Is Classical Guitar Easy to Learn?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thanks for watching. Here's my lesson archive page: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/lessons/ Enjoying my channel, visit my support page: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/donate-support/

[@sharonrusso5601]

I bought my first classical guitar Jan 5,2025. Never touched a guitar before. Started your lessons online, love the pace, and am always happy with my session. Taking a lesson at the local guitar store is not for me, they push hurry up and learn chords and tabs, and practice 2 hours a day. Very frustrating practice sessions I am an older learner, working full time. Nope, 15-30mins a day is ejoyable practice time with your lessons, for me. Thank you for creating these videos and books.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

So, I wasn't going to make this video initially because it's one of those generic types of vids that are difficult to explain in a single session. But the thing that I'm actually loving about this is all the positive comments people are leaving. I half-thought I might get more backlash saying it was 'easy' (never a good word to describe learning any classical music instrument) but everyone is leaving such nice feedback and encouragement for others! Bravo everyone!

[@FrancesWilde]

I really like this mindset. I've been playing classical for about 5 years and each lesson feels as much a challenge as the first because it's incremental steps. The only difference is that I'm playing more challenging pieces now. A good part of each lesson is working through a piece and learning why the fingering has to be as it is, learning the history of the piece or about the composer as well as practice. It's just such a joyful experience. I've just started to learn cello too, currently pre grade 1, and it's every bit as enjoyable even though I play classical guitar (electric guitar & sax) to a good standard but am a complete beginner with cello. I really echo the point of finding joy in playing well at your level rather than being impatient. Improvement comes.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Absolutely, plus, it never ends. We always strive to get better, it's not as if we stop one day and say 'I will go no further'. So playing well, in the now, is so important.

[@CarlYota]

I think a lot of people dislike the fundamentals so much that they rush and overlook them instead of trying to do the simple things well. This is devastating for thier development. I tell anyone who expresses interest in learning guitar, if they can’t find beauty in simplicity, they aren’t gonna make it very far. You have to be able to do something very well before you earn the right to do something harder. If you can’t do the easier thing well yet then work on it more. It’s like someone who can only bench press 50 kilos by bouncing it off thier chest while thier friend helps pull the bar up. You don’t get to lift 110 kilos until you can actually lift 100 properly. You’re not strong enough to do 100 so how can you go for 110? Train at the level where you are, or you’ll never get better. People seem to really hate training though. They just wanna play the song that got them interested in guitar. Those people will not make it very far.

[@dalelangehennig161]

Love this! I have been playing electric and steel string acoustic since 1984, when I was 12. There was no internet. There was no money for lessons and we lived in the country. I learned on my own as I went. I didn’t know what a chord was until a year in, when I discovered I could play more than one string at a time (5th / “power chord” - it was the 80’s! ) I have played semi professionally for years. Country, rock, metal, Christian / worship music. I was an accomplished euphonium player in high school. Never made a 2 on any ensemble or solo until my high school attitude got in the way and I decided I wanted to be a rock star. On guitar, I learned to cheat and play somewhat ‘enough to pass. Mostly by ear. Musicians know though. Trained musicians REALLY know. My son is a proficient old world multi-instrumentalist with a degree in music. Natural talent exudes from his being, and he put in the hard work to learn the right way. I have recently decided, at 52, that I want to unlearn 40 years of bad habits and start over with classical & flamenco guitar. I am starting at the beginning of book 1 as if I have never played. Cant wait to see where this goes. Also in contact with the university music department for guidance on the proper instructor for my new journey. Thank you for all your help and the amazing materials you have provided! You are truly paying it forward. Many thanks from Texas.

[@thefloeticmc]

This is such great encouragement! As a single mom, with many interests in music and entertainment. I've found that it is incredibly difficult to afford the lessons, in my limited amount of spare time, and balance that against the things that my daughter and I both want to partake in. So Ive somewhat committed to self teaching. However, most times I find myself too comfortable at home. Not only that, but mommy duties tire me out so often that I have no energy left to practice.😢😢😢 I live in Texas too and Im not a Texas native, so we've been exploring our environment as well. All in all, my plan is to learn as many basics as possible until I can afford the lessons. I think having a great mentor/teacher is vital to my success. This at least gives me hope that once I find a good teacher, I wont be so rough around the edges and therefore make it somewhat easier to be taught. I'm super grateful for this channel because I now own a classical guitar (made in germany), and an acoustic for when I make instrumental beats. I'm excited to see how far I can get with both😂😂😂 While I admit, I definitely have bitten off more than I can chew, but I know I will eventually overcome my many obstacles. Otherwise, why else would God allow me to make the steps toward such commitments? The seeds I sow will eventually be reaped.🤷🏾‍♀️😌💯😏🤣

