Classical Guitar Answer Book [Paperback]

Sharon Isbin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Acoustic Guitar Guides | Publication Date: April 1, 1999

In this update of the Acoustic Guitar Answer Book, Sharon Isbin, the classical guitar virtuoso who heads the Juilliard School Guitar Department, answers 50 essential questions about performing, practicing, and choosing and caring for your guitar. The questions were asked by Acoustic Guitar magazine readers and answered by Isbin in four years of Master Class columns in the magazine. This book collects all this vital information together in an easy reference format - an absolute must for every classical guitar player. Includes new appendices of resources for classical guitarists and students. 88 pages, 9 inch. x 12 inch.

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: String Letter Publishing; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890490083
• ISBN-13: 978-1890490089
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #449,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing effort, December 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Guitar Answer Book (Paperback)

Having read about the skills of this wonderful musician I was very excited to get my hands on a copy of this book.However, I was disappointed when it arrived.I found nothing inspiring or indeed any more informative than your average "How to..." manual.
I felt that many pages of this book were merely lists I could find free on the internet and the 10 pages of programmes from her recitals seemed a little bit on the cheeky side.I returned this book

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money, May 1, 2002

By 

Michael Mendez (Tallahassee, Fl USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classical Guitar Answer Book (Paperback)

This book looks like it was put together over the weekend by shameless promoters. A real disappointment of a book. Very evasive answers, nothing to sink your teeth into and gain any insight from a classical guitartist in the spotlight. A shame that is who the world is watching as the classical guitarist.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical advice/tips for guitarists of many levels, June 11, 2005

By 

Roy Massie (Birmingham, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Classical Guitar Answer Book (Paperback)

In Classical Guitar Answer Book, Sharon Isbin provides a unique book to summarize the practical questions she must be asked all the time. The entire book is written in a Frequently Asked Questions format with most answers taking less than one page.

This is an easy read (one or two sittings) but it is loaded with good advice that could only come from one who has the breadth of performing, playing and teaching experience of Ms. Isbin. All sorts of topics from how to choose a guitar, pack it for travel, get lessons for children, avoid squeaks on the bass strings, playing harmonics, set your concert program to suit the audience, etc. are all discussed in an informal, friendly way that is not too technical for any interested player to grasp. The material is organized by general topic so it does not come at the reader like a grab bag of random subjects.

One of the most useful features of the book is the extensive list of guitar makers, educational programs, music publishers, books and other resources in the back of the book. Those who have tried to build a good list like this know how valuable it can be to have them compiled by an expert, much thanks to her for that.

I do have a couple of criticisms of the book. It is very limited in its discussion of repertoire. I realize lengthy details on topics such as interpretation and sight-reading etc. are beyond the intended scope of the book. But I would love to have the head of the Julliard guitar program give specific repertoire advice or recommended pieces for developing certain abilities at various skill levels. She does recommend beginners start in Renaissance and Classical pieces, but isn't much more specific than this good but limited advice. She spends much of the repertoire section discussing how she has worked with composers to expand the available repertoire. I am interested in that, but more interested in what key pieces of the existing repertoire she considers important for player development and why. She also uses several pages toward the end of the book showing photocopies of her concert programs over the years - there's a little too much of this since the main points about programming were adequately described before these examples. 13% of the book seems excessive for showing program examples. There are a few times these kind of content choices seem self-promoting rather reader edifying - but it is not enough to damage the overall tone of the book which is healthy.

This is a good book and worth the price if you would like a lot of practical everyday tips on being a player and performing from a world class master. Who wouldn't want that ? This is not the book to find advice on details concerning repertoire or anything related to the music itself... Ms. Isbin has done us a good service distilling her years of hard won experience into practical pointers and answers just as if she's telling you in person.