Guitar Fretboard Workbook Reviews

• This is a gold mine!

  
  By A2JHTIVLAMAI3B on 2004-01-18
  I have read countless testimonials about guitar books that guarantee results I never was able to achieve. This book actually delivered for me, and it has done so in a big way. My ambition, which previously eluded me entirely, has been to become fluent on the fretboard--to be able to improvise, follow changes, structure complex chords on the fly and the like. I tried so long in vain I decided I must just lack the necessary ability.

  This book changed all that for me. I am doing things now I only dreamed of before. I don't know how the author figured it out, but he has come up with a way to communicate an understanding of music and the fretboard to both your head and, probably more important, your hands. Simple things like combining diagram exercises and playing, reinforced by having you speak the information out loud, really work to imprint the material on your fingers. The book walks you one step at a time, fairly painlessly, from simple to very complex. This thing is a gold mine. No kidding.
  
  

• Fretboard Magik

  
  By AHNPW5G8BCFT on 2004-01-14
  This is one of the best books I've ever read for guitar. I have always had trouble finding my way around the fretbaord, but after working with this book I have no trouble at all. There are so many helpful tips and exercises that you can't help but become ultra fluent on guitar. And unlike most books, the material in this book is presented in a manner that is easy to understand. It's all connected perfectly, instead of YOU having to piece things together. I would recomend this book to anyone.
  
  

• Bad Pedagogy

  
  By A3DWJ14SQ74DC5 on 2005-12-24
  I am an absolute beginner with the guitar. I was OK with this book until I got to page 24. At that point, I had not idea of how he got the D major pattern described. It is obvious that it includes all the notes in the D major scale within a 4 fret span, but that's all I can see in it. I have no idea how to complete the excercises on pages 24 and 25. What is a major scale pattern? I assume the concept is related to the concept of the root, but the major scale concept is not defined in the book. If I cannot get past this point, the rest of the book is worthless. I am a college professor, and I know from experience that you have to teach the basics in mind numbing simplcity and detail, and the bad pedagogy of this book at this point drives that lesson home for me. This experience may help me become a better teacher, but I cannot progress as a student of the guitar using this book. When I become more knowledgeable with respect to the guitar, this book might be useful to me.
  
  If you are an absolute beginner like I am, you may well find this book as frustrating as I do. I would not recommend it for someone like me.
  
  After working past the issue on pages 24 and 25, a couple of months past the writing of my first review, I have found this book to be more than very helpful, but the best of several books I have used. An update with a specific articulation of the 5 basic patterns that were an issue for me would improve this book greatly. The funny thing is that I have not seen any book that specifically shows those 5 patterns! Kind of amazing given how important they are! I still think absolute beginners will struggle with this issue. I'd like to give it a couple of more stars, but the editor function won't let me!
  
  

• A complete, highly comprehensive approach to the fretboard.

  
  By A3R5U0MZICFO7J on 2003-12-08
  I have been using this book with my students since Barrett started putting together the opening chapters. I first used it with my advanced students, those who already had some experience with the 5 patterns of major scales. Immediately they returned saying that it helped them understand the scales and visualize the fretboard more easily.

  Having my students walk in with diagrams of scales and intervals for me to check has been an incredible reversal of roles. Normally I would draw diagrams for them to study and play. Going over a chapter and sending them home to complete and play the exercises gets the student involved in a way that the normal draw, demonstrate, "see ya' next week" cycle never really reaches. It gives the student an opportunity to take home and digest the information that was normally only available during the lesson.

  Teaching people to operate a guitar and teaching music on a guitar are almost completely different tasks. I found the first six chapters to be very helpful when initiating beginner and intermediate students into the world beyond the 3rd fret and power chords. There is something in this book for nearly anyone interested in knowing how to play the guitar.

  If you are an instructor you will find the comprehensive, organized approach very thorough and focused. If you are self-studying the instrument or a student seeking more than just another tabbed-out solo this is a book you can keep coming back to throughout your journey. I highly recommend it.

  Billy Burke
  
  

• Worth 10 Times the Price!

