This is the best I have seen

Of the many method books out there, this is the best I have seen. It, along with book 1, covers everything a beginner needs to know to become a better Classical Guitarist. Great for beginning and intermediate guitarists, learning to read music, and understand classical method. Using this manual, and having some theory questions answered by a knowlegable guitarist, should be enough for any beginner to learn how to play classical guitar, and learn to read music.

"...worthy of praise, ..."

I've been slowly working my way through this volume while concurrently taking CG lessons from a local professional guitarist. I don't know how anyone can really learn proper technique through a book without expert guidance. However, as an adjunct this text provides a charming and playable selection of intermediate level pieces, some helpful advice and encouragement.

Many jewels are scattered throughout the first part of the text which presents technique. Carol of the Bells, Sakura, Scarborough Faire, Bianco Fiore, name just a few. The Repertory constitutes the second half of the text and spans the Renaissance (Dowland, Milan, Johnson ...), Baroque (Bach, Sanz, D. Scarlatti ...), Classical (Carcassi, Sor, Mozart ...) and Romantic (Taregga ...) eras.

I've always wanted to play Dowland's "My Lady Hundson's Puffe (Almand)". Parkening's version complete with hammer-ons and pull-offs has given me hope that I might one day play this at tempo.

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other that the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." J.S. Bach

GREAT LESSONS, JUST DROP THE GOD TALK

I just finished the first two volumes of the Christopher Parkening Method as an adult beginner to the guittar. They are an excellent source for the first year or two on the instrument. Mr. Parkening presents the material at a pace that is both challenging and conducive to maximizing practice time while not pushing the envelope too fast. My only complaint are the extraneous bible thumper exhortions that pepper the volumes. Please Mr. Parkening, I picked up your books to learn guittar not to be harassed about your religion,otherwise I would have given you five stars.