Classical Guitar Model XYZ123

This book is very good for people like myself who have absolutely no experience playing guitar and don’t have a teacher.
As I went throgh the first few pages I found this book totally diferent compared to the others: the author introduces the beginner student to one thing at a time.
This is a key aspect: in all the other books I have seen, the student is requested to study all the notes in one lesson.
This really had put me off, as I found it confusing (I could not read the music, so it was really hard to recognize which note it was).
Mr Braid changes this approach and makes learning to read the music almost natural: he introduces a couple of notes every few pages, and makes you practice different exercises with those notes only. Your brain tends to memorize their position easily, and there you go, you can play them without even thinking.
The melodies are simple but cute, and every few pages you are requested to study a longer piece.
I can say that since I started using this book, my improvements are amazing!!
I am so pleased I bought it.
I feel that every beginner should have it, as it is a gentle and steady way to learn.
Highly recommended!

After reading all the reviews, I thought I would add my two cents.

In spite of any shortcomings, this is probably the best instructional book I’ve come across. As yet, I can’t comment on the CD since I haven’t used it. I initially bought this book several years ago and gave that copy to my daughter. I’ve recently purchased another copy for myself when renewing my attempt to learn classical guitar after a long absence from having shoulder replacement surgery.

First, the book is quality in its construction and the spiral binding places it several notches above all those that don’t have it. Working through the studies in the book, I get a real sense of progress and the challenge of each new piece can be felt. I can appreciate what the author is trying to accomplish as I work through the book. As an exercise, I enjoy going back to previous pieces and replaying them in progression. Many of the studies are simply enjoyable to play.

I trained in piano so I can’t really comment on how good the book might be for a beginner. I do imagine the book is better for an adult beginner than a child.

Having access to a teacher is always the ideal situation, but remember Andre Segovia was self taught. Since I’m not him, I will be starting formal lessons soon and will continue to use this book.

Like one of the other commentors, I do have a problem with the author’s recommendation to memorize the music so you can watch the left hand. I haven’t really noticed what other authors in other guitar study books have recommended but this is totally contrary to my instruction in piano where I was specifically trained not to watch the hands and developed a sense of where my hands and fingers were. I learn visually so I eventually develop a picture of the written music in my mind. The downside of this is that, as yet, I don’t do well picking up something I hear.

With all this said, this book isn’t a “stand alone” for learning and becoming proficient in playing the classical guitar. Scott Tennant’s “Pumping Nylon” has some excellent finger exercises, as well as Giuliani’s “120 Studies for Right Hand Development”, Segovia’s ” Diatonic Major and Minor Scales” and Barry Galbraith’s “Fingerboard Workbook”. For variety, there are a number of “graded” collections including the two volume “Student Repertoire Series”, the Royal Conservatory’s “Bridges’ Comprehensive Guitar Series” and the six volume “Repertoire Progressif”. My soon-to-be guitar instructor also recommended Segovia’s “20 Studies for the Guitar” by Fernando Sor. Also, since after many years, I finally appreciate the importance of music theory, my instructor also recommended “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory”. He specifically commented that those directed at “Music theory for the guitar” were too limited in scope.

Excellent! step-by-step, easy to learn. This is a book for beginning to advanced players covers reading music notation, theory, and much more.
The audio CD with the study pieces is a gigantic helper!
This book arrived on time and in perfect condition.

Let me make this clear to you that the book is an excellent accountability tool, not a teaching tool because the only
way you can get the most out of enjoying Classical Guitar
is with a good tutor too.

I enjoy playing Classical Music and this book along with an excellent tutor has helped me get the most out of this relaxing exercise. Let
me share some advice to help you become a better student:

Drink Hot Camoile Tea while practicing – My tutor suggested this tip to
me because Camoile is an Herb that helps relax the body while practicing, make sure you pour the Tea into an insulated Thermos so that it can remain warm for hours.

Listen to Classical Music while napping – What it will do is help you
develop the “Classical Mind” and make learning the routine less difficult.

This is an excellent introduction to the classical guitar. The lessons are laid out in a very easy readable way, the construction of the book is exceptionally sturdy, and the progression from one lesson to the next is perfectly natural with no great leaps and bounds. If you can only get one tutorial for the classical guitar, I would highly recommend you consider this one.

Just what was stated. Very positive