Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Solid
  • Comprehensive, intuitive guide for the guitarist wanting to understand theory...
  • Great book!
  • great book
  • Surprisingly useful
Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Tom Kolb
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 063406651X

Book Description

Guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book and CD package. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams. The accompanying CD provides 94 tracks of music examples, scales, modes, chords, ear training, and much more!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Solid.......2007-09-30

An easy to understand guide in music theory as it relates to the guitar. I'm no wiz-bang when it comes to music. I constantly struggle with it, but despite that I recieve so much gratification from the effort. This book lays out the concepts in very easy and digestible chunks so that even a slow music learner as myself is able to grasp the concepts.

5 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, intuitive guide for the guitarist wanting to understand theory..........2007-09-22

I have been a musician all of my life, since the age of 4, and a guitarist for a decade, since the age of sixteen. I was in high school orchestra and took guitar lessons for a few years, but at no time during any of this did any of my instructors really help me understand music theory. I tried learning a few times by myself, but that always ended in frustration.

Then I found this book. "Music Theory for Guitarists" is the most in-depth, intuitive, and well thought out book on the subject that I have ever come across. After reading this book and completing the exercises in it, I now feel confident in my grasp of music theory in a way I thought would never happen.

This book deftly guides the reader through the journey from the most basic of basics to much more complex topics, such as chord substitution and reharmonization. It also includes an entire chapter on learning to find the key center of songs, which is an incredibly useful skill to have. You can't always tell by ear what key you are in.

Perhaps the most in depth part of this book...the author analyzes the major and minor scales, and all of their modes, in depth. He gives each scale and mode its own section, discussing the nuances of what sets each apart from the others, and giving ideas for how and when to apply it in real world situations. He also goes into detail about building and identifying chords and harmonizing the major and minor scales (a section that has completely reinvented the way I look at writing music.)

I cannot say enough about this book. It has opened my eyes to a subject I thought I was too "stupid" to grasp, and showed me that I was only unable to learn because it had never been presented to me correctly. If you have any weaknesses in your knowledge of music theory, I would strongly recommend that you take advantage of the goldmine of information found in this book. You will likely find yourself, as I have, seeing the language of music in a completely different light, and for the first time really seeing how all Western music is connected at the root.

4 out of 5 stars Great book!.......2007-09-17

Although some of the concepts can be a little tough at first, this book has become invaluable to me. It has enabled me to progress as a professional guitarist, not just someone who seeks to "self-learn" things on their own by playing songs of favorite bands.

I am very glad I got this book. It will teach you everything you need to know about music theory- which will greatly improve your guitar playing abilities in the long run.

5 out of 5 stars great book.......2007-08-29

Ive reviewed alot of material on theory, and I really gained alot from this book. I dont have a guitar teacher, however, I do have a music theory instructor that I meet with weekly, and now that Ive completed a workbook in theory, and now reviewing with Music theory for guitarists, I feel that I am covering things as both review and newly applied to the guitar. There are great tips to understanding the guitar as well, which make me create my own music, and not just learn songs. Songs seem great for the once a year campfire, where everyone can sing along, but I play everyday, and without an audience. Sooner or later, youre going to discover that youre bored with other peoples songs, and youre ready to create your own music, of which this book gives you the keys to understanding this and take off on your own. Before this book, I was very frustrated with the fret board, now its user friendly in all positions.

5 out of 5 stars Surprisingly useful.......2007-05-29

I've been playing guitar for roughly 12 years now, and I had stagnated. While I could play just about anything I wanted to (except a little Django) I had some weaknesses. I had learned theory in school, but it was strictly on paper - I had only applied the knowledge to guitar in the most obvious ways.
With increased practice time, I've been looking for more material to learn. I wanted a book that would provide all of the scale exercises I'd need to become a little more fluent in my ability to construct interesting ideas.

And this book helps quite a bit!

It is a dense book, since it boils theory down to very concise entries. It isn't a book you can fly through, especially if you haven't already known what you were doing.

So far, my speed has increased, and my scale knowledge has blossomed.
Music Theory for Guitarists
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • not for beginners ....
  • Music Theory for Guitarists a perfect fit!
  • Excellent book
  • You'll like it; helped me.
  • Is this is good as it gets?
Music Theory for Guitarists
Tom Serb
Manufacturer: NoteBoat, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0972472304

Book Description

A complete guide to traditional music theory written specifically for guitarists!

