Classical Guitar
Although the precise origins of the classical guitar are open to debate, there is plenty of evidence of the
existence of similar instruments dating back as early as 5000 years ago. The idea of a hollow body with
tensed strings anchored between two points is seen in many instruments, including the violin family, sitar,
piano and harp; they all use the string’s vibrations to resonate the body and produce sounds. However,
because the guitar is fretted, it allows pitch-perfect chords to be played over six strings, which differentiates
it from the unfretted (and often bowed) violin family. The guitar as we know it today started to take shape
during the Renaissance and Baroque period, when it was used mainly as an accompaniment. Cousins of the
guitar are the mandolin, balalaika, banjo and lute. There are enough similarities between these instruments
to relate them all, but to give a guitar a unique definition, it would be a six-string, fretted instrument tuned
between low E (a thirteenth below Middle C) and the E two octaves above. Of course – these are merely the
open-string tunings. Notes approaching two octaves above this are achievable through fretting. This tuning
allows the guitar’s whole range to be represented on the treble clef, albeit with three ledger lines for the
lowest notes.
Playing the classical guitar
The classical guitar is played in the seated position, the curvy shape of the body helping to keep it steady by
resting on the thigh. Right-handed players fret with their left hand and pluck with their right, and the highest
toned strings are nearest to the ground. If a purely rhythmic sound is required, the guitar can be played using
a plectrum strummed across all or some of the strings; the plectrum can also be used to pick out monophonic
melodies. More expert players will use their fingers, however. This allows very complex tunes to be played,
with bass notes and melodies plating simultaneous. In the hands of a true virtuoso, it can sound to the
untrained ear like several musicians are playing at once. Chords can still be played with the fingers, either
by simultaneously plucking multiple strings with various fingers or stroking the strings and taking advantage
of the instrument’s sustain. Playing with the fingernails gives a sharp, almost rasping sound, whereas
playing with the soft front of the finger gives a softer tone.
Composers of classical guitar music
The rich history of the guitar and its forebears means that many composers have written music that can be
played on a modern guitar with some degree of success. J.S. Bach is perhaps the most well known, and his
many pieces written for the lute and even the cello and violin have found their way onto the classical
guitarist’s repertoire. Bach was predated by Dowland and Narvaez, and his contemporary Scarlatti wrote
some enduring music that works well on the guitar. In more modern times, Villa-Lobos, Rodrigo and
Segovia have written music specifically to be played on the guitar, and Stanley Myers’ classical guitar
theme tune to The Deer Hunter proved to be hugely popular.
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