Hal Leonard Guitar Method: Book 1

by Will Schmid, Greg Koch

(Guitar Method). The Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and it also reflects some of the best guitar teaching ideas from around the world. Book 1 includes tuning; playing position; musical symbols; notes in first position; C, G, G7, D, D7, A7, and Em chords; rhythms through eighth notes; strumming and picking; over 80 great songs, riffs, and examples.

Genres: Music, Reference, Art, Nonfiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[John Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my third attempt to learn to play the guitar
and the first time I have stuck with it. 63 days in a row at the time of this writing to be specific and have completed all 100 lessons. The difference this time around was that I purchased a lesson book and challenged myself to complete it. A technique that I was taught when learning to play the saxophone at an early age and for some reason failed to implement my first two attempts. For me I discovered that creating a path of milestones strengthens resolve and without this direction my previous attempts were doomed from the beginning.

I strongly recommend this method if not this book to anyone attempting to learn a new craft. Today I will be purchasing Hal Leonard’s Book Two. Remember to practice at least 1 hour a day. Hearing my wife say, “You sound really good” and “I admire your commitment” is all the further encouragement I need.

October 26, 2024
I just completed this book a second time with the Telecaster I purchased as a reward for completing the lessons on the acoustic. The experience was just as rewarding as the first “read”.

I strongly recommend this book for new students of the guitar being either acoustic or electric.

[Calvin West]

Went through this book for guitar lessons.

[Mark Pedigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially, a simplified version of the Mel Bay book. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s as frustration free as it can be. For instance, the dreaded F chord does not make an appearance until midway through book two. I’d recommend working your way through the companion “Easy pop rhythms” book as well to get those chords under your fingers.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great series to start with in learning guitar. Teaching the notes, where they are on a music staff as well as chords. Easy exercises and recognizable songs for practice make this book not only practical but fun.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from playing piano, this is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to learn with actual sheet music rather than tabs so this is perfect. Will be doing the rest of the books as well.

Saw rapid progress with it as I already can separate hands and read sheet music. Took under 3 weeks of consistent practice. Very enjoyable to be learning another instrument with this method.

[Seth Hadenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good foundation, but pretty boring. Would recommend watching YouTube videos of the concepts found in the book.

[Yanna Poroshina]

great for begginers

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful, enjoy the online support/reinforcement

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

great resource for a self-guided introduction to playing guitar

[Kite · Rating 3 out of 5]

we used this book in my schools guitar class, was actually really helpful! I liked it

[Malmesteen70]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[David]

Abandoned in order to work through the 3-book combo instead.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The guitar-learning standard.