I understand fully that sight-reading is not essential, and I’m not wanting to skip more important things to fit it in. I’d just like to add it to my practice routine during the winter months when I’m able to spend much more time on guitar and music learning. I do think it would add another perspective that might “round out” my understanding.
I know the fundamentals of standard musical notation, so my question is specifically about how to practice reading and playing from it so that it becomes familiar and eventually second-nature. Has anyone here recently started from the very beginning and learned to do it? Can you recommend good resources for doing that? Thank you.
I’m nowhere near pro level. I just don’t have enough time to do it, but I try my best. I can recognize the notes and keys when there’s a treble clef at the beginning.
Always revise what you have learnt (theory, chords, etc)
Don’t keep on practicing only one thing until it’s perfect but keep on going back to it from time to time
As for sight reading, don’t play things over and over again until you know them by heart because then you won’t play what you read anymore
Always search new music to read
I agree that sight reading is a nice skill to have, though probably not the most essential for hobbyists like the most of us. But why not learn it if you’re interested?
Hi Bob, My husband has a book entitled “Solo Guitar Playing” by Frederick Noad which teaches to read while teaching technique. It teaches classical guitar, so it may not be what you’re looking for. PM me if you’d like more details on how the book is structured.
I use Leavitt’s book as well. It is difficult, not meant for total beginners for sure. Some exceptional exercises there.
Mel Bay’s “Modern guitar method grade 1” offers far more user friendly approach and is tailored to total beginners. There is more explanations about everything, including sight reading. Excercises are shorter and easier. The approach in terms of keys, chords, guitar positions is very similar. It is a light version of Berklee book. You could probably get both books and see which one works for your level the best.
Hi Bob, I’m studying Classical Guitar but, while I do love Music Standard Notation I think I’m not yet developing efficent Sight Reading skills, as my focus is on other aspects at the moment. I think the Method Book 1 I used is good if you don’t mind starting off with simple melodies…which I think is helpful to count and tap and respect the lenght of notes and rests and put down some solid fundamentals.
There’s a free pdf copy you can download from this site and there are video lessons too.
You could probably get both books and see which one works for your level the best.