Guitar News

This routine is from my new book Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, and Arpeggios. The 122 page book includes: Practice Routines, Tips, 100 Open String Exercises, 120 Giuliani Arpeggios, Scales, Slur Exercises, Shifts, Finger Independence, Barre, Tremolo, Common Harmonics, and much more. YouTube Video Link (4k)

This is Part 2 of a 6 Part Lesson Series on technique routines. This is for late-beginners, so maybe for someone who has finished my free method book or equivalent. View all the free routine videos at the book page. You can use other books if you want but make sure to keep it balanced as I discuss. Also, grab some sticky tabs and mark the pages in my book so you can easily flip through. The levels to covered in the 6 part series are: Beginner; Late-Beginner; Early-Intermediate; Intermediate; Late-Intermediate; Early-Advanced.

Late-Beginner Routine
Length: Approximately 10-15 Minutes
Stay focused on the beginner routine but add a few extra exercises that introduce finger independence and basic slurs. Practice from each group of open string exercises listed.

• Open String Exercises No.1-35 – Omit three-finger patterns (No.6, 7, 8, 16)
• Open String Exercises No. 36-58
• Basic Alignment Exercises (pages 54-56)
• Chromatic Scale Starting on E (page 58)
• First Position Major Scales: C, G, D, E, F, Bb (pages 64-65)
• First Position Melodic Minor Scales: A, E, D (pages 66-67)
• Basic Finger Independence (page 93)
• Open String Slurs (pages 80-81)

Weimar Guitar Quartet
Stephanie Jones, Hanna Link, Karmen Stendler, Jakob Schmidt
Weimar Guitar Quartet Website
Debut Album, Released 2019, Germany

Buy or Learn More via their website, or Amazon, iTunes, el al.

Having featured the Weimar Guitar Quartet and its members on the site numerous times, it’s wonderful to see a debut album by this exciting young group. All amazing soloists in their own right, as a group they shine with great repertoire, excellent ensemble skills, and an elegant sound. This album was made possible in part by a successful crowd funding campaign; it’s so good to see people supporting artists.

The mix of repertoire on the album is wide ranging but should be pleasing to both guitarists and general listeners. Special highlights for myself are the arrangements of Elizabethan Dances which highlight their control over sensitive imitation and counterpoint across the ensemble. Six Fish by Nigel Westlake offers very contrasting textures and colourful writing that works incredibly well on the guitar. The fun articulations, group dynamics, and flowing phrases showcase their professional ensemble skills. Nice bell-like tones and an overall blended sound makes for a convincing orchestration. Uarekena by Sergio Assad is of special note with intricate running lines and phrasing challenges resulting in an impressive finale. 

This is a great debut album filled with what I imagine is the culmination of all the performance repertoire they’ve covered over the years. I’ll certainly look forward to their next album which might benefit from a focused theme. I would love to see a new music album of commissions from young composers.

The Weimar Guitar Quartet’s debut album is an exciting mix of repertoire filled with virtuosic performances by an amazing group of young artists. From pristine early music to extroverted modern risk, this group has it all. I can’t imagine a more successful debut of a high level ensemble.

Album Repertoire

• Nebulae by Olga Amelkina-Vera
• Comme un tango by Patrick Roux
• A Collection of Elizabethan Dances:
  • Des Rotschenken Tantz by William Brade
  • The Honeysuckle by Anthony Holborne
  • Fantaisie by Orlando Gibbons
  • Joyne Hands by Thomas Morley
  • Now is the Month of Maying by Thomas Morley
  • The Frog Galliard by Thomas Morley
• Mélodie Op. 5, Nr. 4 by Fanny Hensel
• Prelude & Fugue in F# minor by Clara Schumann
• Six Fish by Nigel Westlake
  • 11 – I. Guitar Fish
  • 12 – II. Sunfish
  • 13 – III. Spangled Emperor
  • 14 – IV. Sling-Jaw Wrasse
  • 15 – V. Leafy Sea-dragon
  • 16 – VI. Flying Fish
• Spin by Andrew York
• Toccata by Leo Brouwer
• Uarekena by Sergio Assad

Rupert Boyd plays Prelude in E Major, BWV 1006a by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). This comes via his YouTube Channel. This recording is featured on Boyd’s upcoming release, The Guitar (Sono Luminus), available 04.26.2019. Pre-order via Amazon. I’ll doing a promo post for the album as well but for now enjoy this excellent performance filled with clear voice separation and beautiful phrasing.

