- Home
- Classical Fingerstyle Portal
- 15 Actionable Guitar Lessons
- Classical Guitar Technique
- Guitar Lessons
- Beginner Lessons
- Guitar History
- The Renaissance Guitar
- Guitar Time Line
- Classical Guitar Blog
- Contact
- About Author
- Site Search
- Privacy Policy
- Site Map
- Classical Guitar Study Course 3.0
- Instant Classical Guitar Repertoire
- Classical Guitar Lessons For Beginners
Guitar Instruction Books
In my ongoing search for quality guitar instruction books, I remember many years ago coming across the strange title of Pumping Nylon, mildly amused at the humor.
I remember thinking that this book wouldn't really 'cut it' as an instructional text for classical guitar players or be one of the best guitar books for self-teaching.
How wrong I was!
Scott Tennant is a player of great ability, and insight, if ill-advised on the use of the gym joke :))
He has the ability to get to the heart of the matter, in terms of the right technical approach, to speed up your ability and proficiency on the guitar. It you want to teach yourself to play guitar, then buy this book!
I started noticing very quickly that my flexibility, speed, accuracy and even my overall general sound started to improve.
Coupled with the knowledge I was gleaning from Classical Guitar Pedagogy and then 'super-charged' with the techniques and exercises in Kitharologous - The Path To Virtuosity, I was taking that giant leap needed to play the music I really enjoyed.
Just using these three books, or even on their own, could literally take years off your own learning curve whether you play for personal enjoyment or really want to 'go for it' in terms of a classical guitar career.
They really are that good! I highly recommend these guitar instruction books and D.V.D.
If you concentrate on these books and D.V.D. you have a very powerful method indeed for learning the guitar quickly, but most importantly, properly.
Their 'no fluff' approach ensures you're getting the best advice possible short of a private instructor. As long as you follow the advice and actually practice you will improve steadily and ultimately master the guitar...
My Top Three Guitar Instruction Recommendations...
Guitar Instruction Book #1
Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant
Pumping Nylon, as the title may suggest, is a little more whimsical and light-hearted but nevertheless has some great advice, information and practice techniques.
Pumping Nylon (Book and D.V.D.) (The Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook) Edited by Nathaniel Gunod, written by Scott Tennant for classical guitar.
Includes instructional book and instructional video (D.V.D.).
With introductory text, instructional text, illustrations and standard guitar notation. Technique. Series: National Guitar Workshop. 95 pages. 9x12 inches.
Published by Alfred Publishing. (AP.20417) See more info...
Here's a little video of Scott Tennant with an overview of the Pumping Nylon DVD...
Guitar Instruction Book #2
Classical Guitar Pedagogy by Anthony Glise
I found it to be most interesting and stimulating. There's more information here than in any other instruction book I've ever read.
Classical Guitar Pedagogy by Anthony Glise. For Guitar (Classical).
Reference. Anthony Glise Urtext. Classic. Level: Multiple Levels. Book. Size 8.75x11.75. 282 pages.
Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (95638) See more info...
Guitar Instruction Book #3
"Kitharologus by Ricardo Iznaola"
Kitharologus requires of you a determined, regular approach to practice and improvement via some very ingenious and exacting technical exercises and drills.
This guitar book is definitely not for the faint-hearted or the mildly interested...
Ricardo Iznaola: "Kitharologus" The Path to Virtuosity by Ricardo Iznaola. For Guitar (Classical). Technique. Chanterelle. Classic.
Level: Intermediate. Book. Size 8.75x11.75. 128 pages.
Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (95727) See more info...
Other Top Quality Guitar Instruction Books & Materials...
Additional Guitar
|
Additional Guitar
|
Instruction, including graded exercises, practice studies, and a survey of the guitar repertoire in Book 1 and in Book 2 it concentrates on technique, sight reading, and musicianship for the intermediate guitarist, with graded exercises and practice studies.
It's pretty much a quick and easy introduction for beginners...
