Approach to Practice
From the beginning you should set yourself a goal. Many people learn guitar because of a desire to play like their favourite artist (e.g., Eric Clapton), or to play a certain style of music (e.g., Rock, Blues etc.). Motivations such as these will help you to persevere through the more difficult sections of work. As you develop it will be important to adjust and update your goals.
It is important to have a correct approach to practice. You will benefit more from several short practices (e.g., 15-30 minutes per day) than one or two long sessions per week. This is especially so in the early stages, because of the basic nature of the material being studied.
In a practice session you should divide your time evenly between the study of new material and the revision of past work. It is a common mistake for semi-advanced students to practice only the pieces they can already play well. Although this is more enjoyable, it is not a very satisfactory method of practice.
You should also try to correct mistakes and experiment with new ideas. It is the author’s belief that an experienced teacher will be an invaluable aid to your progress.
Guitar Method Book 1
A comprehensive, lesson by lesson introduction to the guitar, covering notes on all 6 strings, reading music, picking technique, basic music theory and incorporating well known traditional pop/rock, folk and blues songs.
Guitar Method Book 2
A comprehensive, lesson by lesson method covering the most important keys and scales for guitar, with special emphasis on bass note picking, bass note runs, hammer-ons etc. Featuring chordal arrangements of well known Rock, Blues, Folk and Traditional songs.
Guitar Method Book 1: Supplement
A collection of over 70 well known songs with chord symbols which can be used along or in conjunction with Progressive Guitar Method Book 1. Contains 8 more lessons on major scales, keys, triplets, 6/8 time, 16th notes, syncopation and swing rhythms.
Guitar Method Fingerpicking
Introduces right hand fingerpicking patterns that can be used as an accompaniment to any chord, chord progression or song. Covers alternate thumb, arpeggio and constant bass style as used in Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, Blues Ragtime and Classical music.
Guitar Method Chords
Contains the most useful open, Bar and Jazz chord shapes of the most used chord types with chord progressions to practice and play along with. Includes sections on tuning, how to read sheet music, transposing, as well as an easy chord table, formula and symbol chart.
Guitar Method Bar Chords
Introduces the most useful Bar, Rock and Jazz chord shapes used by all Rock/Pop/Country and Blues guitarist. Includes major, minor, seventh, sixth, major seventh, etc. Suggested rhythm patterns including percussive strums, dampening and others are also covered.
Guitar Method Rhythm
Introduces all the important open chord shapes for major, minor, seventh, sixth, major seventh, minor seventh, suspended, diminished and augmented chords. Learn to play over 50 chord progressions, including 12 Bar Blues and Turnaround progressions.
Guitar Method Lead
Covers scales and patterns over the entire fretboard so that you can improvise against major, minor, and Blues progressions in any key. Learn the licks and techniques used by all lead guitarists such as hammer-ons, slides, bending, vibrato, and more.
