GUITAR EDUCATOR RESOURCE GUIDE

Introduction
This guide is intended to assist precollege classroom guitar educators, studio guitar educators,
curriculum administrators, and other stakeholders review the curricula, texts, materials, and
supplements available and decide which are appropriate for their own students and educational
setting.

When considering a curriculum, resource, or text, it is important to consider standards in your

own locale and district. For national, state, GFA, and professional standards, see the GFA
website Education menu >> Education Standards.

Contents
Quick Reference
Comprehensive Guitar Curricula for Classroom Use
“Out-of-the-box” methods that include student text, teacher resources/materials, and a
sequenced approach to multiple levels. These may also include ensemble and solo repertoire.
Classroom Guitar Methods
Methods for the classroom that include student text/materials only and/or for a single level
General Guitar Methods
Methods for general guitar instruction
Graded Solo Repertoire Series
Sequenced solo repertoire for individual student development.
Online Guitar Education Publishers
Online/digital publishers with a focus on educational content or application.
General Guitar Publishers & Sheet Music Resources
General publishers of guitar materials
Guitar Educator’s Library
Suggestions for reference materials from guitar educators and GFA Certified Schools
Teaching Guitar Handbooks
Professional Organizations and Professional Development for Guitar Educators

Notes
- Publisher Descriptions may be redacted for brevity or to exclude edition-specific information.
- Resources are listed in alphabetical order; resources are not listed in a recommendation order.
- Suggestions for additions/edits to this guide can be emailed to [email protected]
QUICK REFERENCE
 COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR CURRICULA
FOR CLASSROOM USE
Alfred’s Guitar 101
Author: Martha Masters and Tom Dempsey
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Details: Two Levels (Book 1 & 2), Teacher Handbook

Publisher Description: This comprehensive approach to basic guitar skills includes varied
repertoire, theory, detailed instruction about seating and hand position, standard music notation,
an introduction to tablature, basic improvisation, and teaches both the pickstyle and fingerstyle
techniques. Great for college non-music majors, continuing education classes, music dealer in-
store programs, and group guitar classes at the middle and high school levels.

Book 1
Book 1 contains 16 units, each with a variety of repertoire, exercises, and timed tests at the end.
Unit 16 provides instructions for playing 11 hit songs. Students can cut out flashcards provided
at the back of the book to use for home study. The comb binding creates a lay-flat book that is
perfect for study and performance.

Book2
Book 2 contains 16 units, each with a variety of repertoire, exercises, and timed tests at the end.
Unit 15 provides instructions for playing 12 hit songs and Unit 16 teaches preliminary lessons in
improvisation. The comb binding creates a lay-flat book that is perfect for study and
performance.

Teacher’s Handbook
The Teacher's Handbook serves as an aid in curriculum development and daily lesson planning
for use with Alfred's Guitar 101, Books 1 and 2. It includes suggested daily lesson plans,
suggested assignments following each lesson plan, teaching tips for each unit, suggested
examinations for the semester, and answer keys for the written exercises and unit review
worksheets.
Belwin's 21st Century Guitar Course
Author: Aaron Stang with Sandy Feldstein and Daniel Warner
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Details: 3 Graded Method Books, Theory Books, and Rock Shop Books; 2 Ensemble Books

Publisher Description: Belwin's 21st Century Guitar Method is a complete course that puts
lessons in the context of popular styles and classic tunes. It introduces new topics at a
progressive speed and uses both music notation and tablature (TAB). Correlating supplemental
books integrate more advanced concepts and techniques, while keeping the learning process fun.
Audio recordings include full instruction---a great resource for students and teachers alike---with
demonstration and play-along tracks that will help students optimize their practice time. Detailed
video lessons and fun play-along software are also available.

Materials Overview:
Guitar Method 1, 2, & 3
Book 1 includes reading music in first position, all basic chords, strumming, eighth note rhythm,
power chords, the blues form, basic rock rhythm, guitar techniques, and pop songs such as:
Surfin' Safari * Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain * Old Time Rock and Roll. Book 2 includes music
theory, the keys of C, G and D, exploring the neck, second position, syncopation, rhythm and
lead guitar techniques, cut time, solo guitar style, and pop and classical songs like: Für Elise *
Margaritaville * Romanza * Classical Gas. Book 3 covers: the major, minor, pentatonic and
chromatic scales, sixteenth notes; barre chords; drop D tuning; movable scales; notes in fifth
position; slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and string bends; chord construction; gear; great songs,
riffs & examples. The online audio includes 60 full-band tracks for demonstration or play-along.

Guitar Theory 1, 2, & 3

Supplemental theory “fill-in” style workbooks which reinforce and augment Guitar Methods 1-3.

Guitar Ensemble 1 & 2

The ensemble student book includes three guitar parts which are musical and easily playable.
Book 1 is correlated to Guitar Method 1. Titles: Love Somebody * When the Saints Go
Marching In * Down in the Valley * Variations on Old Saint Nick * Dona Nobis Pacem * Blue
Rock * Bach Minuet * Blue Moon and more. Book 2 is correlated to Guitar Method 2. It
includes: Tarrega's Etude in E Minor * Joy to the World * Eighth of January * Victor's March *
Rae's Song * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and more.

