Books & Methods
The CORE TROY STETINA CURRICULUM
The Troy Stetina series guitar methods are the backbone of the TSMA learning system. Developed over decades and used by hundreds of thousands of guitarists worldwide, these methods build the complete player—from rhythm foundations to advanced lead technique and high level musicianship.
The published works that form the backbone of the TSMA system.
The Development Path
The Core Curriculum is organized as a deliberate progression. Each stage develops specific capacities while reinforcing the Five Dimensions: Technique, Musical Understanding, Creativity, Practice Strategy, and Mindset.
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These works are not isolated publications. They form an integrated system designed to build complete musicianship over time.
PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION
​​Roadmap to Mastery and Companion Workbook
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Roadmap to Mastery establishes the conceptual framework behind the entire system. It defines the Five Dimensions of development and clarifies how Technique, Musical Understanding, Creativity, Practice Strategy, and Mindset interconnect. It is the lens through which all subsequent study is approached.
RHYTHMIC FOUNDATION
Metal Rhythm Guitar Volumes 1 & 2 · Total Rock Guitar​
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The rhythm curriculum develops timing, articulation, reading fluency, stylistic vocabulary, and structural awareness. These works establish technical control while grounding players in real musical application. They form the backbone of high-performance rhythm training inside the broader system.
LEAD GUITAR DEVELOPMENT
Metal Lead Guitar Primer, Volumes 1 & 2
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The lead sequence builds progressively through applied solo studies, scale integration, phrasing control, and theoretical expansion. Each volume increases technical demand while reinforcing musical context and expressive clarity. The result is structured growth rather than fragmented advancement.
TECHNICAL MASTERY
Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar · Total Picking Control
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Speed Mechanics develops the physical mechanics of control, accuracy, and speed through disciplined, systematic practice methodology.
Total Picking Control extends these principles into advanced integration, expanding technical fluency into real musical performance contexts.
MUSICAL UNDERSTANDING
Fretboard Mastery
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Where technical training develops physical command, Fretboard Mastery develops intellectual and aural command. It integrates theory, ear training, fretboard mapping, and harmonic structure into a unified system that enables real-time musical fluency.​
