The “Add-A-Note” Method to Eliminate Mistakes in Your Classical Guitar Pieces
It seems like every piece of music has at least one problem spot. This could be a fast scale, a daring shift, or an awkward move.
So how do we smooth these rough patches? How to we make these hard parts as comfortable as the rest?
One practice method that helps here is the “Add-A-Note” Method.
The Problem: The Persistent Difficult Spots in Pieces of Music
In guitar practice, we spend time working to fix problem spots. We slow down and explore the issue. We pull out our practice tools and set to work.
For each type of problem, a different solution may be the one to use. So it helps to know many problem-solving methods. Here’s a good one:
A Useful Practice Tool: The Add-A-Note Method to Solve Problems
The “Add-A-Note” method is exactly what it sounds like. To begin, first identify where the problem starts. This can be a general area.
To use the method, choose one of the first notes where things go wrong. Then, in practice, play up to that note and stop.
To make this method more effective, accent the last note.
When this is smooth, add one more note. Here, accent the new last note.
It’s important to keep in rhythm. The rhythm should be precise and articulate. Though it can be slower than performance speed if need be.
Then add another note. And another. Until you move past the formerly troublesome spot.
When to Use the Add-A-Note Method
The Add-A-Note Method works by eliminating confusion. By stopping on each note in turn, we put our attention on each.
Doing this, we explore the piece more closely than before. And this usually “connects the dots” and lets us play through the difficult passage.
The best times to use this method is when we repeatedly stumble through a given section of music. If it’s not clear why the stumble is happening, this will help.
We can also use this for a section with speed issues. If a passage or phrase is resisting full tempo (speed), we can play it at full speed, stopping early. This way, we identify the spot where the problems lie. And then solve for each note, one at a time.

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
Allen Mathews was recommended to me as somebody who could help me expand my guitar vocabulary. Allen started me on a really fun cycle of lessons and practice. He is a very good and very enthusiastic teacher, and I feel that I'm on the road to learning. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.
~ Peter Buck (r.e.m.)
-Peter Buck, R.E.M.
Hi Allen, I am a Dutch guy who plays classical guitar (solo and together with a flute player). Unfortunately I have been suffering from focal dystonia since begin 2016. Of course I tried physical therapy which didn't help… But I tried some of your [technique] lessons (I had teachers before but I was never taught your techniques) and to my big surprise the nasty feeling in the back of my right hand which pulls my index finger upward was gone! So now I practice your lessons. Anyway, I am very happy to have found you on the internet. Thanks very much!
~ Arnoud Reinders
-Arnoud Reinders
Click the button to take a step towards an
organized, effective guitar practice. >>>