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Classical Guitars

The classical (or spanish) guitar is a chordophone charachterised by nylon strings which are plucked rather than played with a plectrum, although like all styles of guitar playing the player can please themselves in an effort to coax pleasing tones and melodies from their instruments. The classical guitar is popular in classical, jazz, folk and fusion music, although it has made appearences in genres as diverse as heavy metal and pop from time to time. This instrument is the basis of all modern guitars that we know and love and can trace its origins back at least 5,000 years. We have archeological evidence that instruments surprisingly similar in appearence were played in ancient times, but it was not until the middle ages that an instrument we would recognise immediately as a classical instrument began to emerge. The Guitarra Latina had curved sides and was played with three, four or five strings, and it is thought to have come to Spain from elsewhere in Europe. The Guitarra Morisca was brought to Spain by the Moors, and had an oval soundbox and many sound holes on its soundboard.

By the fifteenth century, four double-string guitars, similar to lutes, became popular, and by the sixteenth century, a fifth double-string had been added. Now we begin to see an instrument that resembles the modern classical guitar. During this time, composers wrote mostly in tablature notation. Italy was the center of guitar world during the 17th century, and the Spanish school of guitar making only began to flourish late in the 18th century after the addition of the sixth string. During the 19th century, improved communication and transportation enabled performers to travel widely and the classical guitar became a widely known instrument. The repertoire of the classical guitar player can be wide and varied, but when referring to traditional pieces it does not only include music written specifically for the classical guitar but also music that was written for far earlier versions of the instrument such as the lute and the vihuela. The classical guitar is the result of thousands of years of evolution, and the classical guitar also has the honour of being the progenitor of all modern guitars including the acoustic, electric and bass guitars.


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Apex Music
Apex Music
The Guitar specialists of Berkshire where service and back up facilities are second to none. Our aim is to give you, the customer a reliable, competitive and trouble free ordering and delivery...
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music is one of the longest serving music retailers in the U.K., established in 1899 in Warrington in the North West of England. Over many successful years of trading Dawsons...
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music is one of the longest serving music retailers in the U.K., established in 1899 in Warrington in the North West of England. Over many successful years of trading Dawsons...
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music is one of the longest serving music retailers in the U.K., established in 1899 in Warrington in the North West of England. Over many successful years of trading Dawsons...
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music
Dawsons Music is one of the longest serving music retailers in the U.K., established in 1899 in Warrington in the North West of England. Over many successful years of trading Dawsons...
Fairdeal Music
Fairdeal Music
Birmingham's Largest & Most Loved Independent Music Megastore. We Stock A Massive SelectionOf Electric & Acoustic Guitars , Drums, Brass, Woodwind,...
Play Record
Play Record
Spanish Guitar Centre
Spanish Guitar Centre
The Spanish Guitar Centre was founded in 1954 by  Jazz and classical guitarist Michael Watson, a student of Andres Segovia. Chris Gilbert has now run the centre for more than 25 years. ...
The Guitar Works
The Guitar Works
The Guitar Works is a specialist supplier of Guitars and guitar-related products. We cater for everyone from the beginner to working professional. Our store in the heart of Reading, provides a...
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