If i learn both folk and classical guitar would that be beneficial or would it be just confusing?
I already am learning folk guitar, but I kinda want to do classical also. Do you think I could learn both and maybe improve my skills as a guitar player overall or do you think that I would just get confused and start mixing up the techniques and styles?
I teach classical guitar and if my students like listening to it I insist that they learn folk or folkish music like easy rock. In fact, "learn to play what you listen to" is the first rule I tell students when they walk into my studio. Non classical styles are very helpful in the learning process. Folk will be especially helpful in the beginning, if you play it with classical technique. (BTW, classical technique should not sound stuffy. To me, stuffiness is an indication of either poor technique or poor musical taste.)
Just remember, a C is a C no matter what style you’re playing, and a C major chord is a C major chord, etc.
The classical technique will be more strict, so you’ll have to take more time with it, which might take time away from learning other things if your time is restricted; but in the long run the classical technique will allow you to learn much more and more quickly. Think of classical technique as like typing with all your fingers and using the correct fingers, and folky technique is like typing with one finger. When you first start you might be able to type faster with one finger, but in the long run…
I teach classical guitar and if my students like listening to it I insist that they learn folk or folkish music like easy rock. In fact, "learn to play what you listen to" is the first rule I tell students when they walk into my studio. Non classical styles are very helpful in the learning process. Folk will be especially helpful in the beginning, if you play it with classical technique. (BTW, classical technique should not sound stuffy. To me, stuffiness is an indication of either poor technique or poor musical taste.)
Just remember, a C is a C no matter what style you’re playing, and a C major chord is a C major chord, etc.
The classical technique will be more strict, so you’ll have to take more time with it, which might take time away from learning other things if your time is restricted; but in the long run the classical technique will allow you to learn much more and more quickly. Think of classical technique as like typing with all your fingers and using the correct fingers, and folky technique is like typing with one finger. When you first start you might be able to type faster with one finger, but in the long run…
References :
Me:
http://www.myspace.com/matthewjohnfaunce
http://www.youtube.com/matthewjohnfaunce
The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they compliment each other very well. Traditional classical guitar is more formalized and disciplined. Many students who say they want to learn classical actually mean they want to learn more about it and be able to apply it to their playing style. This could also involve learning more about music theory and harmony as well as scales, arpeggios, etc. I strongly recommend getting a good qualified local instructor to help you with these and other concepts.
References :
G.I.T. graduate 35+ years playing/teaching
http://www.youtube.com/user/gtarczar