Paul Lansky wrote his six Practical Preludes for classical guitar as a composer’s study of the instrument before beginning work on his guitar concerto, With the Grain. Each prelude explores particular techniques, textures, and expressive qualities of the instrument, all with Lanksy’s distinctive tonal palette and free-flowing rhythmic invention. Playable as individual pieces or as a set, these Practical Preludes are an accessible but substantive addition to the literature for any college or professional guitarist looking to expand their 21st-century repertoire.