Mel Bay Mastering the Guitar Class Method, Level 1: 9th Grade & Higher

In this class guitar method, traditional fundamentals of playing guitar are presented using an innovative approach. Students are shown chords and accompaniment techniques as well as how to read music and play solo guitar. The carefully graded repertoire in this book is stylistically diverse and includes music from many cultures. A section is devoted to teaching students how to improvise over blues chord progressions and write original blues lyrics. A special feature of this class method is the inclusion of music written for guitar ensemble (2-5 guitars). Musical examples are provided with blend of standard notation and tab. Musical examples do not employ standard notation and tab at the same time. An accompanying CD and Teachers' Supplement are available.

William Bay is president of Mel Bay Publications, Inc. He is an accomplished guitarist and trumpet player and has performed on both instruments in a wide variety of professional settings. He is experienced as a performer and composer of music ranging from jazz and rock to the classics and sacred. He received his bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his master's from the University of Missouri. Bill has received international acclaim for his innovative teaching methods, and he has authored over 200 books with sales in the millions. Mike Christiansen is a Professor and Director of Guitar Studies at Utah State University. In 1994 he was selected Professor of the Year at Utah State. He is the author of numerous instructional books, has recorded several CDs, and appears on fourteen instructional videos. He has had articles published in several magazines including Acoustic Guitar and Soundboard, and has also conducted many workshops for guitarists and educators. In addition to this work geared toward teaching, he has played in many top bands and ensembles, has written and performed radio jingles, has backed up many artists on recordings and has written and recorded music for TV and educational films. Currently, in addition to his teaching and writing duties, Mike does solo work, performs with the Lightwood Duo (a clarinet-guitar duo), and is a member of the group, Mirage.