Classical Accessories to go with your Classical Guitar

Classical accessories you'll need after the basic 5 from the previous page (guitar accessories) are simple and easy to find.

The one that real classical players use often is a Foot Stand.

They come made of wood or metal. The metal is less expensive. The wood ones seem to be made to last forever and won't rust. Here's what a metal foot stand looks like:

If you play right handed, you'll sit on a chair and put your left foot on it. The problem is they only make one kind. So you lefties will have to use same kind the righties use only with your right foot on the stand. Your guitar will rest on your left thigh so you can get the right angle. This angle makes it easier to play any kind of guitar with similar shape. Your elbow stays near your side and your hand is straight above it. The vee created between your thumb and index finger makes it easier to play without over straining. You see a lot of thought went into this little gadget for a reason. I can hear my mom now, "Sit up straight, chest out, shoulders back." Ohhh, that's what she was talking about.

One other thing you need if you do play classical music is a Music Stand. I use these for more than that, in rehearsals and any time I need to follow notes. It is a little more than optional in your classical accessories list if you are learning and reading music. The best will have small wires that move in front of pages to keep them from blowing in the wind. In the picture they start at the bottom left and right corners of the music stand shelf and go in at 45 degree angles. Most adjust many ways, and cool ones break down real small so you can take it with you. You decide if you need a light to clip on it. That can make a nice Christmas gift!

Some of you that use these guitars for other than classical music will want a strap. You'll need to add a strap button to the bottom. (Real classical guitars don't have them because they are meant to be played sitting down.) "Warning" If you want a strap button be careful when adding one. I recommend someone with experience do this for you. You don't want it to come loose and leave an unwanted hole in your guitar's thin body.

After adding a strap button some players prefer to use a string tied to the strap, and that tied to the headstock, behind the nut and under the strings. This holds the top.

Side Note: You may notice the "air guitar music" on this stand. This picture goes with the vintage "air guitar" on the stand picture from the previous page.

Like I said classical accessories are only a couple added to the needed 5.

(P.S.) I'm arranging to interview a super master classical guitarist and teacher to see if there is anything else we might need here. Article and update coming soon.