Customer Reviews

Mel Bay Presents: The Complete Carcassi Guitar Method

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This edition is not really what it says. Carcassi's original method was published as Opus 59. There are three parts - the first takes you through the major keys C, G, D, A, E, F and minor keys Am, Em, Dm. The second part starts with slurs and trills, introduces higher positions, and rounds out some of the other keys. Part III, ***which is missing*** are 50 graded etudes. These are NOT the 25 Etudes of Opus 60. The omitted etudes of Opus 59 are very charming and do a lot to prepare you for Opus 60. The Carl Fischer edition (the orange one) has the 50 etudes.

The old saying is that copying is the best form of flattery. The original etudes and solos written by Carcassi have been included in almost every classic and acoustic method book "written" in the last 50 years, quite often without proper reference to Carcassi as the author. I do not believe that any single method is complete enough to provide all that is needed however, the quality of the excercises and original songs in this method surpasses what one will find in most (the method published by Carulli is as good as this book) other method books. Mel Bay's imprint of the Carcassi method is densly packed with songs and wonderful etudes and scales (all solos), not words and wasteful pictures. The organization of this version is altered (for the better) from the original. (see the Carl Fischer version for the original organization) It is organized by key and concentrates on mastering the first and second positions before introducing more advanced techniques and the higher positions. My only complaint is that the pace of instruction increases too quickly (and the number of practice pieces drops off) once Carcassi begins to introduce the higher positions. I think learning the higher positions is easier to master one string at a time (see Parkening's method ) instead of by positions.
Included in the book are the 25 studies publishe by Carcassi. These are often sold on their own for about the same cost as this book. The book is spiral bound and is printed with great clarity on parchment tinted paper that is very easy on the eyes. There is just enough fingering, helpful but not overdone. The text is written in english and spanish. For the quality of the printing, the lay flat spiral binding and the shear volume of original guitar music, this is the best bargain around. Get it.

I've played the guitar for 25 years or so, various styles including heavy metal, bluegrass, praise music, gospel, country, & classical. I have spent probably 1/3 of that time teaching. Needless to say, over that period of time I have seen quite a few guitar books. I have used various books to teach both students & myself. I have said all of that so I can say this: The Carcassi method book is the best guitar method book I have used. I have never seen the guitar explained in such a manner & fashion that leaves one wanting to learn more, it is pure genius. One key element of this book, I believe, is the fact that the studies & etudes were written for the guitar. You're not taking music originally written for the lute, cello, viloin, or piano & crossing over to the guitar. These studies & methods have stood the test of time. In short, this is the best guitar method book I have ever seen; & I have seen them all.

My classical instructor recomended this book. there are a number of beautiful pieces in the book and i enjoy reading through it.

Very nice and useful piece. Bought it for my little sister, who uses it every day and everywhere. She enjoys using it because of it size and weight. Thank you very much!!!

I have recently become serious about studying and practicing classical guitar and have found there are very few books for the experienced guitarist that wishes to properly learn the method and theory of classical guitar without paying $60 a lesson for a teacher with no written method. This book is a great start for those who wish to learn some classical guitar method without forking out money one simply does not have. Don't think twice, just buy this book; it is a great learning tool.

For the professional, advance guitarist who is curious about classical guitar music and techniques this is the book for you. Following the arrpegios fingering of the notes is important all though out the lessons, the 25 studies summarizes all you've learned. Go back to lesson 1 or first position and start all over again before venturing to other classical guitar music. For beginners, knowledge of the fretboard notes at least in the key of C is important. Mel Bay Presents: The Complete Carcassi Guitar Method