Ernie Ball How to Play Guitar Phase 1 Book

This is my absolute favorite guitar method book. I’ve been playing guitar for 20 years with a mix of self-taught and lessons, and now I teach others. One thing that is always frustrating with traditional methods is how long they focus on the stuff kids, teens, and impatient adults find “boring” (like theory, single note practice segments that don’t make up a “song”, or simple outdated songs that are completely lost on younger generations). People want to say they’re learning guitar and be able to practice playing identifiable songs that they’re interested in. However, musicians know that all the “boring” stuff is essential to playing well and reading music. Ernie Ball addresses this expertly by segmenting the book into solo notes and chords, and providing practice segments and progressions that are more relevant. It allows me to be able to assign “boring” stuff paired with learning simple chord songs so people get playing fast and stay interested while building skills and theory knowledge.Another issue with traditional methods is that they tend to either target beginner adults (and use language geared toward adults with higher reading comprehension and vocabulary, a strong focus on theory, and few pictures) or young kids (and use simple “kiddy” songs and concepts). Ernie Ball bridges that gap by providing easy to understand concepts that aren’t written in a way that is condescendingly juvenile or overwhelmingly boring. They also provide comics that are appropriate and relevant for all-ages. It is the only book I’ve had teens without prior music experience stay interested in.

Thank you!

I have a number of beginner guitar students I am teaching. This book addresses what most books don't: technique. The skill builders are excellent segments for beginners on developing coordination and dexterity needed to play guitar. In addition, the diagrams for holding the guitar and the pick are useful for students to keep going back to for reference. Even the silly eagle making faces when the counter examples are given helps to facilitate dialog between you and your student regarding proper technique in a humorous way. I plan on getting Phase 2 for my students as well.

As an old student and left on my own by a deceased brother/teacher many years back, I found stuff in this book that would be very helpful to a beginning picker as well as an advanced picker that would be critical of their bad habits. It is easy to understand the lessons to be learned and already I have passed the things to my beautiful 18 yr. old granddaughter.

Outstanding. I got this book over 20 years ago along with the second volume. In less than a week, I was playing and putting songs together. I never had a teacher, self taught. This book started it all!!!!!!!!!!! One thing about being self taught, I learned the music (godpel) I wanted to learn to play and not music that I would never need.Note: Anyone learn a musical instrument, there has to be a drive or desire yo learn. No one can teach ya that. But for music, its helped me through many low times in life. When strumming those strings and the hum that resinates in your body and your music seems to flow. There's nothing like it. And this book in comic form not just boring pics or alot of words. Gets it all started!!!!!!!!

This is the book I got as a kid to learn to play guitar and so it's what I got for my stepson. It is easy to read and understand and does an amazing job of teaching everything from the most basic and into notes and chords. I cannot reccomend this and the more advanced companion book enough.

First guitar book? Shopping for a kid or an adult? Need a refresher? Not much for reading? Like great illustrations? Don’t have much time? Get this book. Every guitar student of mine has a copy.

A good very basic book for beginning guitar. Not particularly detailed and not very comprehensive. Not for classical guitar. A good starter book just to start playing something.

I bought this for my son and I'm now using it to teach myself guitar instead. It's REALLY helpful, clear explanations and perfect for a beginner

Book came with some markings on the cover like it was written over with a sheet of paper ontop.Not seen as new or well kept condition.

Coffee stains and not very good condition.

was used for guitar lessons at primary school

thankyou