There are lots of instructional books that show you how to play classical guitar. So which one should you use? That depends on your goals with the guitar and your style of learning. Here is a guide to some of the more popular instructional books.
If you are looking for a traditional instructional book you should consider the Carcassi Method. It has been the standard guidebook for generations of classical guitarists. If you want to go the traditional route this is a solid choice. It was written over a hundred years ago and although a bit dated it is still a fine choice. There is a second part to this method called twenty-five progressive studies that are extraordinary in that they give you a solid repertoire of professional pieces to learn.
For a more contemporary guide to playing you should consider the Christopher Parking Guitar Method. It is a modern method for learning classical guitar and it comes in two books. The first book focuses on learning how to play and the second book teaches you all about refining and improving your technique while developing your repertoire. This is an excellent set of books on classical guitar and Christopher Parkening is a world class guitarist who was a pupil of Andres Segovia.
If you are looking for an easy to understand and more relaxed way to learn classical guitar consider Mel Bay’s Complete Method for Classic Guitar. Mel Bay has been publishing easy to follow, and easy to understand guitar books for decades now. And this book follows this formula. It is clearly written and easy to understand. It assumes you know nothing about music or guitar and this book is very well suited for younger players.
If you want the benefits of being able to watch someone play and hear what the guitar sounds like you should consider the Basic Classical Guitar Method books 1 and 2 by Scott Tennant. The first book has a dvd so you can see how the guitar is played and the second book has a CD so you can hear what the exercises and pieces sound like.
As your skill with the classical guitar develops you are going to want to expand beyond the traditional instructional book and choose books in two different areas. They are technique books that improve your technique and repertoire books that give you pieces you can perform. One of the best technique books you can get is Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant. This book is a practical approach to really improving your playing technique.
If you are looking for an inexpensive collection of music to play I highly recommend The Library of Guitar Classics by Jerry Willard. This enormous book covers classical guitar across centuries, genres, composers and difficulty levels. It has a great variety of works that will keep you learning new pieces for many years. I own this book and refer to it all the time.
If you are interested in getting a better look at the whole subject of music theory I recommend you take a look at a book called: Scales, Intervals, Keys, and Triads. This book is an in depth look at music theory and music composition. It is independent of any instrument and is just a self-taught course on the theory of music.
There are lots of great books that will teach you how to play classical guitar and you can almost not go wrong choosing a book that works with your goals will make the process move much faster and easier.
Will Kalif
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/a-guide-to-classical-guitar-instruction-books-136056.html
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Violin Learning Questions?
I’m 22 and played the trumpet from 6th to 12th grade. I can also play the guitar and have developed an interest in the violin. I have a love for classical music and the emotion invoking power of string instruments so I’m considering giving the violin a try. How difficult do you think it would be for me to take up the violin? About how long would it take (estimate of course) for me to be able to play the simple pieces I love with a beautiful tone?
Also, if I were to being playing what brand and type of violin would be best to start with? I don’t think I could take private lessons due to my busy work schedule, so i was planning on self-teaching myself using online guides and instruction books. Would anyone have any recommendations for such sources?
Overall, do you think I have a good shot at becoming a good player?
Thanks for all your help!
I started violin as my first instrument, in fourth grade. In eighth, I picked up the alto sax on the side. Because I already had a pretty good knowledge of music, the saxophone was pretty easy for me to pick up, although I’m much more naturally talented on the violin. I think it would be the same, in a sort of opposite direction, for you. The two are quite different – with trumpet you worry about embouchure, valves, etc, while in the violin, you worry about the bow, finger placement, etc. All in all, it may be somewhat difficult, but due to your previous knowledge of music, it will be easier for you than if you were just to start.
As far as time, its different for everyone. Sorry, I can’t give specifics.
I believe you should take private lessons if at all possible – they will give you much more instruction than just teaching yourself, which i would think would be difficult with the violin. However, you may not be able to. I learned with the books ‘A Tune A Day’, which I believe were excellent. You should check those out, beginning with the first (it is pink.) As far as brand, I would check with your local music store. I have a rather fancy German-made violin, worth a few thousand, but I also plan to major in violin performance in college.
And yes, absolutely. Sorry its so much writing!
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Stringed intruments like violin viola cello and bass are the hardest intruments to play. It took me 10 years to actually get a good tone with vibrato. vibrato took about 3 years to get right. but i was pretty much self taught. correct bowing is a bit tricky. Sustaining notes and unnoticable bow changes are veery hard.
Learning the music and notes is easy. Its just sounding good that takes so long.
Good luck and remember to practice!
References :
I’m just going to tell you now that violin is very difficult. I’ve been playing since i was 4 and I’m 13 now. It is very difficult but very fun. I love the violin and would never think of giving it up. I would just say that if your willing to practice then you should do fine. I think that you should have a good shot at becoming a good player because you have musical background. But good Luck! You just have to practice and have a love for the music. Although I would suggest taking private lessons. Even with a busy schedule I think that those would be the best thing for you. Good Luck!!!!
References :
Violinist.