Basic Classical Guitar Method, Book 1: Guitar DVD

Tennant builds from absolute zero without rushing into performance. Book 1 establishes the physical and conceptual foundations—proper posture, fretboard geography, and music reading—so students enter Book 2 genuinely ready for technique rather than confused about where their hands belong. This methodical approach prevents the frustration that derails many early guitarists.

The experience is methodical and grounded. You are learning to hold an instrument correctly, to understand how music notation translates to the fretboard, and to develop finger independence through deliberate practice. There is no rushing toward recognizable songs; instead, the satisfaction comes from building genuine facility and understanding.

This is designed for guitarists starting from no prior musical experience or instrument training. Teachers working with students ages 8 and up will find the progression straightforward; adult beginners also benefit from the clear, no-assumption approach. Anyone seeking a classical guitar foundation built on proper technique rather than shortcuts belongs here.

• Establish posture and hand position in the first week; these habits will either serve or haunt every piece your student learns later.
• Use the DVD alongside the printed material rather than treating them as separate resources. Seeing finger placement in motion clarifies details that still images cannot convey.
• Practice the left-hand exercises slowly and separately from the right hand until each side moves with independence and clarity.
• Return to the fretboard diagram pages frequently during the first month; map fluency develops through repeated reference, not cramming.

Use Book 1 as your foundational method for all new classical guitar students. The material aligns well with a year-long first course, with the DVD enabling students to work independently between lessons.

• proper sitting posture and hand position for classical guitar
• fretboard note reading and identification across multiple octaves
• music notation reading in treble clef
• right-hand fingering patterns and rest stroke technique
• left-hand finger independence and positioning
• basic chord shapes and block chord changes
• finger strength and dexterity for early classical technique