"In the years after World War II, music was evolving from big-band jazz into the primordial elements of rock 'n' roll--and these louder styles demanded revolutionary instruments. When Leo Fender's tiny firm marketed the first solid-body electric guitar, the Esquire, musicians immediately saw its appeal. Not to be out-maneuvered, Gibson, the largest guitar manufacturer, raced to build a competitive product. The company designed an 'axe' that would...

A beginner's guide offers basic guitar instruction in twenty interlocking step-by-step lessons.

A guide to the history and development of all types of guitars, packed with detailed information and profiling everything from the legendary Martin flat-tops to Gibson's arch-tops guitars and Fender's twelve-string electrics.

Provides lessons starting with the basics-how to hold the bass, how to tune it up and start playing. Each lesson is written in the standard TAB format with easy-to-read rhythm notations, and step-by-step pictures of the correct finger position.

"This practical guide teaches you everything you need to know--and nothing you don't. It is filled with easy-to-follow lessons and advice for perfect playing and performing. Written by the experts at Total Guitar magazine, How to Play Guitar includes hundreds of photographs and step-by-step exercises, top advice for improvement, tips for getting the most from your gear and even sections about songwriting and performing. Suitable for all ability levels,...

Introduces readers to the history of guitars and how they are played.

Unleash the song of your soul with Zen Guitar, a contemplative handbook that draws on ancient Eastern wisdom and applies it to music and performance.
Each of us carries a song inside us, the song that makes us human. Zen Guitar provides the key to unlocking this song—a series of life lessons presented through the metaphor of music.

Philip Sudo offers his own experiences with music to enable us to rediscover the...

The stimulating and soul-stirring sounds of a well-played guitar are the result of this guidebook. Photographs and illustrations demonstrate new skills so that readers can easily follow along independently. A full resource section allows for further exploration and mastery.