Never stop making videos Allen. I'm not sure why you've got so many haters, but you've got a real talent for teaching and speaking. This channel is a treasure trove for us self learning CG.
I learned to play without learning these fundamentals and my playing suffers noticeably as a result. Even at this late stage I am working at correcting this shortfall. The fundamentals are so very important for long term success. Thank you very much for the help,
Wow! I can't believe this video says 7 years ago, and I have just recently come across it! The first video I saw from your channel, was on the touch and feel of the B7 chord! The whole approach to the angle of the fingers approaching the chord. The exercise of just touching without playing, then actually moving to pressing down to sound the chord. Not to mention the chords near the B7 from which to move etc. I am definitely going to take a longer look at this lesson, as there is much more than just what meets the eye with the details, I'm sure! I cannot believe I am just now getting a glimpse of your style and recommendations! I want to thank you for airing them. Please keep us better informed on the nuances of taking advantage of each note and LISTEN to what we are practicing. The recommendation of the metronome usage whilst scale practice is priceless! Thank you for your quality input to the awesome lifelong learning of the craft that is guitar; and music fundamentally! 🎶. The grace in your moves when playing, inspires me to want more of myself! Even though, sometimes I wonder, is it worth it for me to want to work to be a better musician at 62 years on now. Watching your videos has changed my thinking to, why not keep moving forward? Well, a lot of jabber, to give a big thank you and huge thumbs up 👍🏻 for keeping us inspired. The guitar lives forever! Thanks. Doug Piper.
Love your sense of humor mixed with the "Good Stuff". You exude your love of the instrument and its voice. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. PS: This video is 8 years old, I wish I'd known this 8 years ago. Your pedagogy is very fine.
I'm digging this . But are you conserving yourself for our sake or some other planning ahead thinking . (That) didn't make sense , I guess what I'm saying is ____is there a video of you giving it to the guitar with reckless abandon ?
Thank you for all your video. Best teacher ever! Very clear, step by step, high standards, keep going with these nice videos!!(would love the same kind lesson for learning flamenco style).
I'm writing a couple songs and can see where understanding the circle of 5th and scales guitar notes etc. Is critical because I design chords that I need but don't no what process names them and and in the past they were lost to time but no more. Watched Paul McCartney say in a song writing chat that he still has old cassettes with songs they never used. I have note books full of verses ets. That I'll get to when I'm through cleaning the trash out. Thanks
So true what you say about slow playing being more difficult than fast playing. To play the Sarabande of Bach (BWV 995) beautifully is quite a challenge, because I feel it should be played slowly. Thanks for your lessons!
YOU SIR know your subject REALLY WELL in depth.. the unnoticed subtile variations in tones what make the difference between...THANK YOU SO MUCH for the lesson
You should have named your site "Classical Guitar Shred" instead. I pictured you out in the yard shed with the lawn mower and garden tools, but hey maybe that is where you are! Anyway it sounds a whole lot cooler (both ways)!
I see the my fellow metal heads are giving it to you... There seems to be a connection with those that appreciate metal, also have an appreciation for classical.
Wow what a master compared to me everything you've explained was everybody enjoyed music with has explained before but you put it into terms that my fingers just want to play it whether I know it or not I'm still very young and I'm looking forward to finding my own sound I guess if you have any videos on that that would be appreciated
I'm on this video but need to understand the theory in moving these, how to rename it and understand the circle of 5th building my foundation is increadable fun but incomplete, playing slow is the best I do drift but catch myself, I have to own being batshit crazy needing some critical adjusting. I used all the suggestions you gave me yesterday and real happy with that and if I miss something I refuse to ask maddie and slider' s learn how to smoke the neck in just 30 minutes.
Hello Sir, I clicked the "I and M" alternation link and it doesn't seem to be working. I just wanted to let you know since you seem to be very active on your channel and I enjoy your channel very much. I was able to find the I and M alternation video very easily on youtube. Thank you for all your free instruction.
