Recommended Tutor for Guitar Style?

[Andy Chase]

Because many people here have gone before me (and because I am a bit lazy), I was wondering if there's any consensus as to which of the early tutors provides the most useful instructions and exercises for "guitar style" playing.  

[Tim Twiss]

The Green book is the most concise. The Analytical is the most complete.

I think Lily Polka is one of the best tunes to start with.

Don't overlook the 1872 "Banjo and How to Play it". It has some of the best prep stuff and easy repertoire. Good luck.

[Leonidas (Lee) Jones]

Tim, are the Converse books available in reprint facsimile editions, or just the download?

[Joel Hooks]

Hey Andy, I know someone who does not live far from you that could give you lessons.

The problem with learning guitar style from the early books is that they had not gotten into alternate fingering yet.  It is difficult to break the habit of using the same finger twice in a row once it is set.

That is where the later stuff comes in.  Many of the exercises note the fingerings.  If reading in A, A. J. Weidt's series is excellent (also a great introduction to Ragtime syncopation).

For sight reading practice in A, the "Eclipse Self Instructor" (free on my site) is good stuff.  Most of the pieces can be played stroke or guitar.

Also available on my site is a little brochure from SSS that is a good intro to guitar style .

That SS10 you have makes a great fingerstyle banjo, I used to have one.  I'd be happy to put it in order for you with proper bridge.  We can polish the sharp edges off of the terrible no knot or use one of my make.

I don't remember, do you have a fiberskyn head on it?  Those are no good for nylon.

My favorite piece to start with is (again) "Spanish Fandango."

[Tim Twiss]

You can buy the Green one and the 1872. The Analytical is still a download.
 
Leonidas Jones said:

Tim, are the Converse books available in reprint facsimile editions, or just the download?

[Andy Chase]

Thanks Tim and Joel.  Joel, I had actually been about to drop you a message about a Stewart style bridge; I just discovered the other day that I had an extra set of Labella strings kicking around that I want to get onto my SS10; which reminded me that I've been meaning to have a go at classic style, which in turn reminded me that I've been meaning to delve into the older guitar style stuff, so here I am.  Anyway, let's reconnect back-channel.  It's absurd to live as close as we do and only get together once a year in Maryland.  Besides, I want to ogle your WL-1.

[Tim Twiss]

Truthfully, if you have any guitar skills at all, just start doing some of those tunes like that. There are some that are more obvious than others. Buckley leaves you wide open.

Personally, I've never done a single guitar style exercise in any of those books.

[Andy Chase]

Yep, ultimately there's nothing for it but to just jump in and try it.  Most of my (very rusty) guitar skills are plectrum based, but if nothing else I had enough finger/hybrid picking skill to play Stairway to Heaven.

[Tim Twiss]

Then, you have all you need. On your mark...get set....GO