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 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.
Great advise here. I find I am taking more time with the pieces than I would have in the past as I am focusing on the technique you have taught me. It is slower going at first but has fewer frustrations, is easier and sounds better in the end.
-Karen Richardson
Allen Mathews was recommended to me as somebody who could help me expand my guitar vocabulary. Allen started me on a really fun cycle of lessons and practice. He is a very good,and very enthusiastic teacher, and I feel that I'm on the road to learning. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.
-Peter Buck (r.e.m.)
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
Click the button to take a step towards an
organized, effective guitar practice. >>>
Featured Courses
Bach, J.S. – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
One of the best loved of all classical pieces.
Play and Read Music in the Higher Positions
Learn to read music and identify notes on the entire neck.
Better Technique, with “Segovia’s Favorite Scales”
Detailed explorations of this popular technical tool.
Pachelbel, Johann – Canon in D
Great for beginners to intermediate players.
How to Read Music for Guitar
A full course to get you started reading music
Lecuona, Ernesto – Malagueña
One of the most fun and recognizable guitar songs in the world!
