Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1

Synopsis

(Guitar Method). The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and ensembles and strumming. Features a chord chart, and traditional songs like: Amazing Grace * Greensleeves * and When the Saints Go Marching In. Audio examples of the exercises are accessible online with the unique code included with the book. Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Guitar

* Key concepts: Parts of the guitar, guitar tuning, strumming patterns
* Real example: Learn to hold the guitar properly, tune the strings using a tuner (e.g., chromatic tuner), and practice basic strumming patterns (e.g., downstrokes, upstrokes).

Chapter 2: Basic Chords

* Key concepts: C, G, D, and Em chords, finger placement, transitions
* Real example: Study the fingerings for each chord (e.g., C: index finger on fret 1 of string 2, middle finger on fret 2 of string 1, ring finger on fret 3 of string 3), practice transitioning smoothly between these chords in a song or exercise.

Chapter 3: Strumming Songs

* Key concepts: Strumming patterns with basic chords, chord progressions
* Real example: Practice strumming a familiar song like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" using the C, G, and D chords in a basic strumming pattern (e.g., down-down-down-down-up-down).

Chapter 4: Single-Note Playing

* Key concepts: Reading notes on the tablature, notes on the E and A strings
* Real example: Learn to read tablature and play simple melodies on the E and A strings (e.g., "Mary Had a Little Lamb").

Chapter 5: More Chords

* Key concepts: Am, F, Dm, and G7 chords, chord variations
* Real example: Add these additional chords to your repertoire, exploring different voicings and positions on the guitar (e.g., Am: index finger on fret 0 of string 5, middle finger on fret 1 of string 2, ring finger on fret 3 of string 1).

Chapter 6: Scales and Fingerpicking Patterns

* Key concepts: Basic guitar scales, fingerpicking techniques
* Real example: Practice playing the C major scale and fingerpick patterns (e.g., thumb on bass notes, fingers on higher notes) in a simple arrangement.

Chapter 7: Rhythm and Timing

* Key concepts: Various rhythms, time signatures, syncopated rhythms
* Real example: Study different rhythms (e.g., quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes) and practice playing syncopated rhythms (e.g., playing notes on the "off-beat").

Chapter 8: Improvising and Soloing

* Key concepts: Improvisation basics, using scales and chords
* Real example: Experiment with improvising short melodies over familiar chords, using the C major scale and basic chord progressions.

Chapter 9: Power Chords and Riffs

* Key concepts: Power chords, guitar riffs, rock and blues techniques
* Real example: Learn to play power chords (e.g., root note and fifth perfect) and popular guitar riffs from rock and blues songs.