“The Sound of the Gods: An Overview of Classical Guitars.”
Throughout centuries and civilizations, the classical guitar has become one of the most widely known and beloved instruments in the world. The unique sound and nuance associated with the instrument makes it a perfect choice for playing classical music, but also for more modern genres and sounds.
The classical guitar has a rich and deep history that dates back to the 1700s when it was first invented and perfected by Antonio de Torres Jurado in Spain. He was the first to develop the fan strutting technique that is used to this day in classical guitar construction. Since then, modern innovations have only improved this powerful instrument, leading to the many varieties of classical guitars we have today.
Classical guitars typically have a thinner body shape making them lighter and easier to play than traditional acoustic or electric guitars. The thin and light body shape also allows the classical guitar to have a louder and clearer sound when strummed. This clear, bright sound is what differentiates the classical style of playing from other guitar styles.
Classical guitars, unlike traditional acoustic and electric guitars, typically have six strings, but some seven- and eight- string models are also now available. The strings are usually made of nylon, gut, or steel, the type of material selected ultimately determines the sound and feel of the instrument. The possible combinations of strings allow for a wide variety of sounds and techniques that would not otherwise be available.
In order to bring out the full potential of a classical guitar, proper playing technique is critical. Many people starting out on the classical guitar make the mistake of using a playing style more akin to electric guitar, which can be less effective with a classical guitar. Classical guitars require a more complex fingerpicking style of playing where the thumb plucks the strings in a very specific pattern while the other fingers support the sound with additional notes.
If you are looking to get started with classical guitar, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basics of playing. Basic lessons on finger placement and proper hand-positioning are necessary before advancing to more complex pieces. It is also important to have the correct posture, as this will drastically affect the way you sound and feel while playing the instrument.
The beautiful sounds and styles of the classical guitar can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and ages. Whether you’re looking to play Bach’s suites or your favorite strumming folk tunes, the classical guitar is an inspiring instrument for anyone interested in making music. So if you’ve got the dedication, grab a classical guitar and let the sound of the gods flow through your fingertips.