Customer Reviews

The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been slowly working my way through this volume while concurrently taking CG lessons from a local professional guitarist. I don't know how anyone can really learn proper technique through a book without expert guidance. However, as an adjunct this text provides a charming and playable selection of intermediate level pieces, some helpful advice and encouragement.

Many jewels are scattered throughout the first part of the text which presents technique. Carol of the Bells, Sakura, Scarborough Faire, Bianco Fiore, name just a few. The Repertory constitutes the second half of the text and spans the Renaissance (Dowland, Milan, Johnson ...), Baroque (Bach, Sanz, D. Scarlatti ...), Classical (Carcassi, Sor, Mozart ...) and Romantic (Taregga ...) eras.

I've always wanted to play Dowland's "My Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almand)". Parkening's version complete with hammer-ons and pull-offs has given me hope that I might one day play this at tempo.

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other that the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." J.S. Bach

Of the many method books out there, this is the best I have seen. It, along with book 1, covers everything a beginner needs to know to become a better Classical Guitarist. Great for beginning and intermediate guitarists, learning to read music, and understand classical method. Using this manual, and having some theory questions answered by a knowlegable guitarist, should be enough for any beginner to learn how to play classical guitar, and learn to read music.

As a guitar teacher, I use the Shearer, Mel Bay, and Parkening Methods for my students (Giuliani 120 Right Hand Studies and Segovia Scales as well), and these volumes serve up a nice compliment of exercises and performance pieces. Some material is also found in other methods books, but that's to be expected for instruction books at this level. These Sor, Carcassi, Carulli, et al pieces are important for reinforcing technique in the actual application of performance pieces.

Two important points regarding the use of these books:

1. Regarding the Bible quotes and Christian-themed quotations in the book: most of the more famous classical music composers were Christians themselves, and felt that the inspiration for their compositions came directly from God. While Parkening may be honoring that attribution (as well as his own beliefs), none of it gets in the way of the instruction, despite what some other reviewers complain about (those complaints say more about the reviewers than about Parkening's use of the quotations).

2. Never forget that you can only get so far learning the classical guitar on your own. You need a teacher to correct mechanical faults, help improve performance issues, and provide you with a structure that moves you forward in learning this fantastic instrument. Lessons induce within you the discipline to practice with purpose between lessons. Without lessons, there is no discipline, and you may end up playing the same songs you already know over and over again.

Use these books as a supplement to what a teacher can bring out in you.

Christopher Parkening is one of the most celebrated guitarists today. He is not only a superb soloist but a great pedagogue as well. I would highly recommend attendance of a Parkening master class. The two volumes of his method are an indispensable resource for the classical guitarist's library. The pieces are very well chosen to represent a variety of periods and styles and the commentary is enlightening. I have seen that some are bothered by Parkening's inclusion of quotations from the Bible. This is like saying "I love Bach's music but I don't like the fact that it was inspired by his faith in God". Well, tough luck, you can't have one without the other. Christopher Parkening is a complete personality and a great source of inspiration for many classical guitarists around the world.

This book is amazing in regards to helping to learn to read higher up on the guitar. We all (well, at least I do) hate ledger lines, and this book does a great job easing you into playing higher on the neck. There is also great information about performing, technique, practice sessions, etc. Highly recommend for the newer classical guitarist ready to take his or her playing and reading to the next level!

This Book is great. it is well balanced from the first christopher parkening method book. it also has really good tips on preparing for a performance on stage, how to practice, and alot more. I recommend The Christopher Parkening Method books for Classical guitar classes. good for intermediate level.

I haven't mastered them yet, but am motivated to practice classical guitar more. I especially liked the clear explanations about the various periods (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern). THANK YOU!

I have been playing guitar for over 30 years, easily the best instruction book on classical guitar. Mr. Parkening is quite down to earth and is a good teacher.

I didn't get the CD with the book. Book was in good quality. It was delivered on time. I had no problems. CD is required to listen to the notes.

For my money, one of the best books on the subjerct of playing the guitar. Written for the advanced beginner and the beginner intermediate, it has intelligence, precision, and plenty of good advice. Plus lots of well-transcribed and fingered pieces to play at the end. Parkening has always been a class act.