Guitar Rock Shop

Guitar Rock Shop is designed to enhance every student's improvising skills in a wide variety of
rock styles. Sixteen complete jam tracks ranging from rockabilly to funk are included to give the
player lots of opportunities to put every new lick, riff, scale and pattern to immediate use.
Includes riffs in the style of ZZ Top®, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Jethro Tull.

Guitar Song Trax 1, 2, & 3

Complete play-along song trax to classic rock and pop songs by ZZ Top®, Garth Brooks, the
Beach Boys, the Doors, and many more in standard notation and tablature. Correlated to the
Guitar Method and Guitar Rock Shop books. With a play-along recording.
Class Guitar Resources
Publisher: Class Guitar Resources, www.classguitar.com
Author: Nancy Lee Marsters
Details: 3 Textbooks (Explore It, 1st Year, 2nd Year), 6 Ensemble Compilation Books, 10
Advanced Ensemble Pieces, Teacher Manuals

Publisher Description: Class Guitar Resources is a company founded by noted music educator
Nancy Marsters, who taught class guitar in the public schools for over 20 years. From this wealth
of classroom experience, Nancy has developed a highly effective curriculum designed to enable
any music educator, regardless of guitar ability, to be successful in teaching class guitar. The
philosophy behind the curriculum is that all students can be taught how to play guitar. Nancy’s
unique multi-style approach focuses on correct technique, music-reading, and music theory
applied to the guitar.

Materials Overview:
Explore It! First Year Guitar
Designed for middle school application, this This text contains 128 pages of skill-based
text contains 44 pages of skill-based instruction. The mastery of skills enables
instruction leading to a cumulative students to pursue many guitar styles. The
performance. In other words, you build the unit structure and assessment sequence drive
semester concert as you proceed through the the curriculum and student experience.
curriculum.  Getting Started
 Introduction to guitar  Playing Rhythm Guitar & Melody
 Elements of Rhythm Guitar  Playing Bass & the 3-Person Combo
 Music Styles: Folk songs  Barre Chords, Major Scales, Keys
 Adding the Bass Line; strings 6 & 5  Tablature
 Music Styles: Reggae; strings 4 & 3  Natural Notes: Frets 1-12
 Music Styles: Blues; strings 2 & 1  The 6/8 Time Signature
 Music Styles: Classical  Rock Guitar
 Music Styles: Rock and Roll  Transposition and Capo Use

Second Year Guitar Guitar Ensemble Books

This text contains 123 pages of competency-  Beginning Level (CGR20)
based curriculum. Coordinated skills, theory  Beginning Level (CGR21)
and performance skills are developed.  Beginning Level (CGR22)
 Technique  Advanced Beginning (CGR31)
 Roman numeral chord materials  Advanced Beginning (CGR40)
 Scale skills: 1st pos and movable  Intermediate Level (CGR30)
 First position notation  Advanced Level (10 separate pieces)
nd th th
 Upper position playing (2 , 5 , 7 )
 Blues, jazz & pop studies
 Music theory
Consonus Music Institute
Author: Mike Christiansen
Details: Blended and layered learning online courseware for the classroom; 3 Levels (Beginning,
Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2), Ensemble, and Basic Ukelele; Professional Development;
Online articles, webinars, and blog.

Courseware Overview:
Beginning Guitar Complete
This fun and engaging 46 lesson, blended learning classroom guitar course is a paced to be
taught over two semesters. The curriculum is standards based and also includes lessons on core
creative skills including composing chord progressions and beginning improvisation.
Like all Consonus courses there’s a focus on ensemble playing with 18 guitar ensemble
arrangements that are perfect for concert performance. Ensembles include audio backing tracks
and bass accompaniment parts in tablature for live performance. There are numerous solo pieces
and lead sheets as well. All repertoire integrates with the curriculum and emphasizes the diverse
capabilities of the guitar as an accompaniment, solo, and ensemble instrument. Styles include
folk, country, blues, rock, latin, swing, and classical.

Intermediate Guitar Level 1

Intermediate Guitar Level 1 continues the teaching progression established in Beginning
Guitar Complete. This course also provides an excellent entry point into a blended learning class
model for students who have developed basic note reading skills and instrumental technique
using another method. The course contains 32 lessons designed to be taught over two semesters.
Like all Consonus courses there’s a focus on ensemble playing with nine guitar ensemble
arrangements that are perfect for concert performance. Ensembles include audio backing tracks
and bass accompaniment parts in tablature for live performance. There are numerous solo pieces
and lead sheets as well. All repertoire integrates with the curriculum and emphasizes the diverse
capabilities of the guitar as an accompaniment, solo, and ensemble instrument. Styles include
folk, country, blues, rock, latin, swing, and classical.

