Your Classical Guitar Input Here

Learning Classical Guitar - Teacher or Self-paced?

by Howard
(Detroit, MI, USA)

I've been playing guitar for over 25 years and since getting a bit older (40's) I've been enjoying playing Classical/Fingerstyle.

Being an engineer by trade, I approach the guitar with as much precision and knowledge as I can gather from books/magazines.

To be a competent Classical guitar player (not looking to become the next Christopher Parkening...no time!! :) ) does one need to seek the guidance of a teacher for technique or can the myriad technique/method books be sufficient?

Hi Howard,

I think the answer to that question might be personal choice/need. I'm sure some people like yourself have less need of a teacher because you have that analytical mind and background, so it's easier in a sense to work your way logically through the material.

It is comforting, however, to have someone with knowledge give you feedback on your playing and some advice on where you might improve. This may be in a mentor role for example.

I know myself, being a trained teacher that I have mainly taught myself using a logical approach to study and practice just like you. I had to do it logically as I didn't start playing guitar until I was in my early twenties similar to you.

That is not to say I didn't have teachers in the beginning. Indeed, although I was studying with Adam for a short time (due to his early death) I did learn a lot about "learning the guitar" from him. Especially I learnt how to analyse and approach a piece of music.

Additionally, he was very strong on playing through scales and the repertoire of studies and etudes as they give you: finger strength, flexibility, fine motor control, stamina etc.

Also now, in the age of youtube, it's easy to watch a video of some of the greats play and you can learn a lot from just watching and listening.

Obviously, the more of our senses we use to learn something the more completely we will learn it. When I started playing guitar there was no youtube so I bought a lot of records – yes vinyl!

This really helped me though as I absorbed a lot stylistically from how they played through just listening. And VHS tapes worked a treat as well :))

Perhaps you can continue on as you have been i.e. self-taught from books etc and arrange/book some lessons of a specific nature or technique requirement from a teacher on a part-time basis.

If you isolate the areas you want to improve in, write them down and then get some specific advice on those, then you'll find you'll probably improve more quickly. And it'll be less expensive!!

I hope this has been of help.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.