New player asking for advice

[u/Gaming_garmr]

Hi y'all, I got this guitar a couple weeks back and I'm feeling a bit lost I wasn't planning on getting it, but when I had the chance to get it for $5, I took it. I've always wanted to learn electric and acoustic. I honestly didn't know that classical was it's own thing until after I got it. Do you guys have any recommendations for free or cheap one-time-purchase lessons? Is the fingernail thing as big of a deal as it seams? Any pitfalls I should worry about? Anything helps. I really want to learn

[u/ComfortableAerie4101]

If you want to consider classical style guitar, this is a great source for free lessons.

https://www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/lessons/

[u/Gaming_garmr → u/ComfortableAerie4101]

Thank you Honestly, I feel like I'm too stupid for this, so I'll probably take it somewhere and see about a trade in for an acoustic or electric I don't think my hands are big enough for this

[u/Chemstick]

You can just learn regular chord strumming on a classical too. There’s no rule against it. Lol

You also don’t need to grow out your fingernails unless you’re going to take it really seriously. It’ll be quieter but you can play finger style with just your finger pads.

I mostly play modern music now but started on a classical, I like the sound of nylon strings and it’s much easier on your fingers.

[u/Less_Log3695 → u/Chemstick]

You don't need to grow out your fingernails even if you're taking it really seriously.

[u/zungozeng → u/Chemstick]

I am playing finger picking Trevor style a lot on my classical guitar. I find it awesome sounding. I play that perhaps more often than some classical pieces.. BC it is fun.

[u/Chemstick → u/zungozeng]

Yeah its like, dude there are no rules, just do what you want. If you want to learn classical, you gotta do the classical stuff, but you don't have to play classical because you got gifted a classical guitar.

[u/zungozeng → u/Chemstick]

Agreed! I also actually don't like to call it "classical guitar", just "acoustic". But, it's a label I guess.

[u/Chemstick → u/zungozeng]

Yeah, there's some utility in using it to distinguish from a steel string guitar, but I agree, its just a guitar. Its a tool, use it to have fun and make cool stuff. If that's "classical," great! If it's something else that's fine too.

[u/PM_Me_Yer_Guitar → u/Chemstick]

I started on a classical- was learning Nirvana on my Mom's '72 Yamaha. My love for classical guitar didn't come until later in life- not that I'm amazing at it or anything.

I find myself constantly gravitating towards the classical for casual playing all the time. Need to learn a new song for a group of musicians I'm jamming with? Get the classical. Just want to noodle? Classical.

It's my comfort guitar. Doesn't hurt that it's a beautiful sounding guitar though.

u/Gaming_garmr- learn what you want to learn. A classical is an excellent place to start, no matter the style. My only advice is to have fun, be casual about it. If you get frustrated, take a break. Don't let guitar be a chore or a task- make it a reward.

[u/waffle299]

Sky Guitar on YouTube is great for learning a few pieces. Stick to one or two star pieces.

[u/MelancholyGalliard]

Does your city have a university or a conservatory with classical guitar classes? If so, there are good chances that some students give lessons to make some extra money, and they could be flexible in meeting your needs. You don’t need to decide now if you want to focus 100% on the classical guitar: as a beginner, just start to learn the fretboard, how to read music, some chords, scales and arpeggio patterns… that’s basic stuff which will help you to learn any style and play any kind of guitar.

[u/ImaginaryOnion7593]

After 2 months you will have regullar nails for classical guitar.It is basic tool.Put low tension strings Daddario EJ43 and  humidifier on your guitar ,hold on 45-55% wet in guitar.