The Beginner Guitarist has been born out of 20 years of teaching experience. Although specifically designed as a teacher’s aid, it can also be used for independent study.

Topics like posture, tuning and phrasing are not prescribed, being left to the judgement of the teacher. With the exception of right and left-hand fingering advice, this approach is used throughout the series. The entire series has the goal of being a measured and progressive tutor. Ideas are usually introduced one at a time to avoid overloading the student.

Book Three places strong emphasis on right-hand technique with the freestroke (tirando) to the fore - thumb and fingers together - while consolidating and building on the notes learnt in first position across the six strings.

It also takes a brief look at an alternative tuning and introduces the idea of shifting position. Chords are also given further attention while the introduction of some classic studies from past masters is juxtaposed with a 1970s-style pentatonic-based piece introducing the idea of playing riffs.

A set of exercises on dotted notes and a strong selection of pieces complete this volume.

About the author: Nigel Tuffs is an instrumental teacher with more than 20 years of experience in all areas of guitar teaching. Originally a member of several rock bands he completed an honours degree at the Colchester Institute, specialising in composition and performance, and has since worked extensively as a chamber musician, in guitar ensembles, as an accompanist and also as an educator.