Guitar Courses 2025-2026

Mail me to setup dates.

Paraguay is a beautiful country. It is like nothing you have seen before. People are gentle and very welcoming to foreigners. Time seems to pass at a different speed down here. "Tranquilo no más" (Take it easy) is like a philosophy. Paraguay is the homeland of Agustín Barrios Mangoré, one of the greatest guitar players and composers ever. The British Australian guitarist John Williams is responsible for putting Mangoré back on the "Universal Music" map.

It is very cheap to live in Paraguay, probably one of the cheapest countries on Earth.

Facts if you plan to come study with me for a week or two: Excellent accommodations are available starting at 70 US$ a day. Decent ones, no luxuries, as low as 30 US$. Lunch and  dinner at a first class restaurant in Asuncion is 18 dollars per person. Unless you intend to buy a guitar from me, bring your guitar. Students that buy a Bellucci guitar while they are here, get a tour of the workshop, and receive a 12% discount. I can then ship the guitar to you if you do not like to travel with a guitar.

You take 1 class a day with me. I give sound advise to my students regarding how to pursue a career in music. Lots of time to practice and rest and know the surroundings. I will help you take your playing to the level where you feel secure and all your doubts are dissipated. You will polish your sound and repertoire and understand how a perfect technique is achieved. Guitar playing will finally become easy. Guaranteed!

Medical attention is first class and so are communications in general. You can be a total beginner or a long time pro.

TESTIMONIALS

I have been playing classical guitar for about 10 years and began with huge enthusiasm. I studied in the Uk and Ireland but unfortunately ran into a teacher in Ireland obsessed with 'traditional' ways of learning the guitar. He made me play scales, arpeggios and Sor studies ALL THE TIME. My music reading and technique did develop but I lost the desire to play... Then earlier this year I decided to go to Paraguay and study with Renato on an impulse. What a difference! He immediately made playing the guitar fun again and reminded me that technique is at the service of music, not the other way around. No technical studies, real pieces and little bits of techniques to solve real problems. I also bought the love of my life whilst in paraguay, a Mangore concert guitar. Worth every penny and now I must play 2 hours a day minimum. A great teacher, great site and I can vouch for Renato, his family, Asuncion and Paraguay as a great place to visit. Subscribe, buy a guitar and go there - it's worth it. John Burton, Ireland.

I was first drawn to Renato's website because of the logical way that he analyses the music, in particular, I found that most of the fingering immediately felt right and made sense. By spending 2 weeks with Renato in Paraguay I have, first hand, experienced his superior teaching skills and willingness to share his vast knowledge of guitar playing at the virtuoso level. He helps one learn to teach oneself, rather than imposing a particular structure that one has to follow. Ulf Osterberg, Sweden.

Renato: I have just arrived to Seattle where I gave a concert yesterday. The lessons were of a high value for me and I thank you for shedding light to my knowledge and technique with your wise advice. It was an unforgettable week. A big hug for you, Belén and the children. Your friends, Alfredo and Rosemarie Alfredo, USA.

Renato: After seven years of classical guitar, my practice was becoming mundane and tedious. I decided to visit Renato in the hope that he could rekindle my passion for this beautiful instrument. The first five minutes of our first lesson convinced me that I made the right decision.

Renato did not treat me as an ignorant student, but as a fellow musician with whom he wanted to share all the things that he has learned. His enthusiasm was contagious and made each session a lot of fun! 

One of my concerns was that I was not making good progress, in spite of long hours of practice every day. There was some kind of barrier that prevented me from going forward. After carefully observing my playing, Renato gave me some very specific suggestions for overcoming my problem.

He explained how to reduce stress in the left hand  and how to increase the range of motion by pivoting at the wrist. He also talked about the critical role that the right hand has in preventing errors in playing. And he showed me a right hand fingering technique that is deliberately ignored by most Western teachers. Renato gave me practical advice which will no doubt vastly improve the way I play.

My visit also gave me the opportunity to see and play many of Renato’s excellent guitars. He is very meticulous about maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, and is not afraid to take advantage of new developments such as double tops, lattice bracing, and acoustic ports.

It was also very helpful to experience playing different scale lengths. The standard 650 mm scale is no longer the only choice. Renato’s guitars have a beautiful rich tone coming straight off the bench. I can only imagine how great they will sound when they open up. 

Thanks again for your help. If any of your students are considering a trip to Paraguay, I’ll be happy to exchange e-mails with them. Andreas, USA.