I've been thinking about this for some time and have now got the phone number of a local teacher who's a specialist. I just need the Courage to phone him - it's similar to when I organised singing lessons for myself - I paced about for several days first.

I haven't bought a guitar yet. I'm planning on a 3/4 sized one, or 7/8 .............. I'll be seeking his advice.

Excellent! Congratulations on picking the best of all instruments!

Who are you taking lessons from?

Cheers,

Matt.

Are you particularly small? If not, get a full size one. For starters Admira do a good range of reasonably priced guitars (my teacher played a few in a shop and brought a couple for me to try out, which is a nice trick if your teacher has a suitable arrangement with a shop).

I've been playing the piano for many years and can't stretch more than an octave - so I figure there's no chance of increasing my stretch through time.

I would second the point about assuming you need a full size instrument unless you really are of petite stature. A 3/4 is likely to disappoint you in sound and playability, and be harder to play cleanly, amongst other things.

I agree with Stefano. I'm sure you'll want a full size one - but your teacher will advise.

The deed is done - in the space of a few hours I rang teacher, went to see him, took advice, came home, then clicked "Buy it Now" and got a 2nd hand full size from a guitar dealer on eBay.

It's the Raimundo 123 - http://www.classicalguitar.co.uk/onlinesto...lection240.html - and at "excellent condition" it's 100quid less than new (even including postage) - and avoids a stressful trip to a shop far away with bored little children in tow.

I shall be hopping up and down now until the postman brings it.

The classical guitar is a wonderful instrument. I hope you really enjoy the journey its so very rewaring. Your new guitar looks fine but you will out grow it eventually.

Congratulations Alicia! Knew you could do it!

I take it the teacher was very approachable.

I've heard some lovely stuff played on Raimundo's (although as always, each guitar is different) and you've gone for the right decision to get a solid top from the start and cedar should be quite a mellow introduction.

Hope it comes soon and you can get stuck in.

By the way, you can find an incredible amount of resources at www.delcamp.net if you haven't already gone there. Free (out of copyright) music, mp3s of people playing and informative (if sometimes a little in depth) discussion.

Happy playing and all the best,

Matt.

There's no other instrument where your teacher may give you a manicure!

Son started classical guitar "by accident", but before long he didn't want to give it up. He's really enjoyed the instrument, and the people he's met through classical guitar have been a big plus too - friendly, open, and musical without being cut-throat competitive. He's off tomorrow on a classical guitar camp with his teacher.

Hope you get just as much enjoyment out of classical guitar!

I got a Raimundo (cedar top) as an upgrade from my first (Admira) guitar. Very nice it is too. I'm sure you'll be delighted with yours.

Well worth a visit- their is a lot of very nice free music for classical guitar at 'The Guitar School of Iceland'. You'll need to search for it via google but i was amazed at how much top quality music is available their. You should also consider buying the new music just made available from the ABRSM.

here - http://www.eythorsson.com/en/Default.aspx -

Thanks for all the help, advice and encouragement everyone.

Congratulations on your purchase. I recommend you get some recordings by Göran Söllscher to inspire you (in addition to Segovia etc, of course).

My First Public Performance is now booked for next week. I'll be attempting "Canario" (a G2 piece) at a charity conert.

I have been thinking about taking up Classical guitar as a second instrument too. I play already - mostly songs and a bit of fingerstyle.

The thing that puts me off is : I just can't grow fingernails .... they break too easily. Do you really need good fingernails to play well? Don't they interfere with piano playing too?

Thanks,
Dave.

I have to keep my nails short for the piano. I did try growing them but they break too easily and I have to be able to play the piano as I need it for teaching. My compromise is to very slightly longer nails on my thumb and three RH fingers - about 1.5mm - and protect them with four layers of strong clear nail varnish.

Since I've only been playing a couple of months I'll be interested in any advice on this too.

Yes you do (need good fingernails) but you can alter your natural nail to be better, mine have improved loads, theres a whole forum with guitar nail care tips if you google classical guitar forums and find the Delcamp one

Good luck!

I think it depends on how seriously you're going to take the guitar. I keep all my nails as short as possible (for other instruments, sports and simply personal preference) and manage guitar OK with the pads of my fingers. But guitar isn't my first or second study instrument and I've not done any exams in it.
If it was my primary instrument, I'd probably have to rethink the fingernail issue.