What is the best classical guitar method book?

What is a classical guitar method?

A method book is basically a how-to manual for learning to play classical guitar. Typically method books introduce concepts from the beginning stages of learning up through more advanced stages and provide the means for working step by step to get from one stage to the next.

However, every method does this differently. While most methods include exercises, etudes, and even some repertoire, some are more focused on learning to read notation while others are much more collections of repertoire. Likewise, some methods focus more on technique. Some blend these together seamlessly.

So there is no one type of method. And it is important to point out that some books that are often recommended as methods are not really method books proper. Some of these, such as Scott Tennant’s Pumping Nylon, even include disclaimers that their book is not a method book. And since there are so many out there it can be difficult to know which one might work best for you. Our goal in this guide is to clear all that up for you.

Lessons vs. Method Book

A method book can be a great pathway for self-learning. Frederick Noad’s famous Solo Guitar Playing method book, for instance, is geared toward self-learners. And the question is, do you need a teacher or can you learn just with a method book?

While you can do a lot with self-learning, there are definite benefits to having a teacher. The most obvious advantage of having a teacher is that you can get immediate feedback on how you’re holding the instrument, placing your fingers, etc. Essentially a teacher can provide you with the irreplaceable feedback of demonstrating or correcting in person.

Moreover, some method books are intended to be used with a teacher. And since some teachers do not have a clear structure for their teaching, many will often rely on method books for that reason. We’ll talk more about this question at the end of the article.

What should you look for in a method book?

Progressive, incremental material

A good method will introduce materials to you one step at a time, not introducing material too early, but also not expecting you to know something that hasn’t been introduced yet. Some of the methods we’ll look at below introduce exercises with concepts that only get introduced several pages later. This is a recipe for frustration, especially for the self-learner. It also requires extra work for the teacher to reorganize materials. So it’s very important to have a clear structure that is carefully progressive.

Foundations of technique

Another central element of a good method book is that it should lay out its particular approach to the fundamentals of technique. These include the sitting position, the left-hand position, the right-hand position, fretting in the left hand, the free and rest strokes in the right hand, and much more. A good method will also give you exercises and/or repertoire that will help build up these different techniques one step at a time. Some methods are much more technique manuals and don’t include some of the other elements we’ll mention. These can be great as supplements, but are not “method books” per se. Tennant’s Pumping Nylon is a great example.

Learning to read notation

Walking through the elements of notation in a structured way to help the student learn to read music is essential for a good method book. Most “technique” books avoid this part of other methods. In today’s day and age where TAB is so prevalent this is even more important than it used to be. While there is a great deal of TAB available, students should learn to read notation for a whole host of reasons. Go read more about how to read guitar sheet music, which includes a section on TAB vs. notation.

Clear visuals, preferably multimedia with audio and video

A disadvantage of older method books, like say Sor’s or the first Shearer technique method, is that they do not have the best audiovisual representation of the materials. Modern methods will typically include CD’s / DVD’s / downloadable content to accompany the exercises. These give the student a clear way to see how to perform the exercises. And this is especially important for self-learners. Some older books have been updated to include these elements in later editions.

Progressive repertoire

Finally, most good method books include some amount of progressive repertoire. These will include studies by the nineteenth-century master educators, like Sor, Carulli, Carcassi, and Giuliani. But they might also be pieces written by the author, or other pieces from the repertoire. It’s important that this material is progressive and follows the same structured pathway as other exercises and notation lessons.

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So let’s look at the most recommended classical guitar methods out there.

Fernando Sor, Méthode pour Guitare (1830)

Sor’s Method is not exactly a method according to the criteria we listed above. It does not walk you through learning to play guitar in a progressive way, though the exercises at the end of the book are progressive. The most limiting factor of the book is that it is quite text-heavy and written in an older style some may find difficult to read. However, much of what he writes is accompanied by drawings of different hand positions and techniques. Still, these may seem outdated to modern guitarists.

The first part of the book focuses mostly on the mechanics of playing in both hands, including how to hold the instrument. And there is a lot of information that still holds up to this day. For instance, Sor used the corner of a table to prop up the guitar (like a guitar support) in order to avoid putting the shoulder and tendons in “a constrained manner” that would cause stress and even pain. This focus on ergonomics was ahead of its time.

