Books These books are also available in French under the title "La guitare c'est cool"
Book 1
Book one introduces necessary theory points like: the staff, treble clef, time signature, note values and rests. These are integrated with notes on the first five strings and are presented at a slow comfortable pace along with fun exercises and songs.
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The G, F and C major scales are presented with accompanying sharps and flats. Four string chords including G, G7, Em, C, D and D7 are learned with accompanying exercises. Repeat signs and the D.C al Coda symbols are also included.
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The material is divided into four levels or mini graduation points and the book is full of fun and engaging cartoon-like illustrations.
Book 2
Book two continues with the notes on the fifth and sixth strings. We introduce the relative minor concept with the A minor, E minor and D minor scales. The key signature is explained and eight notes are introduced.
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The concept of harmony is explained, accompanied with exercises that include some easy thirds, fourths and fifths.Tempo signs like Allegro, Moderato and Andante are presented as are the words associated with Dynamics like Piano, Forte etc...
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There are informative blurbs throughout that explain different types of electric guitars. This, like other illustration, adds interest and motivation.
​As in book one, the material is divided into four achievable goals.
Book 3
Book 4
In book three we begin reading notes in the second position and we approach popular rock techniques such as power chords, hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides. Tablature is introduced early in the book.
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New scales include D and B flat Major with their relative minors. New chords are E, E7, A7, B7 and C7.
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The use of the pentatonic scale and the blues scale in improvisation is explained and the student is encouraged to improvise in major, minor and blues settings. The blues form is introduced.
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We begin to read triads and their inversions. Syncopation and triplets are also introduced.
With book four we reach the intermediate level. The presentation of information is more compact and it takes more time to get through each page.
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The book begins with an overview of drop D tuning and three string power chord and introduces more rock techniques like tapping, bending and harmonics.
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The primary concern of the book is the organisation and categorisation of moveable scale forms and fingerings. Attention is also given to I - IV - V chords in all keys.
Practice agenda A great new tool that motivates practice and helps teachers to evaluate their student's progress.
This new concept is gaining popularity with students. Each page represents one week and begins with the teachers instructions and recommendations. There are five boxes divided into areas for:
Scales/Finger exercises - Reading - Songs - Chords - Other.
The student writes the minutes he /she has spent on each element for that day. The book also includes a page of chord grids and several pages of blank tablature and manuscript sheets.