I actually love the Hal Leonard series I've used them for about 10 years and I grew up on book 1 myself. I find they are phenomenal for students under 10 years old or students who long term will get into classical guitar as it presents sheet music reading in a much simpler easy to digest way as opposed to something like the berklee method which by page 1 has introduced every single note in first position . The other thing is works well with is parents who want there child learning in a more formal way I find some parents think learning rock songs somehow appears less professional. I have had students go through all 3 volumes but I must admit after volume 1 they usually want to move on to other styles of music. I think you make some great points on the book in this video and it's great seeing other teachers use this method book.
Hi Matthew! Yes the berklee method I think is way too advanced. However it might be meant for students who are coming at it after already being fairly versatile on the instrument. I do agree it does look "better" to the parent. Personally I think it is an alright book but deff pretty boring if not used with a teacher
It is good! I just feel as though the skills you learn in it aren’t really what most people want. Id rather learn music I like and dirrectly learn the skills for that music
I recently bought a guitar as a complete beginner. I started watching TH-cam videos of those mentioned often as being the best courses. Most people said Justin Guitar is the best. I tried it but it was very difficult ie immediately he was teaching a 3 finger chord - crazy !! He should know it is almost impossible for a complete beginner to do this. So I bought the Hal Leonard book (books 1 to 3 in one book) and it is really great. There are a whole set of free TH-cam videos by Nick Tolman (if you Google 'Nick Tolman music' under videos you will find it) that go through every lesson in the Hal Leonard method books. It is brilliant!
I've been teaching out of the Hal Leonard book as well as some others for a few years now, and my main objection with it is that it teaches the notes on the first three strings, but then virtually ignores them when teaching the bottom three. It's up to the teacher to make sure the student does the necessary review so the student doesn't forget the higher notes. The Mel Bay Method, for example, is far more cumulative and comprehensive, and includes fingering and scale studies throughout the book that review known notes and concepts as well as introducing new ones. Also, I think each student needs to have a supplemental song book as well, to help them apply learned concepts and stay interested and motivated.
I don't think this book is really meant to be used without a teacher. Many of the points you bring up are 100% valid, especially looking at the book from the perspective of a self-taught guitarist looking for information to learn how to play. But at the end of the day, the strength of any method book is going to be in working with a teacher and the method they use. Also - I personally think the last 2 pieces of the book are a big anti-climatic, and choose to end a student's work in the book at Minuet in G. It's a nice larger scale piece, played as a duet and has a finality of all the skill sets that a student could potentially learn during their studies. Finally, I think a better view of the method is to look at all 3 books together, and seeing how a student progresses through the full method. With that said, for me and my students it's merely a tool for us to use. We takes what's useful for them and ignore the things that aren't useful for us in our lessons. I'm always on the quest for the "perfect" method book that I can use with my students. I fell this is a never ending quest.
Hey Nick, I totally agree the Minuet in G is much nicer, and in my opinion leave much more room open for the student to work on musically. My main issue is even though any method book should be used with a teacher. I do feel as though the book should explain that. Especially since this book is aimed to be used with a teacher. A little “now we recommend working with a teacher to make the most out of this book” would be super helpful. I am not as familiar with books 2 and 3 from this series however I personally dont know many guitarists who have played through all 3 books. They either get to the end of book 1 and go their own path. Or give up because the book is boring, haha...
This book was how I first started and I think it was a great foundation for everything else I later learned. However, I did have a teacher that would mix in other things along the way. It’s a good foundation, but definitely not the only resource you should use to learn
A couple of counterpoints - You mentioned "years of hard work" at the beginning of the video - I....don't know if you meant to state this, or if you meant more like months, but used the wrong term by mistake. It should not take "years" to get through the first book, even for the slowest of learners. My memory of my guitar lessons as a teenager back in the early 90's is somewhat foggy, but I think it was a couple of months of weekly lessons to get through book 1. Some of your observations of the weaknesses of this book are addressed in the subsequent 2 books of the series - like, playing in different positions - the books follow a logical progression from simple to more complex. Starting in first position and learning all your standard open chords and such before moving on up the neck is common in guitar methods for beginners. You admitted in the comments to not reading/going through books 2 and 3. The 3 books together represent a pretty logical progression from learning single notes on single strings, all the way up to chord progressions, keys, circle of fifths, etc. The songs that are used to illustrate and practice the skills and knowledge slowly increase in complexity. Adult learners I think do okay with the books as standalone without teachers - particularly with the wealth of supplemental internet resources nowadays. A young novice learner would definitely need to have access to a live teacher to fill in the gaps, and elaborate/expand on concepts. Beginner method books are probably most unappealing to teenage learners, as they typically lack patience for the "boring fundamentals" - and want to skip right to playing their favorite popular songs.
