I think starsailors comment on how "in touch" the author is, is dead on. I'll have to check out
Plane talk, but out of several hundred $$$ worth of "beginner" stuff i own very little of it is actually geared towards the beginner. Out of a couple of dozen DVD's and books (if stacked would stand taller then I am) I can hold what i consider beginner stuff in one hand. Not to say it's bad (well some of it has no value), but it's more intermediate stuff and above. About the only thing I feel comfortable (that i actually have experience with) recommending for a true beginner is Esteban's stuff. Although the package quality is questionable (the guitar needed some serious setup work) the instructional dvd's are still superior to any other beginner stuff I own. it was well worth the price just for that.