Best guitar method?

As a guitar teacher, my most important resources are the books I use to guide students through the various stages of learning. The initial method book is the foremost of these. Such a book needs to move new players through an appropriate learning sequence, while spending enough time on each new concept to develop a firm foundation in the basics. 

I have used many different beginner method books over the years and hope to one day write my own... but until I get around to it I am pleased to have found one that works for me (and my students). The Guitar Method series from Hal Leonard seems to have things 'just right'. Consisting of three volumes, it is designed to take players from scratch through to a stage where reading skills (standard notation, tablature and chord symbols) and techniques (plectrum and fingerstyle) are sufficiently developed that they can choose from a wide range of subsequent books and music. 

The music contained in the books is a combination of well-known favourites and catchy purpose-written tunes. The accompanying CD contains quality backing tracks, often at two different speeds, and in a range of appropriate styles. I suspect my students might sometimes think I'm a little crazy with how excited I get about these tracks but if they had to listen to the same tunes day-after-day, week-after-week (and so on) then they might begin to understand.

I have used these books with students of varying ages and find they are suitable for ages 7 and up. Younger students or those who prefer to take things slowly will need to supplement the materials in these books with other pieces as the pace is quite fast in the early stages. 

The Guitar Method series would also be an appropriate tool for aspiring self-taught guitarists. With the clarity in which new ideas and techniques are introduced, most people should be able to negotiate their way from front cover to rear (although the resulting technique may shock technical purists - get a teacher). 

Here is a link to the Hal Leonard Guitar Method, Complete Edition: Books & CD's 1, 2 and 3 on Amazon. Use the Search Inside! function to get an idea about the book's early pages and a list of pieces. If you know of a better guitar method book I would love to hear about it.