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Alfred's Basic Guitar Chord Dictionary: Guitar Book

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Alfred's Basic Guitar Chord Dictionary Cover Image

Alfred's Basic Guitar Chord Dictionary: Guitar Book

The Most Commonly Used Fingerings, Selected for Easy Reference

By Morton Manus

Item: 00-28388

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Description
Recognized for over 50 years as the best-paced and most comprehensive guitar method available, Alfred's Basic Guitar Method has introduced over 3 million beginners to the joy of playing guitar. As part of the ABG series, Alfred's Basic Guitar Chord Dictionary provides the most commonly used chord fingerings, selected for easy reference. Finally, guitarists can quickly reference fingerings so they can continue to play their favorite songs. With this easy-to-use guide, they'll be playing like a pro in no time.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred's Basic Guitar Library
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 80
ISBN10: 0-7390-4897-X
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-4897-9
UPC: 038081309330
SKU: 00-28388

More about this title

About the Author: Morton Manus

Morton Manus

Morton Manus shaped American music education for over six decades as president of Alfred Music Publishing Co. from 1952 to 2016. A clarinetist and pianist himself, Manus recognized a critical gap in quality instructional materials and set out to fill it. He directed the development of Alfred's foundational methods for accordion, guitar, piano, and recorder, transforming the company from a sheet music publisher into the leading force in music education publishing.

Under Manus's leadership, Alfred Music expanded far beyond New York's Tin Pan Alley roots to establish a global presence. His vision attracted his sons Ron and Steve to the company, and together they built an educational empire that introduced millions of students to music. The Alfred's Basic series became synonymous with accessible, well-paced instruction, a legacy that continues to shape how beginners approach their instruments today.

Why we love this

This chord dictionary cuts through the noise. Rather than asking students to hunt through pages of theory or wade through exercises they don't need, it delivers exactly what a beginner requires: clear, playable fingerings for the chords that appear in real songs. Guitar teachers know the frustration of students losing momentum because they can't quickly find a chord shape. This resource solves that in seconds.

What to expect

Efficient and reassuring. A chord dictionary removes the anxiety of forgetting a shape or wondering if your fingers are positioned correctly. It's the musical equivalent of having a trusted resource on your music stand that whispers the answer without judgment, letting you stay focused on the music itself.

Who it's for

This reference guide belongs in the hands of every beginning guitarist, particularly those working through Alfred's Basic Guitar Method or learning songs on their own. It serves anyone who wants quick access to chord shapes without the clutter of unnecessary information. Private instructors and group class teachers both rely on this resource to keep lessons moving and students confident.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the dictionary within arm's reach during practice sessions so students can reference chords without breaking their flow or reaching for their phone.
  • Have students tab the most frequently used chords in their copy so they can develop muscle memory faster through repeated fingering patterns.
  • Encourage guitarists to work through chord transitions using the fingerings shown, treating the dictionary as a practice tool rather than just a lookup reference.

How to use it

Pair this with Alfred's Basic Guitar Method as the definitive reference companion throughout the entire series. Students benefit most when they have it from their first lesson forward, building the habit of using it as a tool rather than introducing it later when bad habits have already formed. It also works well as a resource in guitar ensemble or group class settings where students need quick answers so rehearsal time stays productive.

Skills your students will build

  • Quick chord recognition and fingering recall
  • Finger placement accuracy on the fretboard
  • Chord transition fluency
  • Independence in problem-solving while learning new songs

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