In this book you'll learn how to analyze rhythms, build simple and exotic scales, structure basic and complex chords, and transpose music to other keys.

Hundreds of fretboard illustrations make learning music theory easier than ever before!

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars not for beginners .... .......2007-03-10

I really don't understand the purpose of this book. It isn't useful for beginners, not for people with some musical notation background ... so ... my worst 20 dollars spent ever

5 out of 5 stars Music Theory for Guitarists a perfect fit!.......2006-03-01

Frustrated with theory? Spending money left and right on lessons that, while teaching you to play, aren't teaching you what you need to CREATE? Want to know what the hell somebody means by a flat 3rd, diminished 7th, or "exotic scales"?

Look no further. Tom Serb's Music Theory for Guitarists is, without a doubt, the best book you can get on the market. It will set your mind on fire, bring in the building blocks you need to really MAKE music, and provide you with so many "I GET IT NOW!!!" moments that you can begin to enjoy the instrument as it was meant to be enjoyed.

However, this is not a book that guarantees faster speeds, super shredding, or that you'll be a Yngwie or Pagey when you're done. This gives you a thorough grounding in the what and how of the music theory most guitarists eschew in favor of hot licks and the ease of reading tablature.

If you're just starting guitar, don't let your playing fall into a trap by sticking to TAB - get this book and do it right!

If you're an intermediate guitarist - pick it up, you'll learn everything that you need to take your playing to the next level.

If you're an advanced guitarist - this book might not be for you, and may not go into the crazy stuff you're used to. But feel free to recommend it to any friends that aren't at your level - it is an awesome book!

If you're a guitar teacher - this is your new favorite reference. Tom doesn't use lameass nursery school songs to drill things home, he gets straight to the meat of things and explains them with relative ease, which means you can spend more time tailoring your lessons to your students' desires in playing - and avoid wanting to hang yourself over hearing "Hot Cross Buns" for the billionth time!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book.......2005-10-01

I found this book excellent, and very easy to follow. I really liked the way the author explaind things. I knew a little theory before I bought this book and It greatly expanded my knowledge. I enjoyed his writing style and I would recommend this book to anyone.

5 out of 5 stars You'll like it; helped me........2005-09-13

Not sure what book the previous reviewer read but I have to wholeheartedly disagree with the review. I've bought 5 or 6 music theory books over the past few years. Some were quite confusing and about made my head split. Even so, I have no regrets in buying those others because I learned a bit from each of them.

This book is really written for the guitarist and the author lead me along a fairly nice path. He seems to be pretty smart at explaining things. I knew a little theory before but this book reinforced some of the things I knew and gave me quite a bit of new stuff to digest. There are some really good nuggets of info I've never found anywhere else. Funny, I liked the book enough that I even bought a second one for another guitarist in our garage band.

2 out of 5 stars Is this is good as it gets?.......2005-03-24

After looking over this book I have to say that it's cleary one of the worst music theory books I've ever seen for ANY type of instrument outside of "....for Dummies." The format is not clear, and there is no consistent way of understanding the terms and concepts he uses. Also, he's clearly not up to date on the advances in guitar tablature (and this book came out in 2002?!) which is a REAL drawback. I can understand the book - with difficulty - because I have a background in music. But if you're looking for a basic understanding of music theory for the guitar...save your money IMO. The author/sellers don't mention that one needs to already posess more than a basic understanding of music and especially chords (shapes, etc.) to get what he's presenting to his audience. A real disappointment and waste of money...at least I can recycle it.
Mel Bay Fingerboard Theory for Guitar A Music Theory Text for Guitarists
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Really good reference
Mel Bay Fingerboard Theory for Guitar A Music Theory Text for Guitarists
Mike Christiansen
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786665831
Release Date: 2006-10-05

Product Description

This book contains concepts of music theory presented in such a way as to be easily understood by guitarists. All of the concepts are presented sequentially in an easy-to-follow formant using the guitar fingerboard as the visual tool. Contents include: scales, key signatures, intervals, chord construction and voicing, harmonizing melodies, chord embellishment and substitution, modes, cadences, augmented sixth chords, quartal harmony, and more. Using this book, guitarists will be able to unravel the mysteries of music theory and realize that the concepts are not so mysterious after all.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Really good reference.......2007-05-14

