Method for The Guitar - Ferdinand Sor

Méthode pour la guitare by Fernando Sor (published in Paris in 1830) is one of the most important 19th-century instructional works for classical guitar.

The book is more than a collection of exercises — it presents a complete musical and technical philosophy. Its main points include:

• Posture and positioning – correct way to hold the guitar and place the hands.
• Right- and left-hand technique – tone production, legato, barre technique, clarity of articulation.
• Tone and musicality – Sor insists the guitar should “sing” like the human voice.
• Harmony and voice leading – guidance on polyphonic thinking and chord construction.
• Interpretation – dynamics, phrasing, and expressive playing.
• Critique of empty virtuosity – Sor emphasizes musical substance over mere technical display.

The method includes musical examples and studies illustrating his principles. It remains a cornerstone of classical guitar pedagogy today.

Fernando Sor – Method for the Guitar (Public Domain Edition)