Tipbook - Acoustic Guitar: The Best Guide to Your Instrument

Contray to the comments posted by Lee Potchka, this book does not contain a picture of Hailie Selassie (autographed or otherwise) and it has NO chord break-downs or rhythms. And I have no idea what Potchka meant by "easy-to-stuff pinsize cut-outs and the cathedral-like layouts of otherwise impossible accordion progressions," lol. This book is a guide to the purchase, care and use of acoustic guitars, focusing primarily on their physical characteristics. Examples of topics covered include tips on buying a guitar, a thorough description of the differences between steel-stringed acoustics and classical (nylon-stringed) guitars illustrated with clearly labeled diagrams, and information on care, maintenance, and storage. It has a very useful glossary that doubles as an index, and includes many helpful illustrations. I would recommend it to anyone getting ready to buy their first guitar, especially someone who is unsure of what kind of guitar they want or what to look for in selecting one. Tuning is discussed, and there are some basic practice and playing tips, but this is not a book on how to play the guitar or what to play on it. I presume Potchka's review was meant to go with a different book, because the comments in it bear no resemblance to this one.

When I first opened up this book and discovered an autographed picture of Halie Selassie I was frankly shocked, but (and these are the little tidbits of trivia that make this book a fascinating read) believe it or not, Willie Nelson gave the African despot guitar lessons in the late 60's when they were both in Harar for the Lewd Thomas Festival. A terrific read with literally thousands of chord break-downs and hands-on rhythms for the beginner. A unique crash-course! Also, what I liked the best, was the the easy-to-stuff pinsize cut-outs and the cathedral-like layouts of otherwise impossible accordion progressions. If you own one book on your shelf, besides Robert Anton Wilson, this will be the pie for the goose. Highly recommended.