I own other music theory books for guitar..but this one is really good since it covers lots of subjects such as intervals, inverted intervals, harmonizing a melody with triads, drop-two chords, the modes,etc.
It's an excellent reference book.
1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist Volume One: Chords and Chord Progressions for the Guitar
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • How serious are you about learning to play guitar?
  • Stuff I actually want to learn
  • Amazing Book
  • Amazing amount of information
  • Great Stuff
1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist Volume One: Chords and Chord Progressions for the Guitar
Bruce Arnold
Manufacturer: muse eek publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 1890944904
Release Date: 2004-09-24

Book Description

The author knows from over 20 years of teaching experience that students form most of their good and bad habits in the first six months of practicing. It is therefore extremely important to use a method book that clearly and concisely covers the important subjects of proper playing technique, tuning, picking, strumming, music theory and rhythm. Furthermore, the only way a student can remember the information learned is to apply it.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars How serious are you about learning to play guitar?.......2005-01-06

First, I would like to point out that this book is but a small part of a VERY thorough collection of educational material for guitar from Mr. Arnold. Each of his books targets particular aspects of guitar and often music in general. The books are part of a complete system by which you can communicate with Mr. Arnold. He actually answers e-mail that you send him and responds with VERY thorough and understandable answers. This "Beginning..." book has a good introduction to chord progressions, technique, and virtually everything you need to get started. I can not recommend this book highly enough. It is NOT a "quick fix" method by which you learn patterns on the fretboard and never even know what notes you are playing. It is not really targeted for any particular music genre, so I think it is appropriate for anyone that is serious about truly learning to play guitar. You begin to learn theory, sight reading, technique, and he will probably encourage you to begin ear training as well (another one of his books). His books are augmented with videos and additional information available on his web site. You can get access to the site by buying any one of his books.

The chord progressions are basic and easy to learn. Yes, it will take some time to learn them, if you are 100% new to guitar, but it is worth it. Each progression is played at three levels and the notation helps you to begin to understand rhythm as well. THIS BOOK COVERS ALL THE BASES FOR THE BEGINNER! E-mail Mr. Arnold if you have questions and he will fill in any ambiguity.

I would like to repeat that although you could just learn your basics from this book, without any of his other workbooks and such, I think that once you get started, you will be hooked. Bruce Arnold knows how to teach music and knows how to convey information in his books, web site, and with personal e-mail. This book is part of a total system (books, workbooks, website, e-mail) that Mr. Arnold can customize for you (by suggesting the appropriate books) that will allow you to take your guitar knowledge as far as you want to go, whether you want to go pro or primarily just play for fun, such as myself.

I think that this is the best method of learning. You have the luxury of learning at your own pace with plenty of reference material AND you have e-mail access to the author of the books if you get stuck on something. It is the best of both worlds of lessons and learning on your own. I have not found anything else quite like it, particularly with the quality of information that Mr. Arnold provides.

If you want to really learn, BUY THIS BOOK. If you just want to strum chords to folks songs for kids, get the e-Media CDROM and go through it (It puts me to sleep.) If you want quick fixes and don't care to understand what you are playing, this will not provide what you are looking for. If you just want to be able to "shread" through pentatonic scales at blazing speeds on your guitar to impress your friends (never actually understanding what you are doing or why), this is not your book. You will need to be serious about learning about music and about the guitar to get through any of this series of books, including this one. These books are for people that want to understand what they are playing so that each new song is not like starting over in your learning process. With a solid foundation, each new song is learned in a fraction of the time it would take if you don't understand anything but where to put each finger for a few chords.

I would also suggest that you purchase (in the near future) a songbook of "Easy Guitar" songs (or something similar) to start working on as well as this book or any beginning method book. This book provides the foundation, but you will want something else to work with at the same time that provides some songs that you have fun learning. Mr. Arnold will probably also recommend that you be sure to spend some time just having fun playing your guitar as well as practicing from the book or doing theory study. You have to continue to enjoy PLAYING as well as learning. That was key for me to maintain my interest.

All I can say is: If you want to learn from a pro, BUY THE BOOK! You won't regret it. Just plan to put a little time into it. As with anything worth doing, it takes time to learn to do it properly. This book will begin your journey.

