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ming tsao

Book Review: The Techniques of Guitar Playing by Seth F. Josel and Ming Tsao

December 14, 2019 by azsamadlessons Leave a Comment

This 233-page book is an important work for composers for the guitar. It systematically documents technique (from fundamentals to more obscure extended techniques) in a single volume.

It’s divided into 5 parts:
1) Guitar Basics – covering tunings, notation, left hand & right hand technique
2) Guitar Harmonics – explaining what they are, how to produce them, examples from compositions and notation
3) Guitar as Percussion – from tapping, tambour, golpe, string buzz (yes!) to prepared guitar
4) “All in the Family” – The Acoustic Guitar’s Relatives – discussing related instruments like Terz guitar, ukulele, steel string guitar and even the Ebow.
5) Appendices – with technical notes and bibliography

There is SO MUCH material in this book. As a guitarist & composer, I was very fascinated with the amount of extended sounds I’ve not used in my own work. Also, I really admired the amount of detail included in the book. The writing is very clear & provides a strong guide for composers.

For me, I see two viable audiences for this book.

One: the serious classical guitarist or contemporary guitarist (coming from other musical background) who are interested in exploring the wide range of sounds from the guitar.

Two: composers who are curious about what their options are when writing for guitar & how to notate clearly & efficiently.

All in all, I find that the book is a valuable resource and reference that I come back to from time to time. It’s a worthwhile addition to any composer’s bookshelf.

Pros: Great work, lots of detail – very educational.
Cons: None
TLDR: If you compose for guitar or you’re curious about composing for guitar, this book provides a strong foundation to understanding the instrument from a classical guitar lens. Definitely a worthwhile investment!

You can get the book here: https://www.baerenreiter.com/en/shop/product/details/BVK2243/

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[Submissions for Review Consideration]

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I cannot guarantee a review for every submission & if I’m not too into it, I may opt not to review it. I mean, it’s better to get a good review that for me to write a bad review just because it’s not a match for the kind of stuff I dig right? :p

NOTE: All reviews reflect my honest personal opinion so be aware that I will point out both cool Pros and Cons that I see in the work. You dig? 

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Composition, Guitar Technique, Philosophy Tagged With: barenreiter, barenreiter books, classical guitar, classical guitar technique, guitar lessons, guitarist, guitarist composer, ming tsao, seth f josel

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