By: Brad Conroy
Aaron Shearer’s Classic Guitar Technique has been one of the most highly used and influential classical guitar method books for more that fifty years. Like many classical guitarists, I grew up learning from Shearer’s book and it’s the main pedagogical resource I now use in my private teaching studio. Alfred Music Publishing has recently introduced the third edition of Classic Guitar Technique, with the new edition being revised, updated, and re-edited by the maestro himself and one or his former students, Thomas Kitka.
The material contained in the third edition of Shearer’s book is designed to aid the beginning classical guitar student in developing their right and left-hand technique, with a goal toward mastery. If one can complete all of the exercises presented in this book they will have gained a fundamental understanding of the instrument, one which they will be able to build upon as they further their study of the guitar and its repertoire. The material that Shearer presents in the book is not meant to be rushed through. It will take dedicated practice time and serious devotion by the student, preferably with the guidance of a qualified classical guitar teacher, in order to absorb and master the material presented within the text.
The new, third, edition still has all of the same material as the previous two editions, though it has been enhanced with the addition of numerous close-up photographs of left and right hand positions, sitting positions, posture, and more. The added photographs providing a visual guide to the student as they work through each technique and exercise presented in the book. Every photograph is accompanied by a detailed, written, description of how to properly execute these important techniques with both accuracy and relaxation.
The layout of Shearer’s book, and progression of material, is the same as in previous editions; though the material has been organized in a somewhat new and clearer fashion. As well, the print has been enlarged and all of the techniques and pieces are now accompanied with more detailed explanations for the students benefit. There are also several new free-stroke studies that have been added, which provide the student even more material to enjoy. The added tips and advice given by Shearer to aid these exercises, and others, provide welcomed insight for the student on how to break down difficult exercises and passages for easier mastery.
Another great feature in the third edition is the accompanying CD and computer learning software. The student can now listen to the examples and studies being performed by Kitka, which gives a sense of what each piece should sound like, and the desired tone students should strive for in their practice. If the disc is played on a computer, it opens a program which allows students to slow pieces down, loop certain sections of a piece or exercise, and mute the student’s part in order to play pieces in duet with the teacher’s accompaniment. This is not only a benefit for students as they practice at home in between lessons, it also allows students of classical guitar who do not have a private teacher to gain a maximum amount of benefit from the material presented in Shearer’s book
Aaron Shearer’s Classic Guitar Technique is a must-have book for any student that wishes to acquire a solid technical base on the classical guitar. The third edition presents many new photographs, updated descriptions, and an accompanying CD which will all be valuable references for any student. If you are willing to put forth the effort, patience, and discipline, this is the classical guitar book for you.
“How you practice is the most important factor in your study of music and the guitar. Thoughtful practice habits applied regularly each day and with enough time, will assure you of success. Cultivate the enjoyment of knowing you are correctly learning to play one of the most beautiful and personal of instruments.” A. Shearer pg. 53
Links
Classic Guitar Technique 3rd Edition at Aaron Shearer’s Homepage
Brad Conroy Homepage
