Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 1 | Classical Guitar Book for Beginners | Learn Technique, Note Reading, and Music Theory | Includes Exercises, Duets, and Practice Lessons

Christopher Parkening Guitar Method #1

by Christopher Parkening, Jack Marshall (Arranger), David Brandon (Arranger)

(Guitar Method). This premier method for the beginning classical guitarist, by one of the world's pre-eminent virtuosos and the recognized heir to the legacy of Andres Segovia, is now completely revised and updated! 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 method covers: rudiments of classical technique, note reading and music theory, selection and care of guitars, strategies for effective practicing, and much more!

Genres: Music, Reference

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Gamalian's "Principles of Violin Playing", this is a book to return to again and again as one works on learning an instrument.
While the text itself is a bit pretentious, and also assumes that every student is going to devote their entire life to playing/learning the guitar, the book nonetheless has very good information that would be helpful to any beginner.
For example, after looking at a few other beginning guitar methods, I thought that the thumb only played the lowest three strings, and the other three fingers (except pinie which doesn't pluck at all) were confined to the higher three. Parkening clearly shows that any finger can be used for any string, as long as the result is logical and makes playing easier.
The book also has a nice progression from single-note playing to two-, three-, and four-note combinations. Clearly, this progression won't be accomplished in the time it took me to read the book, and I can tell you that even doing one note at a time is still a supreme challenge for me! But I plan to use the pieces and exercises in the book as my playing progresses to reinforce things learned from other sources.

[Chisoo Choi, M.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book for a student of classical guitar

I had a privilege of attending a live concert by Christopher Parkening in Tulsa, OK almost 25 years ago. I was so touched by his performance that I purchased many of his CDs and they’re still my favorite classical guitar albums. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I am going to practice my classical guitar using his methods.

[Grace B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ABC every classical guitarist should start with! It's so comprehensive, so packed with information, you can start practicing on the same day. I can't believe I can read notes now, very exciting. I can't wait to continue improving.

[Jim Sandman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent classical guitar instruction from one of the best.

[thuys]

Some redditor said it so true that this book is more like sight reading resource rather than a 'method' book.

[Bud Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally done after 2 years. Today was the last day of class - bittersweet, but it was a great experience. I'm glad I used this book to have a good base; will continue the journey

[Faith Kilgore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have the exact read start and finish dates on many books I have read this year. The dates are approximated, as I have been in & out of the hospital, and on bed rest, and read 2-5 books a day depending on the book & length and my ability to focus. All dates are approximated, by month.

[Mark Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has taken me from a chord-strumming classic rock fan to a student of classical music. I've learned how to read standard notation and am digging into the masters like Sor, Tarrega, Carcassi, and Guiliani. "Malaguena" at the end is the quintessential Spanish piece and I can hardly believe I'm able to learn it now. Very much looking forward to Volume 2.

[m 🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can now play the guitar 😏