Best Guitar and Bass Lesson Book

[monkie]

I'm looking to buy a guitar and bass lesson book to improve my playings. My style is rock and blues. Others wouldn't hurt also. I know it's not as good as good teacher but it's only what I can afford right now. Are there any good ones out there?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[monkie]

Is there anyone who have been getting lessons from any book(s) before? There must be someone???

[Purge]

Well...I guess the question would be "what is it that you're wanting to learn?" Are you looking to become a theory guru? Are you wanting to work on your speed and picking technique so that you can become a shredding machine? Or do you want to improve your songwriting skills and maybe learn how to do a tasteful solo in the pocket? Scales? Chords?

It's a pretty broad question that you've asked...kind of along the lines of "what's the best guitar?" But going out on a limb here...my personal favorite is the Guitar Grimoire series. Ridiculous amount of knowledge, and no matter how a lot of people may feel differently, I would say that you can never have too much of a knowledge base.

I don't mean this as an insult at all...but I think there's a ton of people out there who really want to be a better guitarist...yet they don't really take the time to think about what it is they're actually wanting to accomplish. In oversimplified terms, do you wanna be Vai or Vaughan?

[monkie]

Originally Posted by Purge

Well...I guess the question would be "what is it that you're wanting to learn?" Are you looking to become a theory guru? Are you wanting to work on your speed and picking technique so that you can become a shredding machine? Or do you want to improve your songwriting skills and maybe learn how to do a tasteful solo in the pocket? Scales? Chords?

It's a pretty broad question that you've asked...kind of along the lines of "what's the best guitar?" But going out on a limb here...my personal favorite is the Guitar Grimoire series. Ridiculous amount of knowledge, and no matter how a lot of people may feel differently, I would say that you can never have too much of a knowledge base.

I don't mean this as an insult at all...but I think there's a ton of people out there who really want to be a better guitarist...yet they don't really take the time to think about what it is they're actually wanting to accomplish. In oversimplified terms, do you wanna be Vai or Vaughan?

It's a good point you brought up. As of right now I want to work on techniques for better speed and picking. I already have some decent theory knowledge on the keyboard so I don't really need any more on the guitar. Although it would certainly help I don't think I would need it to make me a better player. I'm more of a player who wants to improvise and create my own chops.

I'm currently looking for something that would help me get more confident and a better grip with the guitar. You are right about the fact that you can never have too much of a knowledge base. I have checked the Guitar Grimoire series and thought maybe that's what I probably need. Does it come with a DVD?

In your oversimplified terms question, I wanna be Vai.

Thanks

[Henry Mars]

Originally Posted by monkie

It's a good point you brought up. As of right now I want to work on techniques for better speed and picking. I already have some decent theory knowledge on the keyboard so I don't really need any more on the guitar. Although it would certainly help I don't think I would need it to make me a better player. I'm more of a player who wants to improvise and create my own chops.

I'm currently looking for something that would help me get more confident and a better grip with the guitar. You are right about the fact that you can never have too much of a knowledge base. I have checked the Guitar Grimoire series and thought maybe that's what I probably need. Does it come with a DVD?

In your oversimplified terms question, I wanna be Vai.

Thanks

There is a an old book by Denis Sandole called "Guitar Lore". That book should cover most of the stuff you want to learn.

[montage]

In the last page of my Bass Grimoire there's an ad for three Guitar Grimoire DVDs: Scales & Modes, Chords & Voicings, Progressions & Improvisation.

I'm still hoping to someday get John Entwistle's instructional DVD....

[Purge]

Ah, excellent. Then the Grimoire series might not be what you're looking for. You might be better off going with a DVD or two...Paul Gilbert and John Petrucci's videos come immediately to mind. Neither of those guys are going to teach you how to play a solo that'll make the ladies weep with orgasmic fury, but chops? Oh yes. Gilbert especially is a phenomenal teacher. You might even consider hunting down some Guitar World magazines with his articles in them.

And as much as I am not a fan of the music, I've gotta sheepishly admit...Michael Angelo Batio writes a hell of an article too. I've given up hating the fact that every time I see a column of his, I learn something with damn near instantaneous results.

(Incidentally, I'm really hoping this thread doesn't turn into a "shred vs feel" screaming buttfest...)

[monkie]

Originally Posted by Purge

Ah, excellent. Then the Grimoire series might not be what you're looking for.

When would a book be better than the DVD and vice versa?

I'm really looking into a book and DVD combo.

[Gear_Junky]

not to take a shot at anyone...

1. speed and technique without theory (knowledge of "why") is like power without torque - much noise without a whole lot of usefulness

2. theory is like butter (spread on a little bit at a time)

3. everyone needs theory AND technique, but different people need different amounts.

4. best compliment I ever heard of my playing (from a teacher): "you certainly know when not to play". I am at the point where I realize that it's an important compliment - I was working towards that.

I am a "slow" player (can't shred) but would love to improve my speed (for variety, not for sake of speed).

What got me here mostly is a series of books by Bill Edwards called "FRETBOARD LOGIC" (I recommend Volumes 1 and 2, 3 would be optional/later). They also have "BASS LOGIC", but if you already play guitar and "also" play bass, I'd recommend covering the guitar books. The CAGED system helps greatly with bass.

I find that I keep going back to the books, either to get new chord shapes I need (the beauty of the book is that unlike some chord encyclopedia once you find a chord shape you learn it as a moveable/transposable chord TYPE and it tends to stick) or to get scales/lead patterns/arpegios, etc.

The book was also incredibly helpful to me in understanding concepts of solo/lead/melody. Actually that's probably Volume 3 territory, but the author explains rhythmic phrasing, iterations, repetition - all very useful.

The best part of the Volumes 1 and 2 (CAGED system) is that you tend to learn the fretboard in a permanent context and scales are linked with chords in your mind.

I would recommend these books with any other stuff you get.

[Purge]

Originally Posted by monkie

When would a book be better than the DVD and vice versa?

I'm really looking into a book and DVD combo.

Well, the Grimoire series is completely theory oriented...so I was just thinking that a visual demonstration of chop techniques might prove to be a little more handy.

[wbcsound]

Sheets of Sound is very good. A little more towards the Jazz side of things but really covers an incredible amount of guitar technical knowledge.

[ranjam]

For a little cash, I use and like the various 'Play-Along' books that have a CD with them. This helps break me out of a rut and keeps me from playing the same old patterns, which is the ultimate lesson. And choosing a style I don't normally play really wakes me up. There are so many books to chose from, but I use the ones from Hal Leonard with titles such as 'Classic Rock' or 'Funk'. But for absolutely free, you can't beat YouTube.

[monkie]

Originally Posted by ranjam

But for absolutely free, you can't beat YouTube.

Hahaha... that's me.

[Roguetitan]

for bass you dont need a book instead just go here.
www.studybass.com

Dave Marks you tube

www.davemarks.com

Bass in 60 seconds

lots of other great videos on youtube incluting my rush cover lessons
BassPops