I've been teaching guitar for decades now both private and class lessons. Within that time I think I've used to some capacity most every book out there. Most method books are really not good, or intended, for self guided learning. Frederick Noad's "Solo Guitar Playing" states that you can teach yourself with the book and it's probably the worse one to try that with, though it's a great book with a competent teacher in private or class situations. For a basic style method book I thing Hal Leonard Method is pretty good. I like the complete one with books 1,2, and 3 combined. You do have to use it adapting to the student being taught with consideration to age, level, interests, etc... I have yet to find a book that I didn't need to supplement materials along with. Yes, note spelling and rhythmic exercises have to be stressed throughout, with a self guided student probably wouldn't do that. I look at this or any method book as just one of the tools to be used during the lesson, not as something to merely "spoon feed" the student with.
See what you are saying about noad is my BIGGEST issue with this book. They dont say that. Why cant they say “to get the most out of this book we recommend having a private teacher to assure you are doing everything we say correctly” to me leaving that out is the biggest issue. And I agree with everything in your second part. However, so many students use this book and ONLY use this book even with a teacher... as mentioned in the video. And where does that leave them?
I've been teaching out of both this and the Mel Bay book. It's great for kids who can't think abstractly yet. But I must admit that most of them will want to do playing that has nothing to do with these beginner methods.
Yes another issue I have is lack current material that the student can connect with. What kid these days knows rockin robbin? Even I didnt when I was a kid...
I learned from records and players. I studied music formerly in high school and college while playing solo and in bands. You are expecting something a book can never deliver. The whole picture. The only time you get the whole picture is when you set a piece down in front of you and learn how to play it. I have used many books in the past but music is still the ultimate discipline, whether on the page or by recording.
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist That isn't a complaint, it's a reality. There are many books published in this style. I still have a few around. I only read music these days however I was lucky enough to have a book in 1972 that was thin but loaded with exercises to build left hand dexterity. The author was Roger Filiberto. That little book is a real treasure. And of course Pumping Nylon is a classic. Method books are dated. Hang with the cats who can play and learn how to read music. It isn't hard. Fingering can be difficult at times since some passages can only be played one way accurately. And of course there is the brutality of making a piece sound like music. That'll keep anyone busy for a lifetime.
I’m teaching guitar soon, I’ll mainly use this book to tie in some simple music theory and using the staff, but I’ll also teach my own method which would depend on the students needs and experience, and help them explore their gear. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?
That sounds like a good approach. My biggest issue is people who only use this book. Or use it as a book to self teach themselves. Working towards your students needs and goals are great but remember you are the teacher and having a plan is better than no plan. Id suggest make your own list of fundamentals that each student has to build/work up to. That can be things like open chords, reading tab, playing by ear, reading sheet music , etc etc. and then work their goals around those
What would be a good recommend for someone with yesrs of experience playing guitar but want to learn southern folk in old school style of Jake Xerxes Fussel? Any advice you can give me to help me find resources will be greatly appreciated
How’s the online access ? Does it play the track without the teacher part? I have the Alfred’s guitar method and the online videos includes both the student and teacher playing and it distracts me from following along. Thank you 😊
I do not know why it would take ~ 2 years to get through about 50 pages of material for the first book. It would only be a year if you only managed to learn one page per week. But that aside, what method do you think is better? It is easy to find fault, but what about suggesting some alternatives?
Well it depends the age. I’ve had students who were 8 take two years, taking off summers, busy spring times. Poor practice schedule etc etc. and My main point isnt that this book is “bad” it’s more so that it is misleading. As it says you can be self taught from it. I think the first question is what are the goals of the student. If they want to to learn rock music this book wont really help them. They should get a teacher who knows that style and that repertoire and guild them along the way using examples from music they are interested in.
I've been playing for years but never learned to read music. My guitar teacher is a classically trained guitarist who studied under Joe Fava and is using this book to teach me to read......OMG I don't know anything!!! In all fairness is depends on the teacher you have that is using this book. You can NEVER replace a teacher with a book. He has broken my bad habits and is holding my nose to the grinding stone. No pity parties with this teacher. He has also given me supplemental music along with this book.
I used to play clarinet, played for 10 years as a child, and Hal Leonard is what I started with (with a teacher). I think it’s better for regular orchestral instruments and not guitar lol.
Hello, If you are working with a teacher the Hal Leonard one is pretty good! but a good teacher will be able to give you some supplemental material from other sources
People simply want to learn how to play music and I think that such methods book are geared to teaching a person how to READ music. YES it has some important information, but if you think, how many times will a person after they learn and go through such method books will they continue reading music just to simply learn a song. People nowadays want things fast and effortless. Thus cutting to the chase would basically more beneficial to the student. Elements that I think a method book should have in the effort to teach a person how to play music should be as follow: 1) how to hold the instrument 2) tuning the instrument 3) training right hand to chords 4) learning simple 4/4 and 6/8 rhythmic patterns This is not to say that you can add a bit of reading music notation, BUT again, this brings a whole lot of complex situation. People love to read chord charts instead of reading music notation. Such way of teaching would also focus more on the ear training and less time on reading music notation. REMEMBER, people want to learn how to play music, NOT be a MUSIC TEACHER. People want to have FUN playing music. Lastly, I think that by learning how to play music as quick as possible, the student may be motivated to go further. Thus reading music notation can then be taught. GREAT VIDEO.
