Whether you've been strumming the guitar since you were a kid or are just starting out, The Only Guitar Book You'll Ever Need will help you take your music to the next level. Filled with clear, step-by-step instructions and tons of professional tips, this guide teaches you everything you need to know about playing a guitar, from buying the right model to performing all your favorite songs.

Includes index. Contains material adapted and abridged from previous works by Marc Schonbrun and Ernie Jackson.

The basics. The origin of the guitar ; Tuning, care, and maintenance of your guitar ; Basics of physical position ; The basics of reading guitar music and tablature ; Introduction to simple songs -- Scales. What is a scale? ; The pentatonic scales ; The major scale ; The minor scale ; The Dorian scale ; The Mixolydian scale ; Jazz/modern scales -- Chords. What is a chord? ; Chord theory ; Arpeggios ; Major chords ; Minor chords ; Common chord progressions -- Sound, gear, and technology. Using amplifiers to get good sound ; Purchasing a second instrument ; Home recording 101 -- Appendix A. Guitar tricks -- Appendix B. Songwriting basics.