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Classical Guitar Method Books, Modern and HistoricalShearer, Noad, Parkening, Sagreras, Sor, Aguado, Carcassi, Giuliani, Pujol: which method, for whom, and why.
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Classical Guitar Method Books, Modern and Historical
Modern
A comprehensive collection of publications and resources from the Aaron Shearer school.
A supplement to the original Shearer Classic Guitar Technique method books.
This text covers four topics fundamental in the study of music theory: scales, intervals, key signatures, and an introduction to chords. It explains the tonal materials that make up music. The student is assumed to know the names of all notes on the six strings of the guitar through the first four frets and the corresponding notes on the G (treble) clef.
One of the most popular and earliest modern classical guitar methods ever written. A basic and orderly presentation of the necessary information and exercises essential to beginning guitar instruction. This book is a classic in American classical guitar pedagogy. It can be rather dry for many students. For best results, supplement it with more interesting repertoire and exercises from other books.
Aaron Shearer's Classic Guitar Technique has long been the core method used by generations of classical guitarists. This is the third edition and first major revision of Volume 1 of this benchmark work. Completely re-edited and updated in collaboration with Thomas Kikta (one of Aaron's former students and head of Duquesne University's Classical Guitar Department), the third edition maintains the character and appeal of the original book while offering new critical insights into core techniques not addressed in previous editions.
The follow-up to the original volume 1.
Mr. Shearer adheres to the following concepts: 1) How and what students practice is as important as how much they practice. 2) Give information only when it is immediately useful. 3) Start with the easiest skills. 4) Approach challenging skills gradually. Part One focuses on technical development and explains the most efficient approach to study and practice. Part Two complements Part One; it presents the elements of music and procedures for developing the ability to sight-read and memorize music. It also introduces the visualization concept. Part Three teaches the student to form clear and accurate concepts of musical expression. It also teaches the guitarist how to perform in public with accuracy and confidence.
Free PDF + videos. Free PDF Download (102 pages) and video lessons. Video lessons and helpful articles are an essential part of using the method book. Includes additional tips and lessons at the bottom of the webpage. By Bradford Werner of the website, This Is Classical Guitar. Thorough and well-done.
(Hal Leonard) This comprehensive composite edition brings together Books 1, 2, and 3 into a single, convenient volume an all-in-one method designed for private study, classroom use, or self-instruction. The progressive course takes you step by step through essential skills, rich repertoire, and expressive artistry. Book 1: Fundamental techniques, rest stroke/free stroke, open chords, music reading, open-position melodies, duets, and first solos * Book 2: Developing right- and left-hand technique, chord/scale studies, accompaniment styles, ornamentation, and more complex repertoire * Book 3: Advanced techniques, dynamic preparation, tremolo, harmonics, barre chords, challenging exercises, solos, and duets Companion Audio Included Use the unique code on page 1 of this book or stream or download over 100 professional recordings of exercises, solos, and accompaniments for duets perfect for developing tone, timing, and musical expression.
(Oxford UP) Rather than shepherd each student down the same path, the book allows students to approach their training through a flexible, personal curriculum based on their weaknesses and strengths. The work is organized into eleven main sections by technique, e.g., scales, arpeggios, and slurs, with brief commentary. The pieces in each section progress by degree of difficulty, but material within the sections can be studied concurrently according to one’s strengths and weaknesses, interests, and advice from a teacher. In this regard, it is the antithesis of a typical method book or graded repertoire series.
(Hal Leonard) This instructional volume features over 50 classical pieces, 26 technical exercises, and 14 duets for student-teacher practice. Each lesson is clearly explained with photos and diagrams to ensure proper posture, hand positioning, and tone production. Students will also learn note reading, rhythm, and essential music theory through step-by-step tutorials. Unlike many guitar methods, Parkening’s books favors using actual good-sounding pieces rather than exercises. But even the exercises sound good. However, it moves too fast for many beginners so for best results, supplement it with material from other sources.
