On odd days, Tripp uses a school practice room to let loose on a borrowed guitar. Eyes closed, strumming that beat-up instrument, Tripp escapes to a world where only the music matters. On even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room. To Tripp, she's trying to become even more perfect—she's already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist. But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of the guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected. What starts as a series of snippy notes quickly blossoms into the sharing of interests and secrets and dreams, and the forging of a very unlikely friendship. Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart. From beloved author Mary Amato comes a YA novel of wit and wisdom, both heartfelt and heartbreaking, about the power of music and the unexpected chords that draw us together.
This book is designed to be useful for guitarists at any skill level. Beginners can use it as an introduction to the foundational concepts of the instrument, intermediate players can use it for training and theoretical work, and advanced players can explore the sections on advanced theory, extended technique and the exhaustive tables of melodic and rhythmic possibilities. It is divided into two parts: pitch and rhythm. Part 1 (pitch) begins with the properties of string, harmonics, and tuning systems. It then moves methodically through pitch information, beginning with locating all versions of a single pitch, building pentatonic, heptatonic, and all possible symmetrical scales. This is followed by a study of intervals, with all possible locations of every two pitches, and a long study that moves through every possible fingering of three pitches, with a series of exercises to master triadic syntax. Part 1 closes with a study of four-pitch structures and complete tables that show all possible pitch sets in circular visual notation. Part 2 (rhythm) begins with a complete course in "Symmetrical Picking," a method based on drum rudiments that builds control in the picking hand through an exhaustive variety of movements. The focus of this section is building a strong rhythmic foundation, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, speed, dynamics, and groove. It is followed by a study of legato playing, working with ornaments and slides. The study of playing with fingers on multiple strings takes up the remainder of the book. This begins with the study of pulse against pulse, playing two simultaneous tempos. The book concludes with a study of polyrhythm, playing one rhythm against another. Plain English is used as much as possible to describe theoretical concepts, and hundreds of illustrations were made for the book as an aid to those who either don't speak English or prefer to think visually. This approach is designed to be inclusive and to promote creative practice. The main idea of the book is described in this passage (page 154): "Even in this small area there is a lot of material, potentially a lifetime of study. The amount of information can feel overwhelming to students at any level. For this reason, the book is designed for self-directed practice, with an emphasis on what the player "could" do, rather than what the player "should" do. The principle is to develop your own learning process, rather than following someone else's. The ability to make choices is essential in finding a personal approach to the instrument. Pick and choose the studies that seem interesting - there should be enough variety to accommodate a wide range of personalities. If any particular concept or exercise has been useful as the starting point for a new creative direction, then the book has done its job. Its purpose is not to push any dogma, method, or style, but to open the door to options for guitarists of any background that are looking for new perspectives.
(Beginning Solo Guitar). The songs in this book have been carefully arranged for beginning fingerstyle guitar. Each solo combines melody and harmony in one full-sounding arrangement. Lyrics are also included. Songs: Blowin' in the Wind * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Don't Know Why * Every Breath You Take * The Godfather (Love Theme) * Hallelujah * Happy Birthday to You * In My Life * Lean on Me * Moon River * No Woman No Cry * Over the Rainbow * Scarborough Fair/Canticle * Unchained Melody * What a Wonderful World.
Let’s face it – in the music world, guitars set the standard for cool. Since the 1950s, many of the greatest performers in rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and country have played the guitar. Playing electric guitar can put you out in front of a band, where you’re free to roam, sing, and make eye contact with your adoring fans. Playing acoustic guitar can make you the star of the vacation campfire sing-along or allow you to serenade that special someone. And playing any kind of guitar can bring out the music in your soul and become a valued lifetime hobby. Guitar For Dummies delivers everything the beginning to intermediate guitarist needs. The information has been carefully crafted so that you can find exactly what you want to know about the guitar. This clearly written guide is for anyone who wants to know how to Strum basic chords and simple melodies Expand your range with advanced techniques Play melodies without reading music Choose the right guitar Tune, change strings, and make simple repairs Figure out how to play anything from simple chord progressions to smokin’ blues licks. Guitar For Dummies also covers the following topics and more: Hand position and posture Basic major and minor chords Adding spice with basic 7th chords and barre chords Playing melodies in position and in double-stops Different styles including rock, blues, folk, and classical Buying a guitar and accessories Taking care of your guitar Guitar For Dummies also contains a play-along audio CD that contains all 97 songs and exercises from the book. Whether you’re contemplating a career as a heavy metal superstar or you just want to strum a few folk songs for your friends, this friendly book-and-CD package makes it easy to pick up the guitar and start playing. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
Try the Visual Chord System for Beginner Guitar Learn your first 99 guitar chords quickly using Brent's visual system tried and tested with thousands of students. Designed for the complete beginner to intermediate level guitar players of any age. The chords you will learn are the most frequently played chords in pop, country, folk, and rock guitar playing. Start off learning the 16 easy 1, 2, and 3 finger chords, then move on to the 12 essential chords all guitarists must know. Make sure to take all the visual quizzes to help memorize these important chord shapes! Next comes 35 more commonly used chords, followed by the 16 sharps and flats chords. After you have a good grasp of these chords, you can start to focus on playing barre chords. Brent has included 7 tips to master barre chords with accompanying exercises. If you are into rock music, work on the 4 main power chords with some great little song patterns. Then on to the 8 moveable chords that you can transpose up and down the guitar neck. Also, three of the most important charts you will ever need are included: the major key chart showing the chords in each key (which is great for learning or writing your own songs); a handy capo chart to help you transpose to any key; the all-important guitar fingerboard charts, so you know where you are going. As an added bonus, there are three different printable blank guitar chord charts to add more chords to your repertoire or just write down your favourite songs. The Beginner Guitar Chord Book will you get jamming in no time. Check out Brent's website for the accompanying video and audio tracks, plus a good selection of guitar books and free lessons.
"Chords for Kids" is a handy resource for children and early learners of guitar and keyboard. Chords are one of the most important ways that children can learn about music. They provide a fast route into playing with others and encourage a feeling for structure and composition. The simple and clean layout provides chord diagrams on each spread, for both guitar and keyboard, allowing a parent or teacher to explain easily. Using a simple tab-per-key approach, it covers all of the basic chords in each key, including majors, minors, triads, fourths, sixths, sevenths and ninths. Some variations are included at the back for further exploration.