Interesting that none of these Metal vs. Classical pundits have curiosity about 'How is that guy holding the guitar' ?? :) Excellent presentation of the essential, existential problems and some well articulated, very worthwhile approaches to get from point A (air guitar) to point B (doing it for real). Thank you
I do appreciate all these instructional videos and I share an enormous respect for the instructor but all this talking without any actual playing does not help much. 30 minutes of talking and 5 minutes of playing?
Classical Guitar Shed Thank you so much Allen, but it is not about my body or arm position, I read your entire article and found nothing wrong in my approach. I am practising faster scales with rest stroke, is it possible that I put too much strenght with my hands? I noticed that when I move to the lower string with my left hand I slightly let the upper free string vibrate... is that a problem?
Alan Matthews,You're a great teacher,I genuinely mean that,but your comment on Heavy Metal not being beautiful music,is definitely an ignorant statement.Fast playing can be either beautiful or horrendous,just as slow playing can be beautiful or horrendous,depending on many factors: phrasing of notes,dynamics,conviction,etc....Some Heavy Metal guitarists play fast and sound horrible because their phrasings are not complimentary to the piece or at inappropriate times in the music,But there are Heavy Metal guitarists who play very fast when it's called for and they play slow too,fast or slow,or one note or 100 is not the issue,That's why I'm surprised someone as knowledgeable about Classical guitar would make an ignorant comment like that.There is Classical music that is played fast or slow or few or many notes that sounds very mediocre and not beautiful.And let's not forget that most Metal and hard rock virtuosos write their own music,unlike your traditional Classical instrumentalists who play other people's creations.Steve Vai plays fast at times,And I guarantee Alan,neither you nor I will ever be 1/10 th of the musician that he is,Love your work Alan,and I appreciate all that you do for us Classical guitarists,but please don't make ignorant comments,I believe you're better and more insightful than that.
Ha-haa, another great video! Each one seemingly better than the one before! Even though this is only the second one I've seen thus far, I have a very astute observational ability in recognizing patterns and trends! I enjoyed your comment noting how metal music is not so much beautiful or skilled as it is fast... so what! (laugh out loud) And for the most part I would agree, with the one exception, of which I am aware, being a band that goes by the name Nightwish. Although they are metal, they incorporate and infuse their music with elegant, and sometimes beautiful, orchestral arrangements! If you ever have the opportunity to experience a few of their songs, I think it would be most interesting to hear your opinion! ~In the meantime, thanks again... & Bach on! ~\00/
+Jason William Parsons Hey Jason, Thanks for the kind words. I catch a lot of heat for that statement! I actually have loads of respect for good metal players. It's virtuosic, and takes tons of practice to do well. Many of the top metal guitarists are also classical guitarists, incidentally. I'll check out Nightwish. Thanks for the note! Cheers, Allen
Great lesson. But heavy metal is not beautiful music? I don´t agree. Beauty is in listener ears. As a music teacher told me, noise is everything I don´t want to hear, so noise could be even classical music.
Miguel Barahona Nah, I don't subscribe to this notion that music is all subjective and it depends on what the listener gets out of it. People can learn to love noise, but that doesn't mean the noise is no longer noise.
Sam Eash, ok respect your comment. But my ears decide what is noise and what is music, and your ears do their job too, so, it´s the same definition of noise I mentioned before.
Miguel Barahona I think tradition decides what the standard for objective aesthetics is. Although I will grant a certain relativism in the sense that not all cultures have the western tradition. Their own tradition is their standard for beauty in those cases.
Excellent video. But I can see that you are ignorant about music. The same was said of bebop jazz; it was said that the bebop was speed without sense and not a beautiful music. The metal is so diverse that you can not even imagine that there is Neoclassical metal in addition to other styles of metal where it is played fast or slow. Perhaps you could study the works of Paganini, Chopin, Listz, Rachmaninov and erase your prejudices
Is everyone in classical music a pompous ass, I literally never hear other styles of music bashing others, classical is not the pinnacle of intelligence, the fact that hardly 12 people listen to NPR is a fair good example... I thought I’d like to learn the style, but I’m not sure I can handle the attitude of the people... Is guitar even a classical instrument, I mean the orchestra doesn’t hand out invites.... Does being able to play with precision exceptionally fast mean you’re a better player, yeah it does, of course lol...