Intermediate Guitar Level 2

Intermediate Guitar Level 2 continues the teaching progression established in Intermediate
Guitar Level 1. This course also provides an excellent entry point into a blended learning class
model for students who have developed basic note reading skills and instrumental technique
using another method. The course contains 20 lessons designed to be taught over two semesters.
Like all Consonus courses there’s a focus on ensemble playing with guitar ensemble
arrangements that are perfect for concert performance. Ensembles include audio backing tracks.
There are numerous solo pieces and lead sheets as well.

Guitar Ensemble Collection

A well-balanced guitar class curriculum needs to include the practice and performance of
ensemble repertoire. Unfortunately the available options for a progressive collection of ensemble
arrangements for beginning and intermediate guitar classes have, until now, been limited.The
Consonus Music Ensemble Collection for Guitar is unique. It includes 12 graded ensembles with
parts and scores, and access to the Consonus Online Learning Site (OLS).
Jerry Snyder’s Guitar School
Author: Jerry Snyder
Publisher: Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
Details: Two Method Books, 96 pgs each (Level 1 & 2), Two Ensemble Books, Two Teacher’s
Guides

Publisher Description: (Bk 1). Includes 84 songs and progressions for accompaniment, 21 songs
for learning how to read music, 15 accompaniment patterns, and moveable chord forms and
progressions (Bk 2).

Materials Overview:
Method Book 1
This comprehensive method for classroom or individual study comes in two sections: the first
section teaches chords and accompaniment, while the second teaches note reading. This flexible
method allows you to start with either section or use both sections simultaneously. Includes 58
songs and progressions for accompaniment, 26 songs for learning how to read music, 25
accompaniment patterns, fingerstyle and pickstyle techniques, and all basic chords and keys

Method Book 2
This comprehensive method for classroom or individual study comes in two sections: the first
section teaches chords and accompaniment, while the second teaches note reading. This flexible
method allows you to start with either section or use both sections simultaneously. Includes 84
songs and progressions for accompaniment, 21 songs for learning how to read music, 15
accompaniment patterns, and moveable chord forms and progressions.

Ensemble Book 1
24 graded duets, trios, and quartets along with bass parts for selected ensembles.

Ensemble Book 2
12 graded duets, trios and quartets along with bass parts for selected ensembles

Teacher Guides
The Teacher’s Guide provides teachers with teaching tips, information on how to address the
National Standards for Arts Education, and reproducible worksheets, songsheets, ensembles, unit
tests, and scales for improvisation.
Lead Guitar
Lead Guitar establishes permanent classical guitar classes in public schools with low access to
the arts. Our master instructors use our field-tested curriculum to teach students to play and to
train teachers to teach classical guitar. This co-teaching method between a Lead Guitar instructor
and a school's Teacher-of-Record ensures not only the short-term quality, but the long-
term sustainability of the program. Using music and an instrument to which young people relate
well, Lead Guitar students learn technique, music reading, theory, performance skills and
ensemble playing. They develop their self-discipline, self-esteem and ability to work as a team -
attributes that help them realize success throughout their lives. By developing a program that
mirrors the curricular integrity of the best band and orchestra programs, but appeals to students
not traditionally drawn to those programs, Lead Guitar offers all of the benefits of a high quality
instrumental music education to thousands of students who would otherwise not receive them.

Materials Overview:
Method Book I
Now in its 3rd edition, Method Book I is the lifeblood of Lead Guitar. The book takes students all
the way from picking up a guitar for the first time to playing complex music in two voices and
having a good theoretical and technical foundation on the guitar. Song of the Wild is woven
into the book for supplementary repertoire.

Method Book II
Now in its 2nd edition, Method Book II introduces more challenging guitar concepts, such as
position-playing, barres, and transposable major and minor scales in three octaves. The
book ends with light concert repertoire suitable for a college audition.

Method Book III

Method Book III is a special Lead Guitar edition of Carlos Bonell's well-loved
collection Essential Classics. Here we dispense with methodology and rather offer the most
important pieces in the tried and true concert repertoire of classical guitar for students who are
taking their playing to the highest level.

Teaching Resources
Our age-appropriate Milestones are the best way to set goals and objectives for progress
throughout the year in relation to Method Book I. For younger students, the Wristband "Karate
Belt" system uses colored silicone wristbands as incentives for passing a test on each section
of Method Book I.

Song of the Wild

Song of the Wild is a collection of 32 progressive guitar solos that combine to create richly
textured ensemble pieces, which pay homage to Aesop's legendary fables.

Instructional Videos
The videos are critical to understanding the reasons why we teach technical and musical
elements of beginning classical guitar in the order we do. They also introduce vocabulary and
shortcuts that help manage guitar class and serve as play-along videos for students at home.
Mastering the Guitar
Author: William Bay & Mike Christiansen
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Details: Book 1A, Book 1B, Class Method Short Term Course, Class Method Level 1 Beginning
Elementary through 8th Grade, Class Method Level 2, Technique Studies, Teacher’s Supplement
and Lesson Plans, Book 2A, Book 2B, Book 2C

Publisher Description: Mastering the Guitar Class Method is a remarkably innovative new
approach to teaching guitar in class settings. Special features of this method include: careful
grading of all material; use of both standard notation and tablature; numerous guitar ensemble
pieces; the combining of music with other disciplines such as history, math, English, etc.;
presentation of varied musical styles as applied to the guitar; solo material from different musical
periods; selections derived from various countries and cultures; graded lessons on improvising;
and suggested guitar back-up and accompaniment styles. This new method meets current
NAfME national standards for music education.

