CLASSICAL GUITAR

The first to have made its appearance on the musical scene was the Classical Guitar, also known as the Spanish Guitar, Concert Guitar, or Finger-Style Guitar.

The name "Classical Guitar" does not imply that the instrument is suitable only for classical music. Rather, it derives from its enduring interest and value, from being in the first rank of instruments, not from any specific association with a particular type of music.

The Classical Guitar is an excellent solo accompaniment instrument, whether it be played in a concert hall for a large audience or in the intimacy of one's own study room for the sole benefit and enjoyment of the performer.

This instrument is not suitable for playing rhythm in the modern dance band type of orchestra where great volume is required. It is a highly expressive instrument, at its best where sustained harmonies, richness, and variety of tone are the qualities most sought.

THE PLECTRUM GUITAR

The second type of guitar does not have a set descriptive name to distinguish it from the Classical Guitar. It is sometimes called the Plectrum Guitar, Pick-Style Guitar, American jazz Guitar, or Rhythm Guitar.

The Plectrum Guitar is specially constructed to withstand the tremendous tension of its six steel strings, which are tuned the same way as the Classical Guitar. An oval or triangular shaped plectrum (pick) of tortoise shell or similar material, held between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, is used to sound the strings.

The Plectrum Guitar is excellent as a rhythm instrument, working as is customary, with bass and drums to set the beat of the modern or dance orchestra. It produces a brilliant, rather metallic tone, which, in addition to being suitable for rhythm section work, is also used by "western style" and "hillbilly" singers in playing simple accompaniments. The harmonic combinations and range of the concert music are not available on the Plectrum Guitar. This type of guitar is usually used with one or more instruments when playing an accompaniment or solo.

Coppell Conservatory guitar teaching staff offer the following advise to anyone interested in learning to play the guitar:

• Do not rush through the process of learning; take time to experience the thrill of truly playing the instrument.

• As any other worthwhile accomplishment, learning to play the guitar requires time and effort.

• Give yourself time to "grow" to the guitar. This is a gradual process. Students, who try to hurry the process by attempting difficult phases of technique without proper gradual development, will find learning the guitar an arduous task.

• The most productive and compensating effort is the one directed toward establishing thoughtful practice habits and applying them regularly.

• The speed of a student's progress depends, to a great extent, upon the amount of careful daily practice. Still, it takes time to develop the mind and muscles for playing this responsive instrument. So, resolve now to be patient.

• Cultivate the enjoyment of knowing that you have studied and practiced well, of being aware that you are becoming acquainted with one of the most beautiful and personal of instruments and its music.

Interested individuals often ask which type of guitar is most difficult to play. Coppell Conservatory guitar staff, having studied both types, find it impossible to say positively which is ultimately the more difficult. Each type presents its individual challenges, especially as the student reaches the more advanced stages of playing.

The difficulty involved in playing either type of guitar depends entirely upon the extent of the student's aspirations. It is comparatively easy to play simple chords or melodies using either type, but several years of serious study are required to become an accomplished guitarist using either one.

For beginning students the Classical Guitar is likely more rewarding and actually easier to play. Melodic and full sounding short solos may be played after only a few hours of good study. The reason is that the Classical Guitar, played with the thumb and fingers of the right hand, permits the execution of widely spaced harmonies of two or more notes simultaneously. It is easier to play because the strings of the Classical Guitar are softer and more flexible than are steel strings, resulting in less irritation of the left fingertips.

Which instrument is more difficult to play is a relatively unimportant question. The first consideration for a student is which type of guitar will bring the most personal satisfaction and will more fully satisfy the individual's taste.