Is classical guitar easy or hard to learn? Yes, classical guitar is easy to learn if the conditions, context, and intentions of the student are properly aligned. When the conditions and context are off, classical guitar can be very difficult. It will still take a long time to learn classical guitar but it can be an easy and enjoyable experience with the right frame of mind. Here’s the YouTube link if your want to watch the video there.
Here are the brief conditions and context that will make classical guitar easy to learn:
- Having a good teacher
- Having a proper instrument and footstool/support
- Using good method books and materials appropriate to your level
- Understanding the context of longterm study
- Having the right frame of mind
Having a good teacher
Having a good teacher will make the learning process easy, motivational, and gradual. By guiding you properly a good teacher will set you up for success and help you avoid frustration and the formation of bad habits that will inhibit your progress later. A good teacher will also be able to assign material that is particular to your unique learning style and development. A good method book could be 80% of what you need for material but your unique interests and learning style will benefit from specific advice and materials.
Playing a proper instrument
Having a proper classical guitar along with a footstool or guitar support will allow you to sit properly and progress without readjustment later. It doesn’t have to be an expensive instrument, but just a proper nylon string classical guitar that will translate to further study.
Using good method books and appropriate materials
A good method book will allow you to play well and be a good musician and guitarist because the pieces you’ll play will be appropriate for your level and the skills will be introduced gradually and progressively. You’ll need a balanced practice routine to both progress and enjoy yourself. You can check out my method books and curriculum as well this article on how to organize your practice sessions.
Context of long term study
Understanding that classical guitar is a large genre is key to realizing the time it will take to become a ‘classical guitarist’. The classical guitar spans a wide range of historical repertoire and stylistic genres and skills sets. For example, a very focused goal of a regular guitarist might be to just strum chords so progress will be quick since the goal is so singular. But the classical guitarist learns to play melody, accompaniment, counterpoint, strumming, reading notation, and all sorts of other skills and historical performance practice. It will take a long time but it can still be easy and enjoyable along the way.
Frame of mind
Playing good repertoire that just happens to be at your level is essential to your success. Trying to play master works in your first few years will not be successful. Instead, you’ll want to find pieces that you love and find interesting but that just happen to be at your level; coincidentally at your level. With this frame of mind you can be playing great music really as you continue to progress.
Another factor is learning to enjoy practicing and the learning process. If you are enjoying yourself the learning and practicing will feel easy. Taking all the above points into consideration will help you balance your expectations and enjoy the experience as you progress.
