The Natural Classical Guitar: The Principles of Effortless Playing [Paperback]

Lee F. Ryan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The principles of easy classical guitar playing are imparted in a guide which tells how to improve strokes, incorporate fluid motions in playing, and overcome many obstacles to mastering the classical guitar. There are plenty of books on the market for rote playing; but few which emphasize achieving smooth, effortless rhythm and improving existing skills. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Trade (March 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0136100635
• ISBN-13: 978-0136100638
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,551,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for all levels of player, January 30, 2000

By 

David Jaques (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Natural Classical Guitar (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for those wishing to improve their technical and musical mastery of the guitar. A lot of the information is not (or should not be) new to any serious guitarist, however the author presents it in such a simple and logical way that when you put it into practice, you should see almost immediate improvements in your playing. The book is really a "system" of playing, practicing and approach to the guitar (and yourself) which is almost exquisite in its simplicity. I'm not aware of the author as a well known classical guitarist, but I suspect he's an excellent teacher and communicator, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve his or her playing. Having said that, keep in mind that the other essential ingredients to making beautiful music come not from any book or teacher, but from within yourself - ie. disciplined goal directed practice, patience, and an unshakeable belief that you can do it.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A relaxed, unstuffed-shirt approach to classical guitar., June 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Natural Classical Guitar: The Principles of Effortless Playing (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully reassuring book. I won't say it leads to "effortless" playing, as the cover boasts, but it certainly broadens the routine of practicing.

BTW, this book was reprinted in 1991 by The Bold Strummer, Ltd., of Westport, Connecticut. It was listed in Books in Print in 1995.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Opened the doors of my perception, November 13, 2007

By 

Martin L. Metcalf "Marty Metcalf" (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Natural Classical Guitar: The Principles of Effortless Playing (Paperback)

This book has changed my guitar playing life. What Lee Ryan puts into words, so well, has helped me acheive better tone, I play much more effortlessly and presise, it's also given me the mental tools to rise above my speed, accuracy and hand strain issues. Thank you, thank you, thank you.