The Counterpoint Guitar Method: Master Cadences, Figured Bass, Species Counterpoint, Baroque Voice Leading & More (Learn how to play classical guitar) - Softcover

Handyside, Mr Jack; Alexander, Mr Joseph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1789334683 ISBN 13: 9781789334685

Publisher: www.fundamental-changes.com, 2025

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.

How The Counterpoint Guitar Method will transform your playing:

• Create strong, independent melodies that weave together seamlessly
• Improve your understanding of harmony and voice leading beyond simple chord shapes
• Unlock a deeper connection to the fretboard by thinking in intervals, not just chords
• Learn how to write and arrange contrapuntal pieces on guitar
• Gain insight into Bach, Handel, and Corelli’s techniques and apply them to your music

Includes Audio Download

Along with musical examples presented in standard notation and TAB, this book includes 200 audio tracks available for free download. You will hear every exercise played clearly and develop your ear for counterpoint in real time.

Start expanding your classical guitar playing...

If you’ve ever wanted to go beyond chord progressions and scale patterns, counterpoint is the missing piece of the puzzle. Grab your copy of The Counterpoint Guitar Method now and start creating harmonically rich, melodic guitar music today.

Edition details

• Publisher: www.fundamental-changes.com
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1789334683
• ISBN 13: 9781789334685
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 104
• Editor: Pettingale Mr Tim