XPost: rec.music.classical.guitar, rec.answers 
 From: jpweage@mtu.edu 
  
 Archive-Name: music/classical/guitar/faq 
 Posting-Frequency: monthly 
  
 rec.music.classical.guitar Frequently Asked Questions 
  
 RMCG-FAQ Edition 5    7th November 1994 
  
 Edited by Joshua Weage (jpweage@mtu.edu). 
 Major contributions and many thanks go to Chris Goodwin 
 who was the prior maintainer of this FAQ. Stuart LeBlanc 
 who has contributed much to the playing technique section 
 of the FAQ.  Len Frazier who has in fact written about half 
 of this FAQ. Brian Egras compiled the list of music, 
 composers and personalities in the classical guitar world. 
 Other peoples contributions have come directly from the 
 news group letters. 
  
 To find the answer to a listed question, search forward with the 
 search parameter 'A*.*' where *.* refers to the number of the 
 question. 
  
 A cross by a question number indicates that there is no answer for it. 
 If you feel you could write a good answer, please do and send it to me and 
 I'll add it. If you would like to add a question, tell me about it. It 
 won't appear if you don't tell me about it. 
 Any spelling mistakes, errors, and out-right fallacies you notice should be 
 brought to my attention please!  Anyone who would like to help compile 
 a more complete FAQ is welcome to, and if you have any comments 
 please tell me. The answers given are not written in granite, and if you 
 feel you can write a better answer, please do so and send it to me. 
  
 Here goes... 
  
 Section 1 - Beginners Corner 
  
 1.1   What distinguishes a classical guitar, and a classical guitarist? 
 1.2   I want to start playing and need a guitar. Which sort (Quick guide 
  to buying a guitar)? 
 1.3   How do I start to learn (teacher or book)? 
 1.4   How do I find a teacher? 
 1.5   What are the good books? 
 1.6   Should I learn tab or 'proper' music notation? 
 1.7   What is a good sample of classical guitar music that someone who 
 doesn't 
  know much about it should listen to? 
 1.8   Where can I get sheet music, strings and other accessories? 
 1.9x  I'm new to classical guitar - what pieces can I play? 
 1.10  How do I tune my guitar? 
 1.11  Where can I find classical guitar music (TAB and notation) on the net? 
 1.12x What is the difference between an A-frame and a footstool? 
 1.13x Who is a good teacher in my area? 
  
  
 Section 2 - Strings and other problems 
  
 2.1  What are the best strings for me? 
 2.2  How do I take care of my nails? 
 2.3  How do I prevent my nails from breaking? 
 2.4  How do I repair my nails? 
 2.5  How can I quickly memorize a piece? 
 2.6  How much should I practice (Also: My fingers hurt!)? 
 2.7  How do I avoid RSI, carpel tunnel syndrome, etc? 
 2.8  You know that piece in the advert for ... , what is it? 
 2.9  I'm taking my guitar on an aeroplane, to the antartic, then to the 
          Saraha desert, and then to the moon. How do I protect it? 
 2.10 Who are the composers and performers for the classical guitar? 
 2.11 What are the differences between classical guitar and flamenco guitar? 
 2.12 Can anyone recommend some flamenco music to listen to? 
 2.13 How do I learn to sight read? 
  
 ANSWERS 
 ======= 
  
 A1.1  What distinguishes a classical guitar and a classical guitarist? 
  
  A classical guitar has some specific features in its anatomy. 
 It has six strings with the treble strings made of nylon and the 
 bass strings made from nylon wrapped in brass wire. The body is 
 symmetrical ie. no cut-outs at the higher frets and is made of wood. 
 There are no electronics involved, so no pickups - volume comes from simple 
 resonance in the guitar body. 
  
  A classical guitarist is more than someone who simply plays 
 a classical repetoire. The way the guitar is played is also important. 
 Essentially, a classical guitarist plays by plucking the strings 
 with his right hand fingers and thumb - strumming is a special effect, and 
 no pick is ever used. There are other strong recommendations on the general 
 posture of the entire body and guitar for classical guitarists that 
 distinguish them from other guitarists. 
  
 A1.2  I want to start playing the guitar and to buy one. Which guitar 
  should I buy? (A quick guide to buying a guitar)? 
  
  If you are a complete beginner then I don't suggest you go out and 
 buy a guitar worth hundreds or thousands, but I guess you don't 
 need telling. On the other hand, some cheap guitars are really 
 awful - so here is how to try and tell the difference between a 
 bargain and a bad banjo. 
  
  The price of a guitar is largely determined by the woods 
 used in its construction - cheap guitar bodies are made from plywood 
 or laminates. As the price increases woods such as rosewoods, cedar 
 and spruce will be encountered. These latter woods will also 
 age well, with the sound of the guitar improving with time, unlilke the 
 cheaper variety which are at their best when new. As a beginner, 
 there is little harm in buying a plywood guitar - as long as it 
 fits some other criterion... 
  
  In general, the guitar should be solid with no loose 
 bits inside - giving the guitar a small shake will determine this. 
 The guitar's neck should be straight. This can be checked by sighting 
 along its length. Good fret work can also be checked at this 
 time by running your fingers along the edge of each side of the 
 neck. Each fret position will need checking to make sure that there 
 is no buzzing of strings on poor frets. Do this simply by playing 
 a note at every single fret position on the board, ensuring 
 you place a your finger close behind each fret when you do so. 
 The action of a guitar (the height of the strings above the 
 fret board) is down to personal choice, but it is recommended 
 that you pick a guitar with low action (strings near the 
 fingerboard) as this will make fretting easier. 
  Do not buy a steel string guitar and replace the strings 
 with nylon ones. There are two main reasons for this. Classical 
 guitars are less rigid than steel strung ones, allowing the 
 strings to vibrate the wood more, producing better sound 
 quality. Secondly, steel string guitars tend to have necks which 
 vary in width. A classical guitar should be 2-1/8" across over its 
 entire length - you'll need the width to correctly finger both 
 the left and right hands. 
  Japanese makes, such as Yamaha, Takamine and 
 Rodriguez are cheap and quite cheerful, usually being perfectly 
 adequate for beginners. It is only after some months/years practice 
 that you may want to spend the money on an instrument where 
 the tone is something very important to you. 
  One overall guideline is this: take someone who 
 is experienced in guitars with you. For example, a tutor (if 
 you have one) or a friend who has been playing classical guitar 
 for several years. Tutors may also be able to show 
  
 [continued in next message] 
  
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