Full Description
The bestselling guide now updated with video demonstrations and audio tracks online The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments in the world, which is why it's so appealing to musicians. Guitar For Dummies, 4th Edition gives you everything a beginning or intermediate acoustic or electric guitarist needs: from buying a guitar to tuning it, playing it, and caring for it. Fully revised and updated, with online video and audio clips that help you learn and play along, you'll explore everything from simple chords and melodies to more challenging exercises that are designed to satisfy players of all levels. Additionally, new players can dive into the basics of guitar and accessory selection. Whether you prefer the cool sounds of the acoustic or the edgier tones of the electric, your guitar will get a lot of use as you play your way through the lessons presented in this integral book. But your journey doesn't stop at the last page! With an updated multimedia component, you have access to more than 80 online videos and 35 audio tracks that help build your talent.
Play along with online videos and audio tracks to develop and reinforce your new skills
Tune your guitar, change strings, and make simple repairs to keep your instrument in working order
Choose the right guitar and equipment for your needs
Explore numerous musical styles, including rock, blues, jazz, and country
Guitar For Dummies, 4th Edition guides you in the development of your strumming talent—and who knows where that can take you!
Contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Guitar 7
CHAPTER 1: Guitar Basics: The Parts of a Guitar and How It Makes Music 9
CHAPTER 2: How to Tune Your Guitar 17
CHAPTER 3: Preparing to Play: Holding the Guitar and Reading Guitar Notation 25
Part 2: Ready to Play: The Basics 37
CHAPTER 4: The Best Way to Begin: Strumming Chords 39
CHAPTER 5: Playing Melodies — without Reading Music! 59
CHAPTER 6: Adding Some Spice with 7th Chords 69
Part 3: Beyond the Basics: Starting to Sound Cool 85
CHAPTER 7: Making Things Smooth by Playing in Position 87
CHAPTER 8: Doubling Up with Double-Stops 97
CHAPTER 9: Stretching Out: Barre Chords 105
CHAPTER 10: Special Articulation: Making the Guitar Talk 129
Part 4: A Pile of Styles 157
CHAPTER 11: Ready to Rock: Rock Guitar Basics 159
CHAPTER 12: Bluer Than Blue: Blues Guitar Basics 187
CHAPTER 13: Around the Campfire: Folk Guitar Basics 211
CHAPTER 14: Maestro, If You Please: Classical Guitar Basics 237
CHAPTER 15: Sunglasses and Berets: Jazz Guitar Basics 255
Part 5: A Guitar of Your Own 269
CHAPTER 16: Shopping for a Guitar 271
CHAPTER 17: Eyeing Guitar Amps, Effects, Cases, and Accessories 287
CHAPTER 18: Changing Your Strings 303
CHAPTER 19: Guitar Wellness: Basic Maintenance 317
Part 6: The Part of Tens 333
CHAPTER 20: Ten (Or So) Guitarists You Should Know 335
CHAPTER 21: Ten Great Songs for Beginning Guitarists 339
Part 7: Appendixes 343
APPENDIX A: How to Read Music 345
APPENDIX B: 96 Common Chords 355
APPENDIX C: How to Use the Website 359
Index 373
