Ferdinando Carulli (February 9, 1770 – February 17, 1841) was an Italian composer, guitarist, and teacher. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern classical guitar. Along with Mauro Giuliani and Fernando Sor, he helped shape guitar technique, repertoire, and teaching methods in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Carulli wrote more than 400 works. These range from solo guitar pieces to concertos with orchestra. His music combines lyrical melodies with a style that is both accessible and refined.
He also made a lasting impact on guitar education. In 1810, he published Méthode complète pour la guitare (Complete Method for the Guitar). The book included exercises, theory, technique, and repertoire. It quickly became the standard for guitar teaching across Europe and still influences modern guitar education today.