5 out of 5 stars Stuff I actually want to learn.......2004-07-01

I bought eMedia Guitar Method, Vol 1 and 1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist. For myself I greatly prefer 1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist. I thought eMedia was way over priced for what it offered. I guess if you are really struggling with the guitar, can't even finger a C chord after a few weeks of practice and like songs like Michael Rows a Boat Ashore eMedia would be perfect. 99% of the songs they teach I would never care to play. The Chord finder was cool but no songs for most of the chords in the chord finder so I was unsure how to use them. On the other hand I thought 1st Steps for a Beginning Guitarist was great. I should point out that you really should have a DSL or cable connection to the internet for this book. It comes with nothing but the publisher's website and it has 100's of videos, mp3 and midifiles for the information in the book. I've ordered a few of Mr. Arnold's books and I should also point out that he's an author that targets a student that really wants to play well and maybe form a band. His education style is more like one musician to another budding musician rather than giving you stuff that is corny or uninteresting. He also interacts with you via email if you have questions. So I guess what I'm saying is eMedia is fine if you really just want to accompany children or actually like campfire songs on the other hand if you want to learn stuff you wouldn't mind playing with your friends or in a band then I'd go for the 1st Steps.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing Book.......2004-06-25

This book is like getting a book and a DVD. Amazing amount of information for a beginning guitarist to explore. The book is well organized and the on-line video etc... is well laid out. I found the videos showing the pitfalls of each chord type to be very informative. The strumming help files also help me coordinate both my hands. Highly recommended as a First Step for those of us just getting started on this cool instrument.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing amount of information.......2004-02-27

I found this book to be well written and got the feeling that the author is seriously dedicated to teaching. I was a little concerned because I knew of Mr. Arnold from his CDs and wasn't sure if a player would also be a good teacher or could write a good book. I was pretty overwhelmed by the amount of information available in the book and on the publisher's website. This isn't a famous guitar player trying to cash in on his playing status to make money. I was particularly impressed by the amount of videos and MP3 files that are available. I first thought why didn't they just give me a DVD or a CD with this book. I'm not positive but I don't even think you could fit the amount of videos and MP3's on one CD or DVD. I found it interesting that the book doesn't really go into to learning scales but the website gives you fingerings for a hugh amount of scales with videos showing you how to play the scales and comments on the right way to learn the scales, Overall I'd say this book is for the folks out there that are serious weekend guitar players. By serious I mean someone who wants to know what they are doing on the guitar not just learn a bunch of fingerings and hope for the best. I got a couple of the other best sellers along with this book and although some of them claimed to an easy method I didn't find it any easier than this book. They all contained about the same information except this book then goes way beyond the other books I bought. For instance I found everything is clearly laid out with nice big chord diagrams with the added bonus of where these notes would be on a music staff. The other books didn't have information on where the notes of the chords are on a staff. All the books seem to contain the same chords basically the "open" and "barre" position chords. I really appreciated all the comments throughout the 1st Steps book on which chords where hard so that I knew to be patient. The real kicker was the videos showing Mr Arnold playing each chord and explaining what problems you may encounter along with how to mute the strings so you wouldn't have to worry so much about how you are strumming the chord. Seems like a small amount of information but it really helped me learn the chords quicker. There are many many tips like this along the way in this book and in the videos that really helped me improve and/or understand why I was having problems. I would recommend this book without hesitation.

5 out of 5 stars Great Stuff.......2004-02-19

I'm a person returning to the guitar after a 10 year break. Remembered some stuff but really wanted to start from the beginning again. I've been working with this book for a few weeks now and have to report that the book in combination with the on-line stuff is fantastic. The Publisher's Website contains multiple videos covering the information in the book and many other topics. For instance there are videos on how to memorizing chords and substitute chord progressions for the progressions found in the book. The Hendrix one is killer. There are videos on such things as the CAGED system and other common misconceptions which I found very informative and made me see some of my misconceptions about the best way to learn. Overall I think this is a very easy method to learn from. I found the videos in particular to be very quick study and something I could play over and over until I mastered the information. I find Mr. Arnold's teaching style to be quite thorough and it's obvious from the videos that he enjoys teaching. Oh yeh, the videos of every chord showing alternate fingers and all the problems that students have was a real eye opener. OK so I could go on and on but you get the picture this is a cool book so check it out!
Secrets from the Masters
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fascinating
  • Amazing and full of information
  • Well worth reading
  • extremly helpful
  • extremly helpful
Secrets from the Masters

Manufacturer: GPI Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0879302607

Book Description

Interviews with 50 of the world's greatest guitarists spanning the past 25 years and collected into one information-packed volume. Based on articles originally published in Guitar Player magazine, Secrets from the Masters features the most influential guitarists of our time - from legends such as Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins and B.B. King to Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen and Eric Clapton, and all genres in-between. This book celebrates the guitarists who have forever altered the way we play and think about the guitar. Within these interviews you will find poetry and prophesy, the outrageous and the sublime, plus rare photos, challenging music, groovy gear, groundbreaking techniques and other glimpses into greatness. 8-1/2 inch. x 11 inch..