Sor did not use fingernails and he avoided using the “a” (ring) finger in the right hand. He explains in a final chapter that he will only use the “a” finger when it plays the melody with three voices in the accompaniment below it. If there are only two notes in the accompaniment he will only use p-i-m. However, he mentions that he “curves” the “a” finger so that it can have more strength when plucking the string. This, Sor says, gives it “the power refused to it by nature.”

The end of the book contains exercises, notes on each string, accompaniments to various pieces, and a useful guide for harmonics. In fact, Sor’s section on harmonics is quite brilliant and should be required reading for all guitarists. While the book is not a complete method, the exercises and etudes at the end along with the harmonics guide are priceless.

Pros

• Aligns with the ergonomic approach to classical guitar technique we still find in teaching today.
• Has a huge selection of exercises and etudes that are themselves excellent compositions.
• Great guide to natural harmonics across the fretboard.

Cons

• The book is quite text-heavy and the few images present are outdated.
• Some concepts are outdated, such as avoiding the “a” finger.

Other 19th-Century Classical Guitar Method Books

There were many other guitar methods produced during the nineteenth century. Here are some of the most important:

• Carulli
• Carcassi
• Aguado
• Mertz
• Sor-Coste
• Legnani
• Pratten

Some of these don’t have great English translations and on the whole Sor’s is perhaps still the more important pedagogically. However, each has their own merit and while some are quite pithy (Mertz’s), they all have great supplemental materials to Sor. It should be noted that Napoléon Coste’s revision of Sor’s method includes some of his own fantastic lessons and etudes.

Frederick Noad, Solo Guitar Playing (1968, 2 vols.)

This method book is meant to be for those who don’t have a teacher and thus have to be both “teacher and pupil.” The book, described as a course of study, is expected to take about two years to work through — each lesson taking up to four weeks.

Noad places strong emphasis on learning the fundamental techniques of “the positioning” first. Each exercise, which is a single melodic line for the first eight lessons, has an accompaniment part to make it sound more interesting. While these can be played without accompaniment, students are encouraged to find someone to play the accompaniment with them.

The book contains photos and diagrams of different techniques and hand positions. These are not the best, however, and could be improved upon. The most recent edition of Noad’s method (4th ed.) does, however, include access to audio recordings of the exercises and repertoire.

Volume 1 ends with a section on ensemble music and contains several trios and quartets. The second volume, which is said to be for “intermediate” players, contains much more repertoire, has sections on style and ornamentation in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods, and sight reading exercises in different positions.

Pros

• Provides a structured approach to self-learning that is comprehensive
• Includes ensemble music and accompaniment for exercises
• Explores music notation, sight reading, and theory
• Tons of great repertoire in both volumes, including ensemble repertoire (often left out of other methods)

Cons

• The very first lesson contains outdated technical information
  • The guitar neck is shown quite low in the sitting position;
  • The right hand position requires the knuckles to be parallel with the strings;
  • The rest stroke is considered the fundamental stroke, to be introduced first, and the free stroke derivative;
  • The left hand position is neither photographed adequately nor discussed at any real length;
  • Women are given two different positions to sit in, depending on what they are wearing!
• Introduces some concepts too early and others without proper explanation
• Pictures are not great and too few
• Presumes you will at least work with another guitarist, if not a teacher, which is a bit confusing for a book geared toward self-learning

Aaron Shearer, Method Books:

Shearer’s “method” has become one of the most recommended methods for self-learners. But the trick is, which one? In fact, he wrote no less than three complete methods:

• Classic Guitar Technique (2 vols.), substantially revised in the second edition – plus four supplemental volumes!
• Learning the Classic Guitar (3 vols.)
• The Shearer Method (5 vols.) – plus a teacher’s manual

So it may be confusing for the beginner just starting out with the recommendation to begin with the “Shearer Method” when not only is it not always clear which is the one being recommended, but when some of the concepts are also not always clear because they change from one method to the next! We were not able to get our hands on all of the method books, so we will only mention the two we know well.

Classic Guitar Technique (1959, 2 vols. + 4 supplemental vols.)

This is one of the most recommended guitar methods available. It was intended for use with a teacher. As Shearer says in the original Foreword, it is not meant to substitute for a teacher, and.

…presents in an orderly, progressive manner necessary basic information and exercises essential to beginning guitar instruction.

One of the more important areas of emphasis is a relaxed technique free of “uncontrolled tension.” This ergonomic approach to technique has become a cornerstone in Shearer’s “method” (in all iterations!) and has been influential on modern guitar pedagogy. Another element many teachers will appreciate is the focus on moving through the materials slowly without an impatience to reach the next step too soon. This careful, patient approach is what lays the foundations for real progress.