  
  By A1KZRCS8VP6FBZ on 2005-06-14
  Tagliarino does something very few authors of guitar books have done - he puts the entire fretboard within reach of the guitar student. About 99 percent of the guitar players I know panic when they get beyond the fourth fret. But all of these players absolutely love the guitar and truly desire to learn the instrument - all the way to fret 12 and above. They have all kinds of musical notes and guitar riffs in their heads, but can't reproduce them on the fretboard. That is the worst kind of pain.
  
  Fortunately, Tagliarino's method is the "wonder drug" that takes the mystique out of the guitar fretboard and makes it all come together. Please be advised however, that getting this book doesn't reduce the necessity of practice. What students should experience is an increased desire to practice more! My advice to any guitar player, or instructor for that matter - get this book and the boxed set of Fretboard Logic (with DVD) by Edwards - and get to work! Within six months: you, your friends, your students, your teachers - eveyone - will be absolutely amazed at your increased level of knowledge. Take the plunge and buy this book! You won't regret your investment!
  
  
• The best guitar book you'll ever buy
  By A3TARJA2RH6Q8W on 2004-01-25
  If you are a guitarist, beginner or advanced, this book will take your playing to another level. In addition to being easy to read (with a little humor thrown in), it may reinvent the way you think about the fretboard. If you are a guitar teacher, it will be an invaluable tool for your students. I've been playing for 16 years, and this book helped get me off the plateau I've been on for a long time. I plan on buying more of this guy's books.
  
  
• Clear, concise, and detailed explanations...
  By AJC8TLF1TIEKU on 2004-08-12
  That is how I would describe this book and the teachings of the author. Everything is laid out in an easy to understand format, that takes you from the complete basics all the way up to a complete understanding of the guitar. If I had two more hands, I'd could give the book four thumbs up. ;-D I can't recommend it highly enough.
  
  
• This one truly deserves 10 Stars !
  By A3KJH741IDA8UO on 2006-11-22
  This is a Big Message (Review) - Please read it - Its my honest opinion about the book...
  
  I've been teaching myself Finger-style and Metal Guitar for the past 8 Months.
  
  I have a habit of collecting a lot of Guitar Instructional Material (Books, DVDs etc) as my basic Aim is to become a Guitar Teacher. Out of all my books (and DVDs) this has been the best investment I've ever made for my Guitar playing ! I truly believe that this book deserves 10 Stars (or maybe more) :)
  
  For the first time in my life I've thoroughly enjoyed a Instruction book(In terms of learning) and I feel I'm truly beginning to understand the Fretboard. I've completed almost 10 Chapters already and I must say I already feel like an achiever ! This book has cleared a lot of grey areas and has taught me all that I wanted to know - I'm sure that by the time I'll complete this book - I'll be a better player and I plan to start teaching as soon as I finish this book.
  
  Also wanted to say that, as soon as I start teaching - the Only book I think, I'll ever recommend (or maybe buy) for my future-Students will be "Guitar Fretboard Workbook" by Barrett Tagliarino :) This is absolutely "No-Nonsense" pure Knowledge (and in a perfectly graded - in a gradually building manner)
  
  Though I can play a lot of Guitar pieces and leads, (and I mostly figure things out by ear) - I have been having a desperate "Hunger" to understand the Guitar's Fretboard (which definitely is a Confusing maze !) - but this book made sense of everything and took me step-by-step, teaching me everything I needed to know so badly. I really cant wait to go deeper into the Book !
  
  I truly dont know how much to stress - This is the Best Book ever written (IMHO) on "Understanding" the Guitar (I'm not saying playing the Guitar) - but I always believe - If one doesnt know Why and How things work on a Guitar - playing a song or a piece is just a "Temporary Pleasure" (IMHO) which fades very quickly...
  
  I say all this from the heart, and according to my experience with this book only. I really-really want to thank Mr.Barrett Tagliarino for writing such a Master-Piece and Amazon.Com to have given me access to this wonderful material (as I'm in India).
  
  Another very important thing is the way this book approaches the concepts - unlike other books and methods - it not only teaches or gives information about a particular topic, but it makes sure the student has got firmly fixed into his mind, by using the unique 3 step system of permanent memorization.
  
