This book is designed to be useful for guitarists at any skill level. Beginners can use it as an introduction to the foundational concepts of the instrument, intermediate players can use it for training and theoretical work, and advanced players can explore the sections on advanced theory, extended technique and the exhaustive tables of melodic and rhythmic possibilities. It is divided into two parts: pitch and rhythm. Part 1 (pitch) begins with the properties of string, harmonics, and tuning systems. It then moves methodically through pitch information, beginning with locating all versions of a single pitch, building pentatonic, heptatonic, and all possible symmetrical scales. This is followed by a study of intervals, with all possible locations of every two pitches, and a long study that moves through every possible fingering of three pitches, with a series of exercises to master triadic syntax. Part 1 closes with a study of four-pitch structures and complete tables that show all possible pitch sets in circular visual notation. Part 2 (rhythm) begins with a complete course in "Symmetrical Picking," a method based on drum rudiments that builds control in the picking hand through an exhaustive variety of movements. The focus of this section is building a strong rhythmic foundation, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, speed, dynamics, and groove. It is followed by a study of legato playing, working with ornaments and slides. The study of playing with fingers on multiple strings takes up the remainder of the book. This begins with the study of pulse against pulse, playing two simultaneous tempos. The book concludes with a study of polyrhythm, playing one rhythm against another. Plain English is used as much as possible to describe theoretical concepts, and hundreds of illustrations were made for the book as an aid to those who either don't speak English or prefer to think visually. This approach is designed to be inclusive and to promote creative practice. The main idea of the book is described in this passage (page 154): "Even in this small area there is a lot of material, potentially a lifetime of study. The amount of information can feel overwhelming to students at any level. For this reason, the book is designed for self-directed practice, with an emphasis on what the player "could" do, rather than what the player "should" do. The principle is to develop your own learning process, rather than following someone else's. The ability to make choices is essential in finding a personal approach to the instrument. Pick and choose the studies that seem interesting - there should be enough variety to accommodate a wide range of personalities. If any particular concept or exercise has been useful as the starting point for a new creative direction, then the book has done its job. Its purpose is not to push any dogma, method, or style, but to open the door to options for guitarists of any background that are looking for new perspectives.

(Essential Elements Guitar). Take your guitar teaching to a new level! Hal Leonard's top-selling comprehensive method for band and strings is now also available for guitar. With the time-tested classroom teaching methods of Will Schmid and Bob Morris and popular songs in a variety of styles, Essential Elements for Guitar is sure to become a staple of guitar teachers' instruction and get beginning guitar students off to a great start. This method has been designed to meet the National Standards for Music Education, with features such as cross-curricular activities, quizzes, multicultural songs, basic improvisation and more. Concepts covered in Book 1 include: getting started; basic music theory; guitar chords; notes on each string; ensemble playing; and much more! Songs used in Book 1 include such hits as: Dust in the Wind * Eleanor Rigby * Every Breath You Take * Hey Jude * Hound Dog * Let It Be * Ode to Joy * Rock Around the Clock * Stand By Me * Surfin' USA * Sweet Home Chicago * This Land Is Your Land * You Really Got Me * and more!

