Free
- IMSLP (imslp.org): a free library of public-domain scores. For classical guitar, look up Carcassi, Sor, Giuliani, Aguado and Carulli.
- MuseScore (musescore.org): free notation software with a community that shares arrangements. Pick versions without tab.
- Matteo Carcassi, Method Op. 59 and 25 Etudes Op. 60: short, progressive lessons, great for daily reading. Public domain on IMSLP.
- Fernando Sor, Op. 60 and Op. 31: reading studies written for beginners. Also on IMSLP.
Books and methods
- Frederick Noad, “Solo Guitar Playing”: a classic classical-guitar method in English, built around reading. See on Amazon ↗
- Robert Benedict, “Sight Reading for the Classical Guitar”: graded exercises made specifically for sight-reading. See on Amazon ↗
- William Leavitt, “A Modern Method for Guitar” (Berklee Press): a notation-only method, the standard for electric and contemporary guitar. See on Amazon ↗
- William Leavitt, “Reading Studies for Guitar” (Berklee Press): pure reading, in every position on the neck. See on Amazon ↗
- “Hal Leonard Guitar Method” (Will Schmid and Greg Koch): a step-by-step method that teaches notes on the staff from the first pages. See on Amazon ↗
For reading practice
- Music stand: the score at eye level keeps you from looking down and losing your place. See on Amazon ↗
- Metronome: reading in time is the core skill, and the metronome is the judge. See on Amazon ↗
- Tuner: an instrument in tune makes the sound match what you read. See on Amazon ↗
How to use them
Pick material easier than your level and read something new every day. Fifteen minutes with a slow metronome does more than an hour once in a while. The 12-week plan is in Mission 13.