The Natural Classical Guitar: The Principles of Effortless Playing

As previously reviewed, most advanced guitarists will find the technical (finger placement, rest strokes, body position, etc.) a review of what they should already know. However, Mr. Ryan goes to great lengths to teach you why these positions work, why and how they help you relax and avoid tension, and advises you to experiment to find your best, relaxed, positions and methods. Based mostly upon Eastern Indian philosophy (yoga, TM, and relaxation techniques), Mr Ryan does a great job of melding these philosophies with Western. For example, in the East one might say "Slow down to go fast" and in the West, "Take your time, really fast" (James Butler Hickock). It's these overlapping areas that deserve the most attention (two seemingly opposite world cultures, with no contact, in agreement) and Mr. Ryan guides you through these in a simple, easy to understand manner. I need to stress, however, that this book is not some snobby, elitist proclamation of organic health food, holistic crap that is the rage among some these days. It is a practical, real-world, book that presents facts versus opinions. As with all guitar study books, it's best to get this one early in your studies to avoid making and ingraining mistakes. But all guitarists will learn from this book. It's easy to tell Mr. Ryan has a deep love and appreciation for the guitar and you will enjoy reading about someone else out there who rests his head on the upper bout, holds the guitar close to his heart, and falls in love with the instrument (BTW - NOT a recommended practice or performance position!). One criticism is a lack of defining terms such as what is the "fist joint" of the finger (first in relation to the hand vs first in relation to the fingertip?). Advanced players will find it easier to break the code than beginners, but a glossary of terms would have helped. Several exercises guide you through putting these techniques to work. I bought mine as a companion piece to "Pumping Nylon" and find "Natural Classical guitar" a much more in-depth and better explained book than the former. "Pumping" will tell you to - do it this way; whereas "Natural" will explain the benefits of relaxation then explain how to achieve it. The biggest problem I had was I didn't want to stop reading to do the exercises - the book is that good to read. If you can, take a look at the table of contents to see what you will be learning (which can be done in any order); much more complete than any other guitar book.

This book has changed my guitar playing life. What Lee Ryan puts into words, so well, has helped me acheive better tone, I play much more effortlessly and presise, it's also given me the mental tools to rise above my speed, accuracy and hand strain issues. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This book is an excellent resource for those wishing to improve their technical and musical mastery of the guitar. A lot of the information is not (or should not be) new to any serious guitarist, however the author presents it in such a simple and logical way that when you put it into practice, you should see almost immediate improvements in your playing. The book is really a "system" of playing, practicing and approach to the guitar (and yourself) which is almost exquisite in its simplicity. I'm not aware of the author as a well known classical guitarist, but I suspect he's an excellent teacher and communicator, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve his or her playing. Having said that, keep in mind that the other essential ingredients to making beautiful music come not from any book or teacher, but from within yourself - ie. disciplined goal directed practice, patience, and an unshakeable belief that you can do it.

This is a wonderfully reassuring book. I won't say it leads to "effortless" playing, as the cover boasts, but it certainly broadens the routine of practicing. BTW, this book was reprinted in 1991 by The Bold Strummer, Ltd., of Westport, Connecticut. It was listed in Books in Print in 1995.