Classical Guitar Technique Fundamentals

Years ago, I went to a classical guitar technique workshop by Solo Duo, which consists of two amazing Italian guitarists, Lorenzo Micheli and Matteo Mela.

As they began their technique workshop, I was on the edge of my seat.

What would these amazing virtuosos share?

They started to talk about pima and amip. And went on to talk about 1234 and 4321.

At first, I was disappointed that they were talking about such basic topics.

But because they’re such amazing players, I leaned in and paid attention.

And even though I had been studying classical guitar for 20 years at the time of this workshop, I still learned from it.

So these are the topics I usually start with when I talk to anyone about classical guitar technique fundamentals.

You may feel disappointed by the simplicity of these topics, but if you apply these insights from SoloDuo, I believe you will find them as valuable as I have.

1. pima

Pretty much everything the right hand does in classical guitar is a variation of pima or amip. So if we understand the technique for these two patterns, it will help any classical guitar playing we do.

We will start with p (thumb), i (index), m (middle), a (ring finger).

For pima, we will plant the i,m,a fingers on the strings as a group.

So as p plucks a bass string, we plant ima on the trebles. i plays. m plays. Then as a plays, we plant p again.

This sounds simple, and 95% of guitar students I work with think they are doing this.

But they’re not.

So try it on the guitar, while watching your right hand carefully (ideally using a mirror or phone selfie cam).

Make sure that ima fingers are on the strings immediately as p plays. And make sure p is on the string immediately as a plays.

If you can do this consistently, every right-hand technique that is a variation of pima can be played more accurately.

2. amip

With amip, we will plant each finger as the previous finger plays.

As a plays, plant m.

As m plays, plant i.

As i plays, plant p.

As p plays, plant a.

Again, 95% of guitar students think they are doing this, but they’re not.

So try it on the guitar, and watch in a mirror or selfie cam to make sure each finger is on the string immediately as the previous finger plays.

If you can do this consistently, every right-hand technique that is a variation of amip can be played more accurately.

3. 1234

Now let’s turn our attention to the left hand.

Pretty much anything the left hand does is a variation of 1234 or 4321.

So let’s examine each.

When playing 1234, start with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers each hovering close above the fret to be played.

Drop each finger in place as you pluck with the right hand.

Again, it is important to be precise.

The finger should be above the exact spot it will play, not half an inch to one side.

You don’t need a mirror for this one, but you do need to stare at your left hand to make sure your fingers are exactly above where they will play.

4. 4321

When playing 4321, start with all fingers on the string and exactly in the right place for the note to sound good.

This means that each finger is just behind the fret wire.

This can be tested by watching the left hand but also by listening and noticing if any note buzzes.

You take the 4th finger off the string exactly when you pluck the string with the right hand to sound the 3^rd finger note.

You take the 3rd finger off the string exactly when you pluck the string to sound the 2^nd finger note.

And so on.

Is this all there is to classical guitar technique?

Of course not.

But if you master what we have discussed today, you will advance much more quickly in all other aspects of classical guitar technique.

If you're interested in going deeper in classical guitar technique fundamentals, I'm offering a live Zoom workshop on this topic on Saturday, November 22 at 2pm Eastern US time.

We will delve into the details of scale playing, arpeggio playing, slur playing, tremolo, and rasqueado.

More info can be found here.

If you're interested in signing up but unsure whether you can attend live, don’t worry. If you sign up, you will get access to the replay recording.

Here is the link for more info.

 Keep making music!