Materials Overview:
Book 1A
Book 1A covers the keys of C, Am, G, and Em in great depth, presenting over 155 solos and
duets and more than 140 scale and picking studies, chord etudes, and accompaniment pieces.

Book 1B
Book 1B covers the keys of D, A, E, F, Dm, and Bb. In addition, Book 1B has over 130 solos
and duets and over 40 comprehensive scale and picking studies. Numerous chord progression
studies and chord accompaniment pieces and etudes are also included. Furthermore, a

Technique Studies
Technique Studies book is available which will bring an added level of flatpicking and
fingerpicking excellence to each key presented in Book 1A and Book 1B. These three volumes
contain over 400 pages of music.

Class Method Level 2

The advanced levels of this method introduce a creative and innovative approach to learning and
mastering the higher positions on the guitar fingerboard.

Teacher’s Supplement and Lesson Plans

The information contained in this supplement will be a valuable tool in showing teachers how to
apply the material contained in the Mastering the Guitar Class Method. This manual is designed
to be used in conjunction with the Mastering the Guitar Class Method. This supplement will not
only help the teacher effectively present the material in the class method, but it will also provide
a springboard for creating original ways to teach music and cross-curriculum concepts.
The Shearer Method
Author: Aaron Shearer, Thomas Kikta, and Dr. Alan Hirsch
Publisher: Aaron Shearer Foundation
Details: 4 Levels/Books, Teacher Manual, Online Supplements

Publisher Description: 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.

Materials Overview:
Classic Guitar Foundations (Book 1)
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 Developments (Book 2)

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 Online Supplement.

Learning the Fingerboard (Book 3)

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.

Guitar Harmony (Book 4)

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).

Classroom Shearer: a Teacher’s Manual

Designed for The Shearer Method, Book I includes suggested syllabi, classroom strategies,
activities, warm-up routines, grading assessment, and ample supplemental pieces—solos and
graded ensemble music.
Sound Innovations for Guitar
Author: Aaron Stang, Bill Purse, and Jason Yeary
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Details: Two Levels (Book 1 & 2), Teacher Editions

Publisher Description:
This method is written specifically to address the needs and learning styles of children.
Beginning with rote learning, imitation, and echoing, students will play and perform familiar
melodies, strum chords, perform duets and trios, sing, and accompany singers. The curriculum
takes them through reading music notation, guitar tablature, and guitar chord diagrams. Online
resources include streaming video that corresponds to each lesson plan, downloadable MP3s that
demonstrate every example and song in the book, and reproducible PDFs for student assessment.

Materials Overview:
Book 1
Organized into 36 complete 1-week lesson units, Book 1 has clean page layouts, clear goals for
each exercise, and access to SmartMusic. Notes are introduced sequentially from low to high in
order to promote better fretboard understanding. Included are reproducible enrichment and
enhancement pages, expansion suggestions, performance advice, assessment tools, and clear
guidance as to reasonable expected outcomes. Masterclass videos and audio examples are
provided throughout the book, promoting at-home practice and reinforcement of new concepts.

Book 2
Continue your students’ musical journey with Book 2, where new concepts are introduced such
as moving up the neck, sixteenth notes, speed picking, playing power chords in higher positions,
classic guitar riffs, barre chords, and more. Videos and MP3s are included.

Elementary Class Guitar

This method is written specifically to address the needs and learning styles of children.
Beginning with rote learning, imitation, and echoing, students will play and perform familiar
melodies, strum chords, perform duets and trios, sing, and accompany singers. The curriculum
takes them through reading music notation, guitar tablature, and guitar chord diagrams---while
traditional chords will be taught, they'll also explore the neck of the guitar with simple and
exciting non-traditional "moveable" chord shapes.

Teacher Editions, Book 1 & 2

Each edition contains 36 complete one-week units/lesson plans. The lessons progress through six
major levels and provide goals, access to reproducible enrichment and enhancement pages,
expansion suggestions, performance advice, assessment tools, and clear guidance as to
reasonable expected outcomes. The intent of this method is to provide both students and teachers
with an exciting and rewarding guitar class experience.

Teacher Edition, Elementary

Unlike Sound Innovations for Guitar 1 and 2, which were aimed at teenage students, the bulk of
instruction for this installment resides within this Teacher Edition---the content in the matching
student book is streamlined and relies on instruction from the teacher.
 CLASSROOM GUITAR METHODS
Beginning Guitar Superbook
Author: Will Schmid
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
Details: 5 combined text in 174 pages

Publisher Description: Five complete best-selling books in one: Hal Leonard Guitar Method,
Book 1 * Easy Pop Melodies * The Chord Strummer * Easy Chord Trax * Rock Trax. This Hal
Leonard Guitar Method collection provides any guitarist with all the essential lessons so they can
learn to play solo guitar and accompaniments in a variety of styles. You'll get to play the
melodies or strum along with over 100 famous songs while you learn! Includes chord charts,
strum and fingerpicking patterns. The price of this book includes a unique code that provides
access to audio tracks online, for download or streaming. The tracks include PLAYBACK+, a
multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set
loop points, change keys, and pan left or right available exclusively from Hal Leonard.

