Product Description

Have you always wanted to play guitar? Who wouldn′t? Think of Jimi Hendrix wailing away on his Stratocaster. . . Chuck Berry duck–walking across the stage to "Johnny B. Goode". . .B.B. King making his "Lucille" cry the blues. No doubt about it—guitars are cool.

Guitar For Dummies 2nd Edition tells you everything a beginning or intermediate guitarist needs to know: from buying a guitar to tuning it, playing it, and caring for it, this book has it all—and you don′t even need to know how to read music. Full of photo–illustrated exercises and songs you can play to practice the techniques discussed in each section, this step–by–step guide will take you through the basics and beyond before you can say "Eric Clapton." You′ll learn how to:

• Match yourself with the guitar and equipment that fits your needs and budget
• Select the right accessories: amps, picks, pedals, capos, cases, and other goodies
• Pick and strum to produce a clean, clear, buzz–free tone
• Know whether you′re really in tune
• Play melodies without reading music
• Perform basic guitar maintenance and repairs
• Build strength and dexterity while playing
• Play in different styles, including rock, blues, folk, jazz, and classical
• Make your guitar talk with bends and slides!

Fully revised and updated, with an all new interactive CD that allows readers to listen, learn, tune, and play along, Guitar For Dummies 2nd Edition is the perfect introductory guide for any novice acoustic or electric guitar player. 

Note: CD–ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #293 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 408 pages

Review
“…offers everything the beginner to intermediate guitarist needs in an irreverent and accessible format…” (Harborough Mail, 17^th November 2005)

Review
“Offers great guidance on everything from buying your first guitar to legends who can inspire you.”  Shortlist  Thursday 7 August 2008

From the Back Cover
Features an all–new, interactive audio CD with MP3 files

The latest tips and techniques for playing beautiful tunes — without reading music!

Gearing up to play the guitar? Whether you′re a new or seasoned guitarist, this updated guide makes it easy with step–by–step instruction on everything from simple chord progressions to smokin′ blues licks. You get expanded coverage of musical styles ranging from rock and jazz to folk and classical.

Discover how to

• Select the right guitar and accessories
• Develop correct hand position and posture
• Strum basic chords and simple melodies
• Tune, change strings, and make simple repairs
• Expand your range with advanced techniques

Customer Reviews

Accessible and encouraging with a down-to-earth approach
When my teenage son and I started playing the guitar I bought several 'teach yourself' books, and this is by far the best we found. It takes a refreshing, real-world approach to learning, offering plenty of encouragement (to keep you going through those early weeks of sore fingers) in the form of easy music and songs that you will be able to play from the very start. It also acknowledges that some things will be hard at first, and warns about them in advance. Despite this, it isn't 'dumbed-down', and is packed with far more information than the others we tried. Whether you want to play acoustic or electric; rock, folk, classical or jazz, there's everything here that you need to get started, and a good deal for the more experienced guitarist too. All the music is provided in both standard notation and guitar tabulature (which means that you don't have to learn to read music if you don't want to), and is also included on the accompanying CD. We could have saved the money we spent on other guitar courses - this is the one we use on a daily basis.

Strumming away after only two weeks
I was an absolute beginner when I got the guitar and the book. After only two weeks of vigorous practising I am strumming away nicely. Very easy to follow book and great to play along with the CD. All you have to do is practise, practise, practise.... (and it is true about the calluses on your fingertips). All I now need is a good beginners chord songbook!

Get a lesson!
I bought this for my son who wanted to learn. What a waste pay for a few lessons with a teacher quite cheap for kids. Used for a couple of days then discarded. Anyone who has been playing more than a month will find this a waste of money.