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

That's great! Glad you are finding your way with music and guitar and, very good idea to seek out an instructor. I've tried to make the website as helpful as possible but there is no replacement for a good in-person teacher.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad to hear you are making time for music! Also remember, that even just a few sessions with a teacher can make a big difference. They might just move your guitar an inch over in one direction and something will get fixed! Do what you can, when you can, and enjoy yourself along the way.

[@RabindraDahal-ie7sb]

After two months I will be 54 . Just two months ago I have started learning guitar which is my long awaited dream. Even I am thinking to join college for music graduation course after one year when I have some skills and know how about playing a guitar.In my leisure time I often listen guitar instrumental music on the KZbin. By the way, may I request you and all about some good books+ good websites+ KZbin channels recommendations on learning guitar and music ? Thanks 🙏.

[@Shravan_Vasishth]

I was surprised by this post! :) I didn't think anyone would think to ask such a question because absolutely nothing in life is easy when it comes to learning a skill :). But I have to say that your structured curriculum and advice on how to structure one's practice, on technique, recording oneself regularly and studying one's mistakes/problem areas, and most importantly the selection of graded repertoire, have together made a huge difference to me between making almost no progress over many years (violin in my younger days) and making really discernible if very incremental progress from week to week (guitar now). The advice on gear and equipment has been very important in preventing injury and pain. What's you've provided here and on your web page is invaluable.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, I have observed, especially from teaching children, that if they are enjoying themselves they don't find it hard at all. So we all need to reframe our outlook to enjoy the process and not think of it as hard. Ot, at the very least, not dwell on the difficulty, just do the work and carry on.

[@Shravan_Vasishth]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Yes, very true. One mistake I had made in the past was to try to play things beyond my level (violin). I really enjoy playing the pieces at the grade 1-4 level; being able to actually play music is really motivating. In fact, I realized that I could now stay at grade 4 level or so and still have enough really amazing music to play for the rest of my life :)

[@Mantorp86]

I’ve been playing the classical guitar for 2 years now with your course and it’s very great! I did’t know the Easy Classical Pieces book existed and I’m exited to try them. Maybe add the links to your Start-Here page to let people know when they should learn the pieces. I’m almost done now with the second method book 🙂

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You want to view the Curriculum and Educational Outline page (which I do link to on the Start Here page): www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/learn-classical-guitar-education-series/

[@Mantorp86]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar oh wow didn’t know this page existed, sorry. I will use this page from now on 🙂

[@michaelsigman8942]

I’m in my mid 40s and I’m very busy at work and busy at home with the family. I might only have a few minutes a day during the work week to even touch the guitar. I do have a great teacher that I can see once every couple weeks and I’m just trying to be patient and realistic with myself. I’m not expecting to be Andres Segovia but if I can make some nice sounds and have a couple little pieces I can work on then I’m happy. This applies to any discipline: ability is multifactorial, and if you’re trying not to compare yourself too hard with others then as long as it’s enjoyable, and then it’s worth it.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, enjoy the process and keep improving whenever possible. I could have made the video 5 seconds long!

[@VidalSanchez-s6n]

Great video, I love classical guitar so I bought a guitar and books and star practicing ,sometimes hard to the point of not practicing until my mother past away and I was devastating until checking some books I found Tears by Terraga and I learned to play it and was my way to communicate with my mom.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you are finding music and guitar in your life!

[@thetnaing8830]

Definitely an inspiring piece of video, when I feeling lost with my Classical guitar study, Sir!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Enjoy learning and you'll enjoy classical guitar is the main advice!

[@CarlYota]

The fact that you’re calling it “study” is already a very good sign. That’s the correct approach to have.

[@newgunguy4176]

Easy to learn. Difficult to become a concert level guitarist. Make sure you have a properly set up guitar. This is paramount.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

It's difficult to become a 'concert' anything! Bowed string instruments are crazy difficult too. But yes, properly setup instrument is important.

[@newgunguy4176]

Edited. I'd forgotten the first sentence.

