While volume 1 is written for the complete beginner, and the DVD provides great visual cues for those learning without a teacher the book’s “tone” is not conducive to the casual beginner. I’d recommend it for the older, more cerebral student. And, the method does not employ popular tunes that the student would recognize, but specially composed practice pieces.
Watch a video review of A Modern Guitar Method.
William Leavitt has two goals with this book:
- To teach the student to read music.
- For the gradual development of dexterity in both hands
The book is divided in two sections. Section one teaches reading in the first, or open, position. Section two of the book teaches reading in the second position.
Both sections are set up the same and feature loads of graduated reading and playing exercises. Lessons include:
- Single note playing.
- Rhythm playing
- Bass-Rhythm playing
- Eighths, sixteenths, and triplet notes.
- Speed and technique exercises
The teaching method is rock solid. Any student who works through these books will be a proficien treader and player with a decent base of theoretical guitar knowledge.
I would recommend this book to the serious beginner who plans on learning to be proficient reader, and not just in the first position. This book would be ideal for an experienced player who has not got around to reading standard notation, or for a player who wants to refine their note-reading skills.
Buy a Modern Method for Guitar at Amazon.
Other Suggestions for Your Consideration
Is It guitar tab available for all volum 1,2,3 books