Chordplay - Classical Guitar Primer

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with a Classical Guitar Primer.
This lesson focuses on some simple, yet effective exercises and music examples that will help you gain control of playing the guitar using a fingerstyle/fingerpicking technique, not to mention getting a better basic understanding of how you can approach learning classical guitar music and shares numerous ideas that may inspire you to pursue studying this challenging and historic style of music.
The ideas revealed in this episode range from basic fingerpicking exercises and general approaches which will help you get a feel of using a fingerstyle technique, along with exposing some solid starting points and suggestions that will help you get acquainted with learning how to perform classical guitar music.
This lesson finishes with focusing on a very famous classical guitar piece from the 19th century, along with identifying a little of the influence classical guitar music has had on rock, metal, and popular music - including quick performances near the end of songs from groups such as Metallica, White Lion, and more.
Give this episode a view, leave some comments and feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

I was super-lucky as a kid. My dad was stationed in Europe all through the '70s and '80s. We spent a year in Spain and our landlord was somehow related to Segovia. I started tinkering with a guitar in her apartment (she lived on the top floor of this building) and she mentioned she could get me lessons if I was interested. My mom (who is also Spanish) decided I wanted lessons (haha) and I went to Segovia's school for about nine months. I don't honestly remember meeting him, since I was eight, but my parents say that I did. I still have two hand-made classical instruments in my 20+ guitar collection and they sound incredible more than 40 years later. I wish I'd been older, and been able to stay longer, but I'm grateful for the start of my musical journey. I hate when I hear people knock the nylon-string guitar as some "kid's toy." It taught me more about ear training than anything else I've ever learned. Another great post... of course. Cheers, David.

[@teresathomley3703]

You're a damn good teacher, pal.

[@cooley23]

David, I appreciate all that you do! A down-to-earth guy presenting these lessons and ideas in a very down-to-earth way!

[@lynington]

As usual, great lesson David, this was one of the first songs I learned as a teenager from listening to John Williams although never quite got to grips with the major part which I found a lot more challenging. I think there is a lazy side to me which stops me from learning pieces in their entirety. Another example of this is the song Bouree, probably because playing the first few measures was enough to impress my friends. This lesson has inspired to go back and learn them all the way through, thanks for all you do.

[@mikeriesco6174]

You're one of the best teachers on YT. I originally learned on a nylon string guitar as a kid, and picked up some classical technique as a result, then moved to electric and steel string acoustic. I started with simple pieces like Romanza, Greensleeves, etc...eventually working up to Mood for a Day, Horizons, etc (huge Yes and Hackett fan, etc). Anyway, found that a foundation in classical, even at a self-taught level, helped immensely in learning other styles later on. Thanks for the great lesson, and stay safe!

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

Hey, I play that tune at the beginning all the time!! Sweet! 🐰✌

[@wulfenii64]

I'm looking forward to more of this. Thanks man.

[@uncleremus5046]

FANTASTIC 🍺’SKI!🤘

[@Gohanndes1]

that piece is the first part of the Romanza by an unknown author. The Giuliani, Mauro 120 Right hand studies are very good and build stamina on the left hand too.

[@voronOsphere]

This will broaden everyone's horizons! Thanks for taking the time to put this lesson together, David!!!

[@RackhirTheRed]

This has been the best one yet! Thank you for doing this.

[@Blue_3rd]

That’s a lovely sounding guitar. Thanks, Dave. I have met Andy Timmons a couple of times, a great player and such a nice person.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Hello David. I took classical guitar lessons during my high school years from a woman from Germany named Desiree. She lived a block from me, so I would ride my bike with classical guitar in case behind my back. Romanza was the first piece she had me learn, since I already had a certain amount of guitar experience. The next piece was Italiana. I credit her for my ability to read sheet music. When I found out about her through a friend of mine, I immediately looked her up. I blame Randy Rhoads for this spark of interest in classical guitar, LOL. I too miss Vito Bratta. What an awesome guitar genius. I could go on and on. Thanks for this lesson David. \m/

[@MachineHeadDissent]

Love the beginning!!!...🤙😎🤘

[@jkris2361]

David...Thank You so much for all the work you put into these videos....honestly, your videos have helped me get back into the guitar after being away for a while..You are awesome!

[@johnmason9150]

I would love for you to do more of the classical guitar lessons, this was awesome, thank you!

[@TerenceKearns]

This is great. Thanks for this tutorial.

[@andychase7693]

This is fantastic! Keep it going. I'd love to see more classical guitar oriented content!

[@tallkeesh]

Would love to see more classical lessons! Also, I really enjoyed the jazz lessons so hoping you do more of those.

[@andyracksthecams]

This was so timely as if I needed an inspiration to pick up my classical. Recently I have realised I need to concentrate more on the picking hand. The last time I made a conscious gain in right hand technique I learned "Black Mountain Rag" by Chet Atkins. That incorporates the picking hand using some irregular timing patterns which really open a door. This is a similar experience and very exciting. Thank you.

[@arturoromero1871]

When I learned that minor part of Romanza, that is when people notice there was someone with a guitar in the room🎸😎👍 great lesson 🙏

[@MisterPoppy-sc1sj]

Beautifull Thank you David !

[@anthonyfinch550]

This is most impressive. Great video. I’m inspired

[@francescodomenichetti3787]

Omg stop uploading too many AWESOME content! Last week I saw and studied the Genesis chord, Steely Dan, the Trevor Rabin one. Too many! I love this channel.

[@jameswinfield1721]

Thank you ... real cool bro !!

