Mastering the Classical Guitar, Book 1A is the first in a progressive series using a wide variety of musical repertoire and educational material to provide a solid technical foundation for classical guitar students, exposing the full range of the instrument’s potential and repertoire.

Book 1A is most appropriate for students with no prior knowledge of the guitar or music theory, or for those who simply want a fresh start with the classic guitar. It is written in three broad sections: Progressive Studies and Pieces, Technical Exercises and Rhythmic Reading. Tips on how to integrate the three sections are provided throughout the book. Every chapter begins with exercises written specifically to improve a certain aspect of one’s playing, followed by various examples from the classical music repertoire and traditional songs from various cultures.

While every aspect of classical guitar technique is clearly described and illustrated, students using this book would still benefit from the advice and constructive feedback of a competent teacher. Consequently, teachers will find opportunities to assert their individual teaching perspectives within this method, making it a perfect road map for the instructor and student’s musical journey.

Written in standard notation only, Mastering the Classical Guitar, Book 1A comes with extensive online audio examples. Fingering is kept to a minimum to encourage effective sight reading, allowing teachers and students to annotate their own ideas about digitation and contribute to their own learning process. Includes access to online audio.

About the Author

About this Book

How to Use this Book

A Note to Students

Recommendations

The Classical Guitar

Tuning

Playing Position

Fingers

Right-Hand Position

Strokes

Left-Hand Position

Part I: Progressive Studies and Pieces

Chapter I: Basic Music Symbols

Pitch Notation

Rhythmic Notation

Chapter II: The Right Hand

Open Strings 1, 2, & 3

Combining Open Strings

Chapter III: The Left Hand

Notes on the First String

Notes on the Second String

Combining Strings 1 & 2

First Songs

Notes on the Third String

Chapter IV: Rhythm Studies

Eighth Notes

Rests

Pickup Notes

Ties

Dotted Quarter Notes

Chapter V: The Thumb

The Open Bass Strings

Combining Bass Strings

Notes on the Fourth String

Notes on the Fifth String

Chapter VI: Accidentals & Key Signatures

Sharps, Flats and Natural Signs

Key Signatures

Chapter VII: Using all the Notes of the First Position

Notes on the Sixth String

Chapter VIII: Combining Right Hand Fingers

Combining Thumb and Fingers

Music in Two Parts

Chapter IX: Right-Hand Development

Notes Played Together

Chapter X: 6/8 Time Signature

6/8 Time Signature

Arpeggios with p-i-m

Part II: Technical Exercises

Part III: Rhythmic Reading

Appendix

Practicing

Sight Reading

Memorization

Guitar Care