The Complete Acoustic Guitar Method: Intermediate Acoustic Guitar (2nd Edition): Guitar Book & DVD

Moving from the comfort of open positions to the vast possibilities of the upper fretboard opens up a real sense of expansion. The introduction of blues, Celtic, bluegrass, and funk approaches brings the acoustic guitar to life in unexpected ways, transforming it from a backing instrument into a solo and lead voice with genuine voice and personality.

Guitarists who have solid grasp of beginner fundamentals (open chords, basic strumming, simple rhythm patterns) and are ready to explore fretboard geography and distinct acoustic styles. This is ideal for self-taught players seeking structure and for ensemble guitarists wanting to expand beyond chord-melody playing into single-note lines and style-specific techniques.

• Work through the upper fretboard positions systematically using the major scale and pentatonic shapes before moving to style applications; this foundation prevents the common mistake of memorizing licks without understanding their underlying structure.
• Record yourself playing the acoustic guitar masters' examples at slower tempos first, then gradually increase speed once the fingerings and rhythmic feel become consistent.
• Experiment with alternate tunings on just one or two pieces initially rather than learning all tuning variations at once; this prevents confusion and lets you develop a genuine feel for how each tuning changes the instrument's response.
• Use the DVD demonstrations to compare your technique against the examples, paying special attention to flatpicking angles and fingerstyle finger movement in styles like Celtic and bluegrass where these details shape the tone significantly.

Assign this as a self-directed progression resource for ensemble guitarists between the first and second year, using the style chapters to inform their own accompaniment choices in rehearsal. The alternate tunings section works well as a springboard for exploring world music repertoire or creating ensemble arrangements that call for open tunings beyond standard.

• Reading and playing in upper fretboard positions using major scales, triads, and pentatonic shapes
• Alternate tuning systems and repertoire specific to open tuning contexts
• Flatpicking technique applied to lead lines and single-note passages
• Fingerstyle fingering patterns across different acoustic traditions
• Funk strumming rhythms and swing feel application to acoustic contexts
• Blues, Celtic, bluegrass, and Delta blues style recognition and execution
• Harmonic techniques including natural harmonics and their musical applications