Guitar for the Absolute Beginner, Book 1: Guitar Book & Enhanced CD

Mazer strips away the intimidation factor that stops so many beginners before they start. The split-screen video with hand close-ups and synchronized notation means students see exactly what their fingers should do, removing the guesswork that frustrates early learners and makes independent practice actually feasible.

Approachable and patient. Mazer's method respects the learner's pace and builds confidence with small, immediate wins. You're not thrown into scale patterns or music theory; instead, you hold the guitar, make single notes, and play recognizable shapes within the first few pages.

Absolute beginners of any age picking up a guitar for the first time. This is for people who want clear, step-by-step instruction without jargon or assumptions about prior knowledge. It works equally well for independent learners and for teachers introducing students who have never touched an instrument.

• Watch the video for each concept before picking up the guitar. The visual reinforcement of hand position and finger placement transfers directly to your own hands.
• Practice holding the guitar in the position shown before worrying about playing anything. Comfort and proper posture now prevent bad habits and pain later.
• Use the enhanced CD to hear how each exercise and chord should sound, then match that sound at your own pace. Don't rush to tempo.
• Tune using the reference tones on the CD or video before every practice session. Accurate tuning makes correct notes sound right and keeps your ear developing properly.

Use this as the foundation text for any beginner guitar program or for students picking up guitar as a secondary instrument in a band or orchestra setting. The 48-page scope makes it possible to work through the essentials in a single semester, leaving room for repertoire or ensemble playing in the same course.

• Proper grip, posture, and hand position for holding the guitar
• Tuning the guitar by ear using reference tones
• Reading notes on the treble staff and locating them on the fretboard
• Single-note playing with correct finger placement and picking technique
• Basic chord shapes and smooth chord changes
• Coordinating left-hand and right-hand movements simultaneously