Classical Guitar Method Volume 1 (PDF)

Classical Guitar Method Volume One by Bradford Werner, 2019/2020 Edition. Free PDF method book for beginner classical guitar or fingerstyle guitar. Free PDF Download (102 pages). Free video lessons.

You can find hardcopies via: Amazon.com or Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, or your country's Amazon. 

This book teaches classical and fingerstyle guitar skills with a focus on the rich pedagogical tradition of classical guitar. Most learning objectives are covered through pieces and duets allowing students to perform full pieces from the first lesson. A qualified teacher and the lesson videos should provide students with a healthy start. You can also check out my page on How to Use my Educational Series.

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Free Video Lessons for this Method

Video lessons and helpful articles are an essential part of using my method book. Follow the lessons in the order below. Also see the list of additional tips and lessons at the bottom of the list. You can start the technique routines anytime.

• Welcome
• Orientation & Welcome Video - A quick welcome and word about using the method.
• What Gear and Accessories Will You Need?

• Sitting Position, Right Hand Technique
• Posture and Sitting Position Lesson
• Right Hand Position Lesson

• Reading Music for the First Time
• Introduction to Reading Music Notation for Absolute Beginners

• First Pages & Songs
• First Notes (E, B, G), Rhythms, Etude No. 1 & 2 (Page 12-15)
• Nocturne - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p. 16)

• Introduction to the Left Hand
• Left Hand Position Lesson
• Using the 4th finger in first position for D and G

• Treble Strings, Exercises, Repertoire
• First Left Hand Note (A), Sight Reading, Moderato & A Fairy Tale (p. 17-20)
• A Fairy Tale - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p. 20)
• B, C, D, E, F, G, Sight Reading and Review (p. 21-23)
• Tip: How to Play Legato on Classical Guitar
• Five Melodies and Ode to Joy Lesson (p. 24)
• Ode to Joy - Duet Play-Along and Performance  (p. 26)
• Etude No. 3 - Dynamics, Arpeggios w/ left hand notes (p.28)
• Twinkle Twinkle, Etude No. 4, Au clair de la lune, Oh Susanna (p.30-34)
• Jazz Cat - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p.32)
• Staccato articulation for beginners (Prep for Waltz by Czerny)
• Duet Performances: Waltz by Czerny, Minuet by Wilton, Morning by Diabelli
• Waltz by Czerny - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p.35)
• Minuet by Wilton - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p.36)
• Morning by Diabelli - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p37)

• Bass Notes and More
• Melody with Bass Accompaniment: Etudes No. 5, 6, 7, 8 (p.38-44)
• C Major Scale, Eighth Notes, Angeline the Baker, Etude No. 9, Vsi so venci Vejli (p.45-51)
• Duet: Minuet by Hook - Duet Play-Along and Performance (p.49)
• Duet: Flow Gently Sweet Afton - Duet Play-Along and Performance
• Etude No. 10, 11, and Little Birch Tree in the Field
• The Skye Boat Song
• Note Review, and Sight Reading: The Imitation Game (p. 63-64)
  
• Leyenda Theme by Albeniz, Chromatic Scale, & Greensleeves
• Malagueñas Lesson
• Duet: Minuet in G by Petzold - Duet Play-Along and Performance
• Siciliano by Carcassi and Farewell

• Chord Accompaniment Section
• Introduction to the Chord Accompaniment Section
• First Easy Chord Songs for Beginners (p. 73-78) 
• First Full Chord Shape Songs (p. 79-82) 
• Fingerstyle Accompaniment Section (p. 83-87) 

• Technique Routines
• Technique Routines for the Right and Left Hands

• Additional Helpful Tips While Using the Book
• 10 Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners
• How to Practice Music and Organize Your Practice Session
• Should Beginners Use Rest or Free Stroke?
• Avoiding Tension when playing – Comprehensive, 5 Video lessons
• How to Play Legato on Classical Guitar
• Alternating Right Hand Fingers for Beginners (Q&A)

The above videos are for the 2019/2020 edition. 

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Student FAQ:

What's new in the 2020 edition? It's the same pieces and page numbers as the 2019 edition. I've added some extra tips and explanations to help students understand the directions more clearly and updated a bunch of the video lessons. But it's essentially the same book but just a bit more clear for students.

Should I memorize the pieces and should I keep them in my repertoire? Although I'm not strict about memorization with my students, I do believe that we play better when the piece is memorized. Also, our brains seem to get used to it as a habit and memorizes more efficiently if we do it regularly. So, I highly recommend you memorize your pieces but don't be too hard on yourself, just do a little bit of memory work everyday and see how it goes.

When should I move onto the next piece? Aim for a confident playing of the piece. As a basic check you might put a metronome on and be able to play through it as that is a common issue. Aim for an even rhythm, nice tone, arched phrases, and a prominent melody. I encourage students to stick with pieces for awhile to see how they 'settle' into the piece in terms of relaxation. It's important to dive deeper into musicality after you have accomplished the basic physical movements. A large part of what teachers do is to just raise the musical bar and get students to strive for higher levels of musicality so you'll want to push yourself in that regard to ensure you are not just settling for a past standard (up your personal level every piece). In the end it's up to you but try to feel confident and happy with your performance.

Also visit my blog This is Classical Guitar for free lessons, pro videos, and more.

Cover image is just for promotion, the PDF is a text cover.