Blue Guitar – blueguitar.us

Developer Description: Blue Guitar was created to help facilitate the teaching and learning
experience in school guitar classes. By combining a proven guitar method with integrated multi-
media resources, Blue Guitar can streamline your classroom and maximize your students’
progress and musical achievement. While hard copies of the method book can be ordered, the
materials are intended to be projected on a screen or interactive whiteboard. Lessons are
embedded with video and/or backing audio tracks at slow and fast tempos. Blue Guitar is laid out
in a suggested sequence, although it is flexible enough for teachers to easily alter the sequence.

Blue Guitar teaches a solid classical guitar technical foundation (although the word "classical" is
never used) that is complimented with chordal and diverse styles of guitar-based musics
including blues, flamenco, bluegrass, reggae, bachata and rock. Members simply login, click full
screen in the browser, and easily navigate the site. Teachers can follow the suggested sequence,
or jump around based on other considerations. The online format allows the teacher to project
the curriculum onto a screen or interactive whiteboard, which becomes the class's "collective
music stand." This allows the teacher to circulate around the room, monitor the students' hands,
fingers, and posture, as well as hear the guitars without obstruction. Videos and backing tracks
are embedded and easily accessed for maximum ease. With a simple click, the students have
instant accompaniment. Subscription includes online, on-demand access to over 90
comprehensive guitar lessons.
 Reading standard notation in 1st position
 4-part ensemble pieces
 I, IV, V, and vi chords in 5 keys
 Introductions to 6 styles of music (Blues, Flamenco, Reggae, Bluegrass, Bachata, Rock)
 Video tutorials
 Backing audio tracks
 Personal email Q/A with Dr. Rob Pethel, the curriculum developer
 Assessment Rubrics for Student Evaluations and Grading
Essential Elements for Guitar
Author: Will Schmid & Bob Morris
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
Details: Two Levels (Guitar Book 1 & 2) 95 pgs each

Publisher Description: Hal Leonard's top-selling comprehensive method for band and strings is
now also available for guitar. With the time-tested classroom teaching methods of Will Schmid
and Bob Morris and popular songs in a variety of styles, Essential Elements for Guitar is sure to
become a staple of guitar teachers' instruction and get beginning guitar students off to a great
start. This method has been designed to meet the National Standards for Music Education, with
features such as cross-curricular activities, quizzes, multicultural songs, basic improvisation and
more.

Guitar Class Method

Author: William Bay
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc
Details: Two Levels (Volume 1 & 2)

Publisher Description: The Guitar Class Method was written with the hope it would expand the
range of people of all ages who would be exposed to the guitar through a meaningful,
authoritative method that is easy to follow. Volume 1 of this method for individual or group
study offers an overview of the various styles of guitars and playing techniques with advice on
purchasing and caring for the instrument, selecting guitar strings, and playing positions. Includes
special sections devoted specifically to chord strumming, blues structure and style, fingerstyle
technique, note reading, and music theory. The individual sections can be used simultaneously in
any order to take the class in any direction it wants. Written in standard notation and tablature
with chords presented in both diagram and photo format.
 GENERAL GUITAR METHODS
Note: Due to the large number of guitar methods in print, this section should be considered a
sample of what is currently available, and will be updated regularly.

Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method

Author: Morty Manus, Ron Manus, and Alfred d'Auberge
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Details: 6 Graded Method Books

Publisher Description: Alfred's Basic Guitar Method has expanded into a library, including
theory, chord study, play-alongs and more. This best-selling method teaches the basics in a
logical sequence, with concise and complete information that is easily accessible to students.
Numerous chord diagrams and fingering photos help students quickly learn how to read music
and play chords. Exciting music arranged in pop, rock, blues, country and folk styles makes
learning to play the guitar an enjoyable and life-long reward.

Alfred’s Kid’s Guitar Course

Author: Ron Manus and and L. C. Harnsberger
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Details: 3 Method Books or Complete Method Book

Publisher Description: Alfred's Kid's Guitar Course is a fun method that teaches you to play
songs on the guitar right away. Each lesson on every colorful page is explained in plain language
that's easy to understand, and accompanying audio that you can stream or download online is
included so you can hear what each example should sound like. Plus, you get to learn from three
irresistible guitar experts---a clever, classical dog, one cool jazz cat, and a friendly alligator who
loves the blues. They draw attention to what's important on each page and help you learn by
making music fun! Parents can be effective guides to help you through this course, even if
they've never had any musical training themselves.

