Recommend me a book for learning to play guitar please

[Kazzawazzawo0]

I've always wanted to play and I'm trying to teach myself, can't afford lessons. Can anyone recommend a really easy book?

I can't read music. I can play a few chords having watched some online tutorials, but would like to learn more, preferably with some simple songs.

I have an acoustic guitar.

[Ferguson]

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of books that might be suitable.

What is your favourite kind of music, or what kinds would you like to try to play?

I'll look back in a day or two.

[BackforGood]

My dd has found the internet the way forward - I've tried buying her books but she says there really is no need, it's all on-line.
She's asleep now - I'll try and ask her if there are any particular sites she found helpful, tomorrow.

[Kazzawazzawo0]

Thanks. I'd like to play stuff I know, so rock, pop .. Anything that's a proper tune really, but not children's songs.

I've looked on YouTube, but I don't have a printer at the moment, and also think I'll focus better if I'm working my way through a book.

There are so many,I don't know where to start, so I thought maybe someone could recommend one that is ideal for beginners, but not just children's songs.

[TrionicLettuce]

I can't help with books but if you can't read music tabs are great and Ultimate Guitar has endless songs in tab form. It's a fantastic resource for self-teaching.

[Ferguson]

For quickness, I'll give you this link to start you off. This is the book that most of the guitarists of the last forty years started with.

Guitar is a difficult instrument though, and to start off making music I always suggest Keyboard as being an easier option. But that may not be a financial option for you.

You mention 'a proper tune', but most guitar beginners will start with chords, so you may have to sing the tune at first:

www.bertweedon.com/playinaday.htm

[Ferguson]

And these quotes might inspire you:

www.bertweedon.com/quotes.htm

[Kazzawazzawo0]

Thank you, that sounds perfect.

[Ferguson]

Something else you might like to listen to, and maybe one day want to get involved in, is music from Martin Taylor. I know it is too difficult to contemplate at the moment, but it gives you some idea of what else is out there:

martintaylor.com/guitar-academy/

[Kazzawazzawo0]

Thank you, that looks interesting.

[Talulaley]

Can anyone recommend a book food learning to play guitar that doesn't require me being able to read music and teaches me to play chords?

I've looked online, but find it easier working my way through a book.

[Talulaley]

Typo! "... A book FOR learning to play guitar ..."

[Ferguson]

Playing ONLY chords can be a bit limiting, so knowing a BIT about music might help. If you have access to a Keyboard, that can make 'chords' easier to understand.

Also knowing the 'harmonic series' (and starting to UNDERSTAND it) is useful, but it does require effort to 'get your head around it'!

www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/010649/details.html?kbid=1582&gclid=CJuYmonYwMoCFRUTGwodIYEKPQ

www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/01119327/details.html?kbid=1582&gclid=CNSBmarYwMoCFUn4wgod57wBJg

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonic_series_%28music%29

Also look a other 'links' I put on this thread.

[Talulaley]

Thanks. I'll have a look at those. But for now I'd like to start with a book with just chords, preferably a variety of well known popular songs.

[SoConfused15]

I know you wanted a book but this website justinguitar.com has a straightforward beginners course which teaches you chords, and has songs you can play with just 2-3 chords (A, E and D), so almost straight away.

I'm "returning " to guitar after 25 years so was coming on here looking for suggestions too :)

[thenewaveragebear1983]

I taught myself to play using internet sites like azchords, and ultimate guitar. Once you know a few chords you can play loads of songs. Learn c, g, e , a minor and D first! Lots of bob Dylan, oasis, OCS, Beatles use these chords. You can also get 3 or 5 chord songbooks which will have several songs using the same chords, but be aware that they do this by altering the pitch of the original song so if you sing along you'll need a capo. Also, if you sing my advice would be to buy the thinnest gauge of strings you can find when you restring your guitar, gives a much nicer sound more suited to the female voice.

[hipHipboo]

I'm looking for a book too. I've mastered the chords G, D, C, A minor .. But I'm really struggling to strum .. I just don't know how to get the rhythm right. I don't like using a pick, but using my fingers doesn't feel right either .. But mainly the speed and rhythm are the problem.