  I must say the Author is a "Master-Teacher" and I envy (in healthy spirit) all students of him - who've had the 'Blessing' of to be able to learn from such a teacher. Though I've been self-taught, I take this book as my Teacher and I'm sure this will help me getting nearer to my Goals (becoming a good Guitarist and teacher)
  
  I hope this helps you all.
  Take care and Have a Good Day !
  Regards and Care
  Kush
  
  
  
  
• the saving grace
  By on 2004-01-12
  I entered musicians intstitute as a level 2 git student. I soon realized that I was way behind. I knew I was in trouble, so I bought this book, and in a matter of days I was able to understand what I should have already known...This book saved my ass and alot of money!
  
  
• FRETBOARD WORKOUT!
  By ATY4ENQ3M1H8V on 2005-12-06
  As a music teacher and author, I read every guitar instruction book I can get my hands on. My biggest problem with most instruction books is the lack of explanation and detail. My second biggest problem would be books that come in a series, (grade 1, 2, 3, etc.) This book puts both issues to rest! Barrett guides you through the fretboard leaving you with understanding as well as capability.
  
  From Mark John Sternal
  Author of "GUITAR: Total Scales Techniques and Applications"
  "GUITAR: Probable Chords"
  "Complete Guitar By Ear"
  and, "The Twelve Notes Of Music"
  
  
• BUYER BEWARE...
  By A1CD1W6PNUD7ZG on 2006-11-03
  I'm probably one of the few who bought this book first AND haven't bought the Fretboard Logic book yet. So no one can say my opinion is "tainted" or "biased" in favor of another book. Let me put it frankly: this book is poorly written and it's not for "all levels" as they claim.
  
  I was doing ok with this book for most of the first 22 pages. But then it shot right over my head when they expected me to be able to build the major scale patterns from what I'd learned already. There's simply no way. Nowhere in the preceding pages was there enough information to do what they were expecting me to do. Here are their exact words from the Intro: "Later chapters in this book depend heavily on the ones at the beginning." I think they meant to say later chapters depend on you having read other books that provide better explanations. And then it just shot further and further out of reach as I looked ahead. I was thinking "If I already knew this stuff why would I buy this book?!" It is tedious as another reviewer said.
  
  That's not the ONLY problem I ran into in just 22 pages. There was another issue in exercise 11 where you found yourself having to write E# as the answer. That surely didn't seem right but that was in fact in the answer key. They gave no explanation WHY this was the correct note which they SHOULD have because as a general rule there is no E#. Again this book appears to assume you already know this stuff. By exercise 12 I simply didn't trust the book anymore and set it aside.
  
  I'm aware it must be difficult for a writer of a guitar book who already fully understands what they are trying to convey to put it in such a way that doesn't skip important details necessary for those (like myself) who DON'T yet fully understand what is being conveyed. Having said that, I've found other books that do just that and that's what I'm paying for. So I have a problem with the fact that this book has been commited to print while still needing further explanation and clarification in several areas. This book is incomplete as it is.
  
  I would simply have returned the book but since I had already scribbled all over it by the time I got to page 22 there was no way. I even emailed the publisher directly telling them I wanted my money back. I recieved no response even though they claimed they would personally respond. So they got their money but they also lost a customer. This isn't the only book from this publisher I've had issues with either. But it will be the last.
  
  
• Is learning "shapes" easier for you than TAB????
  By AG6CF610KS14A on 2007-02-15
  Do you associate street signs by what they say or by the shape of the sign?
  
  If shapes find a way of embedding themselves in your mind better than just a bunch of numbers, then this book will be extremely helpful to you. I have purchased countless books on guitar playing. Most of them will teach the things you need to know, but it is all done in TAB. While I can read TAB just fine, my poor mind just can not process the information as fast as simply seeing a shape. This book breaks down root notes into very basic shapes and just starts adding to it. In a few short weeks, you should be able to understand the basic shape of a major scale. After a while you will be able to play the different scales in whatever key you are looking for.
  
  If you know and understand movable chords, then think about taking just five basic shapes and being able to move up and down the fretboard. Again, for me, this was a lot easier to do than to memorize countless pages of guitar TAB to learn just a few scales.
  
  My one disclaimer would be, and the only reason I give this 4 stars rather than 5 - I would recommend having at least a small amount of musical knowledge before getting started. Get to know your guitar and learn a few chord shapes and songs. This will give you something to fall back on and still enjoy, should you get frustrated when you just can't figure out what the relative minor scale is to the D major scale.
  