[@Tinyflower1]

This depends entirely on the person learning, when I find something I can't play at all and it's difficult to get it right I find it interesting and fun, like a puzzle piece I need to solve and once I have learned how to pull it off it is so damn rewarding.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Absolutely and your outlook is a good one. As a teacher though, I've found that I can actually get students to think this way even if it is not their first reaction. Once they been successful with the process a few times they come around to this way of thinking about it positively. It takes so people much longer than others though.

[@JavonR123]

Great video. It all comes down to mindset. I’m always so happy to pick up my guitar and it just gets better every year. People put a lot of pressure on themselves.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Absolutely! A good teacher will manage that pressure for the student so they don't have to worry about it and as they progress teach them the ways to cope with challenges.

[@henriquecavinato7938]

Hey! Really appreciate the advices! I'm soon to be 16 years old and I've been playing the classical guitar for three years now. My only struggle is the teacher part. My first and current teacher is originally an accordionist. He teaches the classical guitar, however, I'm starting to think that I might need a teacher that has the instrument in question as their main one. I've been seeing little evolution in my playing in the past year. I'm currently looking for a classical guitar teacher but i they might have vanished from the town I live in, I mean, I really couldn't find any or any recomendantions of one. Today I took an experimental class with a jazz guitar teacher, it was really nice. However, I'm deeply in love with the classical guitar and this decision could, quite literally, change my life. I feel really lost and at this point I'm just venting in your comment section. I don't know what to do. I live in a considerably big city in Brazil but I simply cannot find a classical guitar teacher. Cheers from down here!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You need to contact a prominent classical guitarist in the country and get ask for recommendations. If there is a university with a guitar program or a guitar society that is a place to start as well. But just find a good Brazilian classical guitarist and contact them via their website or social and ask for help. They should be able to tell you the name of someone...who knows someone, who know another person in the area.

[@henriquecavinato7938]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar thanks for the response!

[@cuakcuakful]

"played" guitar for 15 yrs or whatever, basically just learning heavy metal songs by tabs. The last two years I started getting into music theory, still on my electric guitar and try to compose own songs, then I decided to get a proper teacher and started playing classical guitar inspired by Ted Greene. It has been an amazing journey this last year and classical guitar opens up many possibilities for interpretation and emotional depth which is what I love with music. I am still a beginner, and it is really difficult but I think that with love for music and discipline ( I have a full time job + toddler at home) you cans till make good progress if you practice half an hour a day. off course using a teacher to structure your journey and using good online resources such as this channel. Keep the videos coming!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Metal is essential to the learning process! Joking, but actually only kind of. I did play tons of metal in my youth.

[@Na_n_dan_Grg]

Hahah i just found you....was just getting started from your Guitar Method Vol 1

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ha, well I do have quite a few videos at this point. Enjoy the method.

[@LostSoulAscension]

I found in humbling myself for some easier pieces I got the sense that the easier pieces not only are more accessible but they also teach you basic things about the guitar in a musical way. Would you rather play 120 arpeggios by Giuliani? Or try to learn some early grade material and work through repertoire? I would personally rather learn repertoire that implement the Giuliani concepts, and other things because then you can really gain a sense of the concepts in a musical context. That's just my personal speculation from experience. It truly is a journey. I would also say there is nothing stopping someone playing a higher level piece as long as it's broken down and they understand to not rush the playability and technique of the piece. Not respecting the piece of music will only lead to terrible playing of the piece, etc. Basically your heart and intentions going into it really shape the outcome.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, the Giuliani arpeggios should only be a very small part of your sessions, they are just tucked into your technique routine. The majority of the time should still be repertoire. The advantage of exercises in a technique routine is that they can cover a very large number of patterns in very little time. Therefore, in 5 mins you can cover a large number of arpeggios patterns super quickly in order to maintain your technique.

[@LostSoulAscension]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Ah wow, great point, thank you for your reply Bradford! I should have said something more like if you were to choose 1 thing to practice in a short time it would be repertoire, not technique based exercises since repertoire has the elements of applying the technique and musicality. But yeah, the structuring of a practice routine is so difficult. I used to spend 30 minutes doing warm ups and had to question my approach and simplify it for time's sake, maybe play a piece extra slow, yet to your point those technique exercises really do encapsulate a wider variation in picking and finger patterns for overall efficiency of practice, and how you said keeping it to a minimum, but consistent exposure in the practice routine is great. That is a high level discipline and musicianship that you do amazing at representing for us and reminding us in our wild abandon, haha. Thanks again!