Hey! We made a free download for Scale practice on guitar. You may enjoy it. Here’s the link:
www.classicalguitarshed.com/practice-guitar-scales/
Quick-prepping (01:47)
Legato playing (04:36)
Speed bursts (12:06)
Accents (14:22) (more on accents here)
Articulations (17:00)
Dynamics (swells and fades) (18:36)
Digital Patterns (22:17)
Never stop making videos Allen. I'm not sure why you've got so many haters, but you've got a real talent for teaching and speaking. This channel is a treasure trove for us self learning CG.
there are people who can hate this guy? i appreciate every word he says through the video. how one can hate?
Jealousy that what it is.
I learned to play without learning these fundamentals and my playing suffers noticeably as a result. Even at this late stage I am working at correcting this shortfall. The fundamentals are so very important for long term success. Thank you very much for the help,
It's amazing how much better I am sounding by your teachings. Practice has become a joy.
Feelings mutual-
Wow! I can't believe this video says 7 years ago, and I have just recently come across it! The first video I saw from your channel, was on the touch and feel of the B7 chord! The whole approach to the angle of the fingers approaching the chord. The exercise of just touching without playing, then actually moving to pressing down to sound the chord. Not to mention the chords near the B7 from which to move etc. I am definitely going to take a longer look at this lesson, as there is much more than just what meets the eye with the details, I'm sure! I cannot believe I am just now getting a glimpse of your style and recommendations! I want to thank you for airing them. Please keep us better informed on the nuances of taking advantage of each note and LISTEN to what we are practicing. The recommendation of the metronome usage whilst scale practice is priceless! Thank you for your quality input to the awesome lifelong learning of the craft that is guitar; and music fundamentally! 🎶. The grace in your moves when playing, inspires me to want more of myself! Even though, sometimes I wonder, is it worth it for me to want to work to be a better musician at 62 years on now. Watching your videos has changed my thinking to, why not keep moving forward? Well, a lot of jabber, to give a big thank you and huge thumbs up 👍🏻 for keeping us inspired. The guitar lives forever! Thanks. Doug Piper.
Just found your channel and it wasn’t what I was looking for , but it’s exactly what I needed. I’m on board. Thank you sir
Love your sense of humor mixed with the "Good Stuff". You exude your love of the instrument and its voice. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. PS: This video is 8 years old, I wish I'd known this 8 years ago. Your pedagogy is very fine.
Just listened to it again! You're 5 guitar shapes and these suggestions; keeps me focused.
You're so Yoda with your teaching style. It's amazing how complex it all is. I bought some courses on your website.
I'm digging this . But are you conserving yourself for our sake or some other planning ahead thinking . (That) didn't make sense , I guess what I'm saying is ____is there a video of you giving it to the guitar with reckless abandon ?
Thank you for all your video. Best teacher ever! Very clear, step by step, high standards, keep going with these nice videos!!(would love the same kind lesson for learning flamenco style).
I'm writing a couple songs and can see where understanding the circle of 5th and scales guitar notes etc. Is critical because I design chords that I need but don't no what process names them and and in the past they were lost to time but no more. Watched Paul McCartney say in a song writing chat that he still has old cassettes with songs they never used. I have note books full of verses ets. That I'll get to when I'm through cleaning the trash out. Thanks
So true what you say about slow playing being more difficult than fast playing. To play the Sarabande of Bach (BWV 995) beautifully is quite a challenge, because I feel it should be played slowly. Thanks for your lessons!
YOU SIR know your subject REALLY WELL in depth.. the unnoticed subtile variations in tones what make the difference between...THANK YOU SO MUCH for the lesson
You should have named your site "Classical Guitar Shred" instead. I pictured you out in the yard shed with the lawn mower and garden tools, but hey maybe that is where you are! Anyway it sounds a whole lot cooler (both ways)!
I see the my fellow metal heads are giving it to you... There seems to be a connection with those that appreciate metal, also have an appreciation for classical.
