Best books

jon_stggt · #1 January 4th, 2007

Anyone recommend any books along the lines of:

Fretboard Roadmaps and Understanding Chord Progressions for Guitar for example.

I don't actually own any music books so looking for some input on where to start really.

Would be really interested in something along the lines of Kirk's lesson on The Anatomy of a C Major Guitar Chord, found that very interesting.

Any thoughts ?

allthumbs · #2 January 4th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jon_stggt

Anyone recommend any books along the lines of:

Fretboard Roadmaps and Understanding Chord Progressions for Guitar for example.

I don't actually own any music books so looking for some input on where to start really.

Would be really interested in something along the lines of Kirk's lesson on The Anatomy of a C Major Guitar Chord, found that very interesting.

Any thoughts ?

If you can match the criteria here
PlaneTalk Frequently asked Questions
Kirks' own materials would be a good choice.

Stratrat · #3 January 4th, 2007

I'd vote for PlaneTalk also. I think it even holds great information for absolute beginners - it teaches basic music theory without delving into all the different scales and modes, which are bound to confuse and disillusion a beginner. When compared to something like "Fretboard Logic" (which is essentially C-A-G-E-D theory), Plane Talk is MUCH simpler and easier to grasp. There are still parts of it that I'm digesting as I re-read it over and over, but a lot of it makes the fretboard (and notes and chords) make perfect sense pretty quickly.

It's not a true beginner's book in that it doesn't teach you how to hold the guitar, how to tune, etc. It's also not a chord book, so if you're looking to learn the basic open chords there are other places to find those - but once you've gotten beyond the above things, Plane Talk is a great book for filling in the theory and learning a lot of things you should know about music and the guitar, without it being overly confusing.

Justapicker · #4 January 4th, 2007

If you want to really, really understand harmony as it is applied to the guitar, George Van Eps "Harmonic Mechanisms For Guitar" and Mick Goodricks "The Advancing Guitarist" and "The Thinking Guitarist" are excellent. They require a lot of work but you'll learn more than you knew there was to know....

jon_stggt · #5 January 4th, 2007

Thanks for your input guys, although I've been playing guitar for 20 odd years I had a lot of long gaps with no guitar at all. My biggest regret is not studying more on the structure of chords/music for guitar, key/ scales etc etc...
From what you guys have posted here I can see there probably will be several books that may prove to be "must haves".
From Kirks lessons on this forum, I find his teaching educated precise and very enjoyable so Plane Talk will be on my book list for sure.
Again thanks for the input.

blackcat · #6 January 4th, 2007

I have this book,not really for fretboard but chord progressions are covered very deeply,and if you want to learn music theory it,s brilliant.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiot.../dp/0028643771

jon_stggt · #7 January 4th, 2007

thanks for that Blackcat, I'll check it out

solidwalnut · #8 January 4th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justapicker

...and Mick Goodricks "The Advancing Guitarist" ....

I'll give a vote for this one. This is the one that helped to jump start me and get me off of a playing plateu several years back.

Steve

fourx · #9 January 4th, 2007

I find the ""Progressive"" series the best around if you are learning by yourself and want results within a reasonably short period without cutting corners. They have a DVD and a CD which provides the background a teacher would provide. Available everywhere, besed in the US I think.. See what you think, your local musc store will have them, or can get them.

Kirk Lorange · #10 January 4th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jon_stggt

Anyone recommend any books along the lines of:

Fretboard Roadmaps and Understanding Chord Progressions for Guitar for example.

I don't actually own any music books so looking for some input on where to start really.

Would be really interested in something along the lines of Kirk's lesson on The Anatomy of a C Major Guitar Chord, found that very interesting.

Any thoughts ?

PlaneTalk is the best, jon ... hands down!

jon_stggt · #11 January 5th, 2007

I think plane talk in on my list of must do's this month.

Stratrat · #12 January 5th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jon_stggt

I think plane talk in on my list of must do's this month.

Well worth it, IMO. I got more out of reading PT than I have out of all the other guitar books I've ever bought combined.