This piece comes from Johann Sebastian Bach's Third Orchestral Suite in D major, composed in the first half of the 18th century. In 1871, violinist August Wilhelmj arranged the piece for solo violin with accompaniment, transposing it into C major. At that time it acquired the name "Air on the G String." This arrangement for solo guitar condenses the original arrangement for strings and continuo. It is scored in C major. The arrangement has been simplified to be playable at the early-intermediate level.

Reading music is a skill that all musicians should learn regardless of their instrument. This book is designed to eliminate the apprehension guitarists have in regards to reading music written in a variety of keys. In the first few pages, a number of musical symbols and terms are explained. This is followed by etudes and exercises written only in standard notation in the major keys of C, F, B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G, D, and A and the minor keys of A, D, G, C, F, B flat, E, B, and F sharp. Additional musical symbols and terms are gradually introduced throughout the practice pieces with helpful, clear explanations. Chord symbols and diagrams are provided for teacher accompaniment.