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Excellent. Very well done.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thank you very much!

[@DeutschlandGuy]

Bradford, at 4:05 you give a little sample of an open-string arpeggio piece that beginning students often play. What exactly is the name of that piece that you demo, and who was the composer? I so enjoy your meticulously done videos. Although I'm not a classical guitarist, as such, I learn so many "good habits" from watching your videos. Perhaps someday, I will actually pursue the discipline in ernst.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

It's just something I played but my free method book is filled with open string pieces: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/free-classical-guitar-method-book-pdf/

[@CarlYota]

It depends how you approach it. So many guitarists end up quitting because thier approach to the guitar is “I like that song I will practice that song for six months until I memorize it and can play an acceptable performance of it. Then will pick another song and spend a year memorizing it.” Then they quit. You have to actually STUDY the instrument. Learn the fundamentals. And improve your abilities first and foremost. It’s a classical study approach. The reason why guitar has the highest drop out rate of any instrument is probably because modern music prominently features guitar. So everyone who likes music gets interested in learning it. Whether it’s metal or rock or country or classics like Pink Floyd. Laypeople just want to play their favorite songs, or try to be rock stars themselves. Compared to something like the violin, where what else are you gonna do but get “classically trained” on such an instrument? Actually studying guitar, instead of just trying to play songs in the guitar, changes everything. But I don’t think most people want to study the guitar.

[@waynefazway5477]

Hi! Very nice introduction to Classical Guitar! Thanks! By the way, which brand-model is the guitar you are holding in this video?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

It's a Douglass Scott guitar, you can find all my gear in the description or go here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@steveb9325]

Excellent explanation. Of course anything worthwhile isn't ever easy. Though I understand your thinking....🙏

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, I'd rephrase that and say anything worthwhile takes time and effort. But that doesn't mean that it's hard. I've had students that just happily practice for 30-45 mins a day for years and they become amazing. They don't even question it, just follow my advice and practice away not letting anything negative get to them.

[@steveb9325]

@Thisisclassicalguitar yes! Excellent advise. Thank you 🙏

[@nijwmzen29]

I've been learning classical guitar for a year and a half now, without a one-to-one teacher. Here's my two bits based on my own experience. First, technical proficiency such as speed, accuracy and shifts take painstakingly long time, sound technique and must take very formulaic and progressive process, ideally under a good teacher. Secondly, I found musical aspects like rhythm, phrasing, articulation often difficult to understand and apply them in the right way. But I'm getting there. With the right resources and methodical practice, one can reach at least intermediate or even pre-advanced level. Unfortunately, where I come from, we don't have a culture of classical guitar and impossible to find a good teacher. Online teachers are prohibitively expensive.

[@GarySchiltz]

Grumble, grumble...third lesson already and still haven't learned Smoke on the Water...grumble, grumble.🤣 Seriously, I love Bradford's approach to treating even the simplest material as serious music that should be enjoyed and played with good form and good feeling. As the old saying goes, it's the journey, not the destination, that counts.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ha, next update of the method I'll be sure to put Smoke on the Water at the very start!

[@mer1red]

This is a tricky question. Yes, in the correct context it's not that difficult. But one should inform the student clearly about important related aspects to avoid false expectations. The video mentions some but I would emphasize them more. The guitar is indeed a complex instrument. Which means that it requires (a lot) more time to master than most other instruments. The only other one I can think of that is perhaps more time consuming is the organ. The guitar also keeps demanding a lot of time to maintain what you have learned, for the rest of your life. The guitar is not an orchestra, playing polyphonic music is a great challenge and has severe limitations. It is physically demanding. The student must be aware of this to avoid disappointment. And he/she should really love the instrument. I write all this because I stopped playing for many years: I was so disappointed that I couldn't play the music style a really like, baroque, the way it should be (Bach etc). Even today this makes me feel a bit frustrated.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Actually, I'd say string instruments like violin and cello are harder but there is more of an expectation that it will take a long time to learn. I mean, intonation and good bowing is very difficult and takes years and years.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Learning it is easy. Mastering it takes a lifetime.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Absolutely, as with any instrument.

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar and the joy is in the journey, isn’t it?

[@jamesearlsumagang4440]

For me it's the hardest compared to a steel string and or electric... You'd think it's easy to make good tones or strum it like what you see.. .. it's more difficult in my opinion...

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, classical guitar is very broad in its scope of technique and repertoire so it does take a long time to get a handle on it.