Sheet music via Amazon: Bach Lute Suites (Koonce) or the Zigante Edition or this Elliot Fisk edition which I’ve never seen. Koonce is pretty solid but nice to have multiple editions when it comes to Bach. Some people also just play the violin version these days with a few extra bass notes.

Kanahi Yamashita Plays Prelude BWV 998 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). This comes via Young Classicals on YouTube. Since her childhood in Nagasaki, Japan, Kanahi Yamashita was a member of Kazuhito Yamashita Family Quintet. I had the pleasure of meeting both Kazuhito and Kanahi Yamashita a few years back when I hosted his masterclass in Victoria. He was in Victoria recording with the world class double bass payer Gary Karr. Kazuhito has always been an inspiration to me for is daring uniqueness and musicianship and Kanahi continues that with her amazing musical expression and fluid technique.

Sheet music via Amazon: Bach Lute Suites (Koonce) or the Zigante Edition or this Elliot Fisk edition which I’ve never seen. Koonce is pretty solid but nice to multiple editions when it comes to Bach.

Bourrée from Suite in E Minor BWV 996 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750). – PDF Download. Includes a Free Notation Edition and a Notation + TAB Edition for sale. The level is Intermediate (Approximately Grade 6-7). Youtube Video Lesson Link.

Free PDF Notation Edition

• Bourree, BWV 996 for Guitar by Bach (Free PDF)

Buy the TAB Edition

• Buy Bouree, BWV996 (TAB) from Werner Guitar Editions – My dedicated sheet music store.

The Bourrée from Suite in E Minor BWV 996 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750). Grab the free PDF sheet music or buy the tab. Most likely this was written on the keyboard or the lautenwerck, or lute-harpsichord but is often referred to as a Lute Suite. That said, this piece is often played by guitarists despite the relative difficulty of the second half. Aim for voice independence throughout, that is, clear connection of the two voices the entire time. You may wish to practice the upper and lower parts separately to connect the musical lines in your ear.

This routine is from my new book Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, and Arpeggios. The 122 page book includes: Practice Routines, Tips, 100 Open String Exercises, 120 Giuliani Arpeggios, Scales, Slur Exercises, Shifts, Finger Independence, Barre, Tremolo, Common Harmonics, and much more. YouTube Video Link (4k)

This is Part 1 of a 6 Part Lesson Series on technique routines. You can use other books if you want but make sure to keep it balanced as I discuss. Also, grab some sticky tabs and mark the pages in my book so you can easily flip through. The levels to covered in the 6 part series are: Beginner; Lat-Beginner; Early-Intermediate; Intermediate; Late-Intermediate; Early-Advanced.

Beginner Routine Info:
Length: Approximately 5-15 Minutes.

Keep it short and simple. Absolute beginners can start with 5 minutes a day and increase the amount of time as they become confident with the exercises. Practice at least a few examples from each group of open string exercises listed.

• Open String Exercises No.1–5
• Open String Exercises No.8–15
• Open String Exercises No. 20–36
• Basic Left Hand Alignment Exercises (pages 54-55)
• Chromatic Scale on E (page 58)
• First Position Major Scales: C, G, D (page 64)

French guitarist Jérémy Jouve plays 3 Figures Fractales by Atanas Ourkouzounov (b.1970). This comes via the Ourkouzounov’s YouTube Channel. Jouve sounds fantastic as usual in this new challenging work. His excellent phrasing, dynamics, and momentum keep this piece focused and meditative. Dramatic work with some beautiful moments as well. I particularly like the 2nd one at 4:08. Things get pretty funky at 8:55. Guitar by Simon Marty.

