Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant
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Book Reviews of Pumping Nylon
Book Review: Hits the nail on the head
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not a book for the absolute beginner--though if you are one you might buy it, read the pages on finger placement and accuracy, then hold on to it while you develop technique. Once you begin to do so this book will help you improve it and identify weaknesses.For the advanced beginner to intermediate player Scott's book, plus Segovia's Diatonic Major and Minor Scales, provides a strong foundation which will improve your playing much quicker than moving from piece to piece and technique to technique. I've been playing as a serious amateur for about four years, and I saw almost instantaneous improvement. I have an old sports injury which hampers my left hand 3 and 4 fingers; the finger independence exercises have really strengthened them.
Okay, the nail controversy: YMMV. If you're an accomplished player used to rounded and/or longish nails Scott's ideas may not be for you. I took the leap of faith six months ago. It took some adjustment. I play scales on the wound strings every day, I do stone work and woodworking, and I've had much less problems with my nails since the switch because there's less surface area to catch or break.
I got the book since months ago. Wish I'd gotten it four years ago.
Book Review: Excellent Technique Book!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not a method book about learning to play the classical guitar. It's aim is to refine and re-examine how one can approach a specific technical challenge, for example, tremelo. I find Scott Tenant's ability to view a particular technical challenge from an almost psychological perspective and understanding, to be a great aid in overcoming the mental barriers we place on ourselves. Many of the greatest guitarists have found methods to overcome these self-defeating attitudes and Scott Tenant is one of them. He is an absolutely amazing guitarist and musician for whom I have tremendous respect. He's also a very likable guy and very willing to share what worked for him with the rest of us.
It is best to use this book in conjunction with a qualified classical guitar teacher if you are relatively new to classical guitar. I teach classical guitar and will refer to this book to improve my own playing skills. He doesn't include complete musical pieces but gives plenty of drills which when mastered will act as a catalyst in propelling the student to new level of guitar playing on whatever selections they choose. I also like that he included the 110 Giuliani right-hand studies that most other books omit.
Book Review: Ouch. Keep the pain comin'...
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm an intermediate classical guitarist, and recently picked this book up to improve my technique and to strengthen my hands. On the first count, I can't really say it's been too successful yet, but then, I've only gone through the first few pages. HOWEVER, on the second count, I can definitely say that the exercises included in this book are *awesome* for developing strength in the left hand, and for gaining independence of the fingers on the left hand. I can really see and feel a difference in the solidity of my fingering after just a few weeks of doing the exercises. But man, oh man, do *not* open this book thinking that it's going to be a cake walk, because it isn't. The exercises are difficult, and they hurt and are frustrating at first. However, if you can stick to them, and are humble enough to accept the fact that your technique might just be weaker than you thought - then you will reap rewards from this book.The book also contains Giuliani's entire 120 exercises for the right hand - having done these independently myself, I can attest that they are invaluable, and make a fine addition to this book.
Book Review: The best technique book ever!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is by far the most down to earth yet extension technique book I have ever seen. You must own this book! It provides not only knowledge but inspiration provided by Scott Tenant's incredible playing. I've dabbled in fingerstyle for a while but now I'm totally switching to classical after playing electric for twenty years. I was brought up on Van Halen, Rhoads and Malmsteen so I know the benefits of great technique, as I got older I appreciated Clapton, Buchanon and other 'soulful' players so I appreciate expression as well. This book will help with both technical and expressive aspects of your playing. It will help you acheive the expressiveness of Segovia while garnering the technique of Eliot Fisk. I've heard complaints about the lack of metronome markings but as Scott says 'not everyone is going to play at the same speed.' This book will enable you to get the most out of your ability. I am so happy I purchased it. To have a world class virtuoso pouring out his knowledge of the instrument for two hours at my disposel is truly truly priceless!!!!!Book Review: A very valuable and useful book
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a must. It trains the right hand and the left hand, and can be of great use to guitarists of any stylistic preference (particularly fingerstylists of course). It has many exercises which, if practised diligently will improve or maintain anyone's technique.Scott Tennant is a master guitarist and a very fair minded person who presents information in the manner that a coach or advisor would, rather than in a heavy-handed or authoritarian way.
As for the nails controversy, people spend far too much energy focusing on that. Tennant gives some advice and acknowledges that different things can work for different people. It's just guidelines. No less an authority than John Williams is quoted (by Christopher Parkening) as saying "You can't tell a thing about a guitarist by their fingernails". So I guess if it works for you, it works. At any rate, I would never dismiss this book just because some classical guitarists disagree with the fingernail advice.
This book is highly recommended.