+IronPriest82 I think you're right. I used to be very into metal. I think the virtuosity, acrobatics and physical demand are similar.
Wow what a master compared to me everything you've explained was everybody enjoyed music with has explained before but you put it into terms that my fingers just want to play it whether I know it or not I'm still very young and I'm looking forward to finding my own sound I guess if you have any videos on that that would be appreciated
Fantastic video! Thank you so much!
you are an amazing teacher. thank you so much.
I'm on this video but need to understand the theory in moving these, how to rename it and understand the circle of 5th building my foundation is increadable fun but incomplete, playing slow is the best I do drift but catch myself, I have to own being batshit crazy needing some critical adjusting. I used all the suggestions you gave me yesterday and real happy with that and if I miss something I refuse to ask maddie and slider' s learn how to smoke the neck in just 30 minutes.
you are a perfect teacher.. love it so much.. i am so new to guitar
Excellent with superb explanation which is so helpful...amazing teacher !
Very interesting and different, scientifically approach to technique. Thank you 🙏
I've heard the metronome suggestion and yeah I use it bought it 6 yrs ago but can't remember useing it. Who new.
Excellent advices. Thank you so much for sharing. Kind Regards .
Hello Sir, I clicked the "I and M" alternation link and it doesn't seem to be working. I just wanted to let you know since you seem to be very active on your channel and I enjoy your channel very much. I was able to find the I and M alternation video very easily on youtube. Thank you for all your free instruction.
I don't agree with the Heavy Metal appreciation... Nonetheless this class is right on point
Thank you for stuff I never thought of. I have a lot to work on now. Very cool!
Great video ... lots to apply ..thank you for reminding me how to practice scales :)
Interesting that none of these Metal vs. Classical pundits have curiosity about 'How is that guy holding the guitar' ?? :)
Excellent presentation of the essential, existential problems and some well articulated, very worthwhile approaches to get from point A (air guitar) to point B (doing it for real). Thank you
+karl walter G Thanks karl!
great videos !. I am a jazz pianist getting into classical and electric guitar and find your videos really good.. well done :)
+ajcatman Thanks much!
hi im very confused, why there are 7 shapes scales and 5 shapes scales? what are the difference of those two?
I really don’t understand what he’s talking about with note prep as I can’t see his fingers close enough
This is an excellent presentation. You are charismatic. You have enlightened me about beautiful playing. What is your name? Thank you
You are professional.Thank you so much.
Great video with great information. Thank you!
mountainmango Thanks MountainMango!
Thanks for explaining it .
Thanks ,very helpful.
Yes, you are amazing.
you realy great teacher
thanks for posting
+Daron Lewis My pleasure, thanks for watching!
great video!
I do appreciate all these instructional videos and I share an enormous respect for the instructor but all this talking without any actual playing does not help much. 30 minutes of talking and 5 minutes of playing?
Говорили бы с переводчиком это было бы прекрасно
I memorized E and D scale last night and today between rests.
Alan a bit off topic but do you have any videos on exercises that focus on eliminating buzzing and squeaking noises? That would be very helpful.
+Baris Baser Hi Baris, here you go: www.classicalguitarshed.com/guitar-squeak/
Cheers, Allen
Please help, I try to practise ten minutes and my hands start to hurt too much...
Hey Luca, I would start with sitting position and basic form: www.classicalguitarshed.com/how-to-hold-a-guitar
Classical Guitar Shed
Thank you so much Allen, but it is not about my body or arm position, I read your entire article and found nothing wrong in my approach. I am practising faster scales with rest stroke, is it possible that I put too much strenght with my hands? I noticed that when I move to the lower string with my left hand I slightly let the upper free string vibrate... is that a problem?
Luca Prospero: Sorry, I´m not the expert, but what part of your hands hurts: fingertips, wrist, in both hands, other...?
