[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists.
A comprehensive introduction to the world’s famous classical guitarists!
From the greats who laid the foundation of classical guitar to distinctive players known for their unconventional performances, we’ve picked a wide range.
Compared to genres like rock or blues, the classical guitar world is often said to have many exceptionally skilled guitarists.
This time, we’ve selected world-famous guitarists with truly top-tier abilities!
We’re also introducing lesser-known guitarists who enjoy strong support abroad but are still relatively unknown in Japan.
If you love classical guitar, this is a must-see!
- Sweet, gentle tones and resonance: A selection of enchanting classical guitar masterpieces
- [Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists.
- Famous guitarists of the world. Great guitarists who have etched their names into history.
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- [2026] Extreme Technique! A Roundup of Overseas Technical Guitarists
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- [2026] Roundup of Popular Guitarists from Brazil
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Japanese shred guitarist
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- A poignant classic masterpiece. Recommended classical music.
- [2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos
[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists (61–70)
Mozart: From Sonata No. 10, Second MovementHeike Matthiesen
Heike Matthiesen is a guitarist from Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, Germany.
The piece performed is the second movement, Andante cantabile, from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sonata No.
10, K.
330.
MashiishaMaria Esther Guzman
“Mazurca” (or “Maxixe”) composed by Paraguayan guitarist and composer Agustín Barrios.
The maxixe is a Brazilian dance that became popular around the end of the 19th century, particularly in Rio de Janeiro.
Performed by Spanish guitarist María Esther Guzmán.
Bach: From French Suite No. 1 — No. 1, No. 2; and from Cello Suite No. 2 — No. 6 (unaccompanied)Paulo Martelli
Paulo Martelli is a Brazilian guitarist.
His program includes, from Johann Sebastian Bach’s French Suite No.
1, BWV 812: I.
Allemande and III.
Sarabande, and from the Cello Suite No.
2, BWV 1008: VI.
Gigue.
JeegTilman Hoppstock
Gigue from Bach’s Partita No.
1.
The original was written for keyboard.
Performed by Tilman Hoppstock, renowned as a Bach performer and scholar.
He appears to have studied and performs cello in addition to guitar.
MilongaJorge Cardoso
Milonga is a traditional Argentine music genre and dance.
This is a rare video of guitarist-composer Cardoso from Argentina performing his own work.
A versatile musician who also holds a medical license, he plays in a distinctive posture without using a footstool.
Allegro Moderato Op.38, No.23Miguel Llobet
Miguel Llobet, the legendary classical guitarist who studied under Francisco Tárrega.
Among Tárrega’s students, he is said to have been the most outstanding classical guitarist.
His skill was extraordinary, and the depth of his musical interpretations is often described as the greatest in history.
He was also a teacher of the famed Andrés Segovia.
From Francisco Tárrega to Miguel Llobet, from Miguel Llobet to Andrés Segovia, and from Andrés Segovia to guitarists around the world—the lineage passed down through the generations is truly inspiring.
Rodrigo: Concierto de AranjuezJessica Kaiser
“Jessica Kaiser” is a German guitarist.
The piece performed is the Concierto de Aranjuez by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo.
The orchestra is Juventhusias from Swabia, Bavaria, Germany, conducted by Ulrich Graber.
In conclusion
Compared to other guitarists, classical guitarists tend to have higher overall proficiency, with many able to read scores and even perform alongside orchestras.
This time, we focused on highlighting performers active in the classical world.
Additionally, flamenco guitarists, who are also classical guitar players, possess a level of skill that is a step above the guitarists introduced here.
If you’re interested, be sure to check them out as well!