The classical guitar that we identify with today has a rich history that can be traced back more than 500 years ago. Naturally, guitar music has undergone many changes and embraces many styles. Below are just a few examples.
(Paco de Lucia - flamenco; Metallica - metal; B.B. King - blues; Woody Guthrie - folk; Yamandu - Brazilian; Eliot Fisk - classical)
Today, many classical guitarists go beyond their traditional backgrounds to incorporate other musical styles into their own music. As a result, one should understand that “classical guitar” is an ever-expanding term; it will continue to evolve and change with each generation of new guitarists.
This study guide contains varied musical examples. Not all examples are performed on the guitar, but in music, it is often helpful and useful to observe differences and similarities and to compare and contrast.
The materials presented in these pages can barely begin to represent the history and culture surrounding the classical guitar. One will almost always find tradition in the classical guitar, but as musicians and creative persons, the classical guitar will continue to develop in new and exciting ways.