(Hal Leonard) This method builds upon the foundational skills from Volume 1, introducing upper-position notes, tremolo, harmonics, vibrato, pizzicato, slurs, and stylistic interpretation. With a focus on tone production and precision, this book provides structured lessons designed to refine technique and elevate musical expression. The book applies advanced techniques through a collection of 32 pieces edited by Christopher Parkening. This repertoire includes works by renowned composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, John Dowland, Fernando Sor, and Francisco Tárrega.
Since 1968, a widely used classical guitar method for beginners and advancing players. Through step-by-step instruction, illustrations, and more than 200 exercises and repertoire selections, it develops essential skills from playing simple melodies to performing solo classical guitar music. It is one of the earliest modern guitar methods and served thousands of students well, but its pedagogical approach is very outdated.
Building on the foundation of Volume 1, this edition is designed for the intermediate guitarist who is ready to refine technique, expand musical vocabulary, and develop confident performance skills.
(Paul Henry) Develops essential classical guitar technique, music reading, and repertoire skills. It covers free and rest strokes, sight-reading, rhythm and key signatures, and harmonized melodies, with music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Carcassi, Tárrega, and others. Online audio recordings of every exercise and piece allow students to adjust tempos, loop passages, and practice independently.
(Paul Henry This intermediate classical guitar method introduces more advanced techniques, including dynamics, damping, shifting, vibrato, barres, harmonics, ornaments, counterpoint, and two-octave scales. Progressive exercises and music by master composers help students refine technique and prepare for more advanced repertoire and solo performance. More than 50 interactive audio tracks provide demonstrations and play-along practice with adjustable tempo, looping, key, and stereo controls.
(Mel Bay) This book, which includes the first three volumes of the original six-volume series, is an introduction to classical guitar playing as well as to Latin American guitar music. Text written in English and Spanish with French and German translations in an appendix at the back of the book. Sagreras uses a different pedagogical approach from most modern guitar methods. Book 1 is not for absolute beginners. Try other guitar methods to get started and then circle back to Sagreras later.
(Mel Bay) This edition brings together under one cover Lesson Books Four, Five, and Six as well as Sagreras's Advanced Technique volume. The studies in each book are carefully fingered and graded. Some of the later studies are appropriate as concert repertoire. Sagreras uses a different pedagogical approach from most modern guitar methods.
Graded repertoire and etudes, Prep–Level 10. From the RCM website: “Drawing upon its reputation of excellence, the fifth edition of The Royal Conservatory’s acclaimed Classical Guitar Series 2018 Edition presents a fresh and exciting selection of material to engage classical guitar students at all levels. Each progressive Repertoire and Etudes book explores a wide range of historical periods and styles, featuring pieces compiled from more than 500 years’ worth of guitar and other plucked-string music. With this series, teachers and students will embark on an innovative learning path designed to foster well-rounded musical development and an enduring passion for their instrument. The Classical Guitar Series Complete Set is a one-of-a-kind set, including carefully chosen repertoire and etudes that introduce students to classic favorites and new, exploratory pieces. Featuring updated repertoire from modern composers and an increased presence of South American music, this progressive series provides an excellent balance of styles suitable for students of all ages and learning styles.” Each book/level is also available for purchase separately.
From Scott Tennant---the best-selling author of Pumping Nylon---this fun and friendly method starts at the very beginning, teaching the anatomy of a guitar, how to choose and maintain your instrument, proper seating position, how to hold the guitar, and efficient hand positions and techniques. The step-by-step approach continues with lessons on how to read music, right- and left-hand basics, notes on the fretboard, accidentals, and the chromatic scale.
Book 2 continues where Book 1 leaves off by introducing more essential classical guitar techniques such as the rest stroke, block chords, and how to shape and use the right-hand fingernails. Lots of helpful photographs, drawings, and personal tips from Tennant.
Book 3 offers a step-by-step approach for learning how to play new techniques such as barres, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and grace notes, and how to play in different positions on the fingerboard. The book includes pieces by Bach, Sor, Giuliani, Carulli, and Carcassi, plus many helpful photographs and drawings.
