Members jconway Posted September 13, 2006 Members Posted September 13, 2006 'Sup peeps, I got my first guitar for Christmas and have been taking lessons for 8 or 9 months now. I've gotton far but I'm finding it hard to practice with school work getting harder as I get older. Should I try to teach myself or stick with the lessons? What books should I get? I am using Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1 and will soon be getting the next two books in the series. I'd also like to get the Hal Leonard Blues Guitar and Jazz Guitar books? Are these books good/recommended? Thanks for yer help.
Members santos Posted September 14, 2006 Members Posted September 14, 2006 I don't have any experience with the books you mentioned, so I can't help there. I took lessons when I was younger, but now I live in a rural area without any such resources, and I primarily learn from figuring things out myself, or various books/dvds. I'd say it really depends on what you want to learn. If you're to the point that you are competent with basic chords and some soloing, maybe decide what style/styles you'd like to explore further. Some styles like blues & rock can be self-taught from picking things up off cds, etc. I bought this book a long time ago:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alfred-Beginning-Blues-Guitar-BookCD?sku=942001 and it's really good, though most of it is too basic for me now. I plan to get the more advanced books in the series at some point. The book is long, has tons of useful examples and lessons, and the CD is something like 77 minutes long, IIRC. Anyway, find a shop with a good selection of music books and look through them in detail to see if you can find something that will really be useful to you. Taking a break from lessons wouldn't be the end of the world. Maybe mix up lessons with self-study? Oh, also, I just bought a backing track CD called "Let's Jam" blues/rock. It was only $10 and frankly, it's excellent. A ton of fun. That's a good way to have a blast while playing more. Good luck, and have fun.
Members eastlakemusic58 Posted September 14, 2006 Members Posted September 14, 2006 The Hal Leonard books are very decent books to learn from... the only advice I can give is that you have to be dedicated to teach yourself. Lessons provide that one on one experience that helps you understand... but if you are ready to teach yourself and you are dedicated there are many books that are available to help you learn!
Members derekfarreal Posted September 15, 2006 Members Posted September 15, 2006 i taught myself to play a bunch of instruments. my main ones are piano and guitar. i can't offer objective advice because i never got lessons til after like 3 years of playing (and that wasn't really lessons either because it was a friend of mine who just got back from berklee; it was more like navy seal training). i can say that for me it's much better for me to teach myself but thats because i pick up things very fast, and i have OCD when it comes to practicing (i HATE going a day with less than 4 hours; sad really). it basically depends on you. i would guess that if you find that your teacher is just walking you through stuff you could do yourself then just do it yourself. aslong as you can motivate yourself.
Members Virgman Posted September 15, 2006 Members Posted September 15, 2006 There's tons of books out there. There's no reason you can't learn on your own if you consistently practice. Many great guitarists have done it. It takes years no matter what method so learn to enjoy the journey. Since you've already committed to the Hal Leonard books you might as well stay with them. They are good. It's easy to go off on tangents when you are learning on your own. There is no "best" way. Stay on course.
Members santos Posted September 15, 2006 Members Posted September 15, 2006 Originally posted by Virgman There is no "best" way. +1 If teaching yourself works for you, then go for it.
Members angus_old Posted September 18, 2006 Members Posted September 18, 2006 i got this one and it's pretty good - it has lots of different songs (heavy on britpop, the book was published in England) and lots of little tips on things like chord fingerings etc. $12 well spent
Members SE1081 Posted September 19, 2006 Members Posted September 19, 2006 I really like John Petrucci's rock discipline video/book, and Paul Gilbert's intense rock videos are awesome (only available in VHS) Speed Mechanics for lead guitar by troy stetina is popular, too. I like these books b/c they're made for just about any level of playing and are great references.
Members sharp shredder Posted September 19, 2006 Members Posted September 19, 2006 Originally posted by SE1081 I really like John Petrucci's rock discipline video/book, and Paul Gilbert's intense rock videos are awesome (only available in VHS) Speed Mechanics for lead guitar by troy stetina is popular, too. I like these books b/c they're made for just about any level of playing and are great references. These helped me bigtime too. before i had chops it inspired me and i credit my skills to those videos
Members SE1081 Posted September 21, 2006 Members Posted September 21, 2006 http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=703921
Members markaf19 Posted September 24, 2006 Members Posted September 24, 2006 I think it all depends on the person if you can teach yourself. I would say stick with lessons. I am in a similar situation, I take lessons but dont' always have time to pratice, because of school. But i still think lessons are worth it, especially if you have a good teacher. Plus another factor to consider is do you have friends who play guitar who could help you if you get stuck ?That was the biggest problem i encountered, i would have questions and nobody to answer them and i would just stop playing with the books.
Members gennation Posted September 24, 2006 Members Posted September 24, 2006 The book you want, that every guitarist should have, is: Chord Chemisty by Ted Greene. This book has been a legend since the 70's. It's only about $10 on amazon.com. A ot my first copy about 25+ years ago and still refer to it. It covers some of the fundamental concepts and many of the deeper concepts. It works because there's more playing than reading. It's highly recomended by others. Even Steve Vai lists it as his #1 book recommendation. Ted Greene had tought people like Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather, and MANY other top notch players who were looking to get even better. Don't hestitate. Spend some time with it.
Members Mr.Hanky Posted September 24, 2006 Members Posted September 24, 2006 I like lessons for the simple fact that it motivates you every week. There will ALWAYS be excuses to not practice! When you know you have a lesson it tends to get you motivated each week and that can be worth the ticket price alone.
Members flatfacerincone Posted September 24, 2006 Members Posted September 24, 2006 I think theres nothing wrong with teaching yourself; if you have the self discipline to kick yourself in the ass and practice consistently. And I mean PRACTICE, not noodling around for an hour or two and playing stuff you already know, ect. (Theres nothing wrong with that, just make sure you dont confuse noodling/playing with real practice.) I'm mostly self taught, and i have problems with this. One thing i've been doing that helps is to write down your goals. Something really long term. And then from there, write down the steps it takes to get to that point. This gives you a better idea of what to practice to get to where you want to be.
Members CMcKenzie Posted September 26, 2006 Members Posted September 26, 2006 You might want to check out Bruce Arnold's books. I have his chord workbook for gtr and Music theory for gtr. They are well written.
Members bubbamc119 Posted September 26, 2006 Members Posted September 26, 2006 I'll second the chord chemistry suggestion. I found this book to be very good - "Fretboard Workbook"http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Fretboard-Workbook-Barrett-Tagliarino/dp/0634049011/sr=8-1/qid=1159240799/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-8924605-2064608?ie=UTF8&s=books at $10 it's a steal and a must have. You would also be doing yourself a huge favour if you undergo some ear training. Google 'tonic sol-fa'. That should get you started.
Members Terje Posted September 26, 2006 Members Posted September 26, 2006 The number one book for any guitarist to buy is Mick Goodrick's The Advancing Guitarist. That's one of those books that never ends, that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Members bubbamc119 Posted September 26, 2006 Members Posted September 26, 2006 Originally posted by Terje The number one book for any guitarist to buy is Mick Goodrick's The Advancing Guitarist. That's one of those books that never ends, that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Thanks I did not know about that book but it looks very good.
Members Sauntman Posted September 26, 2006 Members Posted September 26, 2006 For beginner to intermediate music theory for guitar I would recommend "Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask" by Tom Kolb. I am surprised this very helpful book has not received more recognition than it has. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/063406651X/ref=pd_rvi_gw_1/102-9899092-6693764?ie=UTF8
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