ClassicalGuitarShed (classicalguitarshed.com) has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 60 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Education & Training and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 99% rating it 4 stars or higher; 1 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-10.
What people say
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William Jones · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
An excellent program
An excellent program! Years ago I studied for a brief period with a classical guitar PhD student who had a masters degree from Juilliard. He could play well but was not educated in teaching. Thus he indulged my desire to learn pieces far beyond my skill level. I wasted years trying to play above my level. I thought if I just practice enough I can learn to play well. Nope - an eye opener as to the fallacy of learning on hard pieces is to really listen to simple exercises. Play a scale, can you make each note the same volume? Can you linearly make the volume increase or decrease? Are your fingers independent? Can you play an entire passage with correct timing without slowing for the “hard” measures?
We need to master the basics before moving to more advanced pieces.
This course provides the necessary guidance to grow as a player in the theory and practice for guitar.
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Helge Buchfelner · 9 reviews ·
★★★★★
My favourite online guitar page
Among many tutorial pages in the web I found ClassicalGuitarShed one of the most useful and fun at the same time. Many teachers out there may be very good at their instrument but Allen also is a master in explaining and also impresses me with a very vast knowledge in different subjects, all resulting in hints to getting better at guitar playing.
The page is very well structured and each of the lessons and courses is full of ideas useful for beginners as well as for experienced players too.
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Colin Gibbons · 8 reviews ·
★★★★★
I am so pleased I joined the Guitar…
I am so pleased I joined the Guitar Shed as my playing has improved significantly through using the structured program. The team are very supportive if you have any issues.
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Adam · 1 review ·
★★★★★
I highly recommend Classical Guitar…
I highly recommend Classical Guitar Shed to learn the classical guitar. There is a huge amount of material in the program, so you will not be bored. Allen, Zak, and Chris provide excellent support also.
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Paul S. · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
Best organized guitar learning website…
Best organized guitar learning website on the internet. The program is well thought out and thorough with gradual steps to help develop competency. Add in the other learning opportunities and you have a complete package.
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Ron C · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
The Classical Guitar Shed is an outstanding learning experience.
The Classical Guitar Shed (CGS) is an outstanding online system for learning to play classical guitar. It is actually an opportunity space for learning to play beautifully under the direction of an inspired teacher. Beyond its structured courses, teaching videos, sheet music, video critiques, and other personalized resources, CGS has created a supportive, nurturing, and safe environment for all ability levels in its community. There is no pressure, only a cultivation of the willingness to learn and progress in the art of classical guitar at your own pace. The CGS-moderated monthly group Zoom Q&A’s and open mic sessions, coupled with a community Facebook page, provide a safe place to ask questions, seek guidance, and be inspired. There is no better place to pursue your goal of mastering the classical guitar.
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Stephen Dass · 1 review ·
★★★★★
A Great Place to excel
I stumbled upon Allen's video in 2013 and I realized that I found myself a great teacher. Later on I became a lifelong member of the Classical Guitar Shed. I think that this is one of the best decisions I made for my life. The team are always engaged in helping me become a better guitarist. They are constantly updating materials and providing new space for people to learn and play. I truly recommend anyone who is interested in seeking to excel in their guitar experience. This is definitely the best for me.
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Michael · 1 review ·
★★★★★
Well Organized and Thought Out Program.
The Woodshed is like a step by step draw along the dots program. There are so many resources to choose to enjoy playing while you are learning new pieces.
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Ed Thompson · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
My review of Alan's GuitarShed website.
I came across Alan on youtube and found that he was teaching at the level I needed. I signed up and found the lessons were right for me. I am a beginner but there are lessons graded for the beginner/intermediate/advanced player.
What I like is the great resource of music (tablature). Alan has all the great classical composers for the classical guitar. I print out the music that I want to work on and keep them in a notebook.
The guitarshed website is well organized and easy to get around. Good job Alan!
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michael gelburd · 1 review ·
★★★★★
Me, The Happy String Dancer
I feel Allen is a first-rate instructor of the Classical guitar, and I'm glad I joined as I am improving. there is a lot to his Website that would definitely interest and benefit any player of the Classical and Fingerstyle discipline.
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David Baum · 4 reviews ·
★★★★★
CGS teaches me how and what to practice
CGS has taught me how and what to practice. Now, to get rid of those old habits, which produced notes sounding very much like a stray cat clinging on a backdoor screen
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SCOTT CRUZEN · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
My connection with CGS is inspiring and motivational.
I’ve played guitar for most of my life, and classical guitar for 17 years. Two years ago I subscribed to annual membership. I just renewed for my third year.
After subscribing I started at the very beginning, as recommended. This was a great way to learn how to navigate the extensive website and to learn Allen’s teaching style. I eventually leveled out around level 2-3. I am now beginning level 3D.
