Guitar Today, Book 1: Guitar Book & CD

Snyder's method balances pickstyle and fingerstyle from the start, treating both approaches as equally valid rather than one as secondary. The inclusion of world folk melodies and optional duets makes early-stage learning feel musical and social rather than purely technical, keeping students engaged through actual repertoire rather than isolated exercises.

Guitar Today opens with clear, achievable tasks that build confidence quickly. The blending of folk melodies and classical pieces from around the world creates a sense of musical discovery rather than mechanical drill, inviting students to hear themselves playing recognizable music within the first weeks.

Beginning guitarists of any age, from late elementary through adult learners. This method works equally well in class guitar settings, private instruction, or self-directed learning. The dual approach to playing styles makes it accessible whether a student arrives wanting acoustic fingerstyle, electric pickstyle, or both.

• Start with the recorded accompaniment to hear how each exercise and melody should sound before attempting it. The CD anchors pitch reference and tempo expectations for students working independently.
• Alternate pickstyle and fingerstyle passages within a single practice session to build facility in both techniques without fatigue. Neither should dominate early instruction.
• Use the duet arrangements to maintain motivation. Having a teacher, peer, or recorded partner transforms basic melodies into ensemble experiences that feel more substantial than solo work.
• Reference the diagrams and photos frequently during early lessons. Visual reinforcement of hand position, finger placement, and posture prevents bad habits from forming.

Use this as the foundation for a beginning guitar class meeting 2-3 times weekly, pairing students for the duet arrangements to build ensemble literacy early. The method's 64-page structure covers roughly one academic year at moderate pace, leaving room to supplement with additional folk arrangements or student-selected songs that match the level covered.

• Note reading on the treble staff and guitar tablature
• Pickstyle and fingerstyle technique on acoustic and electric instruments
• Major and minor scales across multiple positions
• Open position chords and chord changes
• Ensemble playing through duet arrangements
• Rhythm reading and counting across basic time signatures