3 out of 4 stars
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Learn to Play Guitar: A comprehensive guide for beginners and intermediate players by Gareth Evans, is an instructional guide for learning to play the guitar. The book indeed does justice to its title.
In a span of just seven chapters, the author sheds light on “areas such as technique, theory, and fret-board layout”. In a simple and lucid language, he elucidates the complicated aspects of the subject matter. In the first chapter, the author introduces the reader to the very basics of guitar playing like the proper way to hold the guitar, use a pick, tune a guitar, tablature, and fret-board diagrams. Chapter two talks about the fret-board layout and the various scales. Chapter three is all about chords, triads, and the strumming technique. In Chapter four, the author discusses things like playing by shapes, fretting exercises, transposing by the root note, power chords, and pentatonic scales. Chapter five delves deeper into rhythm as well as talks about tied notes and working out strumming patterns by ear. In Chapter six, the author discusses further techniques. He explains things like movable barre chord, palm muting, lead playing techniques, improvising, etc. In the last chapter, Evans gives the reader some tips. He explains the ideal way to practice. He even lists some stretching exercises and gives step by step instructions to string a guitar.
I have always wanted to play the guitar. I am even a proud owner of one. However, I have never had the opportunity to get down to the business of actually learning to play it. Hence, Learn to Play Guitar: A comprehensive guide for beginners and intermediate players by Gareth Evans, was like a boon to me. It finally set me on the course to complete my quest to learn to play the guitar. I found this book to be particularly helpful.
The author incorporated over 180 photographic examples, illustrations, and diagrams to simplify the learning process. He even added 42 downloadable mp3 tracks of band demos and backing tracks. These were recorded by Evans himself. In fact, some of the tracks were composed by him as well. He also included some helpful exercises and stretches at the end of the book. I believe the tips shared by him would be of great aid to an experienced guitarist as well. This showcased the author's dedication to the book and his passion for guitars. Even a novice reader could very well understand the author's expertise on the subject matter. All this made the learning process all the more interesting.
Evans also gave notations of popular songs to engage the reader's attention. I loved the fact that by the end of the first chapter, I could play a song. By the end of the book, I could play two songs, namely ‘Jingle Bells, and ‘Twinkle Twinkle' properly. Now, I can also play some other tunes and chords. I have to mention that the questions given after each chapter was really helpful. Evans was thoughtful enough to add the answers at the end of the book. This gave me a firm grasp of the subject matter. I believe that this would be an immense help to many, especially guitar instructors. They can use this to frame questions for their students.
The writing style adopted by Evans is simple and smooth. However, sometimes the long sentences, and the presence of a few errors hampered my concentration. This is the only complain that I have regarding the book.
Keeping in mind the pros and cons, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I think that this book would be a treat to any guitar enthusiast. I would recommend it to beginners, intermediate players, self-taught guitarists as well as guitar instructors. This book is a great stepping stone in the world of guitarists.
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Learn to Play Guitar
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