The sound of a classical guitar is as warm and intimate a thing as can be found in the musical realm.

But what would happen if you got 24 or more of the guitars to play together?

Centuries ago guitar orchestras were common. Modern groups like the Sacramento Guitar Orchestra are rare.

The 30-member orchestra led by classical guitarist Gregory Williams will perform a concert of holiday music at California State University, Sacramento, today at 3 p.m.

"A whole big mess of guitar in one room? That's a glorious sound – it's reverberant," said Williams.

For the concert the orchestra will perform four works including "Carol of the Bells" and "El Noi de la Mare." After those are presented, the orchestra's more experienced players (many are guitar majors at CSUS) will perform in duos and trios.

In volunteer orchestras, the range of musicianship varies. Some musicians are novices, while others have been playing for a long time. Among the members of the Sacramento Guitar Orchestra are guitarists who have a desire to perform but do not have the fortitude or experience to solo.

One of those is 62-year-old Fritz Harrold. A dentist by day and intermediate classical guitarist by night, he sates his desire to perform by hiding in plain sight in the orchestra.

"I can play plenty well for myself, but when I play for my wife the wheels fall off," said Harrold. "With the orchestra, it's an ensemble performance, so you're sort of buried away in there."

Basic music sight-reading skills are a must. Williams has arranged the music in four parts – with six or seven guitarists to a part. He has recorded a multitrack rehearsal CD for his players, including MP3s of each individual part.

The hardest thing about conducting such an orchestra? Making sure novice and experienced players blend together.

"I was worried about … trying to get everyone to end together," said Williams, 47, "but it all seems to be working."

Like many classical guitarists, he found his way into the instrument through heavy metal music. Growing up in Fair Oaks, Williams at age 12 commandeered and soon mastered his brother's Yamaha classical guitar. Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page became a major musical influence.

Williams' heavy metal career apex came in the mid-1980s as a guitarist with Sentinel Beast, which opened for bands such as Megadeth and Slayer.

But he was also playing classical throughout, he said.

Williams has since earned a bachelor's and master's in classical guitar performance at CSUS, where he studied under noted guitarist and professor Richard Savino.

"Greg is a multifaceted guy," said Savino. "He's highly personal and highly committed," which bodes well for the leader of a guitar orchestra.

Savino said that in the 17th century guitar orchestras were numerous throughout southern Spain, called "consorts of lute players."

They fell out of favor in the 20th century with the dogma of Andrés Segovia, who was an advocate of the classical guitar as a solo instrument.

Guitar ensembles are now often seen in college and conservatory programs, as well as at summer guitar camps.

However, in Sacramento, "the idea of a standing orchestra that exists on its own … that's unique," Savino said.

In today's concert the focus will be less on dogma and more on simply relishing the pleasure of guitar sound, both for player and audience, Williams said.

"This is geared for guitarists that want to have fun and be part of something big," he said. "And there are a lot of them out there."

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