The arts flourished in the Baroque period. Music from that time is still performed worldwide by symphonies, opera companies, choirs, chamber ensembles and soloists on many instruments. The period was characterized by the works of such great artists as J. S. Bach (b. 1685), Handel (b. 1685), Telemann (b. 1681) and many others. These composers defined the rich, ornate and melodic Baroque style of music which we categorize in the classical realm. There was another genre of music flourishing during this period, and that was the "common" or folk music style characterized by such composers as Ireland's legendary harpist, Turlough O'Carolan (b. 1670). In composing music for this book the author recreated harmonic and melodic elements of this great musical age, while adding some contemporary twists. All of the etudes are original and will serve to enhance guitar technique, phrasing, expression, note- reading ability, and knowledge of the entire guitar fingerboard. Fingering and string markings are included where appropriate. In addition to facilitating the many technical and aesthetic aspects of performing at an advanced level on the guitar, these etudes may be used successfully in concerts or recitals. This book is an ideal companion for the other books in the Mel Bay "Achieving Guitar Artistry" series, which is designed to condition and guide the developing guitarist to an advanced level of proficiency, regardless of the style of music performed.

This collection of original, contemporary, concert-style compositions for plectrum or flatpicked guitar includes 15 preludes, 4 sonatas with multiple movements, and 12 nocturnes. The solos present a colorful spectrum of tonality, harmony, rhythms and moods ideal for concert or recital performance. All solos are written in standard notation only with appropriate fingering and string markings.

This book includes a multitude of beginning to intermediate studies, designed to build right-hand picking technique and coordination between both hands. The material includes vertical picking exercises across various string combinations, linear picking studies, tremolo studies, warm-ups, picking etudes, triplet exercises and picking solos–essential material that will supplement any guitar method. Written in standard notation and tablature.

This collection of 36 solos, etudes and technique studies was written especially for the developing intermediate guitarist. A variety of musical styles and genres are presented, along with a colorful assortment of flatpicking techniques and melodies. In addition to their appealing sound and being fun to play, many of these pieces are suitable for performance in recitals or concerts. Every effort has been made to be sure that these musical selections “lie well under the fingers,” and are very guitaristic or idiomatic in nature. Guitar Solos for Improving Technique is ideal as a standalone solo collection or as a technique-building text. The collection also works well as a supplement to any intermediate guitar method. Includes access to an online audio recording of each piece.

This book in the Guitar Picking Tunes series presents 29 favorite hymns arranged for guitar solo. The material spans the centuries, but reflects a deep faith, including lyrically-beautiful hymns such as “Just as I Am”, to the powerful “Crown Him with Many Crowns”. These solos work well as preludes, offertories, communion hymns and even recessionals, or simply for enjoyment. All solos are written in standard notation and tablature. Includes access to online audio.

This book contains all 60 of William Bay’s guitar solos found in his three Christmas solo collections: Guitar Picking Tunes – Beautiful Carols of Christmas, Guitar Picking Tunes – Christmas in the British Isles, and Guitar Picking Tunes – An Early American Christmas. In this volume, all solos are presented in notation only. Includes access to an online recording of the author performing each piece.

This comprehensive book contains the solos found in five William Bay guitar solo collections. The solos range from colorful foot tapping reels, breakdowns, hornpipes, jigs, fiddle tunes and sea chanteys to country and Celtic ballads and waltzes. Also included are numerous original guitar solos. All 143 solos in this collection are recorded by the author and online access to the recordings is included. All solos are presented in notation and tablature.