![[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/-CO4mhqUECc/maxresdefault.webp)
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!
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- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
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[Guitar] Famous classical guitarists of the world. Recommended guitarists (1–10)
Isaac Albéniz：Asturias (Leyenda)Krzysztof Meisinger
Krzysztof Meisinger is a classical guitarist from Poland, born in 1984.
He has performed at world-renowned concert halls such as London’s Wigmore Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie.
His album “Melodia Sentimental,” recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 2013, was selected by German music critics as one of the world’s top 10 classical music albums.
In 2020, he signed an exclusive contract with the British label Chandos Records, and his album “Elogio de la Guitarra,” released the same year, received high acclaim.
Meisinger’s repertoire ranges widely from Vivaldi to Piazzolla, and he performs solo guitar works as well as pieces for guitar with voice and other instruments.
Highly recommended for those who want to fully appreciate the charm of the classical guitar.
Verano PorteñoAlexandra Whittingham
Alexandra Whittingham is a classical guitarist who graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in the UK, and she is particularly well-known among contemporary classical guitarists.
In 2015, she won the Young Guitarist Prize at the Gregynog Young Musicians’ Competition, and although her career as a guitarist is still relatively young, she is recognized for her solid skill.
She has covered a wide range of pieces and has also released a rendition of the Japanese traditional classic “Sakura,” arranged in a classical style.
Entre dos aguas (1976)Paco de Lucía
This is the true guitar god, Paco de Lucía.
He’s famous as the greatest flamenco guitarist—worthy of being called “Señor de Lucía.” Born in Spain, he came from the port city of Algeciras in Cádiz, Andalusia.
At just 12, he made his first recording as a duo with his brother, Pepe de Lucía, and in 1967 released his first leader album, “Genius.” With the 1973 album “Two Rivers,” which hit No.
1 on the Spanish charts, Paco’s name spread not only across Spain but far beyond.
Honestly, among all the guitarists introduced this time, he’s by far the most skilled.
Though Paco is a flamenco guitarist, he also performs classical pieces.
There are “guitar gods” among classical and electric guitarists, but no one has surpassed Paco yet.
That’s how extraordinary a guitarist he is.
FandanguilloAndrés Segovia
Andrés Segovia, a classical guitarist known as the “Father of Modern Classical Guitar Technique,” was a guitarist from Spain.
As one would expect from Spain, the level of its guitarists is truly world-class.
His achievement of bringing the guitar from popular music into the classical realm is monumental.
He was a guitarist with many students, and even today his attitude toward the guitar is passed down through them.
His technique ranks among the best in history, and he was a guitarist with an exceptionally high level of expressive power.
GranadaJulian Bream
Julian Bream, a classical guitarist from the United Kingdom, was a key figure—alongside Andrés Segovia—in popularizing the classical guitar.
In the past, there was a prevailing notion that guitarists were synonymous with Spain.
In fact, even today, Spanish guitarists are on a markedly different level from those of other countries.
However, Julian Bream devoted himself to mastering technique and worked tirelessly to dispel such preconceptions.
It is no exaggeration to say that the vibrant scene of numerous classical guitarists active today owes a great deal to Bream.
sunflowerFukuda Shinichi
Shin-ichi Fukuda, born in Osaka in 1955, is one of Japan’s leading classical guitarists.
He is known for a style that blends Eastern and Western musical traditions and is highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally.
His repertoire spans from the classical canon to contemporary music, and he is regarded as a world authority on the interpretation of Toru Takemitsu’s guitar works in particular.
His album “Takemitsu: Complete Original Solo Guitar Works” collects Takemitsu’s pieces for guitar and showcases Fukuda’s profound insight and delicate expressiveness.
From a young age, he won competitions in Japan and abroad, earning global recognition for his talent.
In addition to solo performances, he frequently collaborates in chamber music and with orchestras, exploring new possibilities for the classical guitar.
With his refined tone and deep expressivity, Shin-ichi Fukuda’s performances are highly recommended for anyone who wishes to enjoy classical guitar music.
Vals No.3John Williams
John Williams is a classical guitarist from Australia.
He is a different person with the same name as the famous American composer John Williams.
Williams studied guitar under Andrés Segovia at the Royal Academy of Music in London and at the Accademia Musicale in Siena, Italy.
He is also a well-known pupil of Andrés Segovia.
As one would expect from someone taught by Segovia, his technique is exceptionally advanced.
Although he is an elderly guitarist, he is still active at the top level.