Score via SMP: 3 Figures Fractales.

Etude (Maestoso) Op.1, Part 3, No.1 by Mauro Giuliani (1781–1829) – Sheet Music for Classical Guitar. Free notation edition or Notation + TAB, Modern Fingering, PDF Download. Level: Intermediate (Grade 5 / 6). Youtube Lesson Link (4k).

Free Notation Only Edition

• Etude Op.1, Part 3, No.1 by Giuliani (Free PDF)

TAB Edition (PDF Download)

• Buy Etude No.1 by Giuliani from Werner Guitar Editions

An etude for holding and listening to bass note sustain. This lesson and etude is from Op.1, Part 3, No.1 by Mauro Giuliani (1781–1829) and is an excellent exercise and etude for intermediate and above students. As Giuliani mentions in the original, sustain the bass for the full value of the note throughout the entire piece. This results in some oddity fingerings but makes for an excellent etude and an important lesson in listening for students. Includes fingering, notation, and Tab if you need it. Join the Email Newsletter to get updates on free sheet music and more. Please consider supporting to the site to keep the free sheet music coming.

Emmanuel Sowicz plays Quatre Pièces (pour la guitare) by Sir Lennox Berkeley (1903–1989). This comes via Open Strings Berlin and their amazing Youtube Channel. Great playing by Sowicz, filled with expressive but clean and clear articulations and ideas. Keep listening for the beautiful performance of the 3rd movement Lento (Mouvment de Sarababde).

The Shearer Method Series Books 1-4
by Aaron Shearer, Thomas Kikta, and Alan Hirsh
Alfred Publishing, Released 2012-2019

Buy the Books via Amazon, Shearer Foundation, Sheet Music Plus

I recently reviewed Book 4 from this series and was very pleased to receive the complete set from the Aaron Shearer Foundation. I have used the old series for a long time, in particular the Classic Guitar Technique and Scale Pattern Studies but this new updated and revised series by Thomas Kikta and Alan Hirsh are at a whole new level. Book 1 dates back to 2012 but with the release of the new harmony book this year the set is even more complete.

This is the most comprehensive method series currently available for beginner to intermediate classical guitar. The books give you a combined 830 pages of advice, theory, exercises, repertoire, and more. Along with the new multimedia supplements, the Shearer method has reached the 21st Century!

What I like about the new series (particularly Book 1): 

• Quicker integration of pieces and exercises embedded within the large amount of text. Text can bog down the learning experience so getting to actual playing faster is a big improvement here.
• Fully comprehensive, they skip nothing. This is good for some students and bad for others but teachers can easily decide/filter for the student.
• Use of the 4th finger on D and G on the top strings. This is essential for students because repertoire requires it and there’s always been a disconnect between method books and repertoire. The transition to repertoire will now be seamless.
• More duets – This is essential for a natural learning of rhythm and musicality. Also more fun to play with the teacher.
• More diagrams – Jazz books have long used diagrams to teach fingerboard knowledge but now we have them combined with reading notation all in one book. Best of both worlds.
• More music theory. Much more comprehensive and integrated into the series.

Overall this is a great series with a modern approach but still includes all the wealth and content that we expect from the traditional Shearer materials. Each book provides vast amounts of content to work through a different aspect of classical guitar pedagogy. Any student who completes all four books is going to feel confident and secure in their skills (especially reading skills).

Criticism? It’s difficult to find fault in such a comprehensive and well structured series. That said, I’m not a huge fan of teaching through books with tons of text and explanation, it can be rigid and confining. But, for ages 13 and up I think it’s fine as long as there is a good teacher to simplify, filter, and add context to the information. It’s important to look at these books as an educational supplement rather than a full curriculum. These are great to use during the first half of lessons and/or practice session while leaving the second half for special concert repertoire and fun projects that inspire the student. I’m not sure why there is no repertoire from the classical guitar canon, maybe the composed works here just fit the educational goals more concisely. The student gets a ton of great pieces in various textures and styles (some are quite fun), but they do not get the historical awareness and excitement that playing traditional repertoire provides. But as I said, you have to place the series in the context of actual learning. Use the books for half the session and the student will enjoy the wealth of knowledge, educational content, and fun pieces as well.

