[Alawiggle]

I recently purchased a book called "Play Classical Guitar" by David Braid. I saw a lot of good reviews for it, so I'd figure I'd get it to really get me into the type of guitar I like...acoustic, classical, fingerpicking, etc. Anyway, no tab so you have to "read" the notation. My question is, how do you know when you're reading music and not just memorizing?

I tend to think I am reading it since if I take away the sheet music as a guide, then I don't know what I'm playing or what note comes next, but at the same time I still get a feeling the notation is just kick starting my memory. Any ideas?

[Dave Wallbridge]

Ben from your response, point taken the best are honed showmen, work behing the scenes is what sets then apart!
Cheers.

[kbow]

Hey Everyone! Me and my son are taking guitar lessons together. I have noticed that he can look at the music then know where to play the notes, but has problem telling what the notes on the music sheet are. He is 8 and plays by ear. I want him to be able to do both.

A man that I know said that he was watching a girl play piano one time and her sheet music fell. She knew it well enough that she did not miss a beat. But to look at a song that you do not know and figure it out I think is a great advantage also.

I say get real familiar with both if you are going to finger pick b/c you can do your own arrangements with some practice.

I also love fingerpicking.