What beginner guitar book should I buy? I am a COMPLETE beginner!?

Question

Ok I just bought an ELECTRIC guitar. I have no idea how to play it and I am a complete beginner. I have no experience whatsoever. Since music lessons are not an option with school and sports everyday till like 5:00, I need a book that covers all the things a beginner should know(and more!) Once again I am a complete beginner. I need a book that is easy to understand and has pictures and maybe a Dvd or CD w/ it(not required). So please, any recommendations???

Answer 1

Teach Yourself Visually Guitar is the best book for a visual learner. Lots of pictures and VERY easy to follow directions.

To further your learning of notes-and work on reading guitar sheet music-pick up Mel Bay's Complete Method for Modern Guitar.

Use cyberfret.com for FREE online guitar lessons.

You hear about people being successful in teaching themselves, but that's only true with prodigy's. You will need private one-on-one lessons to get FAR. These books and the internet will give you a solid foundation, but nothing can compare with having a professional there at your side correcting you and giving you pointers.

Answer 2

Mel Bay has published a series of guitar instruction books for many, many years, and has been a proven method for learnig from rank beginners to more advanced playing.

Like the first responder, wouldn't have recommended an electric guitar to start with, but, since that is what you have, then you may as well go ahead and use it.

A LOT does depend on your motivation and, just exactly WHAT you want to learn.  Learning to play some songs right away, picking up a few chords and, just, moving in can be fun, but, the disciplined learning of music theory, note reading and technique will make you a better musician.

The theory of how music is assembled and played is the same, whether on acoustic or electic guitar.  But the techniques will be very different, once you start learning songs specific to electric.  At some point, you WILL need, either some face to face instruction, or, to get together with other players to learn from them.  A DVD or any other kind of video will not be able to tell you what you might be doing wrong, or offer specific technique to improve YOUR playing.

Answer 3

Guitar For Dummies

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesT...

Answer 4

In Sam Ash they have tons of books for beginners, and the ones that I like best are the ones that have the Cd in the back of the book. There are so many new ones on the market today that I think it would be best if you went there and asked one of the clerks which beginners book for guitar is the best....and make sure that it's one with the Cd !!!!!!!  I've taught acoustic and classical for years, and I noticed that every year their coming out with newer and better books for beginners.  I haven't been there for books for quite some time so I'm not sure which is the best that's out now with the Cd in the back....so make sure to ask one of the clerks to recommend one !!!!!!!!! The Guitar Center has books also, but the last time that I was there they didn't have as many as Sam Ash, but if you don't find what you want in Sam's give the Guitar Center a try, I know that a while ago they had some boxed sets of Cd's for beginning guitar !!!!!!! Good luck. If you want an example of what's out there try this link, they sometimes show examples of what's in the books that they have. I wish that you would have asked before you bought your guitar, because I would have recommended that you start on an acoustic !!!!!!!!!!  I've taught for years and find that students do better on the acoustic !!!!!!!!!!

http://www.halleonard.com/

Answer 5

Hal Leonard publishes good instructional books for the beginner and advanced guitarist. Guitar Method #1 booklet is a fine way to start out. Your local music store should have it available.

I would never recommend learning to play first on the electric guitar because you need to test your motivation and will-power while moving beyond the painful fingertips to see if you are guitarist material. But since you have the electric on hand then start playing it everyday and go through each exercise shown.

Answer 6

buy alfredsbasic guitarn method. it will teach you step by step and is very self explanatory.

http://www.playguitarmagazine.com/Media_...

thats the cover, it has an acoustic guitar on the cover, but it teaches both. theres not a huge difference.

good luck

Answer 7

While you're looking for books, I'm going to provide you with a whole bunch of free lesson sites.  Good luck.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=free+Be...