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How to Play Guitar Chords and Strums: Guitar Book

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How to Play Guitar Chords and Strums Cover Image

How to Play Guitar Chords and Strums: Guitar Book

A Beginning Guitar Course to Quickly Learn Chords and Strum Techniques

By Morton Manus

Item: 00-1890

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Description
Includes:
* chord diagrams
* fingering positions
* favorite songs & lyrics
* tuning instructions and more.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 48
ISBN10: 0-88284-231-5
ISBN13: 978-0-88284-231-8
UPC: 038081021973
SKU: 00-1890

More about this title

About the Author: Morton Manus

Morton Manus

Morton Manus joined Alfred Music in the late 1940s and transformed it from a sheet music publisher into a comprehensive music education company. As president from 1952 to 2016, he recognized that quality instruction required more than just popular songs; it demanded thoughtfully designed pedagogical materials. Drawing on his own training as a clarinetist and pianist, Manus spearheaded the development of instructional series across accordion, guitar, piano, and recorder, establishing Alfred Music as a leader in music education publishing.

Manus's vision extended beyond the United States. Under his leadership and that of his sons Ron and Steve, Alfred Music expanded internationally with offices in Australia, Germany, Singapore, and the UK. The company's acquisition of Warner Bros. Publications in 2005 further solidified its position as a major force in both educational and performance music publishing.

Why we love this

This book cuts through the confusion that stops many beginners. Clear chord diagrams paired with explicit fingering positions remove the guesswork, while the inclusion of actual songs makes the material feel purposeful from day one rather than abstract. You get a complete toolkit in 48 pages rather than scattered handouts.

What to expect

Direct and grounded. The chord diagrams are clean and easy to read, the fingering positions are demystified, and the collection of songs with lyrics reminds you why you picked up the guitar in the first place. This is instructional material that respects your time and your motivation.

Who it's for

Beginning guitarists who need practical guidance on chord formation and strumming technique. This book serves students taking private lessons, self-taught players starting from scratch, and classroom guitar programs looking for a structured introduction with real songs rather than isolated exercises.

How to get the most out of it

  • Study the chord diagram and fingering position together before attempting to fret the shape; visual understanding precedes muscle memory.
  • Work through the tuning instructions first, as an out-of-tune guitar makes every chord sound wrong and discourages practice.
  • Start with one song from the collection and master its chord progression before moving to the next; repetition across familiar melodies accelerates retention.
  • Reference the lyrics while practicing the strums; matching rhythm and phrasing to the words anchors timing and makes the practice feel musical.

How to use it

Use this as the foundation for a beginner guitar curriculum; the tuning instructions and chord fundamentals establish common ground for all students. Once learners can fret the basic chords and understand the included strumming patterns, they have the tools to tackle the lyrics and melodies in the song collection, creating a natural progression from mechanics to musicality.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and forming standard open-position chord shapes from chord diagrams
  • Finger placement and coordination for clean chord transitions
  • Basic strumming patterns and rhythmic accuracy
  • Guitar tuning and maintenance of instrument setup
  • Matching fingering technique to melody and chord progression in actual songs

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