Guide to Playing the Baroque Guitar
James Tyler
James Tyler offers a practical manual to aid guitar players and lutenists in transitioning from modern stringed instruments to the baroque guitar. He begins with the physical aspects of the instrument, addressing tuning and stringing arrangements and technique before considering the fundamentals of baroque guitar tablature. In the second part of the book Tyler provides an anthology of representative works from the repertoire. Each piece is introduced with an explanation of the idiosyncrasies of the particular manuscript or source and information regarding any performance practice issues related to the piece itself—represented in both tablature and staff notation. Tyler's thorough yet practical approach facilitates access to this complex body of work.
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About James Tyler
Reviews for Guide to Playing the Baroque Guitar
Early Music Review
The depth of detail in this volume is thorough and fascinating. Just a look at the chapter headings gives you some idea of the care taken in the researching of the very misunderstood instrument. . . . I cannot praise this volume highly enough. If there is anything not included in here, then it probably wasn't worth mentioning anyway. It is a fitting tribute to a much missed musician and should be snapped up by anyone with the smallest of interest in this fine period in our instrument's history.
Classical Guitar
It is obvious that Tyler was most concerned about clarity and a sound pedagogical method as he organized this book. It is precisely because A Guide to Playing the Baroque Guitar possesses breadth and accessibility that it is so effective. It is a good addition to any music library.
Notes
The beginner Baroque guitarist needs a guide before approaching unedited tablature, and James Tyler's new book, A Guide to Playing the Baroque Guitar . . . fulfills that need admirably.
Fontes Artis Musicae
I recommend [this] book highly to all students, players, and teachers of the Baroque guitar.
Early Music America