Classical Guitar For Dummies Paperback – July 14, 2009

This is an EXCELLENT book if you want to learn to play classical guiatar. I will skip the first few chapters and get to the music. There are a variety of exercises to start with. They are not musical (my opinion), but they get you practicing using the various strings and fingers. What I like is the different rhythms that are incorporated in the exercises. The authors use whole, quarter, sixteenth notes, etc. which add variety and a true sense of music. I will add I have played guitar a long time, know some music theory, can read music, but I never learned to play with my fingers (either classical or fingerpicking styles). Using the fingers is a challenge after many years of using strictly a pick. The book picks up with musical pieces that are very melodic and challenging. The book covers alot of concepts such as arpaggios, barre chords, etc. It is not a book that one will master in a month. With dilligent daily practice A person can learn the rudiments of classical guitar and be prepared to move on to books that have actual songs to play. For the money the book is a steal. I give it my highest recommendation!

I have 32 years experience playing guitar and I own about 32 guitars. I think classical guitar studies are the best way for any guitarist to start. Many brilliant rock guitar players started out studying classical guitar. This book and CD are very impressive. I was not too impressed with the standard guitar for dummies book which I have seen at the local library. I urge you to buy this book with CD, I think you will enjoy it.

Learning classical guitar is a challenging endeavor. Yes, this is the right book with the right exercises and techniques to teach you to become a competent beginning classical guitarist.Importantly, it is different from other 'For Dummies" books because it is not easy or patronizing. Authors Mark Philips & John Chapell have created a course that has the integrity to challenge you to develop real skills over time. You will be proud of each chapter you complete -but you will work for it- especially if you are new to the guitar like I am.This book is a great work for the beginning self-taught student, because it does not oversimplify this beautiful instrument. Yet, with determination it puts complex techniques and skills within your grasp.

I took classical guitar lessons for 2 years - 26 years ago and then went to nursing school and had to drop everything except what pertained specifically to nursing. Now I am looking to restore some degree of civility and beauty to my life. This book is informative and entertaining with a wealth of facts and suggestions to help the neophyte or the prodigal student re-acquaint himself with this beautiful instrument thanks!

Terrible book. The people who wrote this book MISSED the big point of sense of humor. Beside this the practice pieces/lessons starts with a total depressing music, very SAD piece. It made my whole family so depressed including myself. Even our cats did show bad reaction to the music. My wife called it FUNERAL music which is true.The writters should have been more encouraging and chosen some happier pieces/musics since as beginner you need to practise the pieces over and over again.The CD did not follow along with Kindle version either. Most of the images are too small to read on kindle version. But that was not the bigest issue for me. The main issue is that i felt very SAD hearing the depressing pieces i have to practise. Try it yourself and you will soon end up in a total mental collaps.I decided to stop with this book and look for another one. It's a shame that the "dummies" series started very funny and by time they got more boring. I wont' go for another book from this company.

This a good book to learn to play classical guitar " the right way". This book takes you from the very begging and it teaches you to read music. It does a good job with it but if you are looking for a book to help you learn a quick song or chords, this is not the one.

I had recently purchased a classical guitar in the hopes of learning or relearning how to play it. I used to play guitar as a teenager and I'm not going to tell you how long ago that was. Hint: Too long ago.I found the book and associated CD recording to be well organized and easy to follow. It is a good self teaching tool for anyone wanting to learn to play the classical guitar.

A very good course with very interesting technical details on the classical guitar. I have much appreciated the progressive music sheets and tabs not forgetting the CD. I also found the informations on classical guitarists very useful. This book is well balanced and highly recommendable for young adults ... and adults, even teachers ! Congratulations to the authors.The delivery time was rather long but as specified.Thanks.Michel.

I am absolutely new to the classical guitar. The start of the book was great but when I got to page 100 it became impossible. It does not explain how to finger the frets. Sometimes you can figure out the underlying chords which helps. I'm afraid the total lack of guidance of which fingers of the left hand to use for particular pieces left me stumped. I'm now using Ross the Music and Guitar Teacher and his video explanations are amazingly good. Sorry this is one Dummies book that lost the plot.

Much too technical for dummies. It needs tunes that people recognise so that you know if you are right. I know it is for a classical guitar but that doesn't necessarily mean classical music.

Ease of reading. All you need now is a bit of practice

Brilliant reference book

Excellent. I like these books a lot and this one's no different.