Playing the classical guitar is great fun but can be a lonely endeavor.  Most of the time when you see a classical guitarist, he is playing a solo job.  How often does he get to play with ensembles?  If he plays the Rodrigo concerto at the professional level he might get to play with a string orchestra.  Guitar ensembles are not too common because of the limited repitorie available.  Playing in orchestras and bands is something that other instrumentalists do all the time and may take for granted.  In the ensemble the player learns to blend, listen, follow the conductor and keep time.  That is pretty important musical stuff.  So how can the classical guitarist participate in enseble playing?

Playing guitar duets can let guitarists utilize those musical skills as a small ensemble.  Classical guitar duet sheet music is available even if it is not as popular as the solo repitorie.  Christopher Parkening has published some nice classical guitar duets, and some are in his method books.  Laurindo Almeida has made some classical guitar duet sheet music books that are worth looking at.  The synergy of two chordal instruments interacting adds to the musical experience.  It sounds cool, too!

For many guitarists the chance to play duets only comes when the teacher and student do their lessons.  Not to belittle that but a player might want to get a playing buddy.  This would be someone t o practice with, work on and discuss gutiar duets with.  They could even start playing duet jobs together.  Playing classical guitar duets with a partner can develop those skills a musician gets by playing in an ensemble.  Even if one does not end up playing duets professionally, the experience of playing together can really boost one’s musicianship.  It makes a well rounded muscian who can play well in groups, accompany other instruments and be a better soloist.  The classical guitarist will probably still do most of his playing alone, and that is fine, but getting together  to make an ensemble and play some guitar duets can be an educational, rewarding and fun experience.

Playing the classical guitar is great fun but can be a lonely endeavor.  Most of the time when you see a classical guitarist, he is playing a solo job.  How often does he get to play with ensembles?  If he plays the Rodrigo concerto at the professional level he might get to play with a string orchestra.  Guitar ensembles are not too common because of the limited repitorie available.  Playing in orchestras and bands is something that other instrumentalists do all the time and may take for granted.  In the ensemble the player learns to blend, listen, follow the conductor and keep time.  That is pretty important musical stuff.  So how can the classical guitarist participate in enseble playing?

Playing guitar duets can let guitarists utilize those musical skills as a small ensemble.  Classical guitar duet sheet music is available even if it is not as popular as the solo repitorie.  Christopher Parkening has published some nice classical guitar duets, and some are in his method books.  Laurindo Almeida has made some classical guitar duet sheet music books that are worth looking at.  The synergy of two chordal instruments interacting adds to the musical experience.  It sounds cool, too!

For many guitarists the chance to play duets only comes when the teacher and student do their lessons.  Not to belittle that but a player might want to get a playing buddy.  This would be someone t o practice with, work on and discuss gutiar duets with.  They could even start playing duet jobs together.  Playing classical guitar duets with a partner can develop those skills a musician gets by playing in an ensemble.  Even if one does not end up playing duets professionally, the experience of playing together can really boost one’s musicianship.  It makes a well rounded muscian who can play well in groups, accompany other instruments and be a better soloist.  The classical guitarist will probably still do most of his playing alone, and that is fine, but getting together  to make an ensemble and play some guitar duets can be an educational, rewarding and fun experience.