Guitar Today, Book 2: Guitar Book

This book strikes the balance between technical foundation and musical engagement that secondary guitar teachers desperately need. Snyder's dual-track approach to both pickstyle and fingerstyle means students aren't locked into one technique early on; they can discover which feels natural while building transferable skills. The inclusion of arranged folk and classical melodies transforms note reading from abstract drills into immediate musical payoff.

Moving through this book feels like building vocabulary for a language you already speak. The progression from scales and chords into recognizable melodies creates a satisfying arc of independence and musicality. Whether you're fingerpicking a folk tune or navigating a classical arrangement, the sense of navigating real music rather than exercises becomes apparent quickly.

Guitar Today, Book 2 is designed for students who have completed Book 1 and are ready to deepen their technical vocabulary and repertoire. It works equally well for acoustic and electric guitarists in school ensemble settings, private studio instruction, or self-directed study. Snyder's clear presentation makes it accessible to adult learners returning to music.

• Work through the pickstyle and fingerstyle sections in parallel rather than sequentially; let students experience both techniques early so they can commit to their preferred approach by mid-book.
• Use the optional duets as ensemble opportunities to reinforce rhythm accuracy and listening skills without requiring a second guitarist at the same level.
• Reference the chord diagrams and scale charts alongside note-reading exercises so students internalize the connection between fretboard geography and standard notation.
• Assign the classical and folk arrangements as short-term performance goals; playing a recognizable melody accelerates confidence and motivation.

Pair this with Bass Today for ensemble classes designed around fretted instruments, taking advantage of Snyder's coordinated curriculum. Assign duets as small-ensemble projects during regular guitar classes, or use the classical and folk arrangements as recital material that showcases technique in musical context. The book's comprehensive coverage makes it suitable for full-year instruction or as a targeted supplement for students needing skill review.

• Pickstyle and fingerstyle technique for acoustic and electric guitar
• Reading music notation on the treble clef with application to fretboard positions
• Major and minor scales across the fingerboard
• Chord construction and voicing
• Ensemble playing through optional duet arrangements
• Interpretation of folk and classical melodies adapted for solo guitar