Portuguese Guitar Method Books
Notice: As of mid December 2006 I am out of the Soares method book and I have been told by Paolo Soares that his stock is exhausted but that he intends to revise the book and print another edition. When I have more copies I will note it on this site.
We have 2 method books, for learning to play the portuguese guitarra (plus one in progress)
The first book is a masterpiece and the essential work for learning the Coimbra style portuguese guitarra. It is called Método de Guitarra Portuguesa: Bases para a Guitarra de Coimbra (Portuguese Guitar Method: basic techniques for the Coimbra Guitar) It was written by Paolo Soares, a fine performer and recognized teacher living in Coimbra. This method book was highly praised by guitarrists in Portugal when it appeared.
For several years after its original publication (1997), the Soares method book was very difficult to obtain. In 1999 I went to Lisbon to the distributor who had been out of stock for 6 months. In 2004 I was finally able to obtain copies directly from the author. This book has 154 pages, it is written in Portuguese and has a side by side excellent translation into English. The explanations of the playing techniques and notes on interpretation are very clear, authentic and professional. The transcriptions included in this work are of famous pieces from the Coimbra style repertorie.
The musical selections include: Canto de Amor composed by Carlos Paredes, Valsa (Waltz) by Gonçalo and Artur Paredes, Estudio I by Paolo Soares, O Meu Menino song accompaniment by Paolo Soares, Dança Palaciana by Carlos Paredes, Canção by Carlos Paredes, Canto de Embalar by Carlos Paredes, Aguarela Portuguesa by Antonio Portugal, Balada do Mondego arranged by Artur Paredes, Estudo em Lá Maior arranged by António Pinho de Brojo, Variações sobre o Mondego by Gonçalo Paredes arranged by Carlos Paredes, Melodia no. 2 by Carlos Paredes. These first rate transcriptions are presented in both standard music notation and tablature (cifra).
For those who don't know, I should say that Carlos Paredes is considered a national treasure of Portugal for his wonderful contributions to the Coimbra guitarra. Carlos was the son of Artur Paredes who was regarded as a genius of the instrument. Gonçalo Paredes is highly regarded for his compositions.
If you are serious about the Coimbra guitarra this is the book for you. Price is $90 plus shipping (see below for details)
As of Spring 2007 I am out of
the Guitarra Magica book described below.
The second method is called Guitarra Magica and is written in portuguese, english and french. It is a very basic method (46pages). It includes a very extensive chord chart in all keys, basic chord sequences, and major and minor scales. It includes some simple Portuguese songs and a few simple fado variations. It does not adequately describe the right hand techniques for modern Portuguese guitar. It demonstates a right hand arpeggio technique which is like that used on Spanish classical guitars. Very frankly, my explanation in the internet lesson of the right hand technique is more authentic than what is presented in this book. Nevertheless, his book is a starting point and will be of use to someone who wants to learn the basic left hand chords and other introductory information.
This book includes the following in portuguese, english and french:
page 3 Parts of the guitarra (with chart
page 4 Playing position (with photos)
page 5 Chart of the fingerboard
page 6 How ro read music
page 7, 8, 9 How to tune the guitarra
page 10 The right hand
page 11 Exercises on the 6 open strings
page 12 The left hand
page 13 Exercises on the six strings
page 14 Intervals of seconds, thirds, the left hand bar
page 15 Intervals of fourths, fifths, sixths
page 16 Intervals of sevenths, octaves, accidentals
page 17 Intervals on each strings (chart), sharps, flats, naturals
page 18 Chromatics scale on six strings, the notes on the 6th string, the 5th string
Page 19 Notes on the 4th 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings
Page 20 Major scale construction, the 12 major scales
Page 21 Minor melodic scale construction, the 12 minor scales
Page 22 1/8 notes (quavers) and rests with 6 exercises
Page 23 Short music examples from Portuguese folklore: Papagaio Loiro (Blond Parrot and Tres Pombinhas (Three Little Pigeons)
Page 25 Written Music: Fado em Re Maior (Fado in D major)
Page 26 Written Music from Portuguese folklore: As Pombinhas da Cat'rina (Catherines Doves) and Mangerico (Basil)
Page 27 Written Music: Fado em Re menor (Fado in D minor)
Page 28 Written Muisc: Fadinho arpejado (Arpeggio Fado)
Page 29 Written Music from Portuguese Folklore: Alecrim (Rosemary), Oliveira Da Serra (Olive tree on the Hill)
Page 30 Wrtten Music from Portuguese Folklore: Triste Viuvinha (Sad widow), Fado em La Menor (Fado in A Minor)
Page 31 Witten Music: Fado em La Maior (Fado in A Major)
Page 32 Semi Quavers. Written Folkore Music: O Rosa Arredonda a Saia
Page 33 Written Folklore Music: O Malhao
Page 34 Written Muisc: Mouraria em La Menor (Mouraria Style Fado in A Minor)
Page 35 Written Music: Mouraria em La Maior (Mouraria Style Fado in A Major)
Page 36 Tremolo
Page 37 Slurs on two different Notes
Page 38-9 Chord symbols explained
Page 40-3 Chords in 12 major and 12 menor keys
Page 44-5 A very complete Chord Chart of perfect and dissonant chords. 24 chords in each of 12 keys
Page 46 Four scales of double notes in 3rds. 2 major and 2 minor fingering patters
Page 47 The Index
We sell it for $25 plus $5 shipping (see below for details).
The 3rd method book is not available yet. It is a book I am writing about the Lisbon style guitarra. It will expand on the internet lesson presented on my website at: http://www.fernandezmusic.com/PortugueseGuitarMethod.html
I will have more to say about this project in 2010. At the moment I suggest that you view the videos lessons embedded in my lesson which are also on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWEMtG5fPMc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9QwByS4ZtE&feature=related
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For shipping of the method books in the U.S. add $5.00 for sending 1 book or $7.00 for sending 2 books, for shipment to Canada add $7.00 for 1 book or $9.00 for sending 2 books. Contact us for shipping costs to anyplace else. Mail your check, money order or international postal money order (if you are outside the U.S.) to: Fernandez Music, P.O. Box 5153, Irvine, CA 92616
Also, please look at the Fado song book and CD we have for
sale: Fado
Portugues: Songs from the soul of Portugal.
If you wish to e-mail me, click on my address: mailto:ron@fernandezmusic.com