If you're looking to learn blues and ragtime guitar styles, "The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player" by Russ Shipton is an excellent guide. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the techniques and musical elements involved in playing these genres, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players alike.
Shipton's explanations of various playing techniques are clear and concise, making it easy to understand. He covers everything from basic chord progressions to advanced fingerpicking patterns, allowing readers to gradually build their skills and knowledge. The book also includes numerous musical examples and exercises that reinforce the concepts being taught.
What sets this book apart is Shipton's accessible and engaging teaching style. Complex topics are broken down into digestible sections, and practical tips and advice are provided along the way. This makes the learning process enjoyable and encourages readers to practice and experiment with the material.
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"The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player" covers a wide range of styles within the blues and ragtime genres. From the Delta blues of Robert Johnson to the lively ragtime tunes of Scott Joplin, Shipton explores the diverse sounds and techniques that define these styles. This variety ensures that readers are exposed to a rich repertoire of music and helps them develop a well-rounded understanding of the genre.
Overall, "The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player" is highly recommended for aspiring guitarists interested in blues and ragtime. With its comprehensive approach, clear explanations, and engaging teaching style, it provides a solid foundation for players to delve into these genres and develop their skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your repertoire, this book is a valuable resource.
What are readers saying?
"The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player" by Russ Shipton has established itself as a highly acclaimed resource for aspiring guitarists interested in mastering the blues and ragtime playing styles. With its comprehensive content, clear instructions, and practical exercises, the book has garnered positive reviews from readers.
Reviewers have praised the book for its meticulous breakdown and detailed explanations of blues and ragtime techniques. They appreciate the author's approach of starting with the fundamentals and gradually introducing more advanced concepts, making the book suitable for both beginners and intermediate players. The step-by-step instructions, accompanied by helpful diagrams, have received particular acclaim for their clarity, enabling readers to easily understand and apply the techniques to their own playing.
The exercises included in the book have proven to be invaluable for readers eager to practice and improve their skills. The addition of audio examples and backing tracks enhances the learning experience, giving guitarists the opportunity to play along and develop their sense of rhythm and timing. Reviewers also appreciate the book's focus on learning through playing actual songs, rather than solely focusing on theory. This practical and engaging approach has been highly regarded.
Another notable aspect of the book is the historical context it provides. Shipton delves into the origins of blues and ragtime music, introducing readers to influential musicians and highlighting the evolution of different playing styles. This not only deepens readers' appreciation for the genre but also helps them incorporate stylistic nuances into their own playing.
In summary, "The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player" has received positive feedback for its comprehensive content, clear instructions, practical exercises, and historical context. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate guitarist looking to explore blues and ragtime, this book comes highly recommended as an invaluable resource for improving your skills and expanding your musical knowledge.
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