One thing that is paramount in guitar musicianship, especially if you are taking online classical guitar lessons, is paying attention to technical details during practice. Much of music’s subtle appeal comes from the performer's handling of these very elements: accent, articulation, phrasing, and fingering. Without attention to these details, practice on the classical guitar will soon become a chore, rather than a satisfying pursuit. An awkward left-hand change here, an unwanted bass note there, a missed note, an accent in the wrong place–all of these details, when neglected, detract from your music and from your satisfaction as a player.

Lack of attention to such things as you practice marks your music as sloppy. You would not accept an instrument from a guitar maker who put the bridge in the wrong place or who forgot to clean off excess glue from the joints. Neither should you accept slipshod music from your own hands. Attention to detail–good craftsmanship–is the key to avoid such carelessness.

Although the use of nails is optional, we strongly recommend using them in order to obtain the clear, round and pure tone for which modern classical guitarists strive. Before practice, see to it that you keep your nails well-trimmed and your hands well-groomed, for your hands are your connection to your instrument. Your fingernails are one small part of the whole picture--but a part that can really make the notes that you play sound their best. It is never too early to begin learning to care for them. The optimum length of the nails (for a proper right-hand position) should range between one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch when seen from the palm side of the hand. The first step is to adjust the length of the nail to the desired level, using a nail buffer. The next step is to shape the nails using fine sandpaper (such as 3M-Tri-M-ite papers). Keep your nails trimmed properly, and hear the difference it makes!

You can improve your craftsmanship during practice sessions after your online classical guitar lessons by studying the finer points of good musicianship such as tone quality, tone color, articulation, damping unwanted notes, natural fingering, making left-hand connections, and hinge bars.

When you finish your practice session for the day, take the time to listen to pieces played by world-class musicians, both in your genre and in others. While listening to music, develop an ear that can discern subtle differences in tone quality, color, and pitch. Hearing these differences in other music will help you notice them in your own. Strict attention to these details is the never-ending task that will help you achieve a technique that will become second nature–nearly effortless–and thus get the most out of your online classical guitar lessons, and your musicianship.

Developing these habits will make your technique nearly effortless as you pay attention to these details as you practice with your classical guitar. You will find that these very elements will transform you from a mere craftsman to a true artist. When you produce a uniformly beautiful tone, when your fingering flows effortlessly, when you damp unwanted notes, when you shape your melodic line with fine-tuned elegance–only then will your classical guitar practice sessions to be exhilarating, inspiring times that will be the highlight of your day.