Studying Classical Guitar
Perhaps at this point in your life you have decided to learn to play classical guitar? Do you have a spare guitar that you never quite learned how to play? Classical music has been around for many years, dating as far back as the 16th century. You can learn to play just as well as that master classical guitar player you enjoy, no matter how intimidating it might be to you. Don't make the mistake so many do by not taking that first step.
Classical Music Internet Radio
Classical music refers to the music that is with the traditional style of ecclesiastical concert music and western art. The norms for the classic music were laid down between the period of 1550 and 1900 and this period was popularly called the common practice period. Classical music is being practiced and taught by many musicians even today. Classical Music Internet Radio is also gaining popularity with the advancement in technology.European style of classical music is differentiated from the other types of non - European musical forms with the help of staff notation from the period of 16th century. The composers use the western staff notation technique to prescribe about the speed meter pitch individual rhythms and the correct execution of...
Collection Of Classical Music Cd
The world of classical music can be somewhat confusing. There is a vast amount of recordings of works going back many years. If I decide that I want to buy a classical music cd of a favorite composer, I then have to choose which version to get. Most
How to Select Top Classical Musicians For Your South Florida Wedding Ceremony
South Florida wedding ceremonies are performed against a steady backdrop of exotic locales, including beaches, yachts, historic buildings, city and tropical locations And the right classical music can really set the stage for a romantic, memorable wedding ceremony
Classical Guitarist Milena Cifali Signs With Hardrush Music
Classical female guitarist Milena Cifali has signed with rising Independent label Hardursh Music. The deal involves the commercial release of her album "Continuum", publishing and assistance with touring in what is the first classical artist release for Hardrush.
Taking Care of Your Classical Electric Guitar
? Guitars normally require very little maintenance. However, a little care in handling and storage will protect your investment for many years to come.
The Magic of the Flamenco Guitar
Flamenco is a popular style of Spanish Guitar Music. Flamenco has its own three forms which are Cante, Baile, and Guitarra. Cante is the song, Baile is the dance, and Guitarra is the guitar part of flamenco. Flamenco is a very important part of Spanish Guitar Music. It usually consists of someone playing the guitar, while people are dancing, and other people also join in with hand clapping. Although it is mostly popular in Spain, flamenco was influenced by other cultures as well.
Do you need a special type of guitar? The simple answer is No! For a beginner, any (nylon stringed) classical guitar will do the job.
1) Any guitar with steel strings on it is NOT suitable. There was a time when certain styles of Country and Western and jazz guitars were advertised as "Spanish guitars" for some unknown reason. (I think because they have roughly the same shape as a classical / flamenco guitar). If you look hard enough you may even find a few books of the 1920's , 30's, and 40's which have plectrum style music for these "Spanish guitars". The equation seems to be: Flamenco = Spanish music = let's play it on my grandpa's Spanish guitar. Now where did he put those plectrums? Or something like that.
2) Another common misconception is that the bass strings on a classical guitar are steel. On the outside they look the same as their steel brothers but that's where the similarity ends. Classical guitar bass strings have many fine strands of nylon woven together inside the copper winding. If you look closely you will see these strands poking out of the end of the string.
3) The action needs to fairly low without producing excessive string buzz.
4) A solid wood top produces a better tone than a factory laminated wood guitar.
5) A tapping plate (golpador) needs to be attached on the top of the guitar. Genuine flamenco instruments already have these but any decent guitar repair shop or Luthier can stick one on for you. Right hand tapping techniques can certainly damage the guitar if this protection is not there.
6) Flamenco guitars are generally lighter in construction. I personally don't like heavy guitars. For me a guitar must feel comfortable and "user friendly". Heavy wood guitars like some classical guitars don't do it for me.
7) When I was learning I bought cheap guitars only. Mainly because I could not afford to pay $500 or more for a expensive hand made guitar by a respected luthier. When my guitar needed replacing, I just visited the local second hand guitar shop and spend an hour trying out different classical style guitars. A guitar does not have to be expensive; it just needs to "speak to me". What I mean is that it needs to feel comfortable and have a strong tone.
8) One consideration that I think is important is whether the strings maintain good tone even if they are fairly worn. This has more to do with the guitar than the strings themselves. That's why trying old guitars in a second hand shop is a good idea if you just want a cheap beginners instrument.
Bass strings will naturally wear as a result of contact with the fret wires. Before this wear becomes excessive, loosen the string and pull it through the hole at the saddle about a centimeter or so. The idea is to shift the worn section so it appears over the spaces between the frets when you tighten it back up again.
Shawn Kohan writes article on many topics including flamenco music and new age music