Classical Period Guitar History
c. 1750 CE - 1820 CE
The Classical period was a time of significant evolution for the guitar. The most important development during this era was the emergence of the six-string guitar, which became the new standard and remains so to this day.
Key features of the Classical guitar included:
- Six single strings instead of courses
- Larger body for increased volume
- Refined construction techniques for improved sound quality
- Standard tuning similar to modern guitars (E-A-D-G-B-E)
This period saw the guitar gain prominence as a solo concert instrument, with a growing repertoire of complex compositions.
Key Developments
Construction
Luthiers began to standardize guitar construction, establishing proportions and techniques that would influence future instrument makers.
Technique
New playing techniques were developed, including more complex fingerpicking patterns and the use of the thumb for bass notes.
Composers
Notable composers like Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani, and Dionisio Aguado wrote extensively for the guitar, elevating its status as a serious classical instrument.
Transition to Six Single Strings
The guitar gradually transitions from five courses to six single strings, increasing its range and expressive capabilities.
Development of Classical Technique
Guitar technique becomes more refined, with an emphasis on fingerstyle playing and proper hand position.
Golden Age of Classical Guitar
The early 19th century sees a flourishing of guitar composition and performance, with virtuosos touring Europe.
Notable Classical Guitar Composers
Fernando Sor
Spanish composer and guitarist (1778-1839)
Known as the "Beethoven of the Guitar," Sor composed numerous studies, sonatas, and variations that remain central to the classical guitar repertoire. His method book established principles of technique still taught today.
Mauro Giuliani
Italian composer and guitarist (1781-1829)
A virtuoso performer who composed over 150 works for guitar, including concertos, sonatas, and studies. Giuliani helped establish the guitar as a concert instrument capable of complex musical expression.
Dionisio Aguado
Spanish guitarist and composer (1784-1849)
Developed innovative techniques and wrote an influential method book. Aguado advocated for the use of fingernails when playing and invented a tripod device to improve the guitar's sound projection.
Classical Guitar Music and Instruments
Page from Fernando Sor's 'Method for the Spanish Guitar' (c. 1830)
Six-string Classical guitar from the early 19th century
Painting depicting a Classical era salon performance featuring guitar (c. 1810)
The Guitar in Classical Music
During the Classical era, the guitar's role in music expanded significantly:
- It became a respected solo instrument in concert settings
- Guitar methods and instructional books were published, standardizing technique
- The instrument was used in chamber music, often paired with violin or flute
- Guitar transcriptions of popular orchestral works became common
The Classical period established the guitar as a versatile instrument capable of complex polyphonic music, setting the stage for its continued evolution in the Romantic era and beyond.
Legacy of the Classical Guitar
The developments of the Classical period had a profound and lasting impact on guitar design, technique, and repertoire. The six-string guitar established during this era remains the standard form of the instrument today, and many of the techniques and compositional approaches developed by Classical-era guitarists and composers continue to influence modern classical and popular guitar playing.
The transition from Classical to Romantic would see further refinements in guitar construction and playing techniques, as well as an expansion of the instrument's expressive capabilities.