Guitar For Dummies by Mark Phillips, Jon Chappell
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Book Reviews of Guitar For Dummies
Book Review: well-rounded intoduction to playing guitar in the most popular genres
Summary: 5 Stars
I have the First Edition, so my comments apply to that one. Guitar For Dummies really is geared to beginners; it leads you in a patient, friendly, and sometimes funny! style. I appreciated the tips it gives about physically playing open and barre chords - I don't think I could've made it through learning chords otherwise. You'll happily find that some of the exercises (such as chord progressions and lead guitar licks) are contained within the practice songs at the end of the chapter. So you've already got a head start on playing some of the songs. Speaking of which - the songs are generally short (in my opinion a good thing! - better short and sweet than long and tedious), and many are challenging enough for the newbie that they won't be a cakewalk - but will be rewarding. A lot of the songs seem to have been written specifically for this book and some are very good ...like Chuck's Duck and Southern Hospitality. I love practicing along with the CD.
This book is good at tieing theory into practise and avoids bogging you down with too much theory - to get you playing right away. But I was dismayed that it explains how chords and various scales are made from the major scale - without much explanation of what the major scale is. Guitar For Dummies is less concise (more talkative) than some beginner books, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing; it has a human touch. Take your time, and avoid the temptation to rush through the chapters. It'll take months at the very least (and probably a LOT longer, as was my case) to go through the book carefully enough to learn and play everything well.
For comparison, I don't own The Complete Idiot's Guide To Playing The Guitar, but using Amazon's 'Look Inside' preview it looks similar. It looks more thorough theory-wise, but it seems to have a drier, less 'organic' and enjoyable writing and teaching style than Guitar For Dummies.
Book Review: Truly, a book for the rest of us (dummies)
Summary: 5 Stars
I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. To me (and many others I'm sure)the guitar is the world's 'coolist' instrument. But it always seemed impossible, that is until I found this book.
I purchased it in October 2006 and today, April '07, I am playing in a small band and living my dream! The teaching methods are easy to follow and at times funny which makes learning fun and easy. The many illustrative diagrams also aids in the learning process.
Buy this book folks and who knows, you'll probably be living your dreams like I am.
Book Review: Guitar for Dummies
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought 'Guitar for Dummies' for my teen-aged nephew as a gift. When I gave it to him, he was beyond happiness !!! He was just trying to learn to play the guitar.......beginning to learn some chords........and trying to put them together as songs. The book has everything he needs as a beginning musician on a guitar. He is now busily learning the chords each time he has free time. I can't wait to listen to his concerts !!! Thank you for sending the book in great condition and so quickly. You have made my nephew and me VERY happy !!!!Book Review: Amazing Book!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, so I ordered this book because I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. This books came in FAST time, and it came in PERFECT condition. Some of the other reviews were talking about how the CD was broken. Well mine was in perfect condition. Its a huge relief. The book itself is pretty understanding if your like me and know NOTHING about about playing the guitar or anything musical. I do sing. But that is far different than playing the guitar. I HIGHLY recommend this book!! =DBook Review: It worked
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this book for my husband last Christmas. He has a good foundation in music which makes learning a new instrument a little easier for him than it may be for others. However, he had not been successful learning to play in the past. He started with the book and commented that it had a lot of good tips. Within a couple of months he was playing well and now he can play just about anything. I recommend the book-especially for someone with a musical background.