[@sacredgodslayer]

Go on Dave! Go on with Classical stuff

[@dwill1970]

Great lesson Mr Brewster thank you 🤙

[@polygraphovich]

Romanza brought to mind Blood on the Rooftops intro.

[@JuddOakes]

dang it you drove me to download a hal leonard classical guitar. Thanks man its something ive banged around with for awhile now can do this when i want something different.

[@citizzencain]

I dig it!

[@db_outdoors]

Excellent content! I'm a novice guitarist, primarily focused on early 90's grunge/alternative and classic rock. I have always focused on theory and have an interest in classical guitar too. I truly enjoy the majority of your videos, however, I think your classical videos are outstanding! I really appreciate the research and dedication that you put into your work - please keep it up. Please do a video on Ronnie Montrose, if you haven't already. Thanks!!!

[@davevowels7568]

IM..ALSO FROM EVANSVILLE AND STUDIED WITH RENATO FOR 10 YEARS .AS A KID FROM 1989-1999..(do you recall what years you were here ?)....just discovered your channel...

[@brian8076]

Awesome thank you

[@julianschulz1620]

I've always loved the classical piece Ronni Le Tekro plays on the first TNT album. It's right before the song, Last Summer's evil.

[@CyberScorps]

David, thanks for a great lesson. Would love to see you continue on with this. I know you've covered some Randy Rhoads already but would love some more knowledge. I saw a video with Chet Thompson talking about the modes Randy used but it's all too brief. Could you delve more into that area thanks 🙏🏻 PS...James Hetfield came up with the Nothing Else Matters intro. I saw an interview with him mentioning it. Cheers 🙂👍🏻

[@sixstringer3783]

This is real nice stuff being a huge Opeth fan this I believe is right down that alley it's actually defining that right hand technique that they both use been looking at electric guitars with the piezo system in them but it's a lot of $$$ for those but would be cool to mess with this is really helpful thanks David 👍

[@carlospellot2426]

Look for an used GODIN guitar (piezo ). They have good quality, made in America and a fraction of the $$$$ PRS Opeth uses.

[@sixstringer3783]

Carlos Pellot thanks will check that out 👍

[@uneedtherapy42]

My opinion... the best version of Romance (Romanaza) is by Jack Marshall. Jack arranged this piece and Christopher Parkening recorded it on his In The Spanish Style album. Why I think it is the best is he uses an F# note on the fourth string in the first measure (quite a stretch to achieve) along with the first string B natural note. The arrangement is in G major. Check it out if anyone reads this and is interested (if you have never heard it) Again I believe it to the "fullest" and most "complete" expression of this piece.

[@lesliel1182]

I don't know how you get leverage while you are trying to control the guitar not pressing it against your body, my hats off to you sir

[@lesliel1182]

If you had nails, holding the guitar in that position puts the nails on an angle whereby they scrape across the string instead of pulling on it. Not a desirable sound. Also isn't it easier for your left arm to be perpendicular to the neck, especially above the 12th fret? But hey what do I know, you played that Romance piece beautifully.

[@deltafour1212]

You sure wouldn't hurt my feeling at all, if you made more instructional videos just for Classical Guitar Primer for the complete beginner.

[@romancturner]

There's a breakdown in a Triumph song that has this feel too. The song is called, The Blinding Light Show. Check it out if you've not heard it.

[@seankevinlynch6513]

Great "class" David. It showcases the relevance of the styles of Randy Rhoads, Alex Lifeson, Blackmore, YJM and others. Its great to see you taking a "step into the past"and reconcile this music with today's great guitarist. It's not all about shredding. I love the lessons on Rush, RR, and Django. The trick ( imho) is to blend the right amount of classical guitar within the hard rock song. Randy and Alex were/are masters of this. BTW any chance of you doing some "Flamenco" stuff by Steve Stevens ? "Flamenco a Go Go" is a fantastic album if you haven't heard it.

[@carlospellot2426]

Anything by Steve Stevens. He has enough material for a chordplay, 3 for all, and nylon strings. He has played rock, fusion, prog rock, 'Flamenco a Go-Go' crazy solos with Vince Neil. Etc....

[@franksiggia]

Hi David, I really enjoy your lessons, I would like for you to do a chord play or three licks from Iron Maiden. Adrain Smith and Dave Murry are I feel really looked over as amazing guitarists. Thanks,

[@torbincase8202]

Classical guitar is such a strict discipline in terms of technique, but I discovered that a lot of the right hand technique is designed to facilitate getting the most out of The Tone of the instrument,the arch of the wrist keeps the face of the guitar unfettered and able to fully resonate,, important with wood acoustics!!

[@Joop5000]

Hey David, Love your video's! Can you explain why Classical guitars have such wide fret boards but Acoustic's have skinny ones like Electric's?

[@unaperrson]

"Mood for a Day" Steve Howe (Yes).

[@thomasz4981]

If you put your first finger on the 1st fret of the high E string can you reach the 12th fret with your pinkie? Even tho you aren't teaching full songs, these videos are very interesting. Any plans for full song lessons?

[@mvbertelsen]

I'm surprised you didn't mention "Silent Lucidity" by Queensryche.

[@williamcarroll4490]

Man I'm definitely like minded student guitarist.

[@Ilyasagain]

start of Romanza Lesson: 16:33

[@rickgrebenik9250]

Your good, but I don't understand if you studied classical guitar...why are you not playing like Lucas imbribia? It's real advanced. Just curious

[@chogumchonsa]

Keep chipping away! Please, for the love of all things holy!

[@dimefield36]

Hetfield wrote it and played every note on the recording

[@keiwil]

Sounds like tarrega

[@rickgrebenik9250]

I don't want basic easy stuff, your holding back the more advanced stuff??