Hello, Thank you for your comment, this goes along with a big point I might address in a future video and thats just that tabs arent great. But that doesnt mean sheet music is good. Everyone always argues things like “jimi hendrix or kurt cobane didnt read sheet music…” but they didn’t really use tabs either they just used their ear and creative mind. So if tjeyre youre argument why not do what they did and not use tabs either. As for what books should include: yea, I think the things you said are some good Things. But i feel it should just be songs that progress in difficulty with maybe some exercises preparing you for it. And learning the elements you need for that song. Im not sure if that exists already but itd be cool if it did
I think there is no best book. I think best thing is find a good teacher who knows the book that works best for them/will work best for where that student is at
About 15 years ago I was told to find a lesson on the Nashville Number System (NNS) I found one on Scott Groves channel Groovy Music Lessons. In it he told of how he took lessons with a teacher for about 3 years using these HL or Mel Bay books. Going through about 3. At 13 and after 3 years he wanted to quit as he could not play any modern songs. The teacher would only teach from the book... One day his uncle(?) came to town that had a band. And showed in just a few mins how Chords really worked. Nowhere in these books did they emphasize the Thousands of songs. Played with 3 , 4 chords and even with modulation the pattern usually stays the same. This is a major down fall of not only these books but of music teachers as well. Note reading should be later on possibly in Book 2. And they need to modernize the songs. Skip to my Lou , Tom Dooley, Yankee Doodle , and can you at least make a deal with the Elvis Estate to call Aura Lee by it's 1950's name Love Me Tender and not the Civil War era name ? Back to Scott after a quick lesson on the "1,4,5" and 1,6-4,5... That night he played with his Uncle on stage as he gave Scott the #'s with his fingers down by his side. then if I remember finished out the week long gig. And joined a local cover band. At 13 playing professionally around Indianapolis In. Yes he did know the chords and basic timing, strumming from the teacher and book. But think of how much sooner he would've been able to play more modern songs in any Key as he learned how to Transpose. And even Transcribe that day.
Hi Sir! Hope you are dong fine. I am not a beginner. I watch youtube videos to learn my guitar. And each song teaches me different kind of style. I know chords, and I play fingerstyle and some classical musical pieces. Now I am serious about playing guitar, so I wanted to buy a good guitar book. The ones on my mind are Ted Green's Chord chemistry and A modern method for guitar. Which should I choose ? It'll be of great help if you can reply, Sir. Thank you! :)
Hi Mark, Thank you for your comment! Teds Greens book is great but fairly advanced. I would recommend to go with the Modern Method for Guitar and work your way through it and then when you feel ready to start to chip away at Chord Chemistry!
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist Thanks for replying Sir. I think now I have narrowed down my meander thoughts. Have you reviewed or gone through the Modern Method for Guitar book sir? Is it any good ?
I think this series works as a good introduction to reading music on the guitar and the student can then move on to a more thorough method such as Mel Bay or A Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt.
the mel bay modern method is tough to get through, but it does teach scales/ harmonized scales. i cant speak for the hal leonard method. the alfred guitar method is good, but these methods do not teach rock and roll guitar. most young people want to wail on the guitar in the 1st lesson. well it will not happen. to learn to play rock, means getting the info right off the record or cd.
I totally agree… however this books description says it can be used alone. Which is totally not true for this book of all books. I just wish they wouldnt lie haha
Great review. I actually have this book (I laughed when I saw the thumbnail). I bought the complete edition which contains all 3 books in one volume. I had high hopes of completing it in one year, but I haven't gotten past the first half of the first book, and it's been over a year. I agree that I need a teacher because I need the feedback (e.g., am I playing this chord right?). However, I'm in my 50s, I work a full-time job, and I can come up with more excuses. As a result, I stopped using the book. My expectations are not to shred like Slash. I'd like to play simple songs and maybe even someday play with my church choir. Thanks to your review, I'm motivated now to dust off the book again. Incidentally, I have been practicing open chords, learning the location of the notes on the fret board, etc., but nothing resembling music. My problem is coordinating my fingers along the fret board at normal speed. I have hope: I learned to type fast and accurately when I was in high school (80s), and I thought if I could do this, I should be able to play the guitar. Like all things, it requires practice to learn a new skill and to retain it. Thanks again for your review and the motivation to play "Grand Finale."
