This is the first lesson in classical guitar. You should familiarize yourself with the various parts of the guitar.

If you are familiar with electric guitars or with steel string guitars yu will notice that there are some subtle yet important differences.

• Head: the top part of the guitar
• Tuning Pegs: You turn these to tune the strings to the correct pitch
• Nut: The strings ride over this. It holds them tight and in the proper location
• Fingerboard and Neck: Where you place your left hand and play
• Frets: small metal bars that you press the string against to create a note
• Sound Hole: The sound of the guitar is created within the body and emanates from here
• Rosette: A decorative pattern around the sound hole
• Face: The flat top surface of the guitar
• Bridge base: the strings are attached to this

Note about the strings. A common question that beginners have is which string is the first and which is the sixth? The first string is the thinnest and the sixth is the thickest.

Let's take a closer look.

This picture shows the head of the guitar and some of the frets.

The string furthest on the right is the first string. It is the thinnest, made of nylon and gives the highest notes.

From there we go left to the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth strings. Each one lower in tone than the previous.

(Next Lesson: Stringing the guitar)

Classical Guitar Method (0762) A new edition, Classical Guitar Method offers an elementary approach to playing the guitar. It provides a table of relative value of notes, definitions and explanations about the rudimentary elements of guitar playing such as scales and tempo. This is one of the most famous guitar method books for students and teachers!

If you are looking for something more contemporary this is an excellent book. It it clearly written and too assumes you have no prior knowledge of guitar or reading music. As a bonus it also comes with a CD so you can hear how things are supposed to sound. A good choice.

A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar -

Now Available With CDs! This multi-volume method was developed to allow students to study the art of classical guitar within a new, more con-temporary framework. For private, class or self-instruction. Book One features an all-new format that incorporates chord frames and symbols, as well as a record to assist in tuning and to provide accompaniments for at-home practice. Book One also introduces beginning fingerboard technique and music theory. Book Two and Three build upon the techniques learned in Book One.

(I have a full page review of this method of learning guitar. The review is right here

The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method

(Guitar Method). This premier method for the beginning classical guitarist, by one of the world's pre-eminent virtuosos and the recognized heir to the legacy of Andres Segovia, is now completely revised and updated! Guitarists will learn basic classical technique by playing over 50 beautiful classical pieces, 26 exercises and 14 duets, and through numerous photos and illustrations. The method covers: rudiments of classical technique, note reading and music theory, selection and care of guitars, strategies for effective practicing, and much more!

The Hal Leonard Classical Guitar Instruction Book

(Guitar Method). The Hal Leonard Classical Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play classical guitar. This comprehensive and easy-to-use beginner's guide by renowned classical guitarist and teacher Paul Henry uses the music of the master composers to teach you the basics of the classical style and technique. The accompanying audio features all the pieces in the book for demonstration and play along. Includes pieces by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schumann, Giuliani, Carcassi, Bathioli, Aguado, Tarrega, Purcell, and more. Includes all the basics plus info on PIMA technique, two- and three-part music, time signatures, key signatures, articulation, free stroke, rest stroke, composers, and much more. Does NOT include tablature. Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be downloaded or streamed. The audio also includes PLAYBACK+ features such as tempo adjustment, looping, and other features to assist with practice.