Book 1 – Classic Guitar Foundations – The Shearer Method Classic Guitar Foundations is the first in a series of works that define Aaron Shearer’s approach to playing the classic guitar. The work by this legendary figure, with videos by Thomas Kikta and compositions by Dr. Alan Hirsh, stands out in starting the student to read and play while following a graduated step-by-step curriculum that supports positive habits for efficient study. This innovative method is rooted in a common-sense approach and includes musical offerings in a rich variety of styles, sensitively composed to support technical development. Areas of focus include: optimal hand position, visualization, sympathetic motion, arpeggios, finger alternation, left-hand coordination, and chords. With 63 videos shot in high definition, 74 new solo and duet compositions and arrangements as well as works by Sor, Carcassi, Giuliani and more, 35 recorded tracks with TNT Technology plus the Shearer Online Supplement, Classic Guitar Foundations is not just a book but a media experience.

Book 2 – Classic Guitar Developments – The Shearer Method Classic Guitar Developments is the second in a series of works that define Aaron Shearer’s approach to playing the classic guitar. The work by this legendary figure, with videos by Thomas Kikta and compositions by Dr. Alan Hirsh, stands out in continuing the student’s journey to read and play while following a graduated step-by-step curriculum that supports positive habits for efficient study. This innovated method is rooted in a common-sense approach and includes musical offerings in a rich variety of styles, sensitively composed to support technical development. Areas of focus include: rest stroke, key signature reading, rhythm studies, arpeggios, barring, slurs, ornaments, warm-ups and chord studies. With 49 videos shot in high definition, 85 new solo and duet compositions and arrangements, as well as 16 additional works by Cutting, Sanz, Bach, Mertz and more, 47 recorded tracks with TNT2 technology plus the Shearer Online Supplement, Classic Guitar Developments is not just a book but a media experience.

Book 3 – Learning the Fingerboard – The Shearer Method Book 3-Learning the Fingerboard is the third in a series of works that define Aaron Shearer’s approach to playing the classic guitar. The work by this legendary figure, with videos and audio performances by Thomas Kikta and compositions by Dr. Alan Hirsh, stands out in continuing the student’s journey to now ascend the neck and develop instant recognition of the notes along the fingerboard, while following a graduated step-by-step curriculum that supports positive habits for efficient study. This innovative method is rooted in a common-sense approach and includes musical offerings in a rich variety of styles, sensitively composed to enable technical development. The student will ascend the fingerboard and learn to play in keys and positions through scale forms, harmony and graded musical applications. With videos shot in high definition, 87 new duet compositions, as well as repertoire of the masters including works by Telemann, C.P.E.Bach, Handel and more, all recorded to make 94 tracks with TNT2 technology plus the Shearer Online Supplement, Learning the Fingerboard is not just a book but a media experience.

Book 4 – Guitar Harmony – Guitar Harmony, by Alan Hirsh, is a unique guitar-centric approach, perfect for use in private lessons or the classroom.  Students can begin any time, but foundations in technique and music reading are recommended. All concepts are applied directly on the guitar with musical examples taken from Sor, Caracssi, Carulli, and others. Progressively organized in 10 units, this easy-to-use method includes Building Blocks, Triads, Minor, Chord Progressions, Chord Voicings, Seventh Chords, Cadence and Phrases, Secondary Chords, Non-Chord Tones, and Harmonizing Melody.The book includes 9 Aural Training Modules as well as fingerboard interval and triad trainers found in the online supplement (password required). A practical approach to supplement any guitar study!

Botti Guitar Duo (Han Eun한은, Heo Yulim허유림) play Evening Dance by Andrew York (b.1958) on Walter Verreydt guitars. This comes via PARTITA Guitar Salon in Seoul, Korea on their YouTube channel. Listen all the way through for some great ensemble playing with some very worked out and intricate parts. Great mix of virtuosity and musicality. Pretty significant duo writing too.

