Publisher's Synopsis
Master Counterpoint on Guitar and Unlock a New World of Melodic Possibilities
Why do Baroque composers like Bach sound so rich and sophisticated?
How did the great classical musicians create interweaving melodies that feel both structured and expressive?
The answer lies in counterpoint - the art of crafting independent melodic lines that harmonise seamlessly.
For centuries, counterpoint has been a core principle of composition, yet it remains largely untouched in modern guitar education. The Counterpoint Guitar Method bridges the gap, giving guitarists a clear, practical path to mastering counterpoint and voice leading techniques.
Through step-by-step exercises, real-world examples, and insights drawn from figured bass, cadences, and Baroque sequences, you will develop the skills to create beautiful, harmonically rich music on your instrument.
Inside, You'll Discover:
- First and Second Species Counterpoint. Learn the foundational rules of counterpoint and how to create independent melodic lines that work together
- Figured Bass and Harmonic Thinking. Understand the Baroque system of harmonisation and how it applies to modern music
- Suspensions, Cadences, and Modulation. Add expressive tension and smooth harmonic movement to your playing.
- Sequences and Patterns for Melodic Flow. Master essential Baroque sequences like the Romanesca and Prinner to expand your phrasing
- Diminution and Ornamentation. Transform simple harmonic frameworks into expressive, flowing melodies
- Imitation and Polyphony. Develop counter-melodies and apply techniques from Bach's inventions to guitar
This book is designed for guitarists who want to explore melody/harmony on guitar and go beyond chord shapes and scale patterns.
Whether you play classical guitar, jazz, or fingerstyle, understanding counterpoint will deepen your musicianship and refine your approach to harmony and melody. By studying the techniques of Bach, Handel, and Corelli, you will develop greater control over voice leading and learn to craft expressive, independent melodic lines.
This book isn't just theoretical, it's highly practical, offering exercises and real musical examples that will immediately enhance your composition, arrangement and improvisation skills.