Really? Maybe not having an instructor is holding you back. I’m halfway through book one and I just started a month ago. I do lessons each week. Maybe that’s the difference
Hi, I am 49 and started with book 1 two months ago. I don’t particularly like the music in it but I practice 1 hour a day everyday and I am at Minuet now. I have kids, a full time job and what not. I am not musically inclined by any means but I persevere. I’ve learnt to read music (big step) and I can now fret and pluck properly (bigger step). I have no teacher but my daughter is helping me when she can. I am about to start book 2 but right now I am happy with my progress. Book 1 is boring but each song/section is a learning step. Practice and repeat each song until you play it well. I just bought another HL book on Christmas melodies to practice seasonal songs and I just did two songs, easy ones, and I am so happy with myself! Guess that’s what really counts in the end. I will not be doing recitals but hey, playing guitar, for me is relaxing and is fun because I feel I progress. You should dust off the book and practice everyday. Five minutes is better then no minutes and it gets fun when you know the strings and the sounds come out right after a while. I don’t even look at the strings anymore (another big step :). Can’t wait to start book 2 (even though the music is boring).
@@ibrazeau3044 Several weeks ago I mentioned to the music director at my church that I've been trying to learn how to play guitar. Long story short, he asked that I play some Christmas music with him and the children's choir. This is really forcing me to learn to play something that sounds like music. There's no better incentive than fear. 😱 I'm also practicing every night, and I also practice from the HL books, too. Best wishes to you on your musical journey.
edcoffeebean - well I am sure you will do very well. I just finished book 1 and just learned 6 Christmas songs at the same time. Something that 6 months seemed undoable for me. The Christmas songs were somewhat easy because as I know the melodies, I knew how play the notes. I am proud of what I've accomplished and am now going to book 2. How's your Christmas guitar song journey going?
I couldn't disagree more. You either listen to music and learn to play by ear or you learn thru a book....add teacher if you like. Hal leonard, Mel Bay and others are about as simple as it gets. The information in the beginning is dry but they're trying to teach good habits. Check tuning before you play, holding the guitar correctly, holding the pick correctly. If you don't have the discipline to read and follow basic instruction you most likely will NOT stay with the guitar. Learning to play can be enjoyable and extremely frustrating all in one. The guitar is very unforgiving to learn and if you develop bad happens in the beginning you'll sound like crap and have a hard time trying to break them.
Hey Muhammad thank you for your comment. So my main thoughts on this book and and the big issue is that the book is advertised to be used without a teacher or with. Personally this book without a teacher would leave student either frustrated, confused, or probably pretty unfulfilled. As for teaching habits. I think melbay does as better job of that. But this book really doesnt teach or enforce any habits it tells you once and then just expects you to always do it? With my own students I am constantly giving them a technique check-in almost every lesson because no one just does something once and is like oh okay and does it all the time without someone else pointing it out a few times. As for your second comment I do agree I think that is a big plus of working with a teacher and helping the students get past that “I cant and never will be able to do it stage”. Over all i think the book does a poor job of doing that. A good book I saw in the past would have daily reminders every few exercises. Hal leonard could have at least done something like that dont you think?
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist This of course is just my personal opinion. I initially brought the mel bay series a lil over 40yrs ago. Amazingly I still have those books. I remember having an extremely hard time as you said with vol 1. I was also ear training trying to copy albums. There was no internet or cd. Playing clarinet in HS I knew how some of the songs in mel Bay were suppose to sound. It still was hard on the guitar. Struggling to figure out what mel bay wanted me to do and my own playing around with ear training actually had a side benefit of coming up with riffs even though I couldn't play full songs...lol. Eventually the light would come on and I'd figure out what they wanted me to do. My main point which is purely opinion is there is no quick fix. Those self study method books do work. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not! What I see a lot of is people claiming a "SECRET" to learning the guitar easy. Doesn't exist and really irritating to me. If it were easy everybody would be doing it. Cd's and the internet do make it easier these days. I'm really not understanding how people are having a hard time with hal leonard and mel bay supply cd's with the courses and lessons on TH-cam. We had none of that in the late 70's.
You can do this! Never give up. Hard work pays off. :D Nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ ❤️ Just keep practicing and you will get better. “When you want to quit, think about why you started”- Someone.
Has this guy even ever bothered to get a classical guitar? He is playing a steel string instrument and paying no regard to the basics of playing position.
IMO you should consider that everyone is not like you. The book is directed at theory and the beginner. Because you have a problem with simplicity is your problem. You have a developmental disability. It's not the book. Get it?
The first 30 seconds of the video just gave me flashbacks to my first music lessons in like 2009.
I never made it that far as a student =(
I actually love the Hal Leonard series I've used them for about 10 years and I grew up on book 1 myself. I find they are phenomenal for students under 10 years old or students who long term will get into classical guitar as it presents sheet music reading in a much simpler easy to digest way as opposed to something like the berklee method which by page 1 has introduced every single note in first position . The other thing is works well with is parents who want there child learning in a more formal way I find some parents think learning rock songs somehow appears less professional. I have had students go through all 3 volumes but I must admit after volume 1 they usually want to move on to other styles of music. I think you make some great points on the book in this video and it's great seeing other teachers use this method book.
Hi Matthew!
Yes the berklee method I think is way too advanced. However it might be meant for students who are coming at it after already being fairly versatile on the instrument.
