Classical Guitar to a reasonable level in a year...

Zapp Brannigan

Can it be done?

The deal is, I'm doing Music in Maynooth and I have to do a practical at the end of the year (2 pieces and sight-reading) but the thing is my primary instrument, bass, isn't accepted
So I've chosen to take some Classical Guitar lessons but I'm wondering whether it would be too tall of an order to take on while balancing bass, work and college stuff?

Any advice?

It wasn't me!

No, you could do it easily enough. You have the mechanical skills down from bass to be honest, so it'll be small adjustments. I think you'd be fine.

ron-burgandy

Completely off topic but what's music in maynooth like? are you doing music or music tech?

I'm thinking of putting it down on my CAO

Zapp Brannigan

Well I've only been doing it 2 weeks. Im doin Music through Arts. Tis grand, though a massive emphasis on classical and theory.

stevejazzx

Slurms wrote:

Can it be done?

The deal is, I'm doing Music in Maynooth and I have to do a practical at the end of the year (2 pieces and sight-reading) but the thing is my primary instrument, bass, isn't accepted
So I've chosen to take some Classical Guitar lessons but I'm wondering whether it would be too tall of an order to take on while balancing bass, work and college stuff?

Any advice?

What grade are you supposed to achieve in a year?
Are you a guitarist normally aswell as a bassist or is this a whole new transition.
Classical guitar is a world away from bass being bassist will at least give you some grouding.
Start well. Choose a decent instrument with good action, machine heads and one that tunes well.
Grade 1-3 are easy enough (can you read music?) achievable from scrath within a year I'd say with good work.

From grade 4 onwards you'll experience problems as techniques are introduced properly.
Arpeggiate through chords for practice to get your fingers moving PIMA style.
Grow nails and use nail strentener, this is essential.
Spend time getting your posture right, starting off poorly leads to all kinds of problems.
Don't play scales with your thumb only. Use an alternating picking between your index and middle fingers.
Listen to Julian Bream(optional)

Good Luck

Zapp Brannigan

Had my first lesson today, but didnt have a guitar! I just talked with my teacher. He gave me a list of stuff to buy (including a guitar!), seems cool. It'll be hard but I reckons it'll be worth it.

Anyone wanna reccomend me a decent guitar on Thomann circa 200-400?

It wasn't me!

http://www.chrisguitars.com/esteve-gr07.jpg

if you could stretch the budget a little, that's a lovely deal.

Zapp Brannigan

Well I do need it fairly sharpish, and I don't think Chris would be the route to go for that! :P

stevejazzx

Get an Alvaro
You can pick up the entry for around 400 in Perfect Pitch in town

Sinfonia

i'm sort of in the same boat for my 3rd yr in music in ucd,
what i want to know is do you think it would be possible to complete all of the grades for classical guitar (there's 8, yes?) by may/june

i've played guitar for around 7 years, but have rarely dabbled in classical performance

the recital would be 30 mins of playing, no sight reading or anything like that...

is it a lost cause?

It wasn't me!

Nope, try grade 6, should be handy enough, then go for grade 8. You shouldn't be overly stretched after so long playing anyway.

Sinfonia

It wasn't me! wrote:

Nope, try grade 6, should be handy enough, then go for grade 8. You shouldn't be overly stretched after so long playing anyway.

thanks for the reply,
forgive my ignorance but does that mean i can just choose any aul' grade i wish, without having to do them all?

It wasn't me!

Yeah, you just book yourself for an exam, and if you pick up a few grade 6 or 8 pieces to try out, should be fine.