  
• Best Instruction Book I've Found
  By A1MGQKEATEBCLP on 2007-07-22
  I'm a "middle aged" student that has been playing cowboy chords for years, but never got much beyond first position. I've wanted to learn scales, arps, triads and other techniques to bring out more expression and to be able to solo anywhere on the neck with confidence. I started and stopped several other guitar courses because at some point the author made leaps or assumptions I simply wasn't ready for. This is by far the most logically designed and naturally progressing course I've seen for learning the fretboard. It's very well written and very clear in communicating the unique structure of the guitar. I would strongly recommend this to any beginning or intermediate student--or even those who have been playing awhile--but want to go back to basics and relearn it the way it should be learned. There's a lot of material here, so don't expect to complete it in anything short of many months to a year. I'm about six weeks into it and have already learned basics about root and chord positions, scales and theory that other courses--and several teachers--have not been able to make clear to me. I don't know if it's a function of age, limited practice time or sensory overload from job and household duties, but retaining a lot of abstract information does not come as easy as it used to. But using the author's methodical way of learning this material, it gets dialed in pretty quickly and it stays there! Highly recommended!
  
  
• A MUST HAVE for guitarists at any level!!!!
  By ACJEH29NEI5EP on 2006-03-12
  Another gem from the pros at the Musician's Institute! This book is billed a "complete system for understanding the fretboard" and PLAIN and SIMPLE, that's what it is!! Buy this book, then depending upon your current skill level, dedicate just 10 minutes a day to its study. It does not require the ability to read music. Take your time, don't rush it. Don't put a "time" frame on this study, just rest assured, you WILL know the fretboard and be a MUCH better guitar player for your efforts. You will learn the various shapes, patterns, positions and theory of the fretboard. Using a three pronged attack methodology of draw, describe and play, this no frills approach to the fretboard cements this much needed knowledge into your subconscious mind, brain and fingers. With this information at your fingertips, your playing abilities gradually begin to expand simply because you KNOW what you are doing and why! YES, you have to do some pencil work, for this IS a workbook! But a workbook that is AGAIN, worth the effort. Knowledge of the fretboard is one of the holy grails for any guitar player, this book will lead you to that promised land.
  
  
• Nice step-by-step instruction for mastering the fretboard.
  By A2GD1FO2CWU8JK on 2006-07-26
  Because of the way a guitar is tuned, it makes it confusing to try learn all the necessary fingerings required to have full mastery of the fretboard. I've had the Fretboard Logic books but still didn't really grasp the concept of the CAGED system. Then I got Don Latarski's Guitar Theory Basics DVD and the light bulb came on. It was a simple concept, but I needed to see it demonstrated and applied.
  
  This book uses the same CAGED concept but expands upon it. It forces you to logically think through the CAGED process of mastering the fretboard by writing down 5, and only 5, fingerings for each scale, arpeggio, and chord that guitarists play. Once you see there are only 5 basic fingerings for everything, the guitar fretboard isn't so intimidating.
  
  I've had guitar teachers at the local state college where I studied music before transferring to Musician's Institute in California (I'm a GIT grad), that told me I needed to learn 1001 different scales fingerings, a 1001 different chord fingerings, and 1001 arpeggio fingerings and practice them in all 12 keys until I committed them to memory. My guitar teacher basically threw a huge reference book at me and said "go at it" and walked away. This way of learning your guitar fingerings doesn't work because it isn't systematic.
  
  Barrett Tagliarino's method book is progressive and systematic and is extremely methodical and not just an avalanche of information like many books out there. The step-by-step process this guitar teacher uses has obviously been carefully thought out, tested, and tweaked to perfection in the Musician's Institute classroom.
  
  
• Guitar Fretboard Workbook
  By A2OBFG3FUQTJNA on 2005-09-13
  I think when it comes right down to it, learning all the notes on a guitar fretboard, and their various positions, is a formidable task. The author of this book apparently believes that also ... that is why he has painstakingly developed an outline that is well thought out in order to make this knowledge easier to digest than any other method I have seen. The instruction is clear, in detail, and innovative in its approach. I have only had the book a short time, so I can't "read" the fretboard yet ... but clearly, by following this series of study and excercises, I can see that not only will I have the ability to see all the notes and their positions ... but I will have this knowledge for the rest of my life. And that is worth far more than the modest price.
  
