"Mel Bay Guitar Journals" by William Bay is a comprehensive guide and practice resource for guitar players of all levels, providing a wealth of exercises, techniques, and musical styles to explore. The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of guitar playing.
In the first section, readers are introduced to a variety of musical styles, including blues, jazz, rock, and classical. Specific exercises and techniques are provided for each style, allowing players to develop their skills in different genres. This section offers a diverse range of musical examples, giving players the opportunity to expand their repertoire and explore new styles of playing.
The second section of the book is dedicated to improving finger strength, flexibility, and dexterity through fingerpicking exercises. These exercises are designed to challenge players and enhance their technical abilities. By practicing these exercises, guitarists can develop better control and precision in their playing, allowing them to tackle more complex pieces with ease.
Available on Audible
The third section focuses on improvisation, a crucial skill for any guitarist. It includes scales, arpeggios, and licks that can be used to develop improvisational skills. This section encourages players to experiment with different musical ideas and develop their own unique style of playing. By incorporating improvisation into their practice routine, guitarists can become more expressive and creative musicians.
One notable feature of the book is the included audio access, which allows readers to listen and play along with the exercises and examples. This helps players develop a better sense of rhythm and timing, and allows them to hear how the exercises should sound. The clear and concise explanations provided by the author make the techniques easy to understand and apply, making the book accessible for beginners while still providing valuable insight for more experienced players.
What are readers saying?
The book "Mel Bay Guitar Journals" written by William Bay has received mixed feedback from readers. While some reviewers commend the book for its comprehensive content and helpful exercises, others criticize it for its lack of structure and difficulty level.
Many readers find value in the diverse range of exercises and topics covered in "Mel Bay Guitar Journals." They consider it to be a valuable resource for improving their guitar skills. The exercises are described as challenging yet effective, and the inclusion of various musical styles allows readers to explore different genres. Reviewers appreciate the book's comprehensive nature, as it covers techniques, scales, and theory.
However, some readers express dissatisfaction with the organization and structure of the book. They find it difficult to navigate and would have preferred a more sequential approach. Some reviewers feel that the explanations and progression within the book are unclear, making it confusing for beginners. Additionally, a few readers mention that the difficulty level of the exercises can be overwhelming for novice guitarists.
The overall layout and presentation of "Mel Bay Guitar Journals" also receive mixed feedback. While some readers appreciate the clear notation and tablature, others criticize the small font size, which makes it challenging to read. Additionally, the included CD is praised by some as a helpful practice tool, while others believe that the audio quality could be improved.
Despite the mixed reviews, "Mel Bay Guitar Journals" remains a popular choice among guitar enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills. While some readers appreciate its comprehensive nature and challenging exercises, others find fault with its lack of structure and difficulty level. Experienced guitarists looking for a diverse range of exercises may find this book suitable. However, beginners might want to consider starting with more beginner-friendly resources.
GuitarJournals MusicReading LearnGuitar