I do agree it does look "better" to the parent. Personally I think it is an alright book but deff pretty boring if not used with a teacher
I love the Hal Leonard book! easy to follow, fun to play.
eventually I will get a teacher
It is good! I just feel as though the skills you learn in it aren’t really what most people want. Id rather learn music I like and dirrectly learn the skills for that music
I recently bought a guitar as a complete beginner. I started watching TH-cam videos of those mentioned often as being the best courses. Most people said Justin Guitar is the best. I tried it but it was very difficult ie immediately he was teaching a 3 finger chord - crazy !! He should know it is almost impossible for a complete beginner to do this. So I bought the Hal Leonard book (books 1 to 3 in one book) and it is really great. There are a whole set of free TH-cam videos by Nick Tolman (if you Google 'Nick Tolman music' under videos you will find it) that go through every lesson in the Hal Leonard method books. It is brilliant!
I've been teaching out of the Hal Leonard book as well as some others for a few years now, and my main objection with it is that it teaches the notes on the first three strings, but then virtually ignores them when teaching the bottom three. It's up to the teacher to make sure the student does the necessary review so the student doesn't forget the higher notes. The Mel Bay Method, for example, is far more cumulative and comprehensive, and includes fingering and scale studies throughout the book that review known notes and concepts as well as introducing new ones. Also, I think each student needs to have a supplemental song book as well, to help them apply learned concepts and stay interested and motivated.
I don't think this book is really meant to be used without a teacher. Many of the points you bring up are 100% valid, especially looking at the book from the perspective of a self-taught guitarist looking for information to learn how to play. But at the end of the day, the strength of any method book is going to be in working with a teacher and the method they use. Also - I personally think the last 2 pieces of the book are a big anti-climatic, and choose to end a student's work in the book at Minuet in G. It's a nice larger scale piece, played as a duet and has a finality of all the skill sets that a student could potentially learn during their studies. Finally, I think a better view of the method is to look at all 3 books together, and seeing how a student progresses through the full method. With that said, for me and my students it's merely a tool for us to use. We takes what's useful for them and ignore the things that aren't useful for us in our lessons. I'm always on the quest for the "perfect" method book that I can use with my students. I fell this is a never ending quest.
Hey Nick,
I totally agree the Minuet in G is much nicer, and in my opinion leave much more room open for the student to work on musically. My main issue is even though any method book should be used with a teacher. I do feel as though the book should explain that. Especially since this book is aimed to be used with a teacher. A little “now we recommend working with a teacher to make the most out of this book” would be super helpful. I am not as familiar with books 2 and 3 from this series however I personally dont know many guitarists who have played through all 3 books. They either get to the end of book 1 and go their own path. Or give up because the book is boring, haha...
This book was how I first started and I think it was a great foundation for everything else I later learned. However, I did have a teacher that would mix in other things along the way. It’s a good foundation, but definitely not the only resource you should use to learn
A couple of counterpoints -
You mentioned "years of hard work" at the beginning of the video - I....don't know if you meant to state this, or if you meant more like months, but used the wrong term by mistake. It should not take "years" to get through the first book, even for the slowest of learners. My memory of my guitar lessons as a teenager back in the early 90's is somewhat foggy, but I think it was a couple of months of weekly lessons to get through book 1.
Some of your observations of the weaknesses of this book are addressed in the subsequent 2 books of the series - like, playing in different positions - the books follow a logical progression from simple to more complex. Starting in first position and learning all your standard open chords and such before moving on up the neck is common in guitar methods for beginners. You admitted in the comments to not reading/going through books 2 and 3.
The 3 books together represent a pretty logical progression from learning single notes on single strings, all the way up to chord progressions, keys, circle of fifths, etc. The songs that are used to illustrate and practice the skills and knowledge slowly increase in complexity. Adult learners I think do okay with the books as standalone without teachers - particularly with the wealth of supplemental internet resources nowadays. A young novice learner would definitely need to have access to a live teacher to fill in the gaps, and elaborate/expand on concepts. Beginner method books are probably most unappealing to teenage learners, as they typically lack patience for the "boring fundamentals" - and want to skip right to playing their favorite popular songs.
I've been teaching guitar for decades now both private and class lessons. Within that time I think I've used to some capacity most every book out there. Most method books are really not good, or intended, for self guided learning. Frederick Noad's "Solo Guitar Playing" states that you can teach yourself with the book and it's probably the worse one to try that with, though it's a great book with a competent teacher in private or class situations. For a basic style method book I thing Hal Leonard Method is pretty good. I like the complete one with books 1,2, and 3 combined. You do have to use it adapting to the student being taught with consideration to age, level, interests, etc... I have yet to find a book that I didn't need to supplement materials along with. Yes, note spelling and rhythmic exercises have to be stressed throughout, with a self guided student probably wouldn't do that. I look at this or any method book as just one of the tools to be used during the lesson, not as something to merely "spoon feed" the student with.
