The classical guitar is a fretted instrument fitted with six nylon strings tuned to E A D G B E. (Note: this is the normal tuning for the classical guitar) The instrument is played with the fingers and fingernails. The fingernails should be trimmed and shaped correctly to get the best sound from the instrument. Because of the great range and variety of tone, the classical guitar is an ideal instrument for the solo performer. This is also possibly one of the reasons why the classical guitar is such a popular instrument.

The guitar has probably been in existence for thousands of years. The early guitars were however different in construction, and it was not until about the middle of the eighteenth century that the guitar started to resemble the modern classical guitar. This guitar had six strings, but was much smaller, and hence quieter than a modern instrument. By the end of the 19th. century, the classical guitar as we know it today had been developed, from an instrument suited to playing in the parlour, to one suitable for the concert hall. Although the classical guitar had been popular in the past, it was not until the second half of the 20th. century that the classical guitar became very popular. Today there are a large number of guitarists, teachers and guitar makers worldwide. With many guitar magazines and journals being published every year. Also there are many societies and organizations worldwide devoted to the guitar and in particular the classical guitar. (For more information see the classical guitar links page.)