I have been playing guitar for many many years and it is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I am not a performer, I just do it for my own personal satisfaction and occasionally I will play for friends and family. Buying a guitar (I now have three) was one of the best decisions I ever made. The budget is long forgotton and the money I spent is still with me in the form of the music I play and the satisfaction I get.

If you are planning on heading off to the local guitar shop to purchase a classical guitar here is some practical advice for you. Advice on purchasing a classical guitar

You are going to be so happy that you bought a guitar and learned how to play. There is a richness that comes to you as you learn to play an instrument. And the guitar has been my constant companion through many interesting years.

The guitar will be your companion too

So maybe you are thinking about the expense. Don't! Life passes by so fast. You need to grab some of the rich textures in life and music is one of them.

What does music bring to your life? When you hear an old song on the radio, one that you used to love, doesn't it take you back to that time? This is the power of music. And the ability to play music amplifies the feeling, the appreciation and the reward.

Classical Guitar will add a level of creativity to you that you never experienced before. The opportunities are endless.

I'm left-handed. Very dominantly left-handed. And I learned how to play right-handed. I only play as a righty and I learned this way because the strings on my first guitar were arranged for right handed play and the book I had was for right handed play.

So whether you are a righty or a lefty or even if you are a double lefty like me you will learn how to play and you will get pretty good!

If you still aren't inspired then you should watch this concert. The beauty of it will well tears in your eyes.

Check out this video of Ana Vidovic in concert playing the classical guitar. It's free and you need to have the real player to watch it. The sheer beauty of the music will make your heart swell.

Ana Vidovic at the Kennedy Center

About the Dilemma of Buying a Musical Instrument

If you are a beginner and this is your first guitar you are faced with the dilemma of "What if I spend a lot of money and I don't like to play or it just isn't for me? But, what if I get a cheap guitar and find out I love to play and have to go out and buy another guitar?

That's the dilemma and here is a the solution: You have to try to find a decent guitar for a decent price; it has to sound good, last a lifetime and be something you will be happy with for a long time.

My Recommendation for a solid beginner Classical Guitar. Yamaha is a company that makes quality instruments at great prices.

Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar Package - Yamaha guitar packages are an affordable, all in one solution to guitarists seeking a high quality instrument with multiple accessories. The C40 package includes a full sized Yamaha C40 nylon string classical guitar, a guitar case and a CD with examples for the student to listen to and play along with. The C40 guitar features beautiful Indonesian Mahogany back and sides, a Spruce top, Javanese Rosewood fretboard and bridge, and chrome tuners.

Looking for a beginner kit with all the extras at a rock bottom price? Note that this Valencia is a 3/4 size guitar so it is suitable for children approximately ages 8-12.

Valencia CG-150K 3/4 Size Right Hand Acoustic Package w/ Carry Bag and Instructional DVD - Everything you need in a starter 3/3 size guitar kit: Beautiful Spanish Guitar Styling, usually only found on guitars double this price! Nylon strings with Classical style open tuners Natowood fretboard and bridge. Elegant Basswood back and sides.

Looking for a stunning professional quality Guitar with rich tones at a good price?

Alvarez Acoustic Guitar AC60SC Cutaway Classical Top Solid Cedar Back & Side Mahogany

This is the acoustic/electric version of the AC60S. The Alavarez AC60SC features their exclusive system 600T electronics--which will produce a natural acoustic/electric sound from speakers, and a Venetian cutaway for ultimate playability. The soundhole rosette is finely detailed, which is signature for any Alvarez guitar. The solid cedar top produces brilliant tone with tremendous sustain, clarity, and tightly focused bass. Combine this with the mahogany back and sides, and this guitar will provide lush, full-bodied tone with amazing projection.