Hal Leonard Guitar Method

Author: Will Schmid & Greg Koch
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Publisher Description: The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and
Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job
easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while
letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st
position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and
ensembles and strumming. Features a chord chart, and traditional songs like: Amazing Grace *
Greensleeves * and When the Saints Go Marching In. Audio examples of the exercises are
included on the CD and are also accessible online with the unique code included with the book.
Online audio is accessed at halleonard.com/mylibrary
Pumping Nylon
Author: Scott Tennant
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing

The Classical Guitarist’s Technique Handbook

Upon its first publication in 1995, Pumping Nylon became an instant classic and must-have
technique handbook for all classical guitarists, and many players of other styles as well. Scott
Tennant's encouraging style, sense of humor, and unique approach to technical training have
garnered Pumping Nylon devotees throughout the world. At the heart of it all is the famous
"Daily Warm-Up Routine," which includes 11 clever, helpful exercises to get both hands in
shape and ready to play while improving your technical skills. The invaluable lessons in
technique are supplemented by Giuliani's 120 Right-Hand Studies, Tarrega arpeggio studies, and
examples from music by Bach, Turina, and Rodrigo. In addition, original compositions by guitar
luminaries Brian Head and Andrew York reinforce the material while also providing concert-
worthy repertoire.

Pumping Nylon: Easy to Early Intermediate Repertoire

The pieces in this book are selected and designed around the various techniques addressed in the
best-selling book Pumping Nylon. They are offered as an extension of the excercises presented
in that book, and to provide attractive and easy peices in which to apply the various techniques
discussed. New compositions by Andrew York and other contemporary composers are included
as well as classic etudes by Tarrega, Carcassi, Giuliani and Sor. The pieces are helpful for
developing arpeggios, tremolo, scale velocity and more.

Pumping Nylon: Intermediate to Advanced Repertoire

The pieces in this book are selected and designed around the various techniques addressed in the
best-selling book Pumping Nylon. They are offered as an extension of the exercises presented in
that book, and to provide concert pieces in which to apply the various techniques discussed. The
emphasis here is technique-building repertoire appropriate for study and concert performance.
New compositions included are by Adam del Monte, Joe Diorio, Brian Head and Carlos Rivera.
Also included is the cadenza from Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez.

Mel Bay’s Modern Guitar Method

Author: Mel Bay
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc
Publisher Description: The world's premier method for learning modern plectrum style guitar,
time-tested and proven successful in building the theoretic and technical foundation needed to
play in any style. All seven grades of this method are written in standard notation only to
encourage better sight reading.

Materials Overview
In Grade 1, the student guitarist will learn to play solos, duets, scales, and chords in the keys of
C, A minor, G and E minor. Even in Grade 1, the student is already exposed to the chord/melody
concept of guitar performance. A supplementary study book entitled Grade 1 Studies, two
different play-along audio recordings (pop version and traditional), and a video are available.
Grade 2 explores more complex rhythms in carefully graded solo and duet settings with parallel
lessons in music theory- just enough to keep students up to speed in terms of what they are
expected to play. The book begins with a review of playing in the key of C major but soon goes
to F major/D minor followed by D major/B minor. Written in standard notation only.
Grade 3 contains outstanding solos, etudes, chord melody studies, scale studies and duets in the
keys of A, F#m, G, D, Em, Bm, F, Dm, Bb, Gm, Eb, Cm, Ab and Fm! In addition, 2nd and 3rd
positions are thoroughly explored.
Grade 4 begins by introducing the E major scale in three octaves plus the principal chords in E
major. The C# harmonic and melodic minor scales are introduced followed by a wealth of
carefully arranged solo and duet study material in various keys in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and
ninth position. Three basic shapes for major and minor chords are reviewed through chord
studies in various keys through the seventh position.
Grade 5 delves deeply into playing in various keys and positions and Mel Bay’s musical thought
process. Scales, chords and their inversions in the relative major/minor keys of C/A minor G /E
minor, F/D minor, D/B minor, A/F# minor, B-flat/G minor, A-flat/F, and D-flat/B-flat minor are
reviewed or presented for the first time. The author progressively introduces the theory behind
diminished seventh and augmented chords with chord etudes and expertly arranged solos and
duets interspersed.
Grade 6 resents scales, chords etudes, and solo and duet arrangements in the keys of B major/G#
minor, D# (E-Flat) minor, F# (G-flat) major. Includes in-depth theory notes and studies
incorporating minor seventh, major seventh, dominant seventh flat-5, and dominant seventh #5
chords. Chords are presented as four-note groupings on the three sets of adjacent strings as well
as in Orchestral Forms incorporating all six strings with some strings muted. Throughout, the
author integrates theory with technique and performance.
Grade 7 concludes Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method begins with a summary of the natural and
artificial harmonics that can be achieved on each string. Addresses theory and notation of major
and minor sixth chords plus ninth, eleventh (with alterations), nine-six (9/6), and thirteenth
chords- all explored through chord etudes including inside/outside and orchestral chord forms.
Includes a wealth of well-developed studies and solos invarious keys for mastery of the plectrum
style.
 GRADED REPERTOIRE SERIES
RCM Classical Guitar Series
(Previously known as Bridges, 2011 and Guitar Series, 2004)
Publisher: RCM Publishing

Publisher Description: Drawing upon its reputation of excellence, the fifth edition of The Royal
Conservatory's acclaimed guitar series presents a fresh and exciting selection of material to
engage classical guitar students at all levels. Each progressive Repertoire and Etudes book
explores a wide range of historical periods and styles, featuring pieces compiled from more than
500 years' worth of guitar and other plucked-string music. With this series, teachers and students
will embark on an innovative learning path designed to foster well-rounded musical development
and an enduring passion for their instrument.

