Alfred's Basic Guitar Method, Bk 1: The Most Popular Method for Learning How to Play, Book & Online Audio (Alfred's Basic Guitar Library, Bk 1)

"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method, Bk 1" is a highly regarded resource for beginners aspiring to learn how to play the guitar. This book, accompanied by online audio, is part of the Alfred's Basic Guitar Library, known for its effectiveness in teaching the fundamentals of guitar playing. I bought it for my daughter who just started learning and playing guitar. Here's a review of this popular guitar method:**Pros:**1. **Comprehensive Learning:** This book offers a step-by-step approach to guitar playing, making it ideal for absolute beginners. It covers everything from basic techniques to reading music notation. This is the best part about this series.2. **Online Audio:** The inclusion of online audio is a significant advantage. It provides learners with audio examples and play-along tracks, which are invaluable for understanding proper technique and developing a sense of rhythm.3. **Progressive Lessons:** The book's lessons are designed to build on each other, gradually increasing in complexity as the learner advances. This progressive approach ensures a solid foundation which is perfect for my daughter.4. **Clear and Accessible:** Alfred's teaching style is known for its clarity and accessibility. It's suitable for young students and adults alike.5. **Repertoire Variety:** The book includes a variety of songs and exercises, offering a well-rounded introduction to different musical styles.6. **Affordable:** It's often reasonably priced, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.**Cons:**1. **Limited Advanced Content:** As the title suggests, this book is primarily for beginners. If you're an intermediate or advanced player, you'll quickly outgrow it.2. **Physical Book Only:** While the book includes online audio, some learners might prefer an all-digital or interactive learning experience.3. **May Require Supplementary Materials:** Depending on your learning preferences and goals, you might need additional materials to supplement your learning.In summary, "Alfred's Basic Guitar Method, Bk 1" is a highly recommended resource for those starting their guitar-playing journey. It provides a solid foundation, an array of helpful materials, and the convenience of online audio, all at an affordable price. However, more advanced players should consider other resources tailored to their skill level.

Excellent resource containing many helpful visuals and explanations of musical concepts! This can be sued with other resources and practice routines to help your students build a better foundation for learning guitar.

nice and good book for begginers

I had recently been asked to give a few grade school students an overview of the guitar (how to hold a guitar, how to tune a guitar, it's history, how to read music, etc), along with a few basic beginners guitar lessons. I obviously needed a teaching resource, and I decided to use Alfred's Basic Guitar Method- Book 1. After a basic introduction of how to hold and tune a guitar, the textbook begins of course, with the guitar strings. The six guitar strings of E-B-G-D-A and E are introduced, with both finger and string exercises following. Also included are songs covering and pertaining to the appropriate strings. So for instance with the second string B, the songs will cover all six notes on the B and E strings (B,C,D, and E,F, and G). The A note on the E string (5th fret), will be introduced later. These exercises are challenging, but not overwhelming. There is an accompanying CD that can be listened to with the student to review and verify that the exercise is being played correctly. In between introducing the guitar strings, Alfred's Basic Guitar Method- Book 1 also introduces basic beginners music theory. Time signatures, types of notes, chord introduction, tempo signs, pickup notes, and dynamics are all included. Once all the guitar strings have been covered, the textbook moves on to the introduction of bass-chord accompaniment. There are more songs with both single notes and chords to be played. This will continue to teach and reinforce the bass-chord accompaniment method. The more the student practices and uses the method the easier it becomes, and it really serves to bring out the beauty of the melody, as well as build the skill of the solo guitarist. Moving on, the chromatic scale, major scale, and the key signatures of C,G, and F are all introduced. Lastly, the whole point of learning to play the guitar, is to be able to play songs and instrumental pieces. In Alfred's Basic Guitar Method- Book 1 the song selection is a well chosen mix of 18, 19, and 20th Century American Folk songs, guitar adaptations and arrangements of Bach, Johann Pachelbel, Johann Strauss, and a piece from Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony", and a piece by Jacques Offenbach. Also included are Mexican, German, and French Canadian Folk songs. These songs and instrumental pieces help to build a strong musical foundation for beginning guitar players. Alfred's Basic Guitar Method- Book 1 is an excellent textbook resource for the beginning guitar player. It is a highly effective, interesting, and a lively introducton to the guitar. Thank You for reading this review, Janet Saccardi-[...].

Muy buen libro, recomendado

My son has been playing for 2 years and his teacher suggested this for summer practice. So far he has used it 3 times and is really enjoying the songs and explanations on the side. The font and quality is great... would recommend buying this product!

I have taught using this book since before 1976. The new online audio was a positive addition.

Easy to understand and follow along.