Solo Guitar Playing - Book 1, 4th Edition For solo guitar. Music Sales America. Instructional method. Softcover with CD. 254 pages. Music Sales #AM996875. Published by Music Sales (HL.14023147) See more info...
Solo Guitar Playing, Third Edition Book 2 - With CD (An Introduction To Technique And Repertoire For The Intermediate Guitarist). For the guitar. Music Sales America. Instructional. Instructional book and examples CD.
Additional Guitar
|
Additional Guitar
|
This premier method for the beginning classical guitarist, by one of the world's pre-eminent virtuoso and the recognized heir to the legacy of Andres Segovia, is now completely revised and updated!
A great guitar technique book, or should I say "books".
Guitarists will learn basic classical technique by playing over 50 beautiful classical pieces, 26 exercises and 14 duets, and through numerous photos and illustrations.
The guitar instruction method covers rudiments of classical technique, note reading and music theory, selection and care of guitars, strategies for effective practicing, and much more...
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 1 (The Art and Technique of the Classical Guitar Book/CD Pack). By Christopher Parkening. Arranged by David Brandon and Jack Marshall. Guitar Method.
Softcover with CD. 112 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.696023) See more info...
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2 (Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate Level Book/CD Pack). By Christopher Parkening. Arranged by David Brandon and Jack Marshall. Guitar Method.
Softcover with CD. 136 pages.Published by Hal Leonard (HL.696024) See more info...
Additional Guitar
|
Additional Guitar
|
Learning the Classic Guitar is a new direction in guitar instruction and a great set of beginner guitar books for adults and children alike.
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 the 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...
Aaron Shearer Learning the Classic Guitar Part 1 By Aaron Shearer. For Guitar (Classical). Method. Classic. Level: Beginning. Book. Size 9x11.75. 154 pages.
Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (94361) See more info...
Aaron Shearer Learning the Classic Guitar Part 2 By Aaron Shearer. For Guitar (Classical). Method. Classic. Level: Beginning. Book. Size 8.75x11.75. 224 pages.
Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (94362) See more info...
Guitar Instruction - Frequently Asked Questions
Pumping
Nylon by Scott Tennant
Question: Is Pumping Nylon suitable for beginners
or only advanced players?
Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant
Question: Is Pumping Nylon suitable for beginners or only advanced players?
Answer: It’s beginner-friendly and scales up. The book focuses on core classical technique with clear explanations, photos/illustrations, and comes with a companion video (DVD in some editions), so new players can start safely while intermediate/advanced players use the exercises to boost speed, accuracy, and tone.
My Thoughts - Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant: What’s the main benefit of this book?
It zeroes in on right-hand mechanics and daily technique routines that quickly improve speed, accuracy, and tone, making it a practical “technique toolkit” for any level.
Classical
Guitar Pedagogy by Anthony Glise
Question: Who is Classical Guitar Pedagogy best for, students or
teachers?
Classical
Guitar Pedagogy by Anthony Glise
Question: Who is Classical Guitar Pedagogy best for, students or
teachers?
Answer: Both! It’s a deep reference that covers method, curriculum planning, technique, and musicianship. Self-learners get a broad roadmap, while teachers can structure multi-level lessons using its detailed guidance.
My Thoughts - Classical Guitar Pedagogy by Anthony Glise: Who is it best for?
Teachers and serious students who want an encyclopaedic guide to curriculum, technique foundations, and teaching strategies across multiple levels.
Kitharologus
(The Path to Virtuosity) by Ricardo Iznaola
Question: Is Kitharologus too intense for casual learners?
Kitharologus
(The Path to Virtuosity) by Ricardo Iznaola
Question: Is Kitharologus too intense for casual learners?
Answer: It’s demanding by design. If you can commit to regular, focused practice, the progressive drills are incredibly effective; otherwise, it may feel tough. Intermediate players benefit most, but disciplined beginners can still use it slowly.