Materials Overview:
Repertoire and Etudes
The nine books in this one-of-a-kind series include carefully chosen repertoire and etudes that
introduce students to both classic favorites and new, exploratory pieces. Featuring updated
repertoire from modern composers such as Sérgio Assad, Dušan Bogdanović, and Roland Dyens,
and an increased presence of South American music, this progressive series provides an excellent
balance of styles suitable for students of all ages and learning styles.

Classical Guitar Technique

This resource offers students level-appropriate exercises to develop technical proficiency as they
progress through each level of their musical studies. It includes scale patterns with recommended
fingering, arpeggio patterns, and a Technique Supplement with additional exercises.

Classical Guitar Syllabus

The Classical Guitar Syllabus, 2018 Edition is an invaluable resource for teachers preparing
students for examinations of The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program. This syllabus outlines
the classical guitar curriculum for Preparatory through Associate Diploma levels. It includes
extensive listings of repertoire as well as musicianship and technical requirements for each level
of study.

Suzuki Guitar School

Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing (Int’l Edition)
Publisher Description: The Suzuki Method(R) of Talent Education is based on Dr. Shinichi
Suzuki's view that every child is born with ability, and that people are the product of their
environment. According to Dr. Suzuki, a world-renowned violinist and teacher, the greatest joy
an adult can know comes from developing a child's potential so he/she can express all that is
harmonious and best in human beings. Students are taught using the "mother-tongue" approach.

Materials Overview
Volumes 1-9 and Guitar Accompaniment for Volume 1
 ONLINE GUITAR EDUCATION PUBLISHERS
BillSwick.com
Publisher Description: Bill Swick has dedicated his life to guitar education. In addition to his
position as Music Department Chair of the nationally renowned Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
in Las Vegas, Swick is also chair for the Clark County School District Guitar Task Force
overseeing the guitar curriculum for the 5th largest school district with over 60 guitar teachers
and approximately 5,700 guitar students. Swick also chairs the Guitar Education Council for the
National Association of Music Educators. As a way to keep his music affordable and readily
accessible, Swick has converted much of his educational materials to an electronic publishing
and distribution format. Never more than $1 a page, BillSwick.com is an affordable solution for
both the classroom and private guitar instructor.

GuitarCurriculum.com
A comprehensive online resource, based on a proven sequence of skill levels, with unlimited
printing of a library of customized scores, ensemble sight-reading, and teaching aids,
GuitarCurriculum.com gives you fresh ways to educate, build student confidence, and fuel
success — theirs and yours. We help by providing teachers with a comprehensive resource that
includes a vast library of graded ensemble music, audio and video support, along with a range of
other materials that are designed to help you and your students succeed. We focus on the details
so you don't have to: Every part and score is fully annotated with fingerings and dynamics, and
each part strictly adheres to its level designation. This means that you, as the teacher, can be
confident the music you are placing in front of your students has clearly stated musical goals,
and performance techniques and challenges that are appropriate to the abilities of each
individual. Our support goes beyond the materials on the site, too. Subscribers have access to a
team of experts who can provide specific assistance with a range of issues, from adaptive
techniques for students with special needs to effective solutions for classroom management.

GuitarEnsembleMusic.com
Guitar Ensemble Music.com provides high quality music, ideal for educators, community guitar
groups, and professionals. Created by composer/guitarist/educator Alan Hirsh, all arrangements
have been thoughtfully composed, making the most of the guitar’s unique range and color.
All works have been created with group diversity in mind. Many school and community
ensembles include players of varying levels of experience and background. As a way of
addressing this issue, parts within every arrangement/composition range from Easiest,
to Intermediate, to Hardest.

The Guitar School – classical-guitar-school.com

The Guitar School offers over 3200 pages of sheet music by Eythor Thorlaksson for the classical
guitar. On this website you find download-able methods, collections, methods, studies, solo
guitar, duos, trios and quartets in PDF format. Take a look at our methodology or authors to get
started learning the classical guitar. Most of the sheet music is free and some is for
sale. Audio or video is provided in some cases.
 GENERAL GUITAR PUBLISHERS
AND SHEET MUSIC RESOURCES
Alfred Music Publishing
alfred.com

Boosey & Hawkes

boosey.com

Guitar Solo Publications

gspguitar.com

Hal Leonard
halleonard.com

Les Productions d’Oz

productionsdoz.com

Mel Bay
melbay.com

Strings By Mail
stringsbymail.com
 TEACHING GUITAR HANDBOOKS
Teaching Beginning Guitar Class: A Practical Guide
Author: Bill Swick
Publisher Description: As guitar instruction increases in popularity in secondary schools, many
band, choir, and orchestra teachers are asked to teach guitar. In one helpfully concise
volume, Teaching Beginning Guitar Class: A Practical Guide provides all of the practical tools
that are necessary to teach guitar in the classroom, especially for music instructors who are not
guitar specialists. Formatted to follow the school year from summer planning to opening weeks
of the fall semester to a week-to-week timeline for the full school year, Teaching Beginning
Guitar Class encompasses all possible needs for a non-guitar playing music instructor navigating
the world of guitar instruction in a classroom setting. In twelve expertly organized chapters,
author and veteran guitar teacher Bill Swick gives hard and fast guides for instruction, providing
reassurance alongside invaluable tips for novice guitar educators.

