Like Pierre, I am self-taught. I went on to study formally and majored in classical guitar. I believe it is imperative to learn the proper body mechanics and master classical form before delving into this book. Even those beginners who are deeply inspired by Pierre Bensusan's mastery may find themselves overwhelmed at first. However, Pierre is quite clear that this is NOT a beginner's method book. It IS an amazing study for those who are already dedicated to the study and love of the sound of the instrument. In short, this book is a joy for the guitarist who has already attained a certain level of skill and wishes to either "refresh" his chops and/or imbibe in new modalities. The arpeggio studies sound almost as beautiful as many of the compositions!"The Guitar Book" is an adventure for the serious musician whose choice instrument happens to be the guitar. Every page seems to pull together the fact that art is art is art. The American eye may view this book as somewhat "eccentric" with its wanderings away from music, particularly the guitar into other genres of art. In a true European tradition, the arts are inseperable. Whether it be music, painting, poetry, cooking....this is a true Renaissance work. If one has reached an artistic level of maturity and understanding that music/guitar is simply ONE channel of expression, The Guitar Book makes perfect sense. Perhaps this is another reason why one must understand what art IS as well as just "music". Thus the mere guitarist becomes a musician who then becomes an "artist".The Guitar Book is a beautiful work and a joy to read. His finger exercises are well-studied and based upon anatomical factors. Pierre's transcriptions are bare-bones, yet the experienced ear can tell that he is manipulating bass lines and accents to his liking at any given point. Again, learning to improvise bass lines, etc. gives on a freedom to deviate from the written script. That freedom IS the art and personal expression of music!I have seldom come across a music study that is so intent on expressing what it means to be an ARTIST as well as simply a better guitar player. Pierre's book is a wonderful supplement for those who want to move even further into the seemingly infinite possibilities the guitar wishes to afford us.