Larry Beekman’s guitar method, “How to Play the Acoustic Guitar”, is a two volume set. The method books introduce the student to traditional music reading as well as chord strumming and fingerpicking techniques, and music theory. The books are described in more detail in the information below. You will also find music samples as well as performances of pieces in the books.
How to Play the Acoustic Guitar, Book 1
How to Play the Acoustic Guitar, Book 2
How to Play the Acoustic Guitar, Book 1
Larry Beekman Guitar Studio, 2001. $14.95; with CD, 19.95
This method is for the student who wants to learn the basics of classical guitar and is also interested in learning how to play contemporary popular music. The pieces used are primarily folk and popular tunes. There is also original music based on popular styles. For example, there are several pieces based on one of the foundations of popular music, “the 12 bar blues”. The method covers all the notes in 1st position, basic folk guitar chords, and some useful rhythm guitar strumming patterns. It is intended for either individual or group instruction, and it works well with students of all ages. The CD includes all 19 of the duets in the book, with the student and teacher in separate channels, as well as 11 easy solo arrangements. See excerpts from this book on the Free Music page.
Here is a link to Columbian guitarist José Luis Montero Laguado and one of his students performing “Jeedy”, the very first duet in this book (note: the slightly odd title refers to the two notes the student plays, G and D): Jeedy
And this is a performance of another duet (played as a trio here) from this book, Rockiny Myner by Larry and two of this students. Thanks to the father of the students, Mike Snell of Blue Wall Design for creating this video/one act play!
How to Play the Acoustic Guitar, Book 2
Larry Beekman Guitar Studio, 2003. $14.95; with CD, 19.95.
This is a continuation of Book 1. It covers the notes all the way up to the 12th fret, and how to read music in the 10 most commonly used guitar keys. Also included are the chords needed for almost all folk and popular music, more advanced rhythm guitar styles, including fingerpicking, and information on music theory, such as how chords are constructed. After completing How to Play the Acoustic Guitar, Books 1 and 2, you will be well prepared to play and understand most acoustic guitar music. The CD includes 4 duets, with the parts in separate channels, and also 26 solo arrangements. Here’s “The Tough as It’ll Get Blues” from this book (and there are more excerpts on the Free Music page):