Has anyone used Mel Bay Method to learn classical guitar??

[mrkpower]

Mel Bay Guitar Method (Grade 1 -7) is primarily designed for picking style. But wondering if anyone here uses it as a classical guitar method?

[brucefulton]

Originally Posted by mrkpower

Mel Bay Guitar Method (Grade 1 -7) is primarily designed for picking style. But wondering if anyone here uses it as a classical guitar method?

It's not suitable as a classical guitar method. I used the first couple of grades as a general guitar introduction for young students just to get them oriented to the guitar. Then, if they wanted to head toward classical, I would shift them toward Shearer or one of the others. If they wanted classical, I would start out with a classical method. Haven't taught for many years, but I don't see much new, which is surprising.

[mrkpower]

Originally Posted by brucefulton

It's not suitable as a classical guitar method. I used the first couple of grades as a general guitar introduction for young students just to get them oriented to the guitar. Then, if they wanted to head toward classical, I would shift them toward Shearer or one of the others. If they wanted classical, I would start out with a classical method. Haven't taught for many years, but I don't see much new, which is surprising.

Don't you use the new expanded version which being added quite a lot content.

[brucefulton]

Originally Posted by mrkpower

Don't you use the new expanded version which being added quite a lot content.

It's still oriented to the flat-pick and has the student hold the guitar on the right knee.

[Paultergeist]

Originally Posted by mrkpower

Mel Bay Guitar Method (Grade 1 -7) is primarily designed for picking style. But wondering if anyone here uses it as a classical guitar method?

I my opinion, these are poorly-constructed books in general, and not suitable for classical guitar specifically.

I would instead steer someone towards Frederick Noad's Solo Guitar as a central resource, perhaps supplementing it with Parkening's and/or Romero (Celedonio) method books. Scott Tennant's "Pumping Nylon" is also excellent once the student has gained some traction.

[k_russell]

I would not recommend using the book as a method book. I have found a few pieces in the book that work pretty well on a classical guitar.