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Essential Elements for Guitar – Book 1 | Comprehensive Guitar Method for Beginners | Chords, Music Theory, and Sight-Reading | Guitar Songbook with Popular Hits and Exercises

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Description

The Ultimate Beginner Guitar Method Essential Elements for Guitar – Book 1 is a comprehensive learning resource designed for beginners. Developed by Will Schmid and Bob Morris, this structured method teaches guitar chords, music theory, sight-reading, and ensemble playing, helping students build a solid foundation in guitar performance. Step-by-Step Learning with Popular Songs This book features carefully sequenced lessons, ensuring gradual skill development through fun and engaging exercises. It includes cross-curricular activities, quizzes, improvisation techniques, and well-known songs in various styles. Perfect for Music Teachers and Self-Learners Whether used in private lessons, classrooms, or self-study, this book meets the National Standards for Music Education. The combination of classic tunes and modern teaching techniques makes it an excellent resource for aspiring guitarists. Songs Included All My Loving Amazing Grace American Pie Au Clair De La Lune Aura Lee Can You Feel The Love Tonight C.C. Rider Corrina Danny Boy De Colores The Drunken Sailor Duke Of Earl Dust In The Wind Eleanor Rigby Every Breath You Take Fanfare Rondeau For He's A Jolly Good Fellow Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?) Give My Regards To Broadway Good Mornin' Blues Greensleeves He's Got The Whole World In His Hands Hey Jude Hound Dog I Gave My Love A Cherry (The Riddle Song) Jambalaya (On The Bayou) Jingle Bells Joshua (Fit The Battle Of Jericho) Let It Be Low Rider Marianne Midnight Special Minuet In G Move It On Over Ode To Joy Pay Me My Money Down Rainbow Connection Ramblin' 'Round The Red River Valley Rock Around The Clock Rockin' Robin Scarborough Fair Shenandoah Simple Gifts Sinner Man Snake Charmer Stand By Me The Star-Spangled Banner Surfin' U.S.A. Sweet Home Chicago and more. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hal Leonard


Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2007


Edition ‏ : ‎ 11.6.2007


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 96 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 142345362X


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 28


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.8 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.23 x 12 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #5,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #5 in Guitars (Books) #34 in General Musical Instrument Accessories #47 in Music Instruction & Study (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Great Teaching Tool
My 9-year-old daughter used the Essential Elements book for Saxophone, and we were both pleased with how the book was laid out, and the progression from simple to more difficult songs. I decided to purchase Guitar Level 1 and Level 2 to teach her guitar. We are very pleased with the books. Level 1 begins by showing simplified C and G chords using only one finger. It teaches the simplest strum patterns for 4/4 and 3/4 time. It then provides songs with just those two chords. They can either sing or have someone else play while they strum along. I like the fact that the student is able to "play" a real tune in the first lesson. Although very simple, my daughter felt like she had accomplished something in Lesson 1. The book then teaches fingering for single notes on the 1st string (high E). There are several short songs using only three notes to get the student comfortable with finger placement and reading standard notation. The book continues in this way, adding new chords and new notes, always ending with several tunes to practice using the new information. Some of the songs are actually pretty good and recognizable (although short). All have notation and chords written across the top. If chords have not been covered yet, they are written in grey (so the instructor can play chords as an accompaniment). The book does not include Tabs, which I am actually pleased about. I will teach my daughter tabs, but would like her to know standard notation first. So many scores don't include tabs, I don't want her to be limited in her ability to read both forms. Throughout the book, there are several interesting facts about music, history, terminology, style. It does go into some music theory, but a little at a time. My daughter would be bored with too much theory at once. The book is a good size so it can be placed nicely on the music stand. Some books are too thick and it's work to keep them open on the stand. This book did not include a CD, which kept the price down. Level 2 includes a CD (at least mine did), but the price went up considerably. I would prefer no CD and less $$, but that's just me. Usually, we listen to CD's and play along once and it gets stored somewhere and never seen again. I don't have any complaints about the book. My daughter is excited to learn the guitar and I now have an organized progression to use as a guide. This book could be used with an instructor or individually. I believe both adults and children can learn the basics using this book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2013 by Summer Frost

  • Great book for learning
This book has a lot. To use to learn logs of information
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2025 by Amazon Customer

  • Great beginners guitar book
The beginning guide book keeps its word. It eases the novice into the guitar in small non-intimidating fashion. For example, it begins with simpler chords and only using the top three strings. Then later moving to 4-string chords and finally all six strings. Instructions also include various strumming techniques and some picking help. Book includes a number of well known songs for practice. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024 by Daniel G. Tonn

  • Lots of cool, fun songs
Used it for guitar class in school and I had more fun than I expected.
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024 by Lukez1lla06

  • Great for beginners
My daughter (12) just started guitar and this is a great book to start the basics with. If you already have some knowledge with guitar, even if it's been years, skip this one and get a bit more advanced one. If you're new this one is great.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024 by Chelsea

  • Beginner
As a beginner guitar player this book is great. I wore my first one out and needed to buy a new one. Easy to use. If you are left handed be sure to by that one.
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024 by cheryl

  • Gift
My grandson asked for book to help him learn how to play guitar. I know he will love this.
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024 by C. Grunert

  • Passing along the gift of music
I used this book to help teach myself how to play acoustic guitar three years ago. My 11-year old niece and 9-year old nephew both got guitars for Christmas and I thought this would be the perfect companion to help them learn to play as well. The book is very easy to follow, even if you've never read sheet music before. I have not used the included CD, It has a track to help you tune your guitar, as well as demos of many of the songs in the book. This book does an excellent job of showing you what every part of your guitar is called, hand positioning, and how to play not only specific notes but chords as well. This book is printed in Treble clef, not tab. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn how to play guitar at their own pace, without the need of outside instruction/lessons. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2014 by BoxerMom71315

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