"A very comprehensive book containing chords from the beginning stages and beyond. Everything is very well explained with no stone left unturned. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's starting out with the guitar." -- Nigel Elliott, Guitarist & Tutor (N.Ireland) Guitar Chords for Beginners contains 65 different chords arranged in easy fingerings. Technique: Fretting hand technique for playing guitar chords is looked at in detail with diagrams. Where necessary, some chords are taught incrementally because taking on only the harder aspects of a chord’s fingering first means our hand is freer to adjust. Other chords are shown with different fingerings for you to choose which you prefer. Playing guitar chords may seem like a contortion for the hands of the beginner so there is some basic guidance on stretching to keep the hands flexible. Audio and More: Each guitar chord has a downloadable audio example enabling you to hear if you have played it right, or to hear what you need to work towards. There is an introduction to moveable power chords and barre chords, in which barre chords are shown as easier cut-down versions of full barre chord shapes. At the back of Guitar Chords for Beginners there is a list of suggested songs that contain chords from within the book. Grab a copy today! "I like what’s been put together! The information covered in technical issues for beginners especially explaining the difference between chords on piano and guitar is great. I think starting with the small position chords for C and G etc and building up to full position is also really important for beginners. The picture diagrams of hand position is a nifty feature, I know lots of beginners respond more to visuals and will often revert to looking at the hand pictures rather than the chord diagrams. Also think the added audio clips are a great feature so students can compare the sounds of their chords with the audio for reference. There could be a couple of chord progressions at the end of each section (Apart from the song suggestions at the end of the book) and strumming patterns. That would be an added feature that I think could work nicely, although this would make for a larger book and it is only £1.99 for the eBook. Otherwise I think what’s been put together is great :)" -- Anthony Bierman, Bmus(Hons) Contemporary/Jazz Guitar (South Africa) "Looks fab. I particularly like the different ways of playing the A chord. The physical warm-up exercises for flexibility are also good. It is good that movable major and minor barre chords are shown as partial versions to make them initially easier, and beginners might find extra interest where near the back of the book easy open versions of other more exotic chords are shown, such as Dm(maj7), the "James Bond" chord." -- Campbell Murray, RGT & MU Registered Tutor (Scotland)

The First 100 Chords for Guitar will teach you to correctly fret, strum and combine the essential chords in music to become a better musician, quickly and easily.

Younger students will enjoy this creative approach to playing simple guitar chords. Chords are taught with exercises that build upon each other and eventually lead the student to playing logical and common chord progressions. These progressions include I-iii-vi-ii-V-I and twelve bar blues in many different keys. Chords are shown in chord diagram form with detailed illustrations showing finger positions in relationship to the fretboard. Open chords for folk music as well as power chords for rock music are presented clearly and easily in this text. A complete easy chord chart and capo chart is provided at the end of the book for easy reference. Examples and exercises are presented in strum bar notation.

Let’s face it – in the music world, guitars set the standard for cool. Since the 1950s, many of the greatest performers in rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and country have played the guitar. Playing electric guitar can put you out in front of a band, where you’re free to roam, sing, and make eye contact with your adoring fans. Playing acoustic guitar can make you the star of the vacation campfire sing-along or allow you to serenade that special someone. And playing any kind of guitar can bring out the music in your soul and become a valued lifetime hobby. Guitar For Dummies delivers everything the beginning to intermediate guitarist needs. The information has been carefully crafted so that you can find exactly what you want to know about the guitar. This clearly written guide is for anyone who wants to know how to Strum basic chords and simple melodies Expand your range with advanced techniques Play melodies without reading music Choose the right guitar Tune, change strings, and make simple repairs Figure out how to play anything from simple chord progressions to smokin’ blues licks. Guitar For Dummies also covers the following topics and more: Hand position and posture Basic major and minor chords Adding spice with basic 7th chords and barre chords Playing melodies in position and in double-stops Different styles including rock, blues, folk, and classical Buying a guitar and accessories Taking care of your guitar Guitar For Dummies also contains a play-along audio CD that contains all 97 songs and exercises from the book. Whether you’re contemplating a career as a heavy metal superstar or you just want to strum a few folk songs for your friends, this friendly book-and-CD package makes it easy to pick up the guitar and start playing. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Recognized for over 50 years as the best-paced and most comprehensive guitar method available, Alfred's Basic Guitar Method has introduced over 3 million beginners to the joy of playing guitar. This updated and expanded edition features a new layout, making it easier to read and quicker to learn. Now included are blues, country, folk, jazz, and rock music styles, plus more pop songs! Learning to play has never been easier or more fun than with Alfreds Basic Guitar Methodthe first and best choice for todays beginning guitar students. The essential reference guide for every beginning guitarist. Alfreds Basic Guitar Chord Chart includes all the basic chords in every key. The perfect reference now and at any stage of skill development. Nothing can stop guitarists from learning every song now!