The Cornerstone Method is written for complete beginners and provides a clear, progressive set of materials to guide the beginner through their first, foundational steps. Those returning to the guitar may also find they can build stronger foundations and playing habits that fill any gaps in their musical path. While self-learners can use the book, it is intended to be used with a teacher. In fact, the book was created first and foremost for students at Classical Guitar Corner Academy. All of the materials at CGC Academy interlink with this book through technique lessons, repertoire study guides, duets, practice routines, theory courses, backing tracks, and demonstration videos. Written by Simon Powis of the Classical Guitar Corner website.
(Alfred) The Suzuki Guitar School collection provides sequential guitar method books designed for beginning and developing guitarists working with private instructors. This proven approach uses carefully graded repertoire and progressive technique building across multiple volumes, with student books by Seth Himmelhoch and other experienced guitar educators. You'll find both solo guitar parts and accompanying materials, many available with online audio or CD support to aid practice and ear training. For beginning guitarists ages 5 and up starting formal study. This specialized curriculum is for young students and requires active parent involvement, with lessons preferably from a Suzuki-certified instructor.
Historical (public domain — link IMSLP; modern translations from Tecla)
The original Spanish edition, on IMSLP. Modern English edition at Strings By Mail. First published in Spanish as the Nuevo Método para Guitarra in Madrid in 1843, is an epoch-making work in the history of the guitar and for more than a century was the most famous of all methods for the guitar. Most of the technical issues which concern modern players are set out and discussed: correct hand positions, angles of the fingers, ornamentation, special effects, and the magical sound of the guitar, its very special tone quality and how to produce it. The English edition is a translation of the 1843 edition. It includes a full introduction by Brian Jeffery with a detailed bibliographical study of the many different original editions of Aguado’s method.
Volumes 1–3 are available in English from Strings By Mail. Volume 4: Spanish edition on Amazon (no English edition of Volume 4 exists). Based on the principles of the technique of Francisco Tárrega, this work has held a major place in guitar pedagogy since it was first published in 1934. Many subsequent guitar methods have drawn inspiration from it. However, the lack of an English-language version has prevented many English-speaking guitarists from gaining a clear understanding of Pujol’s teachings. It is an important pedagogical landmark in the teaching of all facets of guitar technique, guitar musicianship, and guitar artistry. Volume 3 has some killer (but very beneficial) left-hand exercises that the Romeros have adapted into their teaching. Be careful, though; don’t over-practice them and hurt your hand.
Several editions in various languages. Also on IMSLP: École de guitare, Op. 241. Mainly of historical interest, but contains dozens of exercises to supplement a student’s journey.
This is a complete facsimile reprint of the 1832 English translation which was originally published in French in Paris in 1830, and was translated into English and published in English in London in 1832. It is interesting in its own right and an important historical text. It is heavy on text and primarily of interest to teachers and specialists in 19th-century guitar technique.
The IMSLP page lists several editions: German-French, English, English-French, and the English-French edition “revised and enlarged” by Walter Jacobs. I used this method (along with several others) starting at the age of 10 with Fred Haeffner, a teacher in St. Louis who had studied with George Krick. I got a little bored with the music, but now I appreciate how important it was to my fingerboard knowledge and sight-reading. It is organized by presenting each key with its scales, typical chord progressions, and pieces using those chords and progressions. It covers ornamentation, intervals, and playing in all positions of the fretboard.
Original editions in Italian, French, and German, on IMSLP. It is in four parts. Outstanding English edition by Brian Jeffery at Tecla (digital download): a modern urtext re-engraved edition of Giuliani’s celebrated “tutor” for the guitar, which he himself called “Studio op. 1”. Includes all four parts: Part One, for the right hand (the famous “120 Arpeggios”); Part Two, for the left hand (intervals); Part Three, ornaments etc.; Part Four, twelve progressive lessons. At the end of the file, after the music, are Jeffery’s interesting notes on Giuliani’s fingering and use of dynamics.