Home » Jazz Articles » Book Review » Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner

Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner

By AAJ Staff
December 22, 2005
View read count

By Karen Hogg

Amanda Monaco

Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner (Book+CD)

Alfred Publishing
ISBN: 0739036718
47 pages
2005

Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner, the debut instructional tome from New York City-based musician Amanda Monaco, is a well-thought out, step-by-step guide for the jazz guitar novice.

Monaco starts out with basics that everyone needs to know, from what kind of guitar to purchase to how to properly hold your new instrument. Along the way, instruction is given in reading tablature, standard music notation and simple jazz chords. The order in which the chords are introduced is particularly clever. Before they even realize it, students are playing a I-vi-ii-V chord progression in the key of C.

Additionally, the author approaches ideas for improvisation in a very non-threatening way. Readers are presented with a typical solo showcasing certain notes and rhythms. Using the CD that accompanies the book, they are encouraged to play along to the examples and then try out their own solos during the open choruses on the recording, playing along with the recording's rhythm section.

The book is rounded out by discussions on comping and basic theory. Each concept is introduced in a clear, easy to understand manner. Monaco's book will surely ease some of the trepidation readers might feel when beginning the study of jazz.

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Introducing Alma
< Previous

Delta
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.