Matthew McAllister plays the 3rd movement, Preludio e toccatina from Aquarelle by Sergio Assad (b.1952) during a session via Uroš Barič and Baros Records in Slovenia. This comes via McAllister’s YouTube channel. Great playing as usual and you can always trust on Baric for good sound and video work. Aquarelle is a great piece and works incredibly well on guitar despite its obvious difficulty to execute. It also has a concise and modern 1st movement and a very beautiful 2nd movement that is worth checking out.

Sheet Music via SMP: Aquarelle by Assad

Augustin Pesnon plays Notes Indiscrètes by Roland Dyens (1955–2016). This comes via the Paris Guitar Foundation and their amazing YouTube channel. Sound Engineer: Basile Segouin; Guitar: Greg Smallman & Sons 2011; shot in Paris, France. Directed by Dora Surdeau.

Nice little piece with hints of jazz and bluegrass wrapped up in Dyens’ style. Nice to hear Augustin Pesnon who directs most of the PGF Series. Beautifully calm and smooth.

Here’s the YouTube blurb: An unknown composition from Roland Dyens dedicated to his friend Marcel Dadi who died in the tragical Boeing accident in 1996. Notes Indiscrètes (D’après “Nous Trois” de Marcel Dadi).

A word from the composer (extract): “I almost wish I had never written these two homages to Marcel Dadi – at least, not in these sad circumstances. The guitarist Marcel Dadi was on board the Boeing which exploded on July 16, 1996 along the coast of Long Island for reasons which will, undoubtedly, remain shrouded in obscurity. I knew Marcel well, as our paths crossed many times in the course of various concerts and festivals, particularly the Nashville festival (Tennessee), which was for him a sort of musical temple, and to which he invited me several years ago. While our styles were dissimilar, we certainly belonged to the same family – that of guitarists – which is all the more important now he is no longer with us. Marcel knew that I adored his “Nous Trois” and that my arrangement would be one after my own style. The task is now accomplished.” Roland Dyens Ville d’Avray, July 1997

Aquarelle Guitar Quartet & Clarice Assad Play ‘A Mi Pueblo’ By Ismael Ledesma. This comes via their YouTube Channel where they wrote this:

“A Mi Pueblo is a beautifully haunting piece of music written by the Paraguayan harpist Ismael Ledesma. This arrangement for guitar quartet and voice is by quartet member, Mike Baker. We are delighted to promote this new collaborative project with one of Brazil’s most exciting young artists. We have known Clarice Assad for many years now, and we discovered a striking musical affinity very early on in our friendship. In 2009 we commissioned Clarice to write a piece for our debut recording with Chandos Records – ‘Spirit of Brazil’. The three-movement work that she wrote for us – ‘Danças Nativas’ – earned her a well deserved Latin Grammy nomination. Building on the success of that project, we have now realised our long-held ambition to collaborate as performers and have developed an eclectic programme of genre-defying music full of rhythm, energy, humour and emotion.”

Pavel Steidl plays Liebeslied by Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856). This comes via CaminoArtes in Camino de Santiago in Carrión de los Condes, Palencia, Spain and their amazing YouTube channel. Liebeslied (love song) comes from Mertz’s Bardenklänge (Bardic Sounds), Op. 13. Beautiful playing as usual from Steidl and fantastic scenery! Luthier: Martin de Witte. Video: Open Strings Berlin.

Trouble with 4th finger slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs) and alignment on classical guitar? Here’s a lesson that should help. I take a look at a perfect finger placement first and follow it with the slur, it does wonders! YouTube Lesson Link (4k).

Find more free lessons and articles at the Lesson Archive Page. For updates on lessons, sheet music, and pro videos join the Email Newsletter. You can also check out my educational guitar books at the sheet music page.

Matthew McAllister demonstrates an exercise which helps develop speed and movement on classical guitar. This comes via his amazing YouTube channel where he’s posted a number of other great lessons. Nice combination exercise here that places an extra check on speed to make sure your individual fingers are keeping their movements concise, controlled, and relaxed. Good lesson with an important reminder to practice in various ways with various articulations. Also, remember to listen carefully as you play, not just do the movements.