Teaching Classroom Guitar

Author: Steve Eckels
Publisher Description: The first comprehensive teaching manual for guitar, Teaching Classroom
Guitar will help you engage your students with relevant content. Designed to get the most out of
your chosen method book, it can easily serve as a college textbook or as a desk reference for
teachers at all levels. Written by a master classical guitarist with fifteen years of classroom
guitar teaching experience, the book provides outlines for daily, weekly, and semester planning.
An outgrowth of Steve Eckels's summer seminars for teachers, the book covers it all - from
planning, assessment, and music reading to chords and music theory, jazz harmony and
improvisation, remedial techniques, and more. Reproducible templates for assessment, grid and
staff paper, and worksheets make it easy to implement the instructional strategies.
 PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR
GUITAR EDUCATORS
American String Teachers Association – ASTA
astastring.org
We believe playing a stringed instrument can change a life. Founded in 1946, the American
String Teachers Association exists to support string and orchestra teachers and players. Our
members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. We provide teaching
resources, a career center, professional education, insurance programs, local and national events,
and access to a vibrant and sharing strings community.

Guitar Foundation of America – GFA

guitarfoundation.org
The Guitar Foundation of America inspires artistry, builds community, and promotes the
classical guitar internationally through excellence in performance, literature, education and
research. The GFA is the world’s largest multi-national guitar organization. Founded in 1973,
the GFA publishes the quarterly journal, Soundboard and annual scholarly journal Soundboard
Scholar; maintains a large archive of scores, books and manuscripts; hosts the annual GFA
Convention and Competitions including the prestigious International Concert Artist Competition,
International Youth Competitions and International Ensemble Competition; commissions
composers of the guitar; organizes the annual GFA winner’s concert tour currently comprised of
approximately 50 concerts around the country; holds multiple annual Regional Symposia, one
day mini-conventions in various locations; and works to establish and support pre-college guitar
programs in cities across the country.

GFA STRINGEd Program

guitarfoundation.org >> Education
The GFA STRINGEd Program provides Support, Training, Resources, and Induction for New
Guitar Educators (STRINGEd). This program is for guitar educators both new to the classroom
and/or new to the profession at-large. As the first years of teaching are already a challenge when
it comes to a new teacher’s time management, this program is specifically intended to be self-
paced, autonomous, and does not require large assignments. The training and induction
structures are intended to promote reflective practice, create reform-oriented educators, and
support the success of classroom guitar programs.

Music Teachers National Association – MTNA

mtna.org
For well over a century, MTNA has been the backbone for a collaborative community of music-
teaching professionals, connecting both the seasoned educator and those at the beginning of their
career. MTNA membership does more than simply complement your career as a music
professional—it supports, supplements and shapes it. It empowers music teachers nationwide to
become better educators through networking, leadership, mentoring and educational
opportunities.

National Association for Music Education - NAfME

nafme.org
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is an organization of American music
educators dedicated to advancing and preserving music education as part of the core curriculum
of schools in the United States. It has more than 130,000 members, and NAfME's headquarters
are located in Reston, Virginia. NAfME functions regionally through more than fifty state (or
state-level) affiliates. These federated state associations include organizations representing each
of the fifty U.S. states; the District of Columbia; and a single affiliate for Europe.

NAfME Academy
nafme.org/community/elearning/
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) strives to provide music educators and
education leaders with engaging professional development opportunities to support best
practices. NAfME Academy is the online learning platform for music educators. The Academy
allows educators to access the relevant professional development they need to further enhance
their teaching and serve the needs of students through dynamic and effective materials and
learning opportunities.

National Federation of Music Clubs – NFMC

nfmc-music.org
Since our founding in 1898, NFMC has become the largest nonprofit organization in America to
promote and support American music, performers and music education. As a grassroots
organization working in communities throughout America, we provide musical opportunities for
all ages: professional and amateur musicians, benefactors, volunteers, music lovers, music
teachers, music students, and supportive parents. Discover the many opportunities and activities
in which our over 135,000 members participate: Festival programs, competitive events,
community outreach or just meeting music lovers in your community.

Teaching Guitar Workshops

guitaredunet.org
The Teaching Guitar Workshops were started by members of GAMA, NAMM and NAfME in
1995. The objective: help school music educators start or enhance classroom guitar programs and
deliver more music making opportunities to children. Between 1995 and today over 4,000 school
music teachers across the United States and Canada have enjoyed TGW. GAMA’s studies
suggest that over 2 million students have learned guitar in schools because of the TGW.