A Free Course from Classical Guitar Corner
The Fundamentals
of Classical Guitar
A free, step-by-step foundation for anyone coming to the classical guitar, whether you are just beginning, returning after years away, or finally ready to fix the habits that have held you back. You go at your own pace, with a clear path to follow.
Free to join. No card required, and no catch.
Why I made this
I am a guitarist, just like you. And I remember exactly what it feels like to want to play this instrument well and to have no real idea where to begin.
The internet is full of classical guitar lessons. Honestly, it is too full. One video tells you one thing, the next tells you another, and you are left stitching together a practice from a dozen different teachers, never quite sure whether any of it fits together.
That scattered, slightly lost feeling is not your fault, and it is certainly not a sign that you lack talent. It is simply what happens when there is no path to follow. So I built one. This free course is the very first stretch of it, and I would love to walk it with you.
What's inside
The foundation everything else is built on
Fundamentals comes before Grade 1 of the Cornerstone Method. We put the pieces in the right order, so that everything you play afterward has something solid to stand on.
Sitting and posture
How to sit and hold the guitar so that playing feels balanced and comfortable, right from the very first session.
Right hand and left hand
Sound position for both hands, so your technique starts on solid ground instead of habits you will have to undo later.
Your first melody
Bring those technical foundations together in real music, and play your first melody properly.
Arpeggios, as duets with me
Practise your arpeggios as duets, playing along to backing tracks I have recorded so you are never playing alone.
Your first solo piece
Put it all together and learn your first solo work, a real piece of music that is yours to keep and enjoy.
You do not need to read music to take this course. You can learn every piece by following along with me. And for those who like to have the score in front of them, every piece comes with both standard notation and TAB, yours to download as PDFs and keep.
Who it's for
Wherever you're starting from
If you are wondering whether it is too late to start, it isn't. Coming to music with more time and life behind you is an advantage, not a disadvantage. This is your obvious first step.
You played years ago and have forgotten more than you would like. You do not need to start from zero. This course helps you rebuild on what is still there, gently and in order.
You can play, but your practice is random and a few bad habits have crept in. Fundamentals gives you the structure to fix what is shaky and build from there.
Your teacher
I'm Simon Powis, and I have been teaching classical guitar online for over fifteen years.
I do have a doctorate from Yale and I have been fortunate enough to perform at places like Carnegie Hall, but I mention that only so you know the teaching rests on real experience, not to impress you. What I genuinely care about is helping you enjoy this instrument and make steady, satisfying progress, one small revelation at a time.
Simon
Trusted by guitarists around the world for over fifteen years.
At 56, I had spent ages jumping between YouTube channels with no clear path, until I found Classical Guitar Corner.
Chris, CGC member
Finding Classical Guitar Corner has been one of the great joys of my life.
Barry, CGC member
Start the free course
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When you're ready for more
This is just the beginning of the path
When you finish the Fundamentals and find yourself wanting to keep going, the full Cornerstone Method, the live coaching, and our community are all waiting for you inside CGC Academy. There is no rush at all. Start here, and see how it feels first.
I do hope you will give it a try. Not everything is for everyone, but if you have read this far, I suspect this might be for you. Come and make a start.
Be inspired, Simon