Classical Guitar Shed delivers what it says: to learn how to play more beautifully. After two years I am playing more beautifully, many fewer persistent errors. Most importantly, I have learned how to practice effectively. I know what I need to do to improve, learn new repertoire, and how to keep my interest and curiosity peeked.
One final note: real people (like Zac and Allen himself) readily respond to any questions or concerns. Communication is excellent and is two/way.
If you are looking for community CGS has that too. The fb webpage, frequent zoom calls, and open mike Saturdays are great.
As a guitarist of nearly 60 years I recommend CGS. You owe it to yourself to try it out. I suggest a one year subscription to really impact your playing.
As an intermediate player who aspires to become advanced, I have confidence that CGS has the method and resources that I need to set and achieve my goals.
My connection with CGS is inspiring and motivational. These are two attributes that put CGS on a level by itself. Enjoy practicing and playing more beautifully!
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Pete · 3 reviews ·
★★★★★
Playing beautiful music starts with technique.
Having a strong Technique has and always will be the doorway for creating options for self expression. If your objective is to play classical guitar beautifully, sensitively and from the simple to the more complex, then CGS provides the framework and the encouragement at an exceptional level……all you need is the passion, determination to learn….and of course a guitar.
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Elizabeth · 3 reviews ·
★★★★★
Everything I could hope for from an…
Everything I could hope for from an online classical guitar program - organized, progressive, lots of tools, as much personal attention as I care to seek out. I looked into a number of other programs, and this one was the real standout for me. Allen is extremely personable and encouraging in his videos and zoom calls, and makes me feel as if it's all possible. I can progress at the rate that is right for me, and move on when I feel ready. This course provides the technique basis that was lacking before from trying to teach myself from method books (and I have a LOT of them!) Love the materials, love the staff, love my accountability partner that helps me solve problems and keeps me motivated.
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jth · 11 reviews ·
★★★★★
It's great learning experience with an abundance…
It's a great program with an abundance of material to work on, learn from, and be inspired by. In addition to that, subscribers get advice and help and can send in recordings for review (and get videos with comments and advice back). The content is continuously being updated and expanded.
I had issues with my subscription once but that was cleared up fast and without any fuss at all. The whole team is very friendly and professional.
In short: The Woodshed program is well worth the subscription. ;)
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Trevor Martin Sears · 3 reviews ·
★★★★★
A great course to start from zero or re-learn after years of bad technique
Having looked into various online courses and having made use of Allen’s many free lessons I chose to subscribe and have been following the course for about 11 months. It is definitely well worth the money if you are trying to learn classical guitar alone at home.
It has a great structure and a huge amount of content.
Also a friendly and supportive Facebook group. I’m very impressed and would recommend it without hesitation as long as you are able to discipline yourself to follow the lessons.
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Lisa Wulf · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
Classical Guitar Shed is Awesome!
I have totally loved my time with the Classical Guitar Shed. I am an experienced classical musician, but a total beginner on guitar. I appreciate the module format since I'm not able to commit to a regular lesson time. This way I can move at my own pace. The videos are very helpful and I feel like I'm developing solid technique. I also appreciate the chance to participate in zoom chats and recitals(!), plus the opportunity to send a video for advice if I need it. I absolutely recommend Classical Guitar Shed. It's an awesome program!
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Suzanne · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
I like the fact that you can go at your own pace no matter what your guitar level
I like the fact that you can go at your own pace. You can move forward and at the same time you can backtrack as a refresher. I am a longtime player of guitar and have had lots of hands-on lessons, which are good too, but it is nice to learn from the basics up at the beginning again, as there are lots of things about music theory that I have missed as a lot of hands-on instruction have a goal to play for a final recital at the end of a year so you concentrate on a piece and technique. I enjoy the two monthly zoom meetings with all the instructors and all the people from different locations--good to see people with common interest at different levels and get some questions answered and suggestions. Everything is explained very well in all the lesson videos too.
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Mario · 2 reviews ·
★★★★★
What do you want?
You want to learn to play classical guitar(or any style) with technical proficiency?...with expressive clarity?
You want to develop your repertoire in a logical way from simple pieces to the increasingly complex and beautiful works by the masters?
You're a beginner like I was and don't know how to start, or have been playing for many years and have doubts on WHAT or HOW to practice?
You want real people to give you feedback, and not a Youtube Warner Brothers character?
You want value for money? Look no further. You have arrived.
So lift your rear end and join!
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Lynn Norwood · 1 review ·
★★★★★
Excellent Program
I joined Classical Guitar Shed several years ago. I had been trying to teach myself through books and You tube videos. I would hit a wall and give up when I didn't improve. Finally, I found a few of Allen Mathew's videos. His ability to convey concepts in a variety of ways helped me make my decision to join the Classical Guitar Shed program. The program levels helped me see what exactly I needed to do to grow my practice. They present concepts in great detail with supportive videos and access to feedback.
