Seth F. Josel / Ming Tsao
The Techniques of Guitar Playing

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.