  Richard Narrell
  
  
• Great Workbook
  By ATBOU818MD635 on 2005-11-17
  I recently got this and thumbed through it at first, not understanding why there were so many blank patterns. Well, it's because it's a workbook. Where as most guitar learning books I have purchased were 'read, play and apply', this is a book much like a school workbook, where it teaches you the lesson, and then tests you on what you learned.
  
  I wasn't sure how I felt about that approach at first, but I realized this is quite possibly the best way to learn it all like it needs to be learned. The excercises tell you to talk out the actions while learning, and the test require you to write out what you've learned, which are two of the best tools for teaching and learning that can be utilized.
  
  I highly recommend the books for beginners or long time players that don't have a full understanding of the fretboard. It's one thing to know what sounds good by playing it, it's another to know the names of the notes, chords and arpeggios as they are being played.
  
  
• Takes away all my frustration and worry about learning the guitar.
  By A374KJQKO2FHWG on 2006-06-27
  First off all I can say on this book is praise.
  
  Having recently started playing around on a guitar I've taken a look at counless 'beginner' websites and lessons out there on the net and have purchased quite a fair number of books for the learner that claim to be for those of us who are starting out from little to no musical background. And I can't knock them, they all will have and do have their place in my learning. Three of them that I highly recommend to the novice:
  
  -'Guitar For Dummies' is quite humourous and is currently helping me practice proper technique and learning the chords.
  -'Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method' is quite nicely laid out, and is making musical notation not seem so daunting. Sure TAB is wonderful but this book is really a great read and makes notation a bit easier to grasp and relate to the strings.
  -And then we come to this book, 'Guitar Fretboard Workbook'. And that'll be the focus from here on.
  
  This is an amazingly well put together lesson book. I was a bit skeptical about all the positive reviews and everybody claiming how it magicly helped them understand the fretboard. But I must say this is my favorite guitar book. The author really knows just how to put words to the concepts that all of us can understand, even those just starting out in the musical world.
  
  Every turn of the page brings a new lesson and a new excercise for you to work on. And these arn't monotonous pages, each one brings a new concept into play and ties into the previous pages. Truely the author speaks to you and knows just how to grind the basic concepts of the guitar/fretboard into your memory, both mental and muscle memory, all while you are actually enjoying what you are learning.
  
  Other books I have tried while very usefull do have the feel that you ARE working to learn the instrument, where in 'Guitar Fretboard Workbook' you keep wanting to practice your lesson so you can turn the page and keep building.
  
  This book is well worth it's weight in gold if you are starting your guitar experience and want to get a very well written intro into the insturment and to know what exactly you are doing when all those other books are telling you to put your fingers on certain points of the neck instead of just nodding your head and putting your fingers where the dots tell you.
  
  
• The real deal
  By A2QE36I0HMUJZ3 on 2005-09-05
  This book is the real deal. The explanations are the model of clarity, and the exercises are laid out in a cogent, lucid fashion. As I worked through them, I reignited the urge to practice and improve. The author has also stimulated within me the urge to understand, which is one of the hallmarks of a great teacher. For all the treaures it offers, it really is a bargain. Buy it.
  
  
• Complete Source
  By A3OS5P7U4XB7Z5 on 2006-09-20
  I have played the guitar for many years and performed in a number of bands and was completely self-taught. I decided it was time to se what others had to say about the organization of the fretboard. Of all the authors I have seen, this guy get it right; is approach is also uncluttered. The book is well organized and builds from the basics of where the tonics are (the first note of the scales), through major and minor scales and arpeggios and then into the more exotic scales and arpeggios. His approach of writing, memorizing and playing is sound. I recommend this for any level of player who is serious about learning the fretboard.
  
  
• Worthwhile Resource on Music Theory for the Guitar
  By A2M3IQ80Y43KH2 on 2007-03-08
  I would recommend this book for any serious guitarist interested in better understanding chord triads up and down the neck. There is also explanation of major, minor and pentatonic scales. Those with advanced understanding of music theory may find this book too elementary, while beginners may find it overwhelming. For the intermediate or accomplished guitarist looking to better understand music theory, however, this book is an excellent resource manual.
  