Shearer, like Noad, presumes the rest stroke is the fundamental right-hand technique and there are certain exercises that he asks to be played rest stroke that really only work properly with free stroke. The biggest downside to the book is that self-learners may find that the exercises progress too quickly. This issue can be resolved by a teacher. (Thanks to conversations with Raffaele Agostino on this topic!)

The other volumes of this method focus on learning the fretboard, higher position playing, music theory, scales, slurs, ornaments, and reach development, and the final volume is a guitar note speller.

Learning the Classic Guitar (3 vols.)

Shearer’s next method, Learning the Classic Guitar, is much meatier, but it still has the same basic approach taken in the first method. Shearer still focuses on a relaxed technique and moving through materials slowly to build up strong fundamentals.

Book 1

He has revised some of his understanding of the right hand, including now beginning with the so-called “prepared stroke.” This is essentially the same as staccato, where the finger prepares on the string early and cuts off the resonance of a ringing string before playing again. According to Shearer, this builds up security and accuracy before moving to the “continuity stroke” where the finger continuously moves through the string without resting on it. Nonetheless, Shearer still has the beginner start with the prepared rest stroke. The biggest issue many teachers have found with starting with rest stroke is that it puts the hand in a position that later has to be unlearned when free stroke is introduced. For this reason most more recent modern methods begin with the free stroke.

The section on the left hand is still quite thin and jumps to slurs too quickly. There are also a few places where Shearer asks the student to play some musical examples in book 1 before notation has been introduced, which is the focus of book 2.

Book 2

It is in book 2 where this method really shines. This volume is much less text-heavy than the earlier method and has copious exercises in a careful progressive structure. Many are duets and so having a teacher or another “experienced guitarist” is essential to get the most out of each exercise. The pieces are all original compositions in different styles by Shearer and Alan Hirsh.

The last section of the book presents a short, but comprehensive approach to memorizing music, which is quite useful and well thought out.

Book 3

The final volume focuses on interpretation and performance development. The real difference from the other two volumes here is that Shearer includes studies from the nineteenth-century pedagogues like Sor, Carulli, and Giuliani. The section on performance development, especially performance anxiety, is a welcome discussion and something many students need.

The Shearer Method (5 vols.)

The most recent Shearer Method is a beefy five volumes along with a teacher’s manual. We hope to have a review of this method coming soon. As of this writing, Bradford Werner of This Is Classical Guitar has a nice concise review here.

Pros

• Very detailed and comprehensive.
• Focuses on avoiding injury and maintaining healthy playing habits.
• Suitable for all levels, but especially effective for serious students.

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for casual learners and difficult for self-learners.
• Establishes right-hand technique on the rest stroke.
• Not enough attention given to the left hand.
• Some exercises move a bit too quickly in the first method especially.

Charles Duncan, Modern Approach to Classical Guitar

Duncan’s method has some elements, like others we have looked at here, that are quite outdated. The drawings and photos of hand positions are frankly not very good. Some times the exercises also move too quickly and at other times students are expected to play exercises before concepts have been introduced.

Having said all that, there are many great things about this method. It has large-print font (much easier to read than, say, Shearer’s first method or Noad). The book is also much less text-heavy than other methods. Exercises take the reliable approach of introducing notes on one string at a time with duets that can be played with a teacher or another guitarist, and includes diverse musical material.

At the end of the day, Duncan’s method is still a very good option. But in many ways it is surpassed both by Noad and Shearer, which are both more comprehensive and whose materials are more carefully laid out and structured.

Pros

• Large print of musical examples is easy to read and follow
• Many musical examples, less text-heavy
• Concepts and new ideas are generally introduced progressively
• “Reviews” at the end of sections test memory and recall of concepts learned in that section (love this!)

Cons

• However, many concepts appear in exercises before they are explained – exercises often ask you to play something that then only gets introduced later, sometimes many pages later.
• Moves too quickly
• Presumes a teacher or another experienced guitarist will be involved to play duet parts
• Photos are too close up and at odd angles and diagrams (especially that of the thumb free stroke) are not very good

Christopher Parkening, The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method (2 vols.)

Christopher Parkening, one of the most celebrated classical guitarists of our time, designed his two-volume method to guide not only advanced guitarists but also “the person unknowledgeable in music who wishes to learn the correct fundamentals” of classical guitar. The Parkening Guitar Method starts with an introduction to technique and progressively moves through more advanced concepts, providing plenty of opportunities to play well-known classical pieces along the way.

