Q&A for How to Play Classical Guitar

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  • Question
    Is a classical guitar easier to play?
    Nicolas Adams
    Professional Guitarist
    Nicolas Adams is a 5th generation musician of Serbian Gypsy descent and the lead guitarist of the band Gypsy Tribe. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Nicolas specializes in Rumba Flamenco and Gypsy jazz and playing the guitar, Bouzouki, Balalaika, and piano.
    Professional Guitarist
    Expert Answer
    It is, especially for beginners, because the nylon strings are much easier on fingers, and the steel strings are going to hurt. That's why I recommend starting on a classical guitar. It is also very versatile compared to a steel string and electric guitar, because you can finger pick quite easily, alternate pick, or use a plectrum.
  • Question
    Can I play a guitar missing a string?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it is advisable you keep a clean and full set of strings on your instrument at all times.
  • Question
    What is the purpose of the soundhole?
    Community Answer
    It increases the volume of your sound and projects it outwards, making it louder and easier to hear.
  • Question
    Who is the most famous classical guitarist?
    Vanya
    Community Answer
    Some of the best were John Williams, Andrés Segovia and Julian Bream.
  • Question
    Can I play a classical guitar with a plectrum?
    Jelke de Jong
    Community Answer
    You can, but it would be difficult. A lot of classical guitar is based around fingerpicking patterns, which are very hard to do with a plectrum.
  • Question
    Does the right hand have to have longer nails, or can I play with short nails?
    Community Answer
    You can play with short nails, but it will be harder to get a good sound. You could also wear "fingerpicks" (like tiny guitar picks, which you attach to your thumb and first three fingers).
  • Question
    Some songs need a capo, but how can I make it sound like I have a capo when I really don't have one?
    Community Answer
    If you don't have a capo, you could place your index finger over the strings to act like a capo. This is hard though, as your finger might not be as strong as professional guitar players'. It would be good if you could get a capo though, as sometimes you need your index finger while playing advanced songs that need a capo. They are reasonably cheap to buy.
  • Question
    Can I play with the guitar upside-down?
    Top Answerer
    You could, but it would be very inconvenient. You would have to strum the other way around, and you would have to turn all the chords and tabs the other way around to understand them. There isn't any reason to do this unless you are left-handed, in which case you can get a left-handed guitar.
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