Essential Elements for Guitar - Book 1: Comprehensive Guitar Method

My 9-year-old daughter used the Essential Elements book for Saxophone, and we were both pleased with how the book was laid out, and the progression from simple to more difficult songs. I decided to purchase Guitar Level 1 and Level 2 to teach her guitar. We are very pleased with the books. Level 1 begins by showing simplified C and G chords using only one finger. It teaches the simplest strum patterns for 4/4 and 3/4 time. It then provides songs with just those two chords. They can either sing or have someone else play while they strum along. I like the fact that the student is able to "play" a real tune in the first lesson. Although very simple, my daughter felt like she had accomplished something in Lesson 1.The book then teaches fingering for single notes on the 1st string (high E). There are several short songs using only three notes to get the student comfortable with finger placement and reading standard notation. The book continues in this way, adding new chords and new notes, always ending with several tunes to practice using the new information. Some of the songs are actually pretty good and recognizable (although short). All have notation and chords written across the top. If chords have not been covered yet, they are written in grey (so the instructor can play chords as an accompaniment). The book does not include Tabs, which I am actually pleased about. I will teach my daughter tabs, but would like her to know standard notation first. So many scores don't include tabs, I don't want her to be limited in her ability to read both forms.Throughout the book, there are several interesting facts about music, history, terminology, style. It does go into some music theory, but a little at a time. My daughter would be bored with too much theory at once.The book is a good size so it can be placed nicely on the music stand. Some books are too thick and it's work to keep them open on the stand.This book did not include a CD, which kept the price down. Level 2 includes a CD (at least mine did), but the price went up considerably. I would prefer no CD and less $$, but that's just me. Usually, we listen to CD's and play along once and it gets stored somewhere and never seen again.I don't have any complaints about the book. My daughter is excited to learn the guitar and I now have an organized progression to use as a guide. This book could be used with an instructor or individually. I believe both adults and children can learn the basics using this book.

My daughter (12) just started guitar and this is a great book to start the basics with. If you already have some knowledge with guitar, even if it's been years, skip this one and get a bit more advanced one. If you're new this one is great.

The beginning guide book keeps its word. It eases the novice into the guitar in small non-intimidating fashion.For example, it begins with simpler chords and only using the top three strings. Then later moving to 4-string chords and finally all six strings. Instructions also include various strumming techniques and some picking help. Book includes a number of well known songs for practice.

Used it for guitar class in school and I had more fun than I expected.

As a beginner guitar player this book is great. I wore my first one out and needed to buy a new one. Easy to use. If you are left handed be sure to by that one.

I used this book to help teach myself how to play acoustic guitar three years ago. My 11-year old niece and 9-year old nephew both got guitars for Christmas and I thought this would be the perfect companion to help them learn to play as well. The book is very easy to follow, even if you've never read sheet music before. I have not used the included CD, It has a track to help you tune your guitar, as well as demos of many of the songs in the book. This book does an excellent job of showing you what every part of your guitar is called, hand positioning, and how to play not only specific notes but chords as well. This book is printed in Treble clef, not tab.I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn how to play guitar at their own pace, without the need of outside instruction/lessons.

I purchased this book for my granddaughter. Delivery was very quick! She loves. Very easy to follow.

Breaks everything down easily. He has been enjoying learning the guitar

Libro utile per imparare la chitarra, la mia bambina lo usa tranquillamente. Buon acquisto

I used this book in high school. Now since I have time, I am trying to learn guitar again. Easy to follow along and lots of good exercise in the book.

Fine

very helpful and informative

Excellent book for a beginner.