Expand Your Musical Horizons
In addition to learning pieces and honing our skills, there are myriad other fine points and details of the daily musical practice that make the journey go more smoothly and enjoyably.
From practice techniques, to dealing with weird pains, from shaky hands to matters of mindset, there are always ways to deepen our understanding of our craft.
Here are a few places to get started:
What You Need to Know about Migrating to Classical Guitar from Other Styles
If you’re coming to classical guitar after first learning guitar in some other style, this post will help you to make the transition. You’ll discover the main differences, where your strengths lie, and how to move forward in your classical guitar endeavors.
Interesting: How You Use Your Eyes is Affecting Your Playing
Believe it or not, how we use our eyes affects how our minds and bodies work. Find useful tips that can lead to some fairly amazing differences in the way you focus and learn.
Discover How to Stop Shaky Hands
Whether from anxiety, stage fright, or just general shakiness, wobbly hands are an inconvenience. If you ever have shaky hands, read this article.
Learn All About Classical Guitar Fingernails
Having classical guitar nails can be a daunting proposition. This guide will tell you whether or not you need nails, and if so, how to grow, shape and care for them.
Browse the Archives of Articles and Musings
But wait, there’s more….if you need some fun reading, or a good procrastination method, spend some time in the annals of the CGS articles archive.
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 started level 1C...I was able to look at a Carulli piece, albeit a simple one, and understand it. And that understanding allowed me to play it much more easily on the first run through, and I expect it will allow me to make it fully musical at tempo quite soon. That's a huge personal victory for me. Until very recently my mindset was: "Notes on a page. Jimi didn't need them and I don't either." But I ain't Jimi, and now I want those notes on a page.My work in CGS, even at these early levels, got me to that personal breakthrough. And that's given me more confidence that continued work will get me to greater places in due time. So to answer your question: yes, I absolutely feel like I'm making headway and moving forward in my playing. Thank you for that.~ Matthew Ecker
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Hi Allen, just wanted to provide some feedback. Since I've started doing the exercises [in The Woodshed program] my guitar is sounding a lot better, with fuller sound, less effort. Its as if I bought a new guitar or got a new pair of hands (or both). Amazing my friend. Thank you!
~ Nusret Aydemir
-Nusret Aydemir
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
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organized, effective guitar practice. >>>
