05-12-2012, 05:57 PM
Learn How To Play Guitar
1Learn How To Play Guitar[.pdf (Size: 592 KB / Downloads: 67)
Introduction
The method is intended for any mature learner fifteen years old or older who has not had any
prior exposure to the classical guitar. The only prerequisite that is obligatory is your desire to learn, and
the patience to understand that everything being taught in this method is important in learning how to
play the guitar. This method can be used in a class situation or for individual instruction.
I’ve tried to leave out unnecessary and time consuming exercises. This method will move rather
quickly into short musical selections utilizing the free stroke. The pieces in this method are either
composed by the author or original classical guitar pieces that have been edited by the author. Lesson 26
gives you several intermediate level guitar pieces from various time periods which are usually not included
in guitar methods but would have to be purchased separately. All the music in this method was
written for guitar and is not transcribed from other instruments.
Compared to other available methods more emphasis is being put on knowledge of rhythm and
music theory while giving you appropriate musical selections.
Before each exercise or piece, practice hints will be given to facilitate the learning of the material.
A tape will be supplied with the method, to enable you to tune your guitar and to check your
progress. Do not learn the music by listening to the tape. The tape should only be used when checking
the already learned music. If you follow these suggestions and the ones given throughout the method,
you will surprised at your own progress.
Choice of Guitar
There are two basic types of acoustic guitars: the classical and the Dreadnought steel string.
Electric guitars should not be used with this method. If you do not own a guitar yet, your best choice
would be a classical guitar. The classical guitar uses six nylon strings, with the three bass strings being
silver wound. The steel string guitar, as the name implies, is strung with six steel strings. The body of
the steel string guitar is also slightly larger than that of the classical guitar.
It is possible to use a steel string guitar with this method, but in my opinion it would be better for
a beginner to use the classical guitar, since most music presented in this method has been written for
classical guitar.
Classical guitars are available to the beginning guitarist for about 150-400 dollars. The best
guitars for their price are available in Mexico. Japanese guitars are more expensive, but they are still a
good product for their price. The best choice for a classical guitarist would still be a guitar from Spain,
which is not quite as easy to find.
Tuning the Guitar
For now we will tune the guitar with use of the tape (Lesson one, track one). First you will hear the
high E-string (first string). Try to match the sound of your E-string to the sound of the E-string that is on the
tape. The E-string will be played a couple of times. Listen to it as much as you need to. Follow your
instincts. If you think you have matched the sound on the tape, you will probably be correct. If the strings
are put on correctly on your guitar, the pitch will go up when the tuning peg is turned away from you, and
lower when the peg is turned towards you. When the first string is in tune listen to the sound of the second
string on the tape, and repeat the same procedure until all six strings are in tune.