Beginner Classical Guitar Methods

There are a lot of choices when it cones to beginner classical guitar methods. I've used many different methods, and have a few favorites that I recommend to my students depending on their age and commitment level. For the younger beginner student, the Progressive Guitar Method for Young Beginners works very well. I work through the first 2 levels of this book with my students using a basic i, m rotation in the right hand while planting p on the fourth string to maintain a steady hand position. The students become proficient sight readers and gain a good understanding of rhythm with this series. After completing the first 2 levels of the Progressive Method, we move on to the Aaron Shearer Classic Guitar Technique book, which introduces the student to bass notes and alternating thumb with fingers. I often splement with the Bridges Guitar Series by the Royal Conservatory of Music. My students love the variety of music and fun melodies in the Bridges collection. For the older student, I often start with both Classic Guitar Technique by Aaron Shearer and Solo Guitar Playing by Frederick Noad. The two go hand-in-hand - Solo Guitar Playing helps students learn music fundamentals and all first position notes rapidly and the Shearer Method supplements this well to start thumb and finger rotation early. The Shearer Method also provides actual songs (Preludes and Etudes) that are fun to play as the Noad method takes longer before the student begins playing actual songs. The Bridges Series can also work well for the older student. Aside from solo practicing, many students enjoy playing duets in their lessons. My favorite duet book is Easy Classical Guitar Duets by Charles Duncan as it provides a variety of lively duets that start at a beginner level.