The techniques of guitar playing (livre + CD)
Seth JOSEL

This book, co-written by guitarist Seth F. Josel and composer Ming Tsao, provides a comprehensive survey of contemporary performance techniques on the classical guitar. It was inspired by a new generation of solo guitarists whose extraordinary technical and virtuosic skills have paved the way for a new understanding of instrumental performance practice. Detailed explanations are given for the instrument’s technical potential within the historical context of traditional guitar technique. Composers will be interested in the in-depth analyses of contemporary guitar literature, featuring many examples of chamber and ensemble music.

Four main chapters describe:
- Techniques of the right and left hands
- Special harmonies and percussive techniques
- The main instruments of the guitar family and their potential
- Possible ways of notating contemporary guitar literature

The examples discussed in the book are complemented by an enclosed CD and detailed charts on multiphonics, bitones, and percussion techniques.