[@ajithdealwis2112]

I am over 60 years old, is it possible me to catch up classical guitar techniques at this age?.

[@markczarny7088]

​@@Glenno54Wish I'd stuck to classical guitar instead I wanted to play every thing from gypsy's folk couldn't have found a better hobby

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Absolutely. Everyone, from kids to adults, have certain unique strengths and limitations but there is a wealth of amazing repertoire that will fit your unique style. Even the greatest pros will admit that other pros can play certain techniques better. So you just learn and progress and play great music.

[@ajithdealwis2112]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar you yes I have already bought a new nylon string classical guitar, and I have been playing the guitar since the last two months, any how trying to learn up to certain level. with your guidance, Thanks, Love from Sri Lanka.

[@disemwu8895]

No matter how old you are ,you can catch up classical guitar. Enjoy the journey of music rather than the technique.

[@SymphonicDynasty]

Fantastic video. Agreed

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Many thanks!

[@glenndavid8725]

I don't think anyone who has been playing since childhood can understand the difficulties and challenges of starting in later life.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, through the lens of my students I've seen those who have enjoyed the process of learning and those who struggle with it. Regardless of the challenges, the point of the video is that approaching it with a positive frame of mind will make it enjoyable.

[@drdavid62]

Based on your explanation, then I would say that all instruments are Easy to learn. If all circumstances - teacher, learning materials, student diligence and planets are in the right alignment all musical instruments would be easy to play. I've been playing for 20 years now and would never ever characterize the process as easy! If it were, I would have quit years ago and tried something more challenging. But if I'm trying to get new students and sell learning materials and lessons, I would definitely characterize learning classical as Easy.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, consider the video in the context of a teacher talking to a student. Either we can approach learning it with a positive attitude showing that it can be enjoyable (still takes years of course) or it can be negative. One of my primary goals as a teacher is to get the student enjoying the learning process and thinking positively because that is a good practice motivator. To think that I would tell students that its hard and difficult would not be a good contribution. It does take time though, and there will be challenges, no doubt about that but it can all be accomplished without a negative outlook. In fact, after teaching for 25 years I'd say the students with a positive outlook, on average, do the best.

[@drdavid62]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I am a fan and frequent visitor of your site. I have also purchased a number of your repertoire collections, so I won't dwell on my displeasure over your characterization of learning to play classical guitar as Easy. I wish you a an endless supply of the kind of prospective students who would chose to play classical guitar primarily because they were looking for an easy instrument to play! It is comforting to know that the blame for all my difficulties in becoming a proficient classical guitarist over the past 20 years can be laid at the feet of my instructors and their learning materials. It wasn't lack of consistent, diligent effort on my part after all, as certainly my efforts should have been adequate for an easy challenge. (Or put another way, I had no idea learning anything so easy could require so many hours of practice!) Please Keep producing the high quality product your subscribers have come to expect!😊🙏👍 P.S. Clearly the concept of 'easy' in this context is far more complicated and nuanced than our short discussion permits. Ultimately it's a matter of ones perspective, as your response hinted at. Both perspectives have merit.

[@pavetheworldlovely]

I think most kids learning guitar think they can learn tab, learn dot to dot, and that's all there is, and they all quit. Guitar is difficult.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

My students don't quit! If kids are good at something they will generally like it. Therefore, managing their tasks and giving them repertoire they can play well is key. Then they are successful and get praise, sound good, and they like it. As they progress and build confidence I start adding bigger challenges and teach them the methods to overcome the difficulties. The first few weeks/months are essential for working on this frame of mind though.

[@timwhite7127]

I wanted to try until I heard there's talent involved...Leaves me out...

[@davidwalker5054]

The easy answer is No. The guitar is very hard to master. Any style of guitar playing takes a lot of time and effort to become proficient

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

To learn something and to master it are different things of course. That said, if one learns in a positive way, by the time they reach upper levels they will probably continue to be positive and not consider it 'hard' so much as requiring time and dedication.

[@locngo]

Way easier than violin. I play both

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Haha, yes indeed. I took violin lessons for awhile and just learning to bow even half horribly takes so much time. But, the pedagogy is so developed for it!

[@pavetheworldlovely]

Like falling off a bike 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Sometimes yes! But we generally learn to ride in the end!

[@kevinmaillet4712]

The guitar is the easiest instrument to play and the most difficult to master

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Also very true of piano!