My Thoughts - Kitharologus (The Path to Virtuosity) by Ricardo Iznaola: Is it suitable for beginners?
It’s aimed at committed players; the progressive drills are demanding but incredibly effective for building disciplined, high-level technique.
Solo
Guitar Playing, Book 1 (Frederick Noad)
Q: Does Noad’s Book 1 work for complete beginners learning solo
classical guitar?
Solo Guitar Playing, Book 1 (Frederick Noad)
Q: Does Noad’s Book 1 work for complete beginners learning solo
classical guitar?
Answer: Yes. It starts from first principles with graded exercises and studies, plus audio examples (CD in many editions). It’s a solid self-study path to basic technique and note-reading.
My Thoughts - Solo Guitar Playing, Book 1 by Frederick Noad: Can a true beginner use it?
Yes! Book 1 introduces reading, technique, and graded pieces in a step-by-step format ideal for complete beginners.
Solo
Guitar Playing, Book 2 (Frederick Noad)
Q: What’s the jump from Book 1 to Book 2?
Solo Guitar Playing, Book 2 (Frederick Noad)
Q: What’s the jump from Book 1 to Book 2?
Answer: Book 2 targets the intermediate stage: more sight-reading, musicianship, and refined technique with graded studies. It's ideal after finishing or nearly finishing Book 1.
My Thoughts - Solo Guitar Playing, Book 2 by Frederick Noad: What does it add beyond Book 1?
It develops intermediate technique, sight-reading, and musicianship with more advanced studies and repertoire.
Christopher
Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1
Question: What will I actually play and learn in Parkening Vol. 1?
Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1
Question: What will I actually play and learn in Parkening Vol. 1?
Answer: Over 50 classical pieces, 26 exercises, and 14 duets guide you through core technique, note reading, practice strategies, and guitar care, supported by photos, illustrations, and audio (CD in many editions).
My Thoughts - Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1: What stands out about this method? Clear presentation and beautiful graded pieces; it teaches fundamentals, note-reading, and practice habits with lots of musical examples.
Christopher
Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 2
Q: How does Parkening Vol. 2 build on Volume 1?
Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 2
Q: How does Parkening Vol. 2 build on Volume 1?
Answer: It moves into intermediate/upper-intermediate technique and repertoire, continuing the structured approach with more advanced pieces and studies to develop tone control, articulation, and musicality.
My Thoughts - Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 2: Who should choose this volume?
Players at the intermediate to upper-intermediate level who want to refine technique and expand repertoire after finishing Volume 1.
Aaron
Shearer – Learning the Classic Guitar, Part 1
Question: What’s the teaching approach in Shearer’s Part 1?
Aaron Shearer – Learning the Classic Guitar, Part 1
Question: What’s the teaching approach in Shearer’s Part 1?
Answer: It emphasizes how to practice: efficient technical development, step-by-step skills, and just-in-time information. It’s beginner-level but methodical enough to set excellent long-term habits.
My Thoughts - Learning the Classic Guitar, Part 1 (Aaron Shearer): What’s the core teaching idea?
Efficient practice: give information when it’s immediately useful, start with the easiest skills, and build habits that stick.
Aaron
Shearer – Learning the Classic Guitar, Part 2
Question: What changes in Part 2 compared to Part 1?
Aaron Shearer – Learning the Classic Guitar, Part 2
Question: What changes in Part 2 compared to Part 1?
Answer: Part 2 runs alongside technical work to build reading, memorization, and aural/visual “concept” skills, so that you internalize music faster and sight-read more confidently.
My Thoughts - Learning the Classic Guitar, Part 2 (Aaron Shearer): What new skills does it stress?
Reading and memory development, plus the “visualization” concept to strengthen fluency and confidence.
So there you have it, THE best way to give your playing that super boost!
You simply MUST become a better player for using these resources because they are simply the best on offer.
You can see these guitar instruction books are in my own library...
Good luck!
See more about classical guitar here...
Recent New Pages: