Guitar Zero

On the eve of his 40th birthday, Gary Marcus, a renowned scientist with no discernible musical talent, learns to play the guitar and investigates how anyone—of any age —can become musical. Do you have to be born musical to become musical? Do you have to start at the age of six? Using the tools of his day job as a cognitive psychologist, Gary Marcus becomes his own guinea pig as he takes up the guitar. In a powerful and incisive look at how both children and adults become musical, Guitar Zero traces Marcus’s journey, what he learned, and how anyone else can learn, too. A groundbreaking peek into the origins of music in the human brain, this musical journey is also an empowering tale of the mind’s enduring plasticity. Marcus investigates the most effective ways to train body and brain to learn to play an instrument, in a quest that takes him from Suzuki classes to guitar gods. From deliberate and efficient practicing techniques to finding the right music teacher, Marcus translates his own experience—as well as reflections from world-renowned musicians—into practical advice for anyone hoping to become musical, or to learn a new skill. Guitar Zero debunks the popular theory of an innate musical instinct while simultaneously challenging the idea that talent is only a myth. While standing the science of music on its head, Marcus brings new insight into humankind’s most basic question: what counts as a life well lived? Does one have to become the next Jimi Hendrix to make a passionate pursuit worthwhile, or can the journey itself bring the brain lasting satisfaction? For all those who have ever set out to play an instrument—or wish that they could—Guitar Zero is an inspiring and fascinating look at the pursuit of music, the mechanics of the mind, and the surprising rewards that come from following one’s dreams.

DIVThe Ultimate Guitar Course is the ideal instructional for beginner guitar players who are looking to start playing a few chords from day one. It’s a graded course that will take you from your very first lesson through mastering advanced soloing techniques. It includes an illustrated book with over 200 images, a laminated wall chart illustrating the guitar chords, as well as a CD-ROM in a slick and easy-to-carry portfolio. The Ultimate Guitar Course book is composed of self-contained one-page lessons with simple, easy-to-follow instructions as well as clear photos illustrating both hand placement and technique. The laminated guitar chord wall chart was designed so players can hang it behind your door for easy reference while you work yourself up from playing 1- and 2-chord songs to more complicated pieces. And finally, access the CD-ROM in your portfolio which includes a complete set of audio backing tracks for you to practice and test yourself. And because the memory stick is small and portable, we’ve also added the book and exercises in tab and notation right on it so you can take the complete course anywhere you need to be. Why wait? If you’ve wanted to learn guitar for years but just don’t have the time or patience for an expensive guitar instructor, then The Ultimate Guitar Course is for you. The lessons are quick and easy, and you’ll be strumming a few chords by the end of your first day!/div

(Guitar Tab Method). The First and Only Beginning Guitar Method of Its Kind! This is the guitar method students and teachers have been waiting for. Learn single notes with riffs like "Day Tripper" and "Crazy Train," power chords with classics by AC/DC and the Who, strumming with songs from Neil Young and Nirvana, and much more. The method's unique, well-paced, and logical teaching sequence will get students playing more easily than ever before, and music from popular artists like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin will keep them playing and having fun. Book 1 includes: parts of the guitar, easy-to-follow guitar tablature, notes & riffs starting on the low E string, tempo & time signatures, understanding notes and rests, palm muting, vibrato, power chords, open chords, strumming, slides and slurs, hammer-ons and pull-offs, many music styles, nearly 100 riffs and songs, audio with demos of every example, and more!

From choosing and tuning your first electric guitar through to forming a band and getting your first gig—here's a crash course in rock guitar technique, which will have you riffing like a pro in record-breaking time! Using speed learning techniques to master the essential basics of rhythm and lead guitar technique, you will also gain an understanding and practical knowledge of music theory—all taught in a fun and irreverent style. With all essential chords and scales included, as well as dozens of the riffs, licks, and tricks used by rock's hottest lead guitarists, this book teaches you everything you need to get out of your bedroom and onto the stage. The accompanying CD includes more than 20 riffs inspired by world-famous rock and metal classics, and dozens of hot licks covering essential techniques: bending, sliding, vibrato, and phrasing; two-handed tapping, harmonics, arpeggios, and speed picking are all broken down step by step in an easy-to-follow fashion that will ensure you are never at a loss when the time comes to take to the spotlight!

The Suzuki Method of Talent Education is based on Dr. Shinichi Suzuki's view that every child is born with ability, and that man is the son of his environment. Students are taught using the "mother-tongue" approach. Suzuki Guitar School materials include: Guitar Part (Vol. 1-7) * Guitar Accompaniments (Vol. 1) * CD (Vol. 1-4). Suzuki Method Core Materials are available for piano, violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, harp, guitar, and recorder.

Featuring standard notation and tablature, this new book & audio package introduces basic accompaniment patterns, how to use the thumb and fingers, Travis" picking, and much more. Readers learn the applications of folk, blues, ragtime and new age styles to solo guitar while learning beautiful new chord voicings."

(Music Sales America). This book has been specially created for any guitarist who wants to learn note reading, be they beginners or more advanced players who have neglected this part of their musicianship. It starts with the very basics of written music and progressively introduces notes on each string one at a time until all notes in the "open position" (first five frets) of the guitar have been mastered, and up to 8th note rhythm subdivisions have been learned and applied. Also covered are sharps, flats, key signatures, accidentals, repeats and more. Each step includes practical exercises, handy tips and tricks and a simple repertoire for students to put their reading skills into practice. Spiral open so it lays flat no matter what page you're on.

2004 Silver Award Winner for Best Instructional Materials by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.Correct Practice is what all good players do, whether they know they are doing it or not! That's how they get to be good players. Whether you are a beginner or a player with the usual problems, here is your Foundation book, "The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar!"- for ALL styles and ALL levels. "The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar" is composed of three elements:Understandings: Concepts which you must understand in order to begin to practice effectivelyTools: Practice Approaches to be used to solve problems in playing. These approaches are based on certain key Understandings, such as Muscle Memory and Sympathetic Tension, as well as Attention and Awareness.Exercises: Specific routines to be done during practice, that will build technique, (playing ability) in a step by step fashion, each step building on the previous one, and preparing for the next.