Mastering the Classical Guitar Book 2A

Book excerpt: Mastering the Classical Guitar Book 2A is the third book in a progressive method series that uses a wide variety of music and educational material to provide a solid technical foundation for classical guitar students while revealing the full range of the instrument’s potential and repertoire. This book is appropriate for students who have completed Books 1A and 1B and can read standard notation in the first and second positions. The book is written in four broad sections: Progressive Studies and Pieces, Technical Exercises, Chords and Chord Progressions, and Rhythmic Reading. Tips on how to integrate the four sections are given throughout the book. Mastering the Classical Guitar Book 2A focuses on the concepts of melody and accompaniment by introducing cue-sized notation that helps the student understand the structure of the piece and emphasize the melody. Concepts introduced in this particular volume include: tuning the guitar, notes on the first string, musical forms, dotted eighth notes, guitar and nail care, and the use of the barré technique to implement moveable chord shapes. Teachers will welcome the generous number of attractive intermediate-level recital pieces by Carulli, Carcassi, Giuliani, Paganini, and others. Written in standard notation only. Includes access to online audio.