Giuliani Revisited (Classic Guitar)

This is more in line of what I expected from the original Giuliani exercises. The modifications made are more challenging, and thus more rewarding. They also feel much less repetitive overall.

A must for every serious classical guitarist.

The original Giuliani right hand exercises were published in 1812. Kind of a lot has happened in guitar pedagogy since 1812. To be honest, I am mildly annoyed by educators who still refer to the original right hand exercises as if they are the be all and end all. Berg's work is a staple of right hand exercises and should be in every serious player's library.Giuliani had 120 patterns. Berg kept around 45 of them. Berg then expanded on some patterns and incorporated new patterns that more accurately reflect the repertoire over the past 200 years.There are some authors that cover right hand exercises in such a way that suggests they merely thought about every single possible permutation of a right hand exercise. And more often than not, they also cover left hand exercises and other things in a similar fashion. A computer could do the same thing. And what one would be left with is an overwhelming book with endless exercises. Rather, Berg has the knowledge and experience to cherry pick those exercises which are truly the most beneficial in developing the right hand.I have to imagine that one of the most difficult tasks was deciding exactly how to organize this material. No doubt, the material is organized in a very logical way. However, the player should not be confined to playing through these in only one particular order. There are countless ways this material can be ordered and Berg encourages that. I've written out my own routines and they are always changing. I am very familiar with the works of other authors and their works concerning the right hand. Regardless, this is the most important book for anyone concerning right hand technique.If my students want me to have a bad day, there are a few most important items they can take from my studio. Don't take my guitar pencil. Don't take my guitar sock. And don't take my coffee-stained and tattered copy of Christopher Berg's Giuliani Revisited!Like another reviewer, I too wish Mel Bay would return to the Green and Gold cover.

Like most things published by Mel Bay, this book is clear and well organized. I like the tasteful updating of this classic book and guitarists will find it of some value. Oh yes, and though this is undeniably trivial, I like the color of the cover with the gold logo. Well, I do!