Classical Guitar Lessons in San Diego


"I have played various instruments during my life and always wanted to play classical guitar. I looked for an instructor for a long time and finally was introduced to Joe Amato. He had excellent credentials plus a very patient personality in addition to being an excellent guitarist. He always seems to know what I need next and stresses having fun with it. I have surpassed what I felt I could do in a year and a half and I am having a great time. I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn various guitar styles or improve their present perfomance and abilities. I always look forward to my next lesson." - Gerry McCracken
Many of the world’s greatest guitarists, regardless of the style for which they are known, were classically trained.

By studying the classical guitar, you can work on many of the aspects fundamental to a thorough knowledge of the instrument, including sight-reading, music theory, timing, and formal technique.

Classical Guitar Techniques…

Instead of plucking the strings with a pick, as in Jazz or Rock guitar, playing classical guitar requires the use of the right hand fingers to sound the guitar strings. These are represented in classical guitar notation by the letters P (thumb), I (index), M (middle), and A (ring), indicating a particular sequence of fingers to be played. A typical classical guitar lesson includes the performance of right hand arpeggio exercises, sightreading practice, and the study of written classical guitar pieces. Many of the techniques used in the performance of classical guitar can provide a solid foundation for the study of other styles, as the nylon string guitar is not only heard in Flamenco, but a host of other Latin Jazz styles, including Bossa Nova, Samba, Tango, and quite a bit of popular music.

Classical Guitar Lessons in San Diego

History of classical guitar

What we now call the classical guitar developed from the medieval lute and flourished throughout the 19th century under the mastery of such composers as Ferdinando Curulli (1770-1841), Fernando Sor (1778-1839), Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829), and Francisco Tarrega (image to right, 1854-1909). The guitar was not considered a "legitimate" instrument at the time, however, and it wasn't until the acclaimed performer Andrés Segovia (1893-1987) brought the classical guitar to international renown that the guitar was put on a par with other "classical" instruments like the violin or cello. Following in Segovia's footsteps, contemporary performers such as John Williams and Christopher Parkening continue to popularize the classical guitar, inspiring thousands to pursue the study of this beautiful instrument.

Music Lessons in San Diego Point Loma area

All Ages and All Levels Welcome!

Lessons are first come, first served. Contact today to arrange your first lesson!