The Advancing Guitarist by Mick Goodrick

 I've always been interested in how people learn.  Times that I came across new methods of teaching would open up new worlds for me.  The Advancing Guitarist by Mick Goodrick was recommended by many fellow guitarists.  I didn't take long before I realized that it could be a very important book in my quest for knowledge.  In the introduction, Goodrick explains how standard methods are not logical or complete in their approaches.  For example, the author notes that the guitar fingerboard can be approached one string at a time (linear playing), one fret at a time (position playing across the 6 strings), or a combination of both.  With what seems like a very basic observation leads to great insights!  Goodrick then proceeds to give guidelines for exploration, rather than a play this or that approach.  Lot's of great ideas on learning, timing, counterpoint, and excellent explanations on restricting your playing in certain ways: playing on one string, in one register, etc.  There are definite things that a beginner can try, but it gets into some pretty heavy music theory.  Definitely a fantastic book, one of the best I've read.  The name says it all.

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