Find more free lessons and articles at the Lesson Archive Page. For updates on lessons, sheet music, and pro videos join the Email Newsletter. You can also check out my education guitar books.

Guitar Harmony by Dr. Alan Hirsh
The Shearer Method Book 4

Buy or learn more at the Aaron Shearer Foundation

I was very pleased to receive this copy of the new Guitar Harmony by Dr. Alan Hirsh. This is book four in the updated method series and is a very welcome addition to classical guitar pedagogy. For years I’ve been using a combination of jazz books and traditional theory books (as well as my own materials) to teach music harmony on the guitar, but now we have a real game changer. The best part about this book is the solid mix of music theory in notation and the chord and interval diagrams which are always going to be a useful tool for students to visualize theory on the guitar. Also, the inclusion of musical examples from historic guitar composers, original etudes, and online content, brings this book to life.

Inside: The Shearer Foundation has made the table of contents and first section available to preview online here. The Building Blocks section at the beginning guides students through steps, scales, key signatures and intervals before diving into harmony which takes up the main portion of the book. After looking into harmony we also get a nice non-chord tone and harmonizing melody section as well. All along the way are written and playable exercises to boost students hands-on knowledge and aural skills.

I wish there was more in the way of improvisation exercises in the book as I find that an excellent way for students to actually engage with the material. However, any qualified teacher could easily get their students to solo over the the chord progressions in this book. Plus, all the melody writing exercises are exactly the same as improvisation exercises in the end. Everything is there, the key, the progression, tips on melody, all you need to do is get to it.

Guitar Harmony by Dr. Alan Hirsh is sure to become a standard method for teaching introductory harmony on the classical guitar. The mix of traditional and modern methods for learning harmony on the guitar come together in this book to create well informed students with both theoretical and hands-on knowledge.

Publisher’s Promotional Text:

Guitar Harmony, by Alan Hirsh, is a unique guitar-centric approach, perfect for use in private lessons or the classroom.  Students can begin any time, but foundations in technique and music reading are recommended.

All concepts are applied directly on the guitar with musical examples taken from Sor, Caracssi, Carulli, and others. Progressively organized in 10 units, this easy-to-use method includes Building Blocks, Triads, Minor, Chord Progressions, Chord Voicings, Seventh Chords, Cadence and Phrases, Secondary Chords, Non-Chord Tones, and Harmonizing Melody. The book includes 9 Aural Training Modules as well as fingerboard interval and triad trainers found in the online supplement (password required). A practical approach to supplement any guitar study!

Shearer Foundation Summer School!

Also check out the Shearer Summer Institute from July 29 – August 4, 2019. Join the ASF with artist and teachers Martha Masters, Thomas Kikta, Kami Rowan, and Alan Hirsh in Zion National Park, for the 5th Annual Shearer Summer Institute. This coming summer marks the centennial of both Aaron Shearer and Zion National Park.  In celebration, we’ll be holding special events inside the park.

Brazilian guitarist Fabio Zanon Plays Balada para Martin Fierro (Aire Sureño) by Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez (1921–2010). This comes from the amazing GuitarCoop and their fantastic YouTube Channel. On this GuitarCoop page Zanon says of this work: “I first heard the Balada by Ariel Ramírez, soundtrack of the movie Martín Fierro, in an informal recording of the Argentine teacher Monina Távora; here is the homage to a unique way of playing one cannot reproduce today. This could also be said in honour of virtuoso Alírio Diaz, who died in 2016, a gentleman who was the engine of Venezuelan guitar in the last century.”

Guitarist Xuefei Yang Plays Xodó da Baiana by Dilermando Reis (1916-1977). This comes via her great YouTube channel. The piece was also recorded by Xuefei on her album Colours of Brazil (Decca). Nice quick tempo and clean playing as always from Xuefei Yang. There’s something I really love about her clear, yet sweet, sound and ultra refined technique. Enjoy.