Flamenco & Classical Guitar Lessons

The classical guitar is used mainly for classical, Latin and flamenco music, and is played with the fingers rather than a pick. It comes in two types — the concert classical and the flamenco.

I teach classical guitar from beginner to intermediate level, working through early music, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and 20th- and 21st-century pieces. From there we can take the same technique into Latin styles — from traditional bossa nova to today’s Latin pop and rock. I also teach flamenco: a different way of plucking the strings that adds a whole extra set of techniques on top.

New to the classical guitar?

I’ll guide you through the early stages, introducing correct posture and technique and teaching you to read music from scratch — in an effective, lots-of-fun way. We then move into scales, arpeggios and some simple pieces, before opening up the many directions you can take, guided by what you most want to play. More advanced technique and theory come in as they become relevant to the music in front of us.

Already play?

If you already play classical guitar, I can help you take it to the next level. Play electric or acoustic but never tried classical? No problem — I’ll teach you the sitting posture that becomes natural for the instrument, and the skills specific to it. Once your grounding is solid, we explore how to listen for the essence of the music and translate the notes on the page into something alive, because notes mean little if that essence never makes it into the playing.

Flamenco or concert — which guitar?

If you want to play flamenco, get a flamenco guitar; for classical, choose a concert classical. The two are built differently and that shapes their tone. There’s also a hybrid — the flamenco negra — worth a listen if you’re torn between the two. Whichever way you lean, exam syllabi are a handy way to reach goals in a structured order, whether or not you ever sit the exam.

A quick note on the steel-string acoustic

The steel-string acoustic guitar is a different instrument. If that’s what you’re after, head to my acoustic guitar page.

Where lessons happen

In-studio in London SE16, at your place anywhere in TfL Zone 3, or live online worldwide over Skype. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front-garden area. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best.