Guitar Today, Book 1: Guitar Book & Online Audio

Snyder's dual expertise as both a performing musician and classroom educator shines throughout this method. The integration of pickstyle and fingerstyle techniques, paired with accessible arrangements of classical and folk music, gives students real repertoire to play while building foundational skills. The coordination with Bass Today creates a natural pathway for ensemble learning from day one, making this an ideal choice for programs that want guitar students making music together immediately.

Structured yet musical from the opening pages. Students move from essential note reading and scale work into recognizable classical and folk melodies, so the learning sequence never feels abstract. The inclusion of duets adds immediate social reward; students experience playing together as a natural extension of their developing skills.

Beginning guitarists in classroom, ensemble, or private study settings who need a methodical introduction to both acoustic and electric guitar playing. Whether you're starting a class guitar program or teaching individual students, this book works equally well for middle school through adult learners who are encountering the guitar for the first time.

• Alternate between pickstyle and fingerstyle passages within the same practice session to build facility with both techniques rather than isolating them.
• When working through duets, assign parts based on student confidence level rather than strict ability ranking; the lower part often provides essential rhythmic and harmonic foundation.
• Use the diagrams and photos as reference points during practice, not just during initial instruction; fingering clarity improves with repeated visual feedback.
• Engage with the online audio by playing along at slower tempos first, then gradually matching the recorded pace as accuracy improves.

Start this in fall to build a foundation for spring ensemble performance. Coordinate with a bassist using Bass Today to create duet and small ensemble opportunities by winter. The book's design supports both individual progress and collaborative learning, making it ideal for hybrid programs where some students study privately while others participate in group instruction.

• Music notation literacy on the treble staff and guitar tablature
• Pickstyle and fingerstyle technique on acoustic and electric guitar
• Major and minor scales across the fingerboard
• Basic chord construction and chord changes
• Rhythm reading in simple and compound meters
• Ensemble playing through duet arrangements
• Folk and classical repertoire from global traditions