  
• Fretboard made simple
  By A2GKV9BNJ8CCSM on 2005-08-15
  Although I have only been playing the guitar for three months now, this is without a doubt the best book that I have run across that teaches the basics of the fret board. The exercises are geared to ensure a fundamental understanding, as well as retention. As with all good instructors, Mr. Tagliarino emphasizes practicing at a rate where it is almost impossible to make a mistake. A must for anyone who wants to learn the guitar.
  
  
• Fantastic!
  By A15Z0A6AHYULFK on 2006-01-05
  As a former student of Barrett's... I only wish I could have bought this book (and used it) when I was actually at MI, rather than now.. four years later, and 2000 miles away. It's like, everything started to click into place now... when it should have clicked then. Highly reccomended - this the best thing to learn your fretboard through, other than actually having Barrett as a private teacher.
  
  
• Fantasmic
  By A2SE0ORX3MUIB5 on 2006-10-03
  Many people are comparing this to Logic because they purchased that first, however, I bought this title first and I love it, I can finally find my way around the fretboard in a methodic manner instead of just wandering around until I found a note that I'd needed.
  
  
• Fretboard Logic
  By A3LJZVOKCPGB1S on 2005-06-19
  I can't believe I'm rating something 5 stars, but this book deserves it. This book along with - "Understanding How to Build Guitar Chords and Arpeggios" by Michael Policastro are the two worthy of being called "logical", while others that call themselves that are not.
  
  Once you finish these books, you may move on to Giuliani's opus 48 etudes to build your sightreading skills.
  
  
• Great Exercise Book
  By A1YRF1EI0I2CVV on 2006-05-15
  It has 22 lessons including 59 exercise at the end of each lesson ready for you. The solutions to the exercises are given at the end of the book. It covers materials from location of the notes on the fretboard to scales, modes, and arpegios. It worth every penny!
  
  
• Very good book!
  By A3HUPG5ZCN849J on 2007-01-19
  I am an intermediate level guitarist, and I think that the book is very good. It's not a normal "technique" book, but instead the author focus in learning the complete fretboard/scales/modes/chords by doing mental and paper homework. The explanation is very good and concise, and gradualy as you progress more things you have to do. It is a different aproach to conventional learning, but for me it has faster results.
  If you want to learn the fretboard quickly and know how to build scales/chords and modes on the fly, I recommend this book!
  
  
• Very Impressive...
  By A397ZHLPGEHGN7 on 2007-04-22
  This book has been great. It's not one of those "I have all the answers. You are bad at guitar, and this is how to play correctly." It's a very friendly and simple book. It essentially makes you learn from VERY basic (yes, I admit, I flew by a good number of chapters at the first) to the little particular things that I had never really noticed before. This book makes you think. It makes you look at the fretboard differently, which is a GOOD thing. It makes you take all the knowledge of scales and intervals, chords and notes and it pounds it in your brain like no other. A GREAT buy for guitar students (listen up guitar teachers! this could really help a student!) and anyone who wants to explore the fretboard a little more. Thanks, Amazon!
  
  
  
  
• Excellent book! A must have.
  By AU2UVWC881MEP on 2005-07-27
  I've been playing guitar a long time and this book really helps you get an idea how the fretboard works. I recommend that you get this book first and then MI guitar soloing by Daniel Gilbert & Beth Marlis. It will help you unlock your soloing abilities and take you to the next level. Best of luck.
  
  
• A great help
  By A2J13LOH1PQ8ZH on 2005-12-25
  I started playing about 1 month ago and had no idea what I was doing. After picking up this book everything started becoming clearer. Some parts have been a little tricky for me to work out, but it's coming together nicely. Without this book I'd still have no idea what I was doing. A great book for beginners.
  
  

• Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
• Chord Tone Soloing: A Guitarist's Guide to Melodic Improvising in Any Style
• Fretboard Logic SE: The Reasoning Behind the Guitar's Unique Tuning + Chords Scales and Arpeggios Complete (The Fretboard Logic Guitar Method Volumes I and II) (Fretboard Logic Guitar Method Ser)
• Hal Leonard Guitar Method, Complete Edition: Books & CD's 1, 2 and 3
• The Ultimate Scale Book