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 on classical guitar

Article
This article will discuss sight reading on the classical guitar. We break down what make sight reading so difficult on our instrument, and why sight reading is so important.

Improve Your Sight Reading on Guitar

Article
When you think about it, there are only really 12 frets and six strings to learn on classical guitar — not that many. In this article we break down ways to improve your sight reading on classical guitar.

Sight Reading Rhythms

15 Minute Rhythm Workshop

CAGED System

CAGED System for Classical Guitar

Learning the Fretboard

Six String Scales: Learning the Fretboard

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.

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Classical Guitar Tempo Markings

Article and PDF Download
How do you know what is the right tempo for a piece of music? Find out in this article and download the PDF guide to follow along.

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Books from CGC Publishing

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.

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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.

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Hear What the Members Are Saying

The lessons are organized in a concise and easy-to-follow way, so I don’t feel overwhelmed by the information. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, so I always feel supported and encouraged. The community is supportive and friendly, so I’m always motivated to keep learning. I’m learning a lot and having a blast! I’m already playing my favorite classical pieces and I can’t wait to continue learning.

Erica G.

CGCA Member (4 Years)

If you are someone with limited and unpredictable “me time”, CGC’s combination of well structured curriculum, “always on” availability, and skilled, enthusiastic, personable instructors provides an ideal stairway to classical guitar heaven.

Mark C.

CGCA Member (5 years)

Several years of using self-help method books, online tutorials and video exchange programs had left me frustrated with what always seemed a piecemeal approach to advancing my guitar studies. When I discovered the CGC Academy with its expertly structured, grades 1-8 curriculum, a highly responsive and dedicated staff, and a global community of fellow students eager to share the journey, I knew I’d found a new home. Seven years on and I could not be happier with my decision – coaching calls, performance seminars, member challenges, open mics, summer school, feedback from fellow students and instructors – all have served to take my playing to a level I never thought possible.

Mark

CGCA Member (7 Years)

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