Classical Guitar Basics
Author: Graham Sims
The first steps
We will begin by exploring the very basis of guitar playing. The following exercises if studied with care will establish a solid technique; this is crucial, as it will make the demands placed on use by the music much easier to cope with.
Right hand exercises:
The right hand needs to be relaxed at all times. Any tension in the hand or arm will transfer to your fingers, and therefore your playing. Start by letting your right arm fall towards the ground, shake out any tension. Now close your hand into a relaxed fist, as if you are carrying sports bag. This is how your hand should feel when playing. If at any time you feel tension; stop playing and go through the same routine. The right hand plucks the strings in two different ways:
Tirando / free-stroke: right hand fingers play and clear adjacent string. (Video footage)
Apoyando / rest-stroke: right hand fingers plays 'inwards' coming to rest on adjacent string. (Video footage)
All exercise are free stoke unless stated.
Example 1: Open string arpeggio
Using only the open strings of the guitar follow the simple arpeggio patterns. Your left hand should be nowhere near the fretboard at this stage. The three bass strings (EAD) are played by the thumb (p) only. Your index (i) finger will play only the G string, the middle (m) finger plays the B string and your anular (a) finger plays the High E string. Start by placing the tip of the thumb on the first 6th string. Squeeze the thumb, it should move through the string towards the palm of your hand. Use the same process for the Index, middle and anular fingers, they should move upwards towards the palm of your hand. Follow the suggested fingerings and you will get results quicker than making up your own!
Example 2: Free stroke
Only the open strings are needed for this exercise. Making sure your right hand is relaxed place the index finger, lightly, on the first string. Now squeeze the tip of your finger towards the palm of your hand, being careful not to strike the adjacent string. Repeat the procedure for your middle finger. You should make sure that your fingers remain curved and do not straighten. Continue alternating (i) and (m) on the first string (top line of fingering suggestion). Follow the fingering for each string. Aim to have an equal amount of attack from both fingers. Experiment with the angle of attack, noticing the difference in the quality of sound depending on how you strike the strings. Your alternating fingers should give the impression of walking. When you feel comfortable alternating i and m try starting with m (the second line of fingering suggestion). Remember to start slow and gradually increase tempo.
The left hand:
Example 3: Introducing the left hand
Initially this exercise will be for the left hand only.
Assign each left hand finger to a fret: first finger (1) to the first fret, second finger (2) to the second fret etc. Place your 1st finger just behind the 1st fret on the 1st string (the one closest to the floor). Now place the 2nd finger just behind the 2nd fret of the same string. Continue for your 3rd and 4th fingers. Initially your left hand fingers will hurt after some playing, don't worry!! This is natural and after a few weeks the tips of your fingers will harden, enabling you to play for longer periods. Remember not to carry on playing if anything is causing you pain, if you continue, long-term damage can result. If your hand starts to experience fatigue stop playing and put your hand out flat on your leg, this will help to relax your hand quickly.
Practice without the right hand to start with. When you get used to placing your fingers in the right order try incorporating the right hand free stroke idea in example 2.
Have patience: this is not a competition. Work at a pace that suits you. When you feel comfortable with all the variations move on to the next section.
