Sight Reading
Sight reading is an elusive skill on the classical guitar. Guitarists in fact are known to be pretty bad sight readers.
We should clarify that sight reading is not the same skill as reading notation, being able to accurately read pitches and rhythms. Instead, sight reading is the ability to read a piece of music and play it at “first sight” (prima vista). But the guitarist’s poverty of sight reading is not entirely our fault, as we don’t always have the tools we need to really develop this skill.
With the right concepts and approach we learn to protect the pulse, leave out notes, and learn to read ahead. These skills will make you a better sight reader.
Sight Reading Lesson for Classical Guitar
Video and Article
This video walks you through a sample lesson on sight reading from our book Progressive Sight Reading for Classical Guitar. The video format offers Simon’s guidance as you work through each element together with him. This is just one of 62 lessons available to members of CGC Academy and comes directly from the book.
Sight Reading with Rhythmic Subdivision
Article
As you advance on classical guitar, you will encounter more complex rhythms with smaller durations and syncopation. Rhythm is king when it comes to sight reading. So it is important to develop tactics to handle difficult rhythms. This technique will help you tackle even the trickiest of rhythms.
Progressive Sight Reading for Classical Guitar
The key to improving your sight-reading is plenty of material at a suitable level and regular practice. You will find a wealth of useful sight-reading material in this book and it will make it easy to incorporate into your regular practice.
This book offers a progressive set of sight-reading lessons from beginner to advanced (Grades 1 through 8). It is a substantial book at 175 pages and it will provide you with a large amount of material to use in your practice sessions. You will find fingerboard knowledge, rhythm, harmony, and musicianship are all developed throughout the sixty-two progressive lessons.
Transform Your Playing at the CGC Academy
If you struggle with frustration, overwhelm, and a lack of focus the CGC Academy can help you transform your musical experience.
With world-class curriculum that is progressive and structured you will find a learning pathway that has everything laid out for you. All materials are provided and you will have access at all hours so that you can practice when it suits your schedule.
Study with dedicated teachers who have worked with thousands of students just like you from all over the world.
And, you will not be alone in your journey. Inside the Academy you will find a supportive community of musicians that are working to develop their playing and musical expression.