Better Classical Guitar Technique

Along with playing pieces, technique is one of the main areas we focus on when learning classical guitar. If you consistently aim to get better at using your hands, you’ll be more and more able to meet the demands of music. You’ll be able to play faster, more dynamically, and more expressively.”

Here are a few places to get started:

How to Sit and Hold Your Guitar

Your body can actually feel good while you play! Discover some new ways to think about how to sit and hold your guitar so you can play comfortably. Also learn about several different tools to help you position your guitar.

Learn the Right Hand Technique that Will Elevate Your Playing

Most self-taught players get this one wrong. There’s a way to move your hands and fingers to get the best sound, and create the most power and agility with the least work. This course shows you the fundamentals of movement on the guitar.

Discover 5 Common Mistakes Beginning Guitarists Make

Knowing what to avoid is a valuable step towards mastering the guitar. Keeping these five common mistakes in mind will help you become more aware of your form, positioning and movements.

Explore the 5 Shapes of Classical Guitar Scales

Scales are a tool to develop not only our strength and speed, but also our abilities to play beautiful melodies. These five common scale shapes create the foundation of scale technique and spice up your practice.

Browse the Full Classical Guitar Technique Archives

There’s a lot to know. Peruse the full list of all the free articles, lessons and tutorials on classical guitar 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 stellar teachers – one focused on the technical, 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.

Hi Allen, I am a Dutch guy who plays classical guitar (solo and together with a flute player). Unfortunately I have been suffering from focal dystonia since begin 2016. Of course I tried physical therapy which didn't help… But I tried some of your [technique] lessons (I had teachers before but I was never taught your techniques) and to my big surprise the nasty feeling in the back of my right hand which pulls my index finger upward was gone! So now I practice your lessons. Anyway, I am very happy to have found you on the internet. Thanks very much!

-Arnoud Reinders

I also want to thank you for including more video lessons on the Bridges Guitar Series. I have learned to play Calatayud's Waltz. The most exciting thing about having done this is that I sight read the entire piece as I was learning it. Six months ago looking at a sheet of music was like looking at Egyptian hieroglyphics. Learning to read notation is empowering and I appreciate the sensible way you are teaching us to learn to read music.

-Steve Simpler

Become a Member and Play More, Beautifully!

“The basics are the basics, and you can’t beat the basics.”

Charles Poliquin

Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…1

Move your hands safely and fluidly
Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
Play beautifully with expression and flow

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organized, effective guitar practice. >>>

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One of the most fun and recognizable guitar songs in the world!

Better Classical Guitar Technique

Here are a few places to get started:

How to Sit and Hold Your Guitar

Your body can actually feel good while you play! Discover some new ways to think about how to sit and hold your guitar so you can play comfortably. Also learn about several different tools to help you position your guitar.

Learn the Right Hand Technique that Will Elevate Your Playing

Most self-taught players get this one wrong. There’s a way to move your hands and fingers to get the best sound, and create the most power and agility with the least work. This course shows you the fundamentals of movement on the guitar.

Discover 5 Common Mistakes Beginning Guitarists Make

Knowing what to avoid is a valuable step towards mastering the guitar. Keeping these five common mistakes in mind will help you become more aware of your form, positioning and movements.

Explore the 5 Shapes of Classical Guitar Scales

Scales are a tool to develop not only our strength and speed, but also our abilities to play beautiful melodies. These five common scale shapes create the foundation of scale technique and spice up your practice.

Browse the Full Classical Guitar Technique Archives

There’s a lot to know. Peruse the full list of all the free articles, lessons and tutorials on classical guitar technique.

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

Featured Courses

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach

Play and Read Music in the Higher Positions

Better Technique, with “Segovia’s Favorite Scales”

Pachelbel’s Canon in D

How to Read Music for Guitar

Malagueña, by Ernesto Lecuona

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