Miguel Barahona It is a muscular weariness due to the effort of practising scales
Found them ____________ in the description
Alan Matthews,You're a great teacher,I genuinely mean that,but your comment on Heavy Metal not being beautiful music,is definitely an ignorant statement.Fast playing can be either beautiful or horrendous,just as slow playing can be beautiful or horrendous,depending on many factors: phrasing of notes,dynamics,conviction,etc....Some Heavy Metal guitarists play fast and sound horrible because their phrasings are not complimentary to the piece or at inappropriate times in the music,But there are Heavy Metal guitarists who play very fast when it's called for and they play slow too,fast or slow,or one note or 100 is not the issue,That's why I'm surprised someone as knowledgeable about Classical guitar would make an ignorant comment like that.There is Classical music that is played fast or slow or few or many notes that sounds very mediocre and not beautiful.And let's not forget that most Metal and hard rock virtuosos write their own music,unlike your traditional Classical instrumentalists who play other people's creations.Steve Vai plays fast at times,And I guarantee Alan,neither you nor I will ever be 1/10 th of the musician that he is,Love your work Alan,and I appreciate all that you do for us Classical guitarists,but please don't make ignorant comments,I believe you're better and more insightful than that.
Hey! I love heavy metal! Lol....but yes, just because you play fast, doesn't mean you are a better player.
The look on his face forces me to focus 😂😂
There are actually very good metal guitar players.
I know, so sorry, I don't what I was thinking at that moment.
Ha-haa, another great video! Each one seemingly better than the one before! Even though this is only the second one I've seen thus far, I have a very astute observational ability in recognizing patterns and trends!
I enjoyed your comment noting how metal music is not so much beautiful or skilled as it is fast... so what! (laugh out loud) And for the most part I would agree, with the one exception, of which I am aware, being a band that goes by the name Nightwish. Although they are metal, they incorporate and infuse their music with elegant, and sometimes beautiful, orchestral arrangements! If you ever have the opportunity to experience a few of their songs, I think it would be most interesting to hear your opinion!
~In the meantime, thanks again... & Bach on! ~\00/
+Jason William Parsons Hey Jason, Thanks for the kind words. I catch a lot of heat for that statement! I actually have loads of respect for good metal players. It's virtuosic, and takes tons of practice to do well. Many of the top metal guitarists are also classical guitarists, incidentally. I'll check out Nightwish. Thanks for the note! Cheers, Allen
A%
🖤🖤🧡🖤
Needs more catpaw.... 😄
All jokes aside it was a great lesson maestro
Thanks!
Ha! Now i finally know why my cat is not a good guitar player : )
Great lesson. But heavy metal is not beautiful music? I don´t agree. Beauty is in listener ears. As a music teacher told me, noise is everything I don´t want to hear, so noise could be even classical music.
+Miguel Barahona Fair enough! Cheers, Allen
+Miguel Barahona Indeed!
Miguel Barahona Nah, I don't subscribe to this notion that music is all subjective and it depends on what the listener gets out of it.
People can learn to love noise, but that doesn't mean the noise is no longer noise.
Sam Eash, ok respect your comment. But my ears decide what is noise and what is music, and your ears do their job too, so, it´s the same definition of noise I mentioned before.
Miguel Barahona I think tradition decides what the standard for objective aesthetics is. Although I will grant a certain relativism in the sense that not all cultures have the western tradition. Their own tradition is their standard for beauty in those cases.
Excellent video. But I can see that you are ignorant about music. The same was said of bebop jazz; it was said that the bebop was speed without sense and not a beautiful music. The metal is so diverse that you can not even imagine that there is Neoclassical metal in addition to other styles of metal where it is played fast or slow. Perhaps you could study the works of Paganini, Chopin, Listz, Rachmaninov and erase your prejudices
Sir, please do cut down yer over-talking...Say, making yer explanation more precise...And avoiding too many technical stuffs...😁🙏
Is everyone in classical music a pompous ass, I literally never hear other styles of music bashing others, classical is not the pinnacle of intelligence, the fact that hardly 12 people listen to NPR is a fair good example... I thought I’d like to learn the style, but I’m not sure I can handle the attitude of the people... Is guitar even a classical instrument, I mean the orchestra doesn’t hand out invites.... Does being able to play with precision exceptionally fast mean you’re a better player, yeah it does, of course lol...