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.
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.