See what you are saying about noad is my BIGGEST issue with this book. They dont say that. Why cant they say “to get the most out of this book we recommend having a private teacher to assure you are doing everything we say correctly” to me leaving that out is the biggest issue. And I agree with everything in your second part. However, so many students use this book and ONLY use this book even with a teacher... as mentioned in the video. And where does that leave them?
For the total beginners, there are no books for that. I uses my own method that works for all on how to read notes before any books like Hal Leonard.
I just uses the audios from Guitar Basics book for the play through for these total beginners.
exactly too much learning how to read and play guitar at the same time!
I've been teaching out of both this and the Mel Bay book. It's great for kids who can't think abstractly yet. But I must admit that most of them will want to do playing that has nothing to do with these beginner methods.
Yes another issue I have is lack current material that the student can connect with. What kid these days knows rockin robbin? Even I didnt when I was a kid...
I learned from records and players. I studied music formerly in high school and college while playing solo and in bands. You are expecting something a book can never deliver. The whole picture. The only time you get the whole picture is when you set a piece down in front of you and learn how to play it. I have used many books in the past but music is still the ultimate discipline, whether on the page or by recording.
Hey yes that is totally correct. My main complaint is it is advertised as a “teach yourself” method. When it really isnt
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist That isn't a complaint, it's a reality. There are many books published in this style. I still have a few around. I only read music these days however I was lucky enough to have a book in 1972 that was thin but loaded with exercises to build left hand dexterity. The author was Roger Filiberto. That little book is a real treasure. And of course Pumping Nylon is a classic. Method books are dated. Hang with the cats who can play and learn how to read music. It isn't hard. Fingering can be difficult at times since some passages can only be played one way accurately. And of course there is the brutality of making a piece sound like music. That'll keep anyone busy for a lifetime.
So, what would you recommend instead. For someone into rock, blues, jazz and such. Thanks.
I’m teaching guitar soon, I’ll mainly use this book to tie in some simple music theory and using the staff, but I’ll also teach my own method which would depend on the students needs and experience, and help them explore their gear. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?
That sounds like a good approach. My biggest issue is people who only use this book. Or use it as a book to self teach themselves. Working towards your students needs and goals are great but remember you are the teacher and having a plan is better than no plan. Id suggest make your own list of fundamentals that each student has to build/work up to. That can be things like open chords, reading tab, playing by ear, reading sheet music , etc etc. and then work their goals around those
What would be a good recommend for someone with yesrs of experience playing guitar but want to learn southern folk in old school style of Jake Xerxes Fussel? Any advice you can give me to help me find resources will be greatly appreciated
How’s the online access ? Does it play the track without the teacher part? I have the Alfred’s guitar method and the online videos includes both the student and teacher playing and it distracts me from following along. Thank you 😊
That sounds super useful! As for the online access for hal leonard im not sure
Perfect book for me. Thanks 😊
It isnt bad…
I do not know why it would take ~ 2 years to get through about 50 pages of material for the first book. It would only be a year if you only managed to learn one page per week. But that aside, what method do you think is better? It is easy to find fault, but what about suggesting some alternatives?
Well it depends the age. I’ve had students who were 8 take two years, taking off summers, busy spring times. Poor practice schedule etc etc. and My main point isnt that this book is “bad” it’s more so that it is misleading. As it says you can be self taught from it. I think the first question is what are the goals of the student. If they want to to learn rock music this book wont really help them. They should get a teacher who knows that style and that repertoire and guild them along the way using examples from music they are interested in.
Great Video Thank you.
Thank you so much!
I've been playing for years but never learned to read music. My guitar teacher is a classically trained guitarist who studied under Joe Fava and is using this book to teach me to read......OMG I don't know anything!!! In all fairness is depends on the teacher you have that is using this book. You can NEVER replace a teacher with a book. He has broken my bad habits and is holding my nose to the grinding stone. No pity parties with this teacher. He has also given me supplemental music along with this book.
Nice! Sounds like an awesome teacher! Thank you for your comment!
I used to play clarinet, played for 10 years as a child, and Hal Leonard is what I started with (with a teacher). I think it’s better for regular orchestral instruments and not guitar lol.
Exactly guitar method books area for the most part really bad haha
What’s the best books to learn from?
