PlayJazzGuitar.com Forum

[jokron]

...seems to be THE BOOK for learning standard notation reading and fretboard knowledge. I bought it (The complete version 1+2+3 and the DVD). It really is hands on and puts you in a state where you can do nothing but play...

It really surprised me way beyond my expectations...

I plan to use it together with my grandson who has declared that he want to learn how to read music and learn to play the guitar. He plays mostly drums...until now...

/Jokron
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Play what you hear - not what you know.

Miles Davis

[JakeJew]

I use this and other Leavitt books with my students. They are dry but great for reading practice. He puts no personality into his books, no crazy theories or anything. Just reading. Perfect learning tool.

My only criticism is that he introduces his books as "how to play guitar" books. I really see them way more as books to help with sight reading.
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"Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconciousness - I wouldn't know. But I am sure that it is the antithesis of self-consciousness." - Aaron Copland

[jokron]

I haven't worked my way through all three books of the Guitar Method yet but it really seems as a complete guitar book for me, especially together with the DVD that covers Volume 1 in lessons for about 14 hours in total.

I also bought the Berklee Practice method - Guitar book http://www.berkleemusic.com/store/product?product_id=11350&category_id=19

I think that also is perfect for learning my grandson to see his role as a guitarist in a band and I believe it's an excellent complement to the Guitar Method book.

My grandson is also planning to start a band with some friends (as a drummer), and I plan to support them with some practical tips and the Berklee Practice method books may be a very good start for them to work with.

/Jokron
_________________
Play what you hear - not what you know.

Miles Davis

[JeremyA]

I'm working my way through Volume 1 right now, too. It's extremely helpful and I feel like I'm learning a lot really quickly.

[hanni]

sounds good, in the next big city we have a bookstore they sell berklee books, they are all very expensive, i download so much from the net and think it´s a double when i buy it, downloads are like a puzzle and it´s hard to find out what to learn at next, is this book good for someone like me who is a bit unstructured with learning?
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hanni

[jokron]

[jokron]

[jokron]

[JakeJew]

[jokron]

[JakeJew]

[jokron]

[hanni]

[juliangall]

I have been working my way through volume 1 with the DVDs since the beginning of the year and I am finding it a very productive and inspiring way to learn. It's not the only thing I play and practise but it is the core. Having said that, I'm sure it wouldn't suit everyone. It really works for me that it is so strong on reading notation.

The most sigiificant thing that's become apparent after a few months with Leavitt is the way you seem to learn so many things in parallel. A single exercise can cover lead, chords, notation, a new key, new rhythm etc. And, while you're thinking about all that, there's one really difficult fingering that needs practising over and over! Every lesson and exercise has a challenge but there is also much you can learn quite easily. You can get through everything fast enough that you stay interested. I imagine Bill Leavitt having a little chuckle as all his students struggle with the things he throws in to give you something to think about!

What does puzzle me is the rarity of discussions about this method on the net. My book cover says "over half a million books sold". Where are all these people? Has anyone outside Berklee actually completed the method? I would love the opportunity to chat about each lesson and my progress in general but haven't been able to find anywhere.

Julian

[jokron]