Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1

Use it to learn to play the guitar to pass the hard times.

Not sure how to some of the music in the book is correctly notated according to professional musicians or music teachers that recommended it. For example, page 12 shows Ode to Joy begins in C but it is really E that is shown in the music notation. Hal Leonard Books have been around for years but this is the first copy I have ever owned where the music lesson read improperly.

I really liked the book. I was learning notes and playing songs. Then, I got to page 16 and went to learn notes on the 5th string when I realized it skipped to page 33? I am extremely disappointed about this. I would have given this book 0 stars for that reason, however; I was very happy with it before I discovered that flaw. Guitar Center is sending me a new one tomorrow so I can continue learning with this book.

I picked up this book shortly after buying my first guitar in March. This book has made learning the guitar a great experience. After really picking it up and working with it on a daily basis I've come to love how everything is paced. You learn the very basics at first, which, for a beginner such as myself, is a MUST. The fact that the book actually teaches you how to read music really seals it. I plan on getting book 2 as soon as I finish this. Highly recommended!

This was the first guitar book I had purchased. I do not regret it. This is the first stepping stone to becoming a musician. It Has all the basics that you need to learn. A must have for beginners. Highly recommended.

My guitar teacher taught me with this book. It teaches you how to tune your guitar and the proper position in wich to play your guitar. It guides you through basic and big-sounding open chords and strumming/picking techniques. You even begin to cover reading music! That is the music industry music, folks, not just tabs. Not many other "Level 1" books provide that. It is a small, yet very versatile book. Obviously, it can be used as a teaching guide, though I strongly believe it can be a self-instruction book as well. The instructions are clear and they give you some popular songs to play to keep you motivated.