Updated 2021/2, this is a step-by-step guide to playing the electric guitar, shown in over 600 photographs, illustrations and exercises. It shows you how to master a range of diverse musical styles, such as funk and disco, heavy rock, indie rock, electric blues, country guitar, jazz, lounge and reggae. It includes a beautifully illustrated directory of over 250 electric guitars from the 1930s up to the modern day. It discusses the complete history of the electric guitar, from the early archtops and lap steels up to the latest developments, including the Fender stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul, the electric bass and the superstrats. It contains boxed features on influential electric heroes, such as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Allan Holdsworth, B. B. King, Jimmy Page, and many more. The electric guitar is arguably the most important musical instrument of the modern age. This book explains how to buy the right instrument and set it up, and how to play. It demonstrates basic techniques and chords, and introduces genres such as rock 'n' roll, jazz, heavy rock, metal and blues. A history section explores the first electric guitars, and how the great rivalry between Fender and Gibson led to an explosion in the popularity of the instrument. With expert step-by-step instructions, an illustrated directory of over 250 guitars, and over 600 photographs and musical exercises, this comprehensive manual is an essential guide for all electric guitarists.

This is a complete practical guide with 750 step-by-step photographs, illustrations and musical exercises. It explains all the basic techniques of guitar playing, from tuning and strumming to double stopping and improvising. It includes a chordfinder of 300 essential guitar chords. It shows you how to master blues, country, jazz, classical, gypsy jazz, Latin jazz and flamenco, as well as novel party tricks. It features fascinating information about influential acoustic guitar heroes, such as Robert Johnson, Django Rheinhardt, Julian Bream and Bob Dylan. Acoustic guitars are very popular with beginners, and this book will help musicians to master the instrument, from buying the right guitar and learning the necessary chords to trying out advanced techniques. It introduces the different genres of music played using the guitar, such as blues, country, jazz, classical and flamenco, and features a helpful chordfinder to help you understand the guitarist's basic vocabulary. With expert step-by-step instructions from professional guitarists, 300 chords and over 750 photographs and musical exercises, this comprehensive manual is a must for anyone interested in learning this universally loved instrument.