Beginner guitar books
As a professional musician and music teacher, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of resources and materials in my studies and teaching. I have found the following books and manuscripts to be invaluable resources for myself and my students, and I highly recommend them to anyone pursuing classical guitar studies.
1- The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 1: Guitar Technique
I recently purchased the Guitar Method for a college course on classical guitar and have been extremely impressed with the comprehensive nature of the book. As a classical guitarist, I found the explanations of basic techniques and the accompanying exercises and pieces to be extremely helpful in developing skills. The inclusion of note reading and music theory lessons was also a great bonus, as it has enhanced my understanding of the music I am playing.
In addition to the instructional content, the book also includes helpful information on the selection and care of guitars, as well as strategies for effective practicing. The numerous photos and illustrations really help to clarify concepts and make the material more accessible.
Overall, I highly recommend the Guitar Method for any classical guitarist, whether a beginner or more advanced player. It has been an invaluable resource for me and I am confident it will be for others as well.
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2- Diatonic Major And Minor Scales Book
As a classical guitar professional, I was excited to get my hands on the Diatonic Major and Minor Scales book by the legendary Andres Segovia. I was not disappointed! The book is an excellent resource for exploring and mastering diatonic scales on the guitar.
The exercises are written in standard notation with fingerings, making it easy to follow along and incorporate the techniques into my playing. The book is well-organized and the explanations are clear and concise. I especially appreciate the inclusion of both major and minor scales, as it gives me a more comprehensive understanding of the fingerboard.
As a professional musician, it's always important to continue growing and developing one's skills. The Diatonic Major and Minor Scales book has proven to be a valuable resource for doing just that. I highly recommend it to any level of classical guitarist looking to improve their technique and musicianship.
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3- Julio S. Sagreras Guitar Lessons: Books 1-3
The guitar lessons of Julio Sagreras and have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of the material. I have found these lessons to be an ideal introduction to the instrument and its repertoire.
The book includes the first three volumes of the original six-volume series, which provides a comprehensive overview of classical guitar techniques and Latin American guitar music. The text is written in English and Spanish, with French and German translations included in an appendix, making it accessible to a wide audience.
I have found the lessons to be well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations and ample opportunity to practice and apply the techniques learned. The inclusion of Latin American guitar music is a nice bonus, as it gives me the chance to explore a different style and expand my musical horizons.
Overall, I highly recommend The guitar lessons of Julio Sagreras to any classical guitar player, beginner or advanced. It is a valuable resource that I will be referring back to as I continue to grow and develop as a musician.
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4- Pumping Nylon: The Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook, Book & Online Audio (Pumping Nylon Series)
I got Pumping Nylon and have been thoroughly impressed with the quality and content of the book. As a classical guitarist, I have found the Daily Warm-Up Routine to be an invaluable resource for improving my technical skills and getting my hands in shape to play. The inclusion of Giuliani's 120 Right-Hand Studies, Tarrega arpeggio studies, and original compositions by Brian Head and Andrew York have also been helpful in expanding my repertoire and adding concert-worthy pieces to my collection.
One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of three new performance pieces and Giuliani's Left-Hand Etudes, Op. 1, in the second edition. These pieces provide even more opportunities for practice and growth as a musician. The improved music engravings and availability of online media are also welcome additions.
Overall, I highly recommend Pumping Nylon (Second Edition) to any classical guitarist looking to improve their technical skills and expand their repertoire. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, and Scott Tennant's encouraging style and sense of humor make it an enjoyable resource to use. It has quickly become a staple in my practice routine and I am confident it will be for others as well.
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5- Andres Segovia - 20 Studies for Guitar
These majestic studies are a joy to work through and have helped me fall in love with the guitar even more.
The studies are challenging, but with the help of a professional musician to guide me, I have found them to be an excellent way to improve my technique and musicianship. The clarity of the notation and the careful attention to detail make these studies a pleasure to work on.
I highly recommend Andres Segovia's 20 Studies for Guitar to any classical guitar player looking to take their skills to the next level. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced player, these studies will provide a valuable resource for improving your playing. I have no doubt that they will become a staple in my practice routine and I am confident they will be for others as well.
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6- Staff music notebook
As a professional musician and music teacher, I have found Standard Wirebound Manuscript Paper to be an invaluable resource for my students. The wirebound design allows for easy flipping between pages and the compact size makes it convenient to take to lessons or rehearsals.
The manuscript paper itself is high quality and the staff lines are clear and easy to read. The wide staff size is especially helpful for beginners, as it allows for larger notation and more room for notes and fingerings.
I highly recommend Standard Wirebound Manuscript Paper to my students as a way to take notes and practice writing out music. It is an essential tool for any musician and I am confident it will be a valuable resource for my students as they continue to grow and develop their skills.
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In conclusion, the books and manuscripts recommended in this list are valuable resources for classical guitar players of all levels. From comprehensive methods for beginners to advanced technical studies, these resources cover a wide range of material and techniques to help musicians improve their skills and expand their repertoire. I highly recommend these resources to anyone pursuing classical guitar studies, and I am confident they will be invaluable in helping musicians grow and develop on the instrument.
