Playing Guitar (Idiot's Guides)

This review is specific to format and not a criticism of the content. The Kindle preview gives you a proper e-book. The purchase is just a scan. You can't zoom in or change the brightness. Furthermore the white background comes up a medium shade of grey. It cannot be read while trying things with your instrument. It would have to be a proper e-book for that. The preview is NOT what you get when you purchase.

I am a beginner guitarist, still learning and practicing the guitar. I have bought a few other teach yourself guitar books, and this one is different from most in that:1. It explains with words and pictures the various techniques as well as explaining why it will sound different/better. Most books just show you how to do something with no explanation as to why one it sounds different.2. The chapter (chapter 3) on strumming techniques and patterns is excellent. Its why I bought the book. It explains the mechanics of how to strum, as well discussing various strumming patterns (e.g. alternate bass, walking bass, etc.)3. Good explanation on finger style4. Great chapter on how to read tablature. It explains the notation.This book by itself probably won't get one across the goal line for learning how to play the guitar, but it along with another book or two should do the trick.The Guitar Noise website that the author also writes for is great too. His website is what prompted me to buy this book. I liked how he explained things on his website and with his podcast.And finally, the book is produced really well. The photos are outstanding, the paper of the book is really nice. So it is a pleasure to read.

bought this book after keeping the local library's copy for three months. very good step by step guide with tabs and audio tracks online to help with the feel of the piece as well as learning the notes. Definitely the book I would recommend to beginners or someone needing a refresher course like me.

I purchased this book some time ago, but was unable to access the audio. I was in contact with David Hodge, the author. He helped with the audio download. I highly recommend this book. The book is very easy to follow and now I can hear the audio I am having so much fun and learning quickly. I am 69 years old. If I can do it so can you! Have fun. I have shared some of the things I learned with several other folks I am playing with. They always ask, " Where did you learn that?" You will enjoy learning the guitar with this book.

I think this would help my husband if he will follow it. I don't play the guitar but learned a lot from this book.

Unable to download music tracks

Here’s a thought. If you promise online content to accompany the book, try providing a URL that actually works! I know, crazy talk! I just sent my second email to Penguin Random House customer service. Maybe this time they’ll respond.

good purchase - reference book

I've been playing guitar for many years without understanding anything about how music 'works'. This book really helped me to start down the road of learning about how my fretboard is laid out and beginning to read music. A good, worthwhile investment. The book was delivered on time and undamaged.

Really neat introduction to guitar playing. Covers the basics well. Text and illustrations are easy to understand.

The actual content of this book is very good, with a friendly accessible writing style. However, I bought this for Kindle, and rather than being a true Kindle style book, the version I received was just a scan from a hard copy (and one page looks like it slipped off the photocopier mid-copy!). The book also claims to have audio tracks, but there are no links, and these are nowhere to be found, in spite of searching the internet in all the likely locations. Amazon have been helpful, and will be issuing me with a refund. Shame, because apart from this it is clearly a good book.

My 10-year-old daughter is starting to learn to play the guitar. Her teacher is a world-class guitarist and a friend. He suggested this book as a very clear introduction to playing the guitar. It is excellent!

Worthwhile entry book for learning the guitar.