One big difference of Parkening’s method is that the author is himself a world-class concert performer. This fact offers an authoritative perspective and grounds the materials in Parkening’s decades-long performing and recording experience.

Volume 1

Another big difference from the prior methods is that Parkening presumes the rest stroke will only be used for “scales passages or notes of emphasis,” but that otherwise free stroke is used most often. Regardless, he does move through some concepts a bit too quickly, especially in volume 1. Perhaps that is because of how broad-reaching his method is. It is quite comprehensive. The book covers the following topics:

• Parts of the Guitar
• Holding the Guitar
• Tuning
• The Right Hand
• Music Notation
• Practicing
• The Left Hand
• Fingernails
• Tone Production
• Guide and Pivot Fingers
• Music Theory
• Supplementary Repertoire
• and an Appendix on:
  • Guitar music fingering
  • A history of classical guitar
  • Selecting and maintaining a classical guitar
  • Changing strings
  • Fingerboard chart
  • Concise dictionary of musical terms…

And that’s just volume 1! In other words, this is an extremely comprehensive method book, even if it has fewer pages than some of the others above.

Another important element is that the repertoire selections are almost all from the standard classical guitar repertoire, including many arrangements of other classical repertoire. This makes the music quite fun to work through.

Volume 2

The second volume is split into two main sections. The first introduces advanced technical concepts, including special techniques like pizzicato and rasgueado. The second includes more great repertoire and is in fact repertoire-driven. As Parkening says in the Introduction:

The second volume of The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method is based on the same premise as the first: to learn guitar technique and musicianship by playing beautiful pieces of music. Practicing is more enjoyable and rewarding while working on exciting and inspiring compositions instead of dry exercises.

While this may be no doubt true, the unfortunate effect is that the method moves too quickly through the beginning stages especially. Thus, this is a great method for an intermediate guitarist, but not particularly well suited to the beginning guitarist.

Pros:

• Comprehensive in its approach.
• Has the authority of a world-class concert performer.
• Focuses on both technique and repertoire.
• Includes duets and classical music from early on.
• Well-structured progression of repertoire, especially for intermediate levels.

Cons:

• Moves too quickly through beginning materials.
• Does not dwell long enough on technical concepts with appropriate progressive exercises.
• Too repertoire-heavy.

Julio Sagreras, Las Lecciones de Guitarra (6 vols.)

Julio Sagreras’s Las Lecciones de Guitarra series is often recommended for complete beginners because of its simple, gradual approach. The lessons start with very basic exercises that progress to more advanced techniques and repertoire. However, it would be difficult to call this a “method” since it does not contain the usual items of a method book, like:

• Pictures and/or diagrams on the hand positions and sitting position
• Tuning
• Reading music notation
• Theory
• Basic technical details, like the right-hand strokes or fingernails

All of these elements are absent. Once you recognize that this is not a traditional method, however, the book really shines for what it is: a set of progressive lessons that are as comprehensive as they are well thought-out. So the book is really best to work through with a teacher and not for self-learning. It is also not for absolute beginners. It presumes knowledge of music notation and basic techniques.

Pros:

• Clear, gradual progression.
• Exercises and repertoire are fun and diverse

Cons:

• Not ideal for absolute beginners.
• Requires a teacher to get the most out of it.

Scott Tennant, Pumping Nylon

If you’re looking to dive into the technical side of classical guitar, Scott Tennant’s Pumping Nylon is a fantastic choice. This book is not a full method and is definitely not for beginners. It is really best for intermediate players who have already laid strong foundations of technique and want to go deeper. It also presumes knowledge of notation and many of the pieces/studies are quite complex (for instance, the first two studies by Andrew York and Brian Head, respectively). Here’s what Scott says in the Preface:

The goal of Pumping Nylon is to offer ideas that will help solve various technical problems. The ideas was to steer clear of assembling anything that resembled a method book. Rather, my intent was to focus only on specific technical issues which I felt had not been clearly explained elsewhere.

Tennant covers a range of exercises to build finger strength, dexterity, and coordination, particularly with the right hand. It’s a great book if you want to supplement a more comprehensive method with targeted technique work. The best part of this method is its style. Tennant has a casual, humorous approach that makes even the most challenging exercises feel less intimidating. Little page-divider quotes are memorable, such as: “DO or DO NOT; there is no TRY” – Yoda. It’s a fun book to have around if you want to mix up your practice routine and really work on refining your skills.

