Classical Guitar DVD & Video Reviews

As someone who took classical guitar lessons as a kid, then diverted attention to electric guitar 30 odd years ago, I appreciate the value of classical players who put their knowledge onto DVD.  In my own rediscovery of classical, I can say that DVDs have great value, but only go so far in being able to teach. From my experience teaching guitar, I know that  it takes more than a few words and an example to explain classical guitar technique.  These videos TOGETHER with guidance of a guitar teacher are a good combination.  That said, it's also important to realize that individual teachers may belong to different schools of thought on fingernails, hand and sitting positions etc....  You can sense this from watching these videos and it's good to be aware of the various styles. But, if you are a beginner, follow the advice of a good  teacher who can guide your unique situation.  John Chamley

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Classical Guitar DVD Review

Other products from featured artist

Pumping Nylon: Scott Tennant

I bought this some time ago and it's excellent.  Netflix doesn't have it (shame on them!) but its available from Amazon (link on left) and well worth buying along with the book.  You can buy the book together or seperately from the DVD and the book is available in either standard music notation or Tab.  For the classical guitar enthusiast the book and video offer exercises to address developing specific techniques. 

Julian Bream: My Life in Music

Every guitar player - no matter what style they play - should rent or buy this video.  This hard to find, but recently re-released, DVD is available on Netflix.  You may have to wait some time to get it, but it's worth it.  This grand master of tone & expression (both musically and facially!), talks candidly about his fascinating life. 

Andrew York: Contemporary Classic Guitar

Contrary to some Netflix reviewers, I was not bothered by the sound quality of this video. If you really want to listen to York's playing in high quality stereo you could buy his CDs.  I was simply impressed with Mr. York's creativity. In the video, York explains how he incorporates jazz, rock and reggae influences into his classical guitar compositions.  This is a guitar player's video and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.  You can learn from his explanations and his playing serves as a fine example of musicianship. It's one of my favorite guitar videos. 

Andrew York: Denouement

The fact you are attempting to learn classical guitar from a DVD suggests that you may have enough attention to detail to benefit from this one.  In this DVD, Mr Hand covers the basics of sitting position, fingernails, hand position, freestrokes, rest-strokes and arpeggios.  The advice on playing fast "forward" and "reverse" arpeggios in succession is excellent.   Some other advice I like are, "take your time to learn" and "use your natural facility to play rather than worrying whether it's the correct technique."  To understand "using natural facility", I suggest watching the video.  

Hand demonstrates harmonics, slurs, trills, vibrato as well as cross string vibrato.  At the end, he repeats the advice he starts out with, "remember that the ultimate goal is not to play the guitar, but to play music."  Those learning classical guitar can get something from this DVD as well as more experienced players who can watch it as a reminder of some of the essential points of technique and musicianship. It's in my library and I enjoyed watching it again for this review. 

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