Hello,
If you are working with a teacher the Hal Leonard one is pretty good! but a good teacher will be able to give you some supplemental material from other sources
People simply want to learn how to play music and I think that such methods book are geared to teaching a person how to READ music. YES it has some important information, but if you think, how many times will a person after they learn and go through such method books will they continue reading music just to simply learn a song. People nowadays want things fast and effortless. Thus cutting to the chase would basically more beneficial to the student. Elements that I think a method book should have in the effort to teach a person how to play music should be as follow:
1) how to hold the instrument
2) tuning the instrument
3) training right hand to chords
4) learning simple 4/4 and 6/8 rhythmic patterns
This is not to say that you can add a bit of reading music notation, BUT again, this brings a whole lot of complex situation. People love to read chord charts instead of reading music notation. Such way of teaching would also focus more on the ear training and less time on reading music notation. REMEMBER, people want to learn how to play music, NOT be a MUSIC TEACHER. People want to have FUN playing music. Lastly, I think that by learning how to play music as quick as possible, the student may be motivated to go further. Thus reading music notation can then be taught. GREAT VIDEO.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment, this goes along with a big point I might address in a future video and thats just that tabs arent great. But that doesnt mean sheet music is good. Everyone always argues things like “jimi hendrix or kurt cobane didnt read sheet music…” but they didn’t really use tabs either they just used their ear and creative mind. So if tjeyre youre argument why not do what they did and not use tabs either. As for what books should include: yea, I think the things you said are some good Things. But i feel it should just be songs that progress in difficulty with maybe some exercises preparing you for it. And learning the elements you need for that song. Im not sure if that exists already but itd be cool if it did
So what's the best book then?
I think there is no best book. I think best thing is find a good teacher who knows the book that works best for them/will work best for where that student is at
About 15 years ago I was told to find a lesson on the Nashville Number System (NNS) I found one on Scott Groves channel Groovy Music Lessons. In it he told of how he took lessons with a teacher for about 3 years using these HL or Mel Bay books. Going through about 3. At 13 and after 3 years he wanted to quit as he could not play any modern songs. The teacher would only teach from the book... One day his uncle(?) came to town that had a band. And showed in just a few mins how Chords really worked. Nowhere in these books did they emphasize the Thousands of songs. Played with 3 , 4 chords and even with modulation the pattern usually stays the same. This is a major down fall of not only these books but of music teachers as well. Note reading should be later on possibly in Book 2. And they need to modernize the songs. Skip to my Lou , Tom Dooley, Yankee Doodle , and can you at least make a deal with the Elvis Estate to call Aura Lee by it's 1950's name Love Me Tender and not the Civil War era name ? Back to Scott after a quick lesson on the "1,4,5" and 1,6-4,5... That night he played with his Uncle on stage as he gave Scott the #'s with his fingers down by his side. then if I remember finished out the week long gig. And joined a local cover band. At 13 playing professionally around Indianapolis In. Yes he did know the chords and basic timing, strumming from the teacher and book. But think of how much sooner he would've been able to play more modern songs in any Key as he learned how to Transpose. And even Transcribe that day.
Hi Sir! Hope you are dong fine. I am not a beginner. I watch youtube videos to learn my guitar. And each song teaches me different kind of style. I know chords, and I play fingerstyle and some classical musical pieces. Now I am serious about playing guitar, so I wanted to buy a good guitar book. The ones on my mind are Ted Green's Chord chemistry and A modern method for guitar. Which should I choose ? It'll be of great help if you can reply, Sir. Thank you! :)
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your comment! Teds Greens book is great but fairly advanced. I would recommend to go with the Modern Method for Guitar and work your way through it and then when you feel ready to start to chip away at Chord Chemistry!
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist Thanks for replying Sir. I think now I have narrowed down my meander thoughts. Have you reviewed or gone through the Modern Method for Guitar book sir? Is it any good ?
I think this series works as a good introduction to reading music on the guitar and the student can then move on to a more thorough method such as Mel Bay or A Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt.
It can be! Those books move way too fast so it could be a great way to get into it!
the mel bay modern method is tough to get through, but it does teach scales/ harmonized scales. i cant speak for the hal leonard method. the alfred guitar method is good, but these methods do not teach rock and roll guitar. most young people want to wail on the guitar in the 1st lesson. well it will not happen. to learn to play rock, means getting the info right off the record or cd.
I am 62 and never played an instrument. I thought the Method books were excellent.
It's obvious your a good teacher.
thank you so much! I try!
Like any instrument, it’s best to have an actual teacher. That’s what these books are made for.
I totally agree… however this books description says it can be used alone. Which is totally not true for this book of all books. I just wish they wouldnt lie haha
Years of hard work??? My son went through that book in a few months with his teacher....
Great review. I actually have this book (I laughed when I saw the thumbnail). I bought the complete edition which contains all 3 books in one volume. I had high hopes of completing it in one year, but I haven't gotten past the first half of the first book, and it's been over a year. I agree that I need a teacher because I need the feedback (e.g., am I playing this chord right?). However, I'm in my 50s, I work a full-time job, and I can come up with more excuses. As a result, I stopped using the book.
My expectations are not to shred like Slash. I'd like to play simple songs and maybe even someday play with my church choir.
Thanks to your review, I'm motivated now to dust off the book again. Incidentally, I have been practicing open chords, learning the location of the notes on the fret board, etc., but nothing resembling music. My problem is coordinating my fingers along the fret board at normal speed.
I have hope: I learned to type fast and accurately when I was in high school (80s), and I thought if I could do this, I should be able to play the guitar. Like all things, it requires practice to learn a new skill and to retain it.
Thanks again for your review and the motivation to play "Grand Finale."