While this is not a method book, as Tennant himself makes clear, it is important to point out that Tennant has since published his own three-volume method called Basic Classical Guitar Method.

Pros:

• Focuses on key technical exercises for both hands.
• Engaging and accessible writing style.
• Great for improving speed, accuracy, and tone.

Cons:

• Not a complete method for beginners; better as a supplement to other books.

The Cornerstone Method for Classical Guitar

While it hasn’t been out long enough to prove itself alongside these other great method books, we also have our own method book: The Cornerstone Method for Classical Guitar: Grade 1. We include it here not because we are claiming it is the best classical guitar method. In fact, in many ways it draws on many of the methods listed above. It is, however, the best we have to offer and we think it is quite unique and you should check it out!

Who is this book for?

The Cornerstone Method is written for complete beginners and provides a clear set of progressive set of materials to guide the beginner through their first, foundational steps. Those returning to the guitar may also find they are able to establish better foundations and playing habits that can fill in any gaps that may be present in their musical path.

While the book can be used by self-learners, it is intended to be used together with a teacher. In fact, the book was created first and foremost for students at Classical Guitar Corner Academy. All of the materials at CGC Academy interlink with this book through technique lessons, repertoire study guides, duets, practice routines, theory courses, backing tracks, and demonstration videos.

The structure of the book

The book starts off with rhythm and counting exercises, which are essential for learning to read music notation, but also important skills for your entire musical journey. Following on from that are progressive exercises that will teach you to read notation step by step incorporating more and  more musical and expressive elements with each stage. Along with the exercises are a host of duets (on every lesson!) that help you develop sight reading, ensemble, and rhythmic skills.

Each lesson has homework sheets so  you can work on concepts from the book away from the guitar. (There are accompanying answer sheets at the back of the book.)

There is a section on fundamental technique at the beginning of the book and free stroke is used for all lessons, exercises, and duets in the book. It is expected that the student will supplement technique, repertoire, and other suggested materials with a teacher or with study at CGC Academy.

Accompanying materials

While you can access all of the video lessons, backing tracks, duets, and other materials in the membership at CGC Academy, there are also video resources that accompany the book just when you purchase a copy of The Cornerstone Method. Pick up your copy of The Cornerstone Method now.

More to come…

You may notice that this is just “Grade 1.” In fact, Grade 2 will launch in January 2025 and other grades will release at a later date. Along with the other materials at CGC Academy, the Cornerstone Method provides you with a structured pathway for learning classical guitar and so it should certainly be on your considered list for which guitar method is right for you.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Method for You

When it comes to learning classical guitar, “the best method book” really depends on your goals and how you like to learn. First of all, if you are a self-learner, some of the methods above will not be for you. Even for those methods geared toward self-learning, having the guidance of a teacher will help you work through the materials at the pace that is right for you. Moreover, having a teacher right there (or online through video) who can see the issues and provide real-time correction and/or demonstration is simply invaluable.

More recent method books, and updated/revised editions of older ones, provide audiovisual materials that can help alleviate the need for a teacher. This can be very helpful for those who simply cannot find a teacher in their area.

A few of the books we looked at are much more supplemental rather than proper methods. Both Sagreras and Pumping Nylon are excellent for what they are. But you should only use them as supplements to a method that walks you through a comprehensive and structured way to learn classical guitar.

Out of the methods we looked at, Shearer, Noad, and Parkening all have distinct benefits. And some teachers like to pull different parts of each one to create a sort of Frankestein method. Some approaches and concepts may need revamping, such as starting with rest stroke in the right hand or when to introduce certain elements, but each one can provide a solid basis for beginners and intermediates to make real progress on the instrument. The Cornerstone Method addresses many of these issues and is a great place to start for the absolute beginner or even for returning guitarists looking to reestablish sound fundamentals and habits.

Whatever method you choose, remember that the key to mastering the classical guitar is consistent practice and patience. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different books as you grow—what matters most is that you enjoy the process and stay motivated!

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At Classical Guitar Corner Academy, our structured curriculum offers you much more than just a method book (though we have that too!). We provide you with a guided pathway to learning classical guitar from the very beginning stages to advanced concert playing. With feedback from world-class instructors along the way, carefully chosen and crafted materials at every step, and a community to keep you motivated and encouraged, CGC Academy is a wonderful way to learn classical guitar.

Go here to learn more and join Classical Guitar Corner Academy.