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 | | Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method: Grade 1 (Grade 1) by Mel Bay ISBN-10: 9780871663542 ISBN-10: 0-87166-354-6 ISBN-13: 9780871663542 ISBN-13: 978-0-87166-354-2 Paperback 1990-06-01 Mel Bay Publications Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description The world's premier method for learning modern plectrum style guitar, time-tested and proven successful in building the theoretic and technical foundation needed to play in any style. All seven grades of this method are written in standard notation only to encourage better sight reading. In Grade 1, the student guitarist will learn to play solos, duets, scales, and chords in the keys of C, A minor, G and E minor. Even in Grade 1, the student is already exposed to the chord/melody concept of guitar performance. A supplementary study book entitled Grade 1 Studies, two different play-along CD recordings (pop and traditional), and a VHS or DVD video are available. The companion recordings feature Tommy Flint and William Bay playing in split-track format, with the solo parts performed on the right channel, and the accompaniment or second duet parts played on the left. The student can play along with the full recording, or tune out either channel and play the missing part. | ||
Reviews | ||
So it's not modern... There are many complaints about this book. The first two I read said the book was outdated, or not modern. I agree-both of those statements are true. Another complaint is that this book is boring. Tenting Tonight might not be your cup of tea, along with many others. Before you listen to any of these reviews, take another look at the cover. I don't think people are paying any attention to the big number one on there. This is book one of seven. Have you ever looked at the material in book seven? Go to a music store and leaf through a copy. I guarantee you that most guitarists you run into will not be sight reading that material. If you go into learning the material with the view that it is not modern or boring, you are not going to learn anything. Have you ever wondered why this series of books has been around for so long? You will learn, if you put in some effort. If you find book one too easy, try book two. Is it the material that is too easy, or the fact that, before long, this series of books will definately show you flaws in your technique that need to be worked on? | ||
Never used it, never opened it The instructor asked me to return it because he didnt want me to use that book, therefore I never opened it and cannot give a review. | ||
For what it's focused on - it's pretty good I disagree with some reviewers who feel this is just old fashioned - well it is old fashioned as it was first written in 1946 - but for what it does, teach you to play music on guitar, it's OK. There's very few other books that do that well. But these Mel Bay books are so cheap, they are worth it just for the music reading practice. It's not a book for starting to play guitar, it's a book to help you read music on guitar. I'll give it 5 as it's such good value for money and forcing you to learn music - something you need to do sometime before you get real good - or risk looking a moron in front of other musicians who've taken the time out to learn standard notation. Why read? Well it's a bit like being able to speak a language but not be able to read and write it. TAB is specific for guitarists and bass players - if you'll ever need to communicate your musical ideas to any other players you'll need standard notation. And if you want to be a pro, we shouldn't even be having this discussion - it isn't an option. There's also Mel Bay's newer, William Bay written series of 5 books based on these called Mastering the Guitar. These have a newer feel. But they are very similar. | ||
Solid Instruction for the Hungry Student I am a "self-taught" guitarist of over 30 years. Last year I decided to get serious about guitar and put some order around all the stuff I've picked up over the years. I can't count the number of instructional "stuff" I've purchased over the years. I wish I would have found this text earlier. I would have saved myself lots of money and frustration! If you want to know how music theory relates to your fretboard and *really* be able to play any kind of music, this is the book for you. If you want a quick answer or a formula for playing rifts to impress your friends, you probably won't like it. This book is for someone who sincerely wants to work toward mastering the instrument. The course is not a destination, but rather the beginning of a journey that will bring you hours of enjoyment as you discover how music theory is related to the fretboard. For best results, find a good instructor with a sense of humor to help you; it's a good investment. | ||
Not exactly modern I got this book after having previously purchased Ralph Denyer's Guitar Handbook. This book is most certainly not about the modern guitar you might be thinking about if you're learning to play The Beatles, Metallica, U2, Aerosmith, or any rock or hard rock bands from the last fifty plus years. This book's version of "modern" guitar seems to be talking about the semi-classical/folk tunes that a young guitar player might be interested if they were growing up around 1920 or 1930. This isn't to say that the book has nothing positive to offer. It is very well laid out and does introduce concepts about scales and chords in a way that is not too quick for the beginner. It is a good book, but it may be a little old, and therefore, not what you're looking for. | ||