Why You Should Want To Be Like Segovia

There was a time when it seemed that everyone in the classical guitar world wanted to be like Andrés Segovia. To imitate his technique. His fingerings. His tone. His interpretation. EVERYTHING about him.

And there were good reasons for this. Segovia was a visionary who convinced a generation of composers to write music for guitar. To arrange music for guitar. He took classical guitar to a new level and earned respect in the top concert halls of the world. He connected with a broad audience. He refined technique and tone production and fingering. He made bold and innovative interpretive choices in a way that captivated the listener. He inspired several generations of classical guitarists through his master classes.

And then came the backlash. Many guitarists started rebelling against Segovia’s dogmatic attitude. If a student came to a masterclass and ignored Segovia’s fingerings, Segovia might kick them out of the masterclass. Segovia communicated to aspiring guitarists that his way was the only way.

In response, some guitarists and teachers went out of their way to do the opposite of Segovia. To make it clear that they were not standing in his shadow or seeking to emulate him.

I think most classical guitarists today have arrived at a healthier attitude. A place of learning from Segovia without blindly accepting all he did. Or blindly ignoring him.

I think, however, that the classical guitar world’s relationship with Segovia illustrates a broader point. How do aspiring musicians relate to the great legends? How do we learn from what they did without merely copying them?

I would suggest that this involves balancing two things: principles and personalities.

There is much that can be learned from personalities. Like Segovia. But there is also much that can be learned from principles.

Principles

Principles are truths that apply in a variety of contexts. Fixed points that we can anchor our learning around.

In guitar technique, alignment of the wrist and curvature of the fingers are examples of ergonomic principles that can guide other elements of technical development.

But it is difficult to apply principles without seeing someone who puts them into practice.

Personalities

This is where personalities come in. We connect with people. It is easier to follow a person than a list of dos and don’ts. It is useful to emulate the many good qualities of an amazing guitarist like Segovia.

At the same time, you want to make sure you’re not emulating a great guitarist’s one bad habit. Or an element of their playing that is misunderstood. For example, generations of guitarists emulated the curvature of Segovia’s right wrist. If you look at some pictures, it appears that his right wrist is extremely deviated.

segovia curved wrist

Based on the principle of alignment of joints, this seems like a bad habit. But I believe it is partly a misunderstanding. If you watch videos of Segovia’s playing, he did not keep the wrist extremely deviated at all times.

Inevitably, though, Segovia did have bad habits. Things we don’t want to emulate. And this is why I suggest that we need to balance our imitation of him or any other great guitarist with our knowledge of principles.

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you.

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