Hello
Im planning to learn the electric guitar (saving for one as I type) but until I get one I want to have a couple or so quality books that I can read through them in the meantime so that I will not be completly lost from the start. Out of the books below, which do u suggest. I have never touched a guitar before but I know its what I want to do.
Complete Method for Modern Guitar
Mastering the Guitar Book 1A
HAL LEONARD GUITAR METHOD, SECOND EDITION - COMPLETE EDITION
HAL LEONARD GUITAR METHOD - ROCK GUITAR
Out of those books mentioned, which do you think is the best and most effective. I plan to get a teacher aswell to use in conjunction with the book(s). Should I get all of them?
Cheers
Patrick
I think your teacher should probably have some input. I've taught using the first two, and prefer the Complete Method (which is also available in 7 individual volumes) to the Mastering the Guitar series.
The principal differences: Mastering the Guitar will present more material for a single topic, and a broader range of topics (fingerpicking, for example) than the Complete Method... but the Complete Method is, at least in my opinion, better arranged. Mastering the Guitar brings in technical concepts such as slides and hammer-ons before it's covered the basic notes in the open position. In my approach, a student should be able to play single notes on each string before attempting more complicated techniques.
Either of those methods present plenty of sight reading material. Mastering the Guitar also includes a lot of pieces in TAB, which Complete Method lacks. If I were teaching you, and given the choice, I'd go with the Complete Method and supplemental materials.
I haven't worked with either of the Leonard Books. Most publishers of methods have some gems in their offerings, and some dreck. A good teacher can help you navigate through what's right for you.
Tom
Guitar teacher offering lessons in Plainfield IL
And as far as reading through a book without the advantage of having an actual guitar to use, might I suggest NoteBoat (see above post). His Music Theory for Guitarists might prove to be the very book you would want to read before getting a guitar.
Jamey Andreas's Principles of Correct Practic for Guitar [ http://www.guitarprinciples.com ] would be another "without the guitar read" I might recommend.
Other than that, maybe the KISS (Keep it Simple..) book... cheap, interesting guitar tidbits, or the "Everything Guitar Book" (same deal). Or isn't there a Zen book out there? That might be "without the guitar" worthy. Or there is always that air guitar book....
Mark :)
The Easy Song Database: http://www2.shore.net/~maryesme/bin/easy.cgi
Take part in its creation: https://www.guitarnoise.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7
I appreciate the plug, but for a beginner I think there are other books you'll want to read before mine. When I started to write it, I defined my audience as 'developing musicians' -- those who know some things, and want to know more.
My goal with the book wasn't to teach people to play, it was to teach people who play how to reach a deeper understanding of music and the instrument.
Tom
Guitar teacher offering lessons in Plainfield IL
Hi Note. I agree that it is kind of advanced, but if you don't have a guitar in your hand, it is also pretty good intro into scales and intervals (especially with the fretboard diagrams to use as a reference when you get there). I was going with the whole "without a guitar" theme.
The Easy Song Database: http://www2.shore.net/~maryesme/bin/easy.cgi
Take part in its creation: https://www.guitarnoise.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7
Thanks for your replies, I just viewed them. I went into my local bookstore today to order the Mel Bay Complete Method, however after checking its availability at Mel Bay, she said they haven't got a single copy. So I decided to ask her to order the Hal Leonard complete book and their out of copies aswell but are awaiting a huge order, but she couldnt give me an expected date of arrival. Could me weeks or months. They must be good books due to them being sold out. So I'll wait and see.
I've been to the Guitar Principles website and have that book on my wanted list already. I wish it were available through bookstores though, it would be much easier to obtain and would give the book more exposure to the general public.
What is this other book I keep hearing about, NoteBoat's book? Please could I have a link to some information on it and costs etc.?
Cheers
Pat
P.S Does anyone have any experience with http://www.berkleemusic.com/store/product?product_id=11250&category_id=5
Thanks for your replies, I just viewed them. I went into my local bookstore today to order the Mel Bay Complete Method, however after checking its availability at Mel Bay, she said they haven't got a single copy. So I decided to ask her to order the Hal Leonard complete book and their out of copies aswell but are awaiting a huge order, but she couldnt give me an expected date of arrival. Could me weeks or months. They must be good books due to them being sold out. So I'll wait and see.
I've been to the Guitar Principles website and have that book on my wanted list already. I wish it were available through bookstores though, it would be much easier to obtain and would give the book more exposure to the general public.
What is this other book I keep hearing about, NoteBoat's book? Please could I have a link to some information on it and costs etc.?
Cheers
PatP.S Does anyone have any experience with http://www.berkleemusic.com/store/product?product_id=11250&category_id=5
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