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Slovenian classical guitar Duo Aratik with Jure Cerkovnik & Aljaž Cvirn perform the Gigue from French Suite No. 5, BWV 816 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Recorded by Uros Baric and Baros Records. This comes via the Omni Foundation and their Youtube channel (go subscribe). Amazing ensemble playing by Duo Aratik with stunning rhythmic accuracy and motivic attention.

The post Duo Aratik Perform Gigue from French Suite, BWV 816 by Bach first appeared on This is Classical Guitar.

Evangelina Mascardi and Ariel Abramovich perform Contrapunto sobre tenor de la Baxa from Libro IV de Silva de Sirenas (Valladolid 1547) by Enríquez de Valderrábano (c.1500-1557). Performed on a vihuela baxa by Marcus Wesche and vihuela alto by Francisco Hervás. This comes via Abramovich’s excellent YouTube channel (go subscribe). Great to see two of my favourite players come together for a duet. Charming performance filled with a beautiful rhythmic delivery and the wonderful plucky sound of two vihuelas.

The post Mascardi & Abramovich Perform Valderrábano first appeared on This is Classical Guitar.

Italian classical guitarist Cristina Galietto performs a concert including repertoire by Johann Kaspar Mertz, Francisco Tarrega, and Franz Schubert. This comes via Siccas Guitars and their YouTube channel where you can read about the four Siccas Luthier guitars being played. Excellent performances by Galietto filled with so much character, intricate articulations, and beautiful phrasing.

• Programme
• 00:00 Intro
• 00:21 Unruhe by Johan Kasper Mertz
• 02:12 Fantasia (On Themes from La Traviata) by Francisco Tarrega
• 09:22 Ave Maria by Franz Schubert

The post Cristina Galietto Classical Guitar Concert first appeared on This is Classical Guitar.

A lesson on deciding right hand fingering for arpeggio patterns over five or six strings in both ascending and descending situations on classical guitar. This is from my book: Right Hand Fingering for Classical Guitar: Concepts and Case Studies. This book aims to give students a basic criteria for justifying fingering choices and gaining confidence in deciding fingering for themselves. The combination of concepts and case studies offers a framework for approaching fingering in both logical and musical ways. Here’s the Youtube link if you want to watch it there.

This video covers Examples No.26-29 from the book (Page 17-20).

Video Lesson Times

• 00:00 Intro
• 1:45 Ascending 5 Strings
• 5:25 Ascending 6 Strings
• 9:53 Descending 5 Strings
• 15:16 Descending 6 Strings

The post Right Hand Fingering Concepts: Playing Across 5 & 6 Strings  first appeared on This is Classical Guitar.

Question: How can I improve my slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs) on classical guitar?

Answer Summary: Improving your slurs should begin with a review and examination of good guitar positioning and left hand hand alignment followed by accuracy and relaxation exercises. Once those topics have been reviewed and improved, the light reflex-oriented motion needed for slurs (hammer-ons and pull-offs) can be accomplished at higher levels. Let’s explore what’s needed in more detail.

See my full lesson on slurs: Slurs on the Classical Guitar

Slur Lesson

The first thing we’ll do is just look at a lesson video covering some exercises with slurs in case you need some general tips on playing slurs.

Guitar Position + Left Hand Alignment

A proper left hand position is absolutely necessary to play slurs.

The five main tips for beginners:

• Left wrist is straight (gentle arch), not over-extended
• Left palm and knuckles are parallel with the strings
• Left hand thumb is vertical and behind 2nd finger
• Left hand fingers are curved and on fingertips
• Left hand fingers play very close to the fret

Here are some lessons you should check out.

• Classical Guitar Position (How to Sit and Hold the Guitar)
• Left Hand Position for Classical Guitar

Relaxation and Accuracy

Having a relaxed and accurate left hand is also necessary to playing slurs. Consider the following three points which are also connected to playing with speed.

• Economy of motion is the act of eliminating unneeded movements. Keeping your fingers close to the strings and preparing your fingers directly over the frets increases efficiency.
• Accuracy is self-explanatory but should not be overlooked. Placing your fingers close to the frets allows you to play with less pressure and tension.
• Relaxation enables you to access reflexes connected to your body’s natural ergonomic movements. Focus on slow, accurate playing and relaxation. Allow speed to come naturally as a result of good practice.

Some lessons to explore:

• Left Hand Tension and Relaxation Lesson
• Speed and Relaxation

Slur Exercises & Technique Book

Check out my book Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, and Arpeggios. The 122 page book includes: Practice Routines, Tips, 100 Open String Exercises, 120 Giuliani Arpeggios, Scales, Slur Exercises, Shifts, Finger Independence, Barre, Tremolo, Common Harmonics, and much more.

Questions & Support

If you need clarification on this particular Q&A please leave a comment below. For new and existing questions please visit the main Classical Guitar Q&A page. If you are enjoying the free Q&As you can support the site here.

The post How can I improve my slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs) on classical guitar? first appeared on This is Classical Guitar.