What Is Classical Guitar?

The other day I told a group of non-musicians that I play and teach classical guitar. They had a lot of questions. What’s classical guitar? What does that even mean?

For someone who has played classical guitar for a long time, this may seem obvious. “I know it when I see it."

But for those newer to classical guitar, it's quite confusing.

Here are four of the main things that define classical guitar:

Nylon-string instrument

The instrument itself is designed for playing with nylon strings instead of steel strings. The classical guitar usually has a slotted headstock and wider fretboard than a guitar designed for steel strings.

Fingerstyle playing instead of pick playing

Someone playing classical guitar is using the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers of their right hand to pluck the strings rather than plucking with a pick.

Solo guitar

I don't mean playing a solo to Freebird or something like that. I mean that someone playing classical guitar is using the fingerstyle approach, which allows one guitarist to play melody, harmony, and bass at the same time on one instrument. This is like combining the three roles guitar plays in a rock band (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and bass guitar) on one instrument.

Classical repertoire

Someone playing classical guitar is usually playing what is called classical music. This does not just mean music from the classical period (roughly 1750-1825) but any "classical music", ranging from Bach to Mozart to Sor to Tarrega, etc.

Of course, the above four elements are not all used at the same time by every player, which makes things more complicated. Using all four at once would be a clear example of classical guitar. But what if some elements are present but not others?

The first three elements are fairly simple to discern. But defining classical repertoire is a bit murkier. Most classical guitarists would agree that Andrew York and Roland Dyens are classical guitarists. But their compositions sound like jazz and pop. So the lines become blurred.

Is Matteo Mancuso a classical guitarist because he uses fingerstyle technique in the right hand and plays solo guitar? I would say no because he plays electric guitar and plays rock and jazz repertoire.

Is Willie Nelson a classical guitarist because he plays on a nylon-string guitar? I would say no because he does not play fingerstyle, plays with a contemporary band instead of playing solo guitar, and plays country music repertoire.

So is the point of this discussion to get upset and argue about where the lines are? That's not my intent. Though I welcome your opinions.

Or is the point of this so we can be snobby and look down on those who are not classical guitarists? Not for me.

My goal is to enjoy making beautiful music and help other people do the same. Hopefully, this helps those who were confused.