I need a book!!

zoom!

Hey guys just about finished my Leavin' cert and I'm lookin to take my guitar playing seriously. I was wondering would you guys recommend any books that I could go through that would teach me the basics (reading sheet music, chord make up and theory) and goes all the way to advanced.

Thanks

Grolschevik

Not too familiar with the literature, but have a wander through the books section of a decent music shop.

That said, I always found The Guitar Handbook very useful and interesting...
http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Handbook-Ralph-Denyer/dp/0679742751

Thomas from Presence

Second the Guitar Handbook. I find it better as a reference to those who got lessons though.

If you're looking for something that covers the basics with a focus on song writing you should check out Rikky Rooksby's How to Write Songs on the Guitar.

Great book and a nice hands-on way into some of the basic concepts of theory. I'm recommending it to all my students presently with great results.

raindog.promo

I found this to be very helpful and easy to understand. It also covers far more than just reading music. A nice overview to everything.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Right-Way-Read-Music/dp/0716020084

kneeelix

Id say get a hold of some junior/leaving cert music books. that will teach you the basics of theory. plus plenty of exercises to help you memorise things and apply what you learn. they do seem to be more piano based i find. I do dabble into music theory but am no expert by any means. One book i got which i found quite good was
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/Solo-Guitar-Playing-Third-Edition-Book-1-With-CD/3598537

it is more classical guitar based but the principals are the same and theres a cd to practice timing and various pieces from the book to.
Hope this helps.

rcaz

If you're looking to learn theory, get a theory book, not a guitar book. I learned from The AB Guide to Music Theory by Eric Taylor. It's a good book, explains everything easily without patronising you. There's parts 1 and 2, you'll have all you'll need from part 1, unless you're getting really into classical stuff. I borrowed part 2 off my pianist friend to learn about modes, but that was all I could take from it.

I like it because you're learning theory on its own, not theory with a leaning towards a particular instrument, which I think is always a bad practice.

Patricide

I second this guide. Great book.

Miklos

Sounds like you need lessons, really. Can't beat a lesson with a good teacher once or twice a week.