Customer Reviews

Mel Bay Aaron Shearer Learning the Classic Guitar, part 3 (Book & CD)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A well thought-out method of considerable value for the analytically-minded guitar student, or even for experienced guitarists.

There are three books in the method: Parts 1, 2, and 3.

Part 1 (shouldn't that be "Part One"?) is all about the mechanical aspects of guitar playing: How to hold the guitar, the best ways to place your hands and move your fingers, etc. (Many use the word "technique" to describe this aspect of musicianship, but I call it "mechanics." I got the idea from Vladimir Horowitz, who said that technique is something beyond mere mechanics. He said that "technique is the ability to get your point across." So, in Vlodya's world of music, it would be possible for a musician to have very inelegant mechanics, yet have a superb technique! Haven't we all heard such musicians?)

Part Two is the "workbook." It features lessons in the form of musical studies and original repertoire pieces, written in standard notation. Many of these are duets to be played with a teacher or a more advanced player. It also introduces the reader to the study of solfege.

Part Three discusses expressive playing and gives guidance on developing one's performance skills.

At the least, the three books comprise a valuable reference work for a serious guitarist or guitar student. There are other grand guitar methods in the world, of course -- Carlevaro's and Aguado's, just to name two -- but I can't think of any other that is as well-organized, as systematic (it progresses through thoughtfully designed stages), as comprehensive, and as coherent as Mr. Shearer's.

As an amateur and needing instruction from the technical point of view, these books have been an excellent source. They are thoughtfully designed as an aid to the study of this most difficult instrument. A foundation of technique with thorough explanations as to the 'why' not just the 'how' to perform.
Mr. Shearer shows all the signs of an instructor of great experience, intelligence, research and a willingness to grow through constant study and development. He has written a series of books which reflect these qualities.