Competition Rules

​1、Originality: All entries must be completed independently by the participant. No submissions of others' works are allowed. Participants may use their own previous competition works.
 

2、Content Restrictions: All entries must not contain obscene, violent, sexual, defamatory, inappropriate, or controversial content. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification without prior notice.
 

3、Personal Data Use: Personal information provided by participants will only be used for competition contact purposes and to distribute competition notifications.
 

​4、Accuracy of Information: Participants must ensure that their personal information is accurate. The organizers will not be responsible for any errors.
 

5、Acceptance of Terms: By submitting their entries, participants agree to all competition terms and conditions. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant believed to have violated any competition rules, and there will be no appeals process.

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Scoring Criteria

• Guitar Repertoire Arrangement and Structure: The overall arrangement structure of the guitar repertoire is reasonable. Whether it is a solo guitar performance, duet (guitar & guitar, or guitar & other instruments), small guitar ensemble, or a collaborative performance combining guitar with backing tracks (drum loops, piano accompaniment), the arrangement of each musical part (melody line, chord progression, bass foundation, decorative details) is appropriate. The proportions of melody, harmony, rhythm, and the guitar’s sound in relation to other elements (if any) are accurate, with no obvious issues of arrangement imbalance. The progression of the repertoire follows a logical order, and the transitions between different sections (such as from verse to chorus in folk guitar pieces, from exposition to development in classical guitar works, or from rhythm accompaniment to solo segments in electric guitar performances) are natural, smooth, and tightly connected.

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• Guitar Tone and Dynamics Expression: The tone of the guitar (whether bright for acoustic fingerstyle, warm for classical guitar, or dynamic for electric guitar with effects) paired with other instruments or backing tracks is harmonious, and the overall sound of the performance is rich in layers. Based on the theme and emotion of the repertoire (e.g., lively for rock guitar, gentle for folk ballads, elegant for classical works), appropriate expressive techniques are employed. For example, shifts in emotion are conveyed through dynamic gradations (such as a crescendo from soft fingerpicking to strong strumming, subtle changes in pick attack intensity), and key musical moments are emphasized through tone contrasts (like the clear treble notes versus the deep bass notes on the guitar, the tonal difference between clean sound and distorted sound for electric guitar, or the contrast between staccato and legato playing). The transition of tone between different sections or musical phrases is natural and smooth, enhancing the overall auditory experience.

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• Mastery of Guitar Performance Techniques and Abilities: The performer’s guitar playing is natural and expressive. They demonstrate mastery of various guitar techniques, including basic control abilities (such as stable left-hand fingering on the fretboard, accurate right-hand picking/strumming, consistent rhythm control), application of special techniques (like fingerpicking patterns, harmonics, slides, bends, vibrato, or palm muting for electric guitar), and ensemble coordination (for duets or groups—such as matching rhythm with collaborators, balancing volume with other instruments). These techniques are applied skillfully and superbly, reflecting a high level of guitar performance ability. Whether handling rapid melodic runs, complex chord changes, syncopated rhythms, or improvised segments (for jazz or blues guitar), the performer maintains excellent control and precision.

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• Artistic Appeal and Emotional Resonance: The performer has a profound understanding of the guitar repertoire’s theme and can fully integrate their own emotions and interpretations into the performance. The playing is engaging and expressive, capable of evoking strong emotional resonance from the audience—whether it is the passion and energy in electric guitar rock performances, the warmth and tenderness in acoustic folk guitar pieces, or the elegance and refinement in classical guitar interpretations. Their stage presence (such as a confident posture, relaxed hand movements, interaction with collaborators for ensemble performances, and a sense of communication with the "audience" in recorded formats) and interpretation of the repertoire’s spirit are also important considerations. The performance leaves a deep and lasting impression, effectively conveying the artistic concepts and emotional core that the guitar repertoire intends to express through skilled techniques and sincere expression.