Thank you for your comment and for sharing! Keep it up and you will get there!
Really? Maybe not having an instructor is holding you back. I’m halfway through book one and I just started a month ago. I do lessons each week. Maybe that’s the difference
Hi, I am 49 and started with book 1 two months ago. I don’t particularly like the music in it but I practice 1 hour a day everyday and I am at Minuet now. I have kids, a full time job and what not. I am not musically inclined by any means but I persevere. I’ve learnt to read music (big step) and I can now fret and pluck properly (bigger step). I have no teacher but my daughter is helping me when she can. I am about to start book 2 but right now I am happy with my progress. Book 1 is boring but each song/section is a learning step. Practice and repeat each song until you play it well. I just bought another HL book on Christmas melodies to practice seasonal songs and I just did two songs, easy ones, and I am so happy with myself! Guess that’s what really counts in the end. I will not be doing recitals but hey, playing guitar, for me is relaxing and is fun because I feel I progress.
You should dust off the book and practice everyday. Five minutes is better then no minutes and it gets fun when you know the strings and the sounds come out right after a while. I don’t even look at the strings anymore (another big step :). Can’t wait to start book 2 (even though the music is boring).
@@ibrazeau3044 Several weeks ago I mentioned to the music director at my church that I've been trying to learn how to play guitar. Long story short, he asked that I play some Christmas music with him and the children's choir. This is really forcing me to learn to play something that sounds like music. There's no better incentive than fear. 😱
I'm also practicing every night, and I also practice from the HL books, too.
Best wishes to you on your musical journey.
edcoffeebean - well I am sure you will do very well. I just finished book 1 and just learned 6 Christmas songs at the same time. Something that 6 months seemed undoable for me. The Christmas songs were somewhat easy because as I know the melodies, I knew how play the notes. I am proud of what I've accomplished and am now going to book 2.
How's your Christmas guitar song journey going?
I've never tried that book.
Pretty common mostly for acoustic guitar though
I couldn't disagree more.
You either listen to music and learn to play by ear or you learn thru a book....add teacher if you like.
Hal leonard, Mel Bay and others are about as simple as it gets. The information in the beginning is dry but they're trying to teach good habits. Check tuning before you play, holding the guitar correctly, holding the pick correctly. If you don't have the discipline to read and follow basic instruction you most likely will NOT stay with the guitar.
Learning to play can be enjoyable and extremely frustrating all in one. The guitar is very unforgiving to learn and if you develop bad happens in the beginning you'll sound like crap and have a hard time trying to break them.
Hey Muhammad thank you for your comment.
So my main thoughts on this book and and the big issue is that the book is advertised to be used without a teacher or with. Personally this book without a teacher would leave student either frustrated, confused, or probably pretty unfulfilled.
As for teaching habits. I think melbay does as better job of that. But this book really doesnt teach or enforce any habits it tells you once and then just expects you to always do it? With my own students I am constantly giving them a technique check-in almost every lesson because no one just does something once and is like oh okay and does it all the time without someone else pointing it out a few times. As for your second comment I do agree I think that is a big plus of working with a teacher and helping the students get past that “I cant and never will be able to do it stage”. Over all i think the book does a poor job of doing that. A good book I saw in the past would have daily reminders every few exercises. Hal leonard could have at least done something like that dont you think?
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist This of course is just my personal opinion. I initially brought the mel bay series a lil over 40yrs ago. Amazingly I still have those books. I remember having an extremely hard time as you said with vol 1. I was also ear training trying to copy albums. There was no internet or cd. Playing clarinet in HS I knew how some of the songs in mel Bay were suppose to sound. It still was hard on the guitar.
Struggling to figure out what mel bay wanted me to do and my own playing around with ear training actually had a side benefit of coming up with riffs even though I couldn't play full songs...lol. Eventually the light would come on and I'd figure out what they wanted me to do.
My main point which is purely opinion is there is no quick fix. Those self study method books do work. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not! What I see a lot of is people claiming a "SECRET" to learning the guitar easy. Doesn't exist and really irritating to me. If it were easy everybody would be doing it. Cd's and the internet do make it easier these days. I'm really not understanding how people are having a hard time with hal leonard and mel bay supply cd's with the courses and lessons on TH-cam. We had none of that in the late 70's.
You can do this! Never give up. Hard work pays off. :D Nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ ❤️ Just keep practicing and you will get better. “When you want to quit, think about why you started”- Someone.
great quote! thanks for sharing!
@@Fortheclassicalguitarist Anytime :D
Has this guy even ever bothered to get a classical guitar? He is playing a steel string instrument and paying no regard to the basics of playing position.
No I dont know what classical guitar is… =(
Slow down, buddy. Don't talk so fast.
"Hal Leonard's Guitar Method" sounds like "Hal-Lays GTaMay"
IMO you should consider that everyone is not like you. The book is directed at theory and the beginner. Because you have a problem with simplicity is your problem. You have a developmental disability. It's not the book. Get it?