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Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner

By AAJ Staff
December 22, 2005
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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.

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About Amanda Monaco

Instrument: Guitar

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