Beginning Classical Guitar – Practice-Along Videos to Get Started
Are you exploring guitar for the first time? Just beginning classical guitar?
Already play a bit of guitar, but want to learn classical music? Looking for a supplement to your classical guitar lessons?
Whether you’re an absolute beginner at classical guitar, or if you already play other styles of guitar, you’ll find solid fundamentals below. These will help you get started with strong basics. That way, you can launch forward and make good progress, knowing you’re on the right track. You’ll play guitar fluently and proficiently….
…So that soon you’ll be playing guitar for friends and family, or for your own pleasure. It may not always be flawless – perfection takes time. But it will be fun and rewarding. And it can happen sooner than you think, if you train your hands well.
The beginner guitar lessons below are applicable to classical guitar, electric guitar, or any other genre of guitar music.
These free lessons are designed to enhance your learning experience. The video tutorials and practice-along videos will help you develop specific skills, with the freedom to progress at your own pace.
Here’s the rule: If you move your hands well, you can play any style you choose. The basics are the basics, and if you put your attention on them, you’ll grow and advance.
The Beginner Toolbox
How to Use this Guide: This Guide will show you the basics you’ll need to know to start learning guitar. In the “For Your Hands” section below, you’ll discover how to use your hands. In the “What to Know” section, you’ll get a basic introduction to essential skills and knowledge.
Scroll Down for practice-along videos guiding you through areas of your practice.
Beginner Classical Guitar Lessons For Your Hands:
These classical guitar lessons for beginners introduce all the fundamentals of good technique. The basics lay a foundation that will enable you to progress through intermediate and advanced levels of playing.
Click each box to open the lesson.
Other Bits You May Enjoy…
Mindset Tips
- Know that guitar takes time. Just keep going!
- Remember: you’re in this for fun.
- Be gentle on yourself. This stuff is hard for everyone.
- Notice and work on the small details. Your energy and attention are your greatest assets.
Print Reference Materials
How to Create a Guitar Routine: Practice Along
Guitar takes time and repetition. Increase your chances of success by setting a routine. Make it easier on yourself by making it easy to pick up the guitar and practice:
Time – Is there a consistent time you can practice each day? If so, great! Make it a habit by linking practice with whatever comes just before it. For example: “After breakfast, I pick up the guitar.”
Place – Keep everything you need in one place. Ideally, you practice away from distraction. So close the door and set the phone to airplane mode. Set a timer so you don’t have to watch the clock. And remove anything distracting from in front of you. The goal is to focus for a few minutes, so anything that may get in the way, handle it.
Materials – Have everything you need at hand, so you don’t have to go searching. Have your guitar and tuner ready. Have your papers within reach. Have webpages like this one bookmarked (or use the “favorites” button above.)
As most classical guitar instructors will tell you, learning classical guitar requires steady and deliberate effort. Work a bit each day to build healthy habits and force out any bad habits.
The best way to learn is with small, focus-intensive practice intervals every day. Embrace the long-haul process that is your classical guitar journey.
And above all, make success easy. Just one minute of practice counts as a successful practice day. The goal is to have as many successful practice days as possible. So set the bar low – just pick up the guitar and do something – anything. And you win for the day! Then tomorrow, do it again.
Would you like the Fast Track to be more proficient and fluent on guitar in the least time possible?
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Further Reading and Exploration:
- 11 Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners
- How to Sit and Hold Your Guitar
- How to Tune Your Guitar
- Why (and How) to Practice Chords
- How to Practice Switching Chords
- How to Warm Up on Guitar
- What to Look for in Beginner Success
- Next Steps in Right Hand Technique
Online Classical Guitar Lessons & Courses:
- Beginner-Level Courses
- Early-Intermediate Level Courses
- Intermediate & Advanced Level Courses
- All Premium Classical Guitar Courses
More free online Classical Guitar Lessons:
Free Classical Guitar Sheet Music & TABs:

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
I just upgraded. I have been thinking about it since day one, but wanted to see how it works out for me. I have to say, even though I did not put as much effort in as I expected to, I already hear and feel Improvements when playing compositions I learned some time ago, before joining The Woodshed.
Thanks!
~ Alexey Neyman
-Alexey Neyman
I came on board three months ago and I’m loving it more than ever. I have maintained my practice pattern. I’m sticking wholeheartedly with the program as written. That makes it easy to see what I NEED to work on rather than just playing the shiny places I’ve gone beyond…..I’ve learned to focus 100% on what I’m doing that very minute….I’m developing strength in my left hand...I spend time with the videos in the evenings and always find something more to help me. I’m not looking for info anywhere else. Everything I need is right here in The Woodshed. You say “Jump” and I say “How high.” I’m so grateful I found you. You speak in a language I understand.
~ Gloria Mader
-Gloria Mader
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