutes, so anything that may get in the way, handle it.
Materials – Have everything you need at hand, so you don’t have to go searching. Have your guitar and tuner ready. Have your papers within reach. Have webpages like this one bookmarked (or use the “favorites” button above.)
And above all, make success easy. Just one minute of practice counts as a successful practice day. The goal is to have as many successful practice days as possible. So set the bar low – just pick up the guitar and do something – anything. And you win for the day! Then tomorrow, do it again.
Would you like the Fast Track to be more proficient and fluent on guitar in the least time possible?
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Further Reading and Exploration:
- 11 Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners
- How to Sit and Hold Your Guitar
- How to Tune Your Guitar
- Why (and How) to Practice Chords
- How to Practice Switching Chords
- How to Warm Up on Guitar
- What to Look for in Beginner Success
- Next Steps in Right Hand Technique

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
Those videos on practicing the piece were just awesome, Allen! I've always thought that learning songs might be something completely different than practicing exercises, but the way you teach it makes it much easier than I thought. I'm positive that joining the Woodshed has been the best investment I've ever done for learning the classical guitar. Thank you so much for these lessons.
-Ulysses Alexandre Alves
Hi Allen, just wanted to provide some feedback. Since I've started doing the exercises [in The Woodshed program] my guitar is sounding a lot better, with fuller sound, less effort. Its as if I bought a new guitar or got a new pair of hands (or both). Amazing my friend. Thank you!
-Nusret Aydemir
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