Alfred Presents Complete Guitar Method Series to Master Acoustic, Blues, Jazz, and Rock

Alfred Music Publishing, in partnership with the National Guitar Workshop, is excited to release the Complete Editions of its widely-popular guitar method books in the genres of acoustic, blues, jazz and rock.

Designed for both self-study and formal lessons, these well-rounded, comprehensive books are perfect for anyone interested in learning to play guitar or developing advanced techniques. The clearly organized lessons add up to a step-by-step, enjoyable method supplemented by full-length etudes or songs with every new concept. An MP3 CD enhances the learning experience with demonstration and play-along tracks, included in each.

Acoustic Guitar Method: Complete Edition is the ultimate book in learning to play acoustic guitar from the very start. Beginning concepts include right- and left-hand technique, reading music, basic improvisation, barre chords, picking technique, playing bass lines, and basic arranging. Intermediate topics include alternate tunings, scales, how to play in upper positions of the fingerboard, and a rundown of styles like acoustic funk, New Orleans, gypsy swing, Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun, and more. This comprehensive book concludes with more advanced techniques, including "machine gun strums," right-hand muting, slapping, tapping, slap harmonics, and tremolo—as well as styles like reggae, African/Brazilian, norteño, and conjunto.

Blues Guitar Method: Complete Edition is the perfect guide to start learning to play blues guitar today. Beginning concepts include basic blues theory, left-hand technique, call-and-response phrasing, intros, turnarounds, improvisation, and rhythm styles of Texas swing, slow blues, and minor blues. For the intermediate player, this book can help with phrasing, fills, non-scale tones, chord extensions and substitutions, and licks of the masters. The book concludes with advanced techniques including composite scales, the Mixolydian mode, arpeggio superimpositions, the eight-bar blues, gospel blues, minor blues, and techniques of great players like Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Freddie King, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, and many others.

Jazz Guitar Method: Complete Edition is designed for anyone with knowledge of basic chords and guitar scales to dig right in and learn to play jazz immediately. Beginning concepts span from major scale and basic triad theory all the way to extended chords and the modes. For the intermediate player, this book can help with the ii-V-I progression, creating solo lines, altered chord formulas, and comping in such jazz feels as Latin, swing, ballad, and even funk. You will then master the art of playing harmony, melody, rhythm, and bass parts of a song simultaneously—making your guitar the ultimate jazz solo instrument. Whether you are starting to learn jazz guitar or are an advanced player looking to give your playing more nuance, Jazz Guitar Method Complete is all you'll ever need.

Rock Guitar Method: Complete Edition covers everything from basic to advanced techniques for playing rock guitar. Beginning concepts include rock theory, left-hand technique, improvising with the pentatonic scales, power chords, rhythm guitar, and licks in the styles of such greats as Chuck Berry, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and more. For the intermediate player, this book will help with harmonization of triads, chord embellishment, composite scales, and improvising with the modes. The book concludes with advanced techniques, including pentatonic extensions, the major and harmonic minor scales, arpeggios, and technique-expanding exercises on legato playing, speed picking, intervallic playing, tapping, sweep-picking, and bending.

The Complete Editions of Acoustic, Blues, Jazz, and Rock Guitar Method are now available as book and CD set for $29.99 each. Pick up your copies at a local music retail store, or buy them today at http://www.alfred.com.