After reading all the reviews, I thought I would add my two cents.
In spite of any shortcomings, this is probably the best instructional book I've come across. As yet, I can't comment on the CD since I haven't used it. I initially bought this book several years ago and gave that copy to my daughter. I've recently purchased another copy for myself when renewing my attempt to learn classical guitar after a long absence from having shoulder replacement surgery.
First, the book is quality in its construction and the spiral binding places it several notches above all those that don't have it. Working through the studies in the book, I get a real sense of progress and the challenge of each new piece can be felt. I can appreciate what the author is trying to accomplish as I work through the book. As an exercise, I enjoy going back to previous pieces and replaying them in progression. Many of the studies are simply enjoyable to play.
I trained in piano so I can't really comment on how good the book might be for a beginner. I do imagine the book is better for an adult beginner than a child.
Having access to a teacher is always the ideal situation, but remember Andre Segovia was self taught. Since I'm not him, I will be starting formal lessons soon and will continue to use this book.
Like one of the other commentors, I do have a problem with the author's recommendation to memorize the music so you can watch the left hand. I haven't really noticed what other authors in other guitar study books have recommended but this is totally contrary to my instruction in piano where I was specifically trained not to watch the hands and developed a sense of where my hands and fingers were. I learn visually so I eventually develop a picture of the written music in my mind. The downside of this is that, as yet, I don't do well picking up something I hear.
With all this said, this book isn't a "stand alone" for learning and becoming proficient in playing the classical guitar. Scott Tennant's "Pumping Nylon" has some excellent finger exercises, as well as Giuliani's "120 Studies for Right Hand Development", Segovia's " Diatonic Major and Minor Scales" and Barry Galbraith's "Fingerboard Workbook". For variety, there are a number of "graded" collections including the two volume "Student Repertoire Series", the Royal Conservatory's "Bridges' Comprehensive Guitar Series" and the six volume "Repertoire Progressif". My soon-to-be guitar instructor also recommended Segovia's "20 Studies for the Guitar" by Fernando Sor. Also, since after many years, I finally appreciate the importance of music theory, my instructor also recommended "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory". He specifically commented that those directed at "Music theory for the guitar" were too limited in scope.
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Play Classical Guitar
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2009Dr. Jan Zelenak
... books I have got from your site are absolutely amazing. This is what I wanted to have
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2015