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fascinating.......2005-10-10

Secrets from the Masters is a real treasure for guitar players, amateurs and pros alike. It collects forty interviews from the entire run of Guitar Player Magazine, and you're more than likely to find your favorite players in here, since over the years the magazine interviewed the leading guitarists from the full spectrum of styles; in this book you'll find interviews with the greats of classic rock and blues rock like Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton and George Harrison; more modern players like The Edge and Billy Gibbons; rock n' roll pioneers like Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins; solo virtuosos like Steve Vai, Joe Satiriani and Yngwie Malmsteen; masters of country music Chet Atkins and Les Paul; some jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, Pet Metheny and John McLaughlin; masters like Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler and Jerry Garcia; and even classical guitar genius Andres Segovia. There are even a few surprising, less widely appreciated masters like acoustic master Michael Hedges; funk/jazz/rocker Vernon Reid of Living Color; and The Police's Andy Summers, a fantastic and little appreciated fusion musician by his own right. Only a few major names are missing, notable ones including Brian May, Prince and Ritchie Blackmore.

Each of these master musicians offers here insight into his music, into his style, technique, and his very approach to the guitar, his playing methods, his compositions and his take on the guitar as an instrument and as a concept, and often into his personality and personal history as well. It's a fascinating read for any guitar player (especially those in the rock/blues vein) as well as for any music lover, though they may not get as much from it as those with a professional interest, who's bound to get some interesting notions and ideas, as well as lots of useful practical advice. That makes it both a great read and an immense well of knowledge for players. Secrets from the Masters is a perfect gift book for guitar players and guitar aficionados, an unsurpassable book that will earn an honorary place on your bookshelf. Guitar players - Secrets from the Masters is not to be missed.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing and full of information.......2002-10-02

Would you like to know how Chuck Berry started playing? What kind of strings did Eric Clapton use in the early 70's? How Eddie Van Halen learned to play? Suffer no more, this grat book answers all the questions any guitar lover could think of. From Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray; from Duanne Eddie to Alan Holdsworth, this 40 masters of the guitar reveal some of their secrets, techniques, tips or simply talk about life in this great compilation of interviews conducted by top journalists from Guitar Player Magazine. Most of the interviews range from 1970 to the early 90's. The book has a very nice white cover, with black and white texts and a picture of every player interviewed. Of course one would love color pics, but then the price would go up. My only complaint with this book is that it is too short and features none of the blues greats (They mention why in the intro, though) and maybe that some interviews could seem far too old for the average modern player. You can consider Conversations... as a bible of the modern electric guitar (though Segovia and other acoustic players are featured). If you are into Blues-Rock-Jazz or play guitar, you can't let this one pass.

4 out of 5 stars Well worth reading.......2001-09-23

This 1992 book is a collection of interviews with famous guitarists - primarily rock and jazz guitarists from the 60s, 70s and 80s. There are some big names missing, but most are there. There are some interesting insights and anecdotes, and some music history. Sometimes I wished the interviews would get more a little more technical - rather than re-hashing the stars band-hopping history. I would like to know more specifics about how these top players view the neck, how they think and how they learnt, for example. That said, the book does contains a lot of insights and variety. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with Steve Morse and Howard Roberts -- guitarists that I was not previously familiar with. Les Paul is incredible. Actually - there are just too many good bits to itemize them here. A good read, and each chapter stands alone. I find that I re-read parts of this from time to time. Worth buying, for a classic rock/jazz (and possibly blues) oriented guitarist.

5 out of 5 stars extremly helpful.......1999-12-28

I will be brief. This book is not only informative and interesting but, exteremely fun to read. To get into the mind of a genius like Jerry Garcia, to learn how Jimi Hendrix played that solo that you could never figure out. Things like that are the coolest thing that could happen to a person (while reading).

5 out of 5 stars extremly helpful.......1999-12-28

I will be brief. This book is not only informative and interesting but, exteremely fun to read. To get into the mind of a genius like Jerry Garcia, to learn how Jimi Hendrix played that solo that you could never figure out. Things like that are the coolest thing that could happen to a person (while reading).
Theory for the Contemporary Guitarist
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Theory for the Contemporary Guitarist
    Guy Capuzzo
    Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GuitarGuitar | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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    TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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    TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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    ASIN: 0739013068
    The Everything Guitar Book: From Buying the Right Guitar to Mastering Your Favorite Songs (Everything Series)
    Average customer rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    • Way too much filler.
    The Everything Guitar Book: From Buying the Right Guitar to Mastering Your Favorite Songs (Everything Series)
    Jack Williams , Peter Rubie , and Jack Wilkins
    Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    2. The Everything Rock & Blues Guitar Book: From Chords to Scales and Licks to Tricks, All You Need to Play Like the Greats (Everything Series) The Everything Rock & Blues Guitar Book: From Chords to Scales and Licks to Tricks, All You Need to Play Like the Greats (Everything Series)

    ASIN: 158062555X

    Book Description

    Learning to play an instrument can be intimidating. While many of us dream of reaching rock star status, it seems that the ability to get the hang of even basic guitar chords is well out of our reach. Luckily, The Everything Guitar book makes it easy. Filled with clear, step-by-step instructions, finger positioning disgrams, and tons of professional tips, anyone with a guitar can be playing rudimentary songs in no time.

    Guitar legend Jack Wilkins and former guitar instructor Peter Rubie walk you through the basics- from buying the right guitar to playing your favorite songs. Starting with the names of the strings, this easy-to-follow book teaches you how to tune and strum your guitar, read music, and develop an ear for the right chords. The Everything Guitar Book also explains what gear to buy and how to use it, including cases, picks, capos, amplifiers, effects pedals, straps, and strings.

    Featuring:
    Easy-to-understand instructions
    The basics of reading music
    Chords and chord families
    A complete introduction to famous guitar styles, from classical to folk to jazz and blues
    Techniques for creating a home recording studio

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars Way too much filler........2003-10-01

    Justify the cover price by making the book thick:
    75 pages of the history of the guitar ("the lute had a number of drawbacks") and famous guitar players -- 12 pages of glossary, several pages of blank music staffs, an overly inclusive index--there's too much air in this book.

    Advice on buying a guitar: 'bring along a friend who knows about guitars'

    The beginning songs presented are the same old 'twinkle twinkle' 'merrily we roll along' 'jingle bells' that are in EVERY old, not-very-good guitar book--this wasn't written for children, why all the children's songs? The bits and pieces of music theory are not well organized. The general tone of the writing is condescending. And there's way too much filler: you've just learned "twinkle twinkle" -- do you really need a chapter (well, a couple of pages) on recording yourself in a studio?

    If you have ANY beginning guitar books already, then 90% of the actual guitar-playing information in this one is redundant.
    THE CAPO: THE ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR THE GUITARIST BK/CD/CAPO PACK
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      THE CAPO: THE ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR THE GUITARIST BK/CD/CAPO PACK
      Randall Williams
      Manufacturer: HAL LEONARD CORPORATION
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      ASIN: 142342137X

      Book Description

      Learn how to get the most out of your guitar with a capo! This cool pack has everything you need to get started, including a high-quality Kyser capo and a demo CD. The book will teach you how to find keys to fit your voice, play with other guitarists, and all the other basics, and introduce you to the world of partial capos.
      Electric blues guitar : a book/record guide to blues theory & lead guitar improvisation based on recorded examples in the styles of outstanding contemporary guitarists
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Electric blues guitar : a book/record guide to blues theory & lead guitar improvisation based on recorded examples in the styles of outstanding contemporary guitarists
        Straw Dog , and Ceel
        Manufacturer: Green Note Music Publications
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GuitarGuitar | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 0912910054
        A Folksinger's Guide to Note Reading and Music Theory a Manual for the Folk Guitarist
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          A Folksinger's Guide to Note Reading and Music Theory a Manual for the Folk Guitarist
          Jerry Silverman
          Manufacturer: Oak Publications
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback
          ASIN: 082560026X

          Product Description

          64 pages

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