Greece

The history of the classical guitar in Greece began to take shape in the early 20th century, when foreign guitarists and broader European musical influences helped establish the instrument in a more systematic way. A pivotal figure was Dimitris Fampas and Charalampos Ekmektsoglou, who played a major role in promoting the guitar as a serious solo instrument and founded a strong pedagogical tradition. Equally important was Evangelos Asimakopoulos and Liza Zoe, while later the international career of Costas Cotsiolis further elevated the reputation of Greek guitar artistry. From the 1970s onward, the classical guitar experienced significant growth in Greece, with conservatories, festivals, competitions, and a new generation of performers and composers enriching its repertoire. Today, Greece boasts one of the most vibrant guitar scenes in Europe, supported by a solid educational tradition and an active international presence.