Music Books

Nadine calls it like it is in this excellent guide to making your way in the music business. Fantastic reference for musicians with mainstream ambitions and those representing them.

This amazing book will show you the darker sides of music producing and recording, things you will not see in other book, in living colors and with dozens of photography and along the good side, it presents the failures in music industry and details the motives for the fall. Real life cases are presented and the evolution is followed from the first demo tapes up to stardom, the process and steps that the musician must take to become noticed, almost all of these steps taking years to complete .

It's not often you come across anything related to the music industry that is practical and insightful at the same time. "Hot Hits, Cheap Demos" is a must read for musicians at any stage in the game. Nadine's an insider who shares stories of how successful bands broke through from the inside perspective and in doing so offers opportunities to compare your own progress to the biggies. But what I found most helpful was the "band timeline" that explicitly maps out your career from garage to arena with amazing accuracy! Highly recommended.

Justin
Smith Point
[...]

This book is simply amazing! It is not a boring hard to understand piece of literature. The author Nadine Condon, has many years of experience and has helped the come up of some of our favorite artists ( third eye blind, stroke 9 , mellisa ethridge etc). She breaks down the buisness and how to take it by the horns step by step in a fun and educational process. she provides excellent features like band timelines, How to book a gig - PROPERLY! and how to send press kits. This book is very very usefull, it explains lawyers managers booking agents producers engineers just about everything you ever wanted to know about the buisness she explains in a very user-friendly way! i highly recomned this book to everyone musicians producers engineers a&r reps anyone. if you want any form of future in the music buisness , once you read this , youll wonder how you would of made it with out!

I, too, have read a handful of music industry books. Nadine's has something more than most, though. There are first-person anecdotes chronicaling Nadine's experiences with artists we've all heard of. There are checklists of tangible goals. There is a wealth of constructive advice for artists looking to get out of the "Local Band Ghetto". There is an honest spirit to the book--you can feel that the author is just as passionnate about music today as she was when she first started in the industry.

Nadine's book serves both as inspirational literature and a road map to career goals, no matter what they may be. Seriously, this is the book you need.

My granddaughter's favorite book; she especially loves the pictures! I've ordered more for friends' babies as well. Highly recommended!!!

My daughter loved this book when younger than two years old, as I would sing it to her. Now that she is almost three years old, she can understand the humor of some of the illustrations. I expect that as she gets older, she will further understand and appreciate the story that is independently told in the pictures. A sturdy, lovely, enjoyable book.

This is a marvelous bedtime book! The minimalistic verse (that we all know!) matches the lovely and detailed drawings. Perfect for reading aloud and for poring over slowly as well.

Hush, Little Baby is an excellent children's boardbook. The illustrations are wonderful and detailed enough so even reading it many, (many, many!) times to my child, we find interesting new things to look at. Thank you Marla Frazee!

What will hush the baby?

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word" is a folk song that all of us as parents are familiar with. The author has taken this familiar and well-loved folk song and made it into a picture book sure to charm children, parents, and grandparents.

The illustrations start with the parents, their little girl, and a sleeping baby walk past a peddler's wagon. Mