How To Play Classical Guitar

First of all, every single hint I'll give in this article is for right-handed players. If you play with your left hand, replace all "rights" with "lefts". Also this is an article to give hints for those that already can play electric guitar. If you don't know how to read music or don't play an instrument, you should definitely look for a teacher; it'll be very hard to learn through articles.

1. Use an acoustic guitar. Although the basics remain the same, to play classical pieces you'll need an acoustic guitar, preferably without metal strings. Nylon strings have a very different sound and are better for classical guitar. There is no need to buy a very expensive guitar unless you want to become a professional.
2. Play with yours fingers. Actually with your fingernails. That's why you have to let those in your right hand grow -- half a centimeter is fine. After that, use an emery board to make your fingernails as round as possible. You'll use your thumb to play the first three strings (E, A and D). The other three fingers must alternate. Always start playing with your index finger, then the middle and the ring finger last. If you practice playing like that, you'll acquire enough speed to play any kind of music.
3. Place the guitar on your left leg. To play classical guitar, there is a correct positioning for your body and for the guitar. You must sit straight and place the guitar in your left leg which has to be higher than the right one. You can put books or anything else under your feet for that. There is a correct tool for that purpose, but it's not necessary unless you're going to perform. If you follow this advice, the guitar won't be parallel with the floor and that's what you want. In a certain angle, it's much easier to reach those last notes at the end of the guitar's arm.
4. Try playing without looking at your hands. Classical guitar players have to look at the music sheet, so they can't be looking at their hands all the time. You need to know the position of your hands through the note you just played.
5. Memorize as many scales as possible. It'll help you understand the music, and the scales are a great source for practicing. Start with the basic scales like G. Play it backwards, play one note and skip the next, play it fast.

Those are the very basics of classical guitar. Besides that, almost everything of electric guitar can apply to classical. The notes are the same, some techniques are the same, the scales are the same. But if you really want to play classical guitar, you should get a teacher. And don't forget that practice leads to perfection...