10-day Guitar Making Course
Build Your Own Classical or Flamenco Guitar
A hands-on, one-to-one course where you build your own guitar using the traditional Spanish method of construction.
What you will learn
The course follows the traditional Spanish method of guitar construction, including the use of the solera — the traditional building form used to establish the geometry of the instrument.
The course will follow your pace and goals. Remember, the 10 days do not have to be consecutive — you can spread them out over several visits to fit your schedule.
Take Your Guitar Home
Taking my guitar home after completing my training in Úbeda, Spain with master luthier Paco Chorobo.
The guitar case shown is my personal case and is not included in the course.
From wood to finished guitar
Over the 10 days, you will gradually work through these main stages of guitar construction.
Preparing the neck and head
We will prepare the guitar neck and head and explore their construction and the individual steps involved in making them.
Making and bending the sides
We will make the sides and shape them to the desired guitar shape using heat.
Making and installing the side linings
We will make the side linings and install them to firmly connect the sides with the soundboard and back.
Joining and bracing the soundboard
We will join the individual parts of the soundboard and install the braces that influence its strength and tonal properties.
Joining and bracing the back
We will join the individual parts of the back and install the braces that provide strength and stability.
Building the guitar body on the solera
On the solera, we will gradually assemble the guitar body, joining the soundboard, sides and back into one complete structure.
Making and fitting bindings and purflings
We will make and fit the bindings and purflings, which complete the appearance of the guitar and protect its edges.
Carving and finishing the neck
We will shape the neck to the desired profile and prepare its surface for the final finish.
Making and fitting the bridge
We will make the bridge, position it precisely on the soundboard, and prepare it for fitting the strings.
Final sanding and initial shellacing
We will give the guitar its final sanding, prepare the surface for French polishing, and apply the first coat of shellac.
Learning by doing
The emphasis is on learning by doing. You won't simply watch someone build a guitar — you will develop practical skills by working directly with the materials, tools, and construction methods yourself.
The full guitar-building course provides the opportunity to develop these skills through the complete construction of an instrument. The individual approach allows you to focus on the areas that interest you most.