Mel Bay Learning the Classic Guitar: Part 1 [Spiral-bound]

Aaron Shearer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1990

Learning the Classic Guitar is a new direction in guitar instruction. Many ideas in these books break new ground. In developing this innovative method, Mr. Shearer adhered to the following concepts: 1) How and what students practice is as important as how much they practice. 2) Give information only when it is immediately useful. 3) Start with the easiest skills. 4) Approach challenging skills gradually. Part one focuses on technical development and explains the most efficient approach to study and practice. Part two should go along with part one and it presents the elements of music and procedures for developing ability to sight-read and memorize. It also introduces the visualization concept. Part three teaches the student to form clear and accurate concepts of music expression. It also teaches the guitarist how to perform in public with accuracy and confidence.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aaron Shearer is one of the most widely recognized and respected classic guitar teachers in America. He has been director of the guitar program at Peabody Conservatory and the North Carolina School of the Arts. He is currently adjunct professor of classical guitar at Duquesne University. Mr. Shearer has lectured throughout the United States and Canada, and he has received numerous citations for his contributions to guitar pedagogy. Mr. Shearer also became the first classic guitar teacher to be cited for exceptional leadership and merit by the American String Teachers Association and recently received an Honorary Doctorate from Duquesne University.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 154 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (November 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871668548
• ISBN-13: 978-0871668547
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The accepted Bible of Classical technique, July 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mel Bay Learning the Classic Guitar: Part 1 (Spiral-bound)

This is the book used to introduce students to Classical Guitar technique at most reputable university programs. It is based on decades of research into hand anatomy and guitar virtuosity and is the landmark book on technique--his earlier book (Classic Guitar Technique-Belywn -Mills pub.) is useless for technique information being written prior to Shearer's break-through research and it was THAT book that was panned by Segovia (as mistakenly mentioned in another review), not this (Mel Bay Pub.) one. This one is an absoulte must for any fingerstyle guitarist, classical or steel string. You will improve your playing drastically if you employ its instruction. This, book I, has no music, but crucial instruction on the details of how to move the hands. This book would be as valuable to a long term player who already read music and played advanced pieces as well as to the beginner, its primary target audience.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of Two Parts, March 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mel Bay Learning the Classic Guitar: Part 1 (Spiral-bound)

I didn't realize until I got the book that it is meant to be used TOGETHER with Part 2. Part 1 provides the theory, Part 2 provides the music! Before buying the book, I finished Shearer's earlier paperback "Classic Guitar Technique Volume 1" which has been replaced by the "Learning" Series. There was so much in the new series that I missed on the first round, I am having to start almost all over again (a year later), but so far it seems like I have a deeper understanding of music, the guitar, and performance. Shearer's approach in this series is to get you working with performance-quality conditions (position, nail shaping, memorization) from day 1. The music provided is voluminous, building each specific skill up very slowly. He's also very focused on avoiding injury from day 1, and has you do a lot of work visualizing what you're playing. A bit intimidating to the learner, but so far seems to be worth sticking with it. My only recommendation is to get both Book 1 and Book 2 simultaneously, and read both from start to finish before starting so you can get a sense of where he's headed. I hope future editions communicate the ties between the two a bit better; a recommended map of lesson plans, using both books, would be great, for those of us who still (against Shearer's recommendations) prefer to study on our own (albeit in front of a mirror).

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely well organized and thorough, September 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mel Bay Learning the Classic Guitar: Part 1 (Spiral-bound)

Years ago, Aaron Shearer suffered a debilitating case of tendonitis, robbing him of his ability to perform professionally. Since then, he has developed an entirely new approach to the classic guitar. His "Learning the Classic Guitar" series constitutes the most thorough, organized, and focused material I have seen for classic guitar study. It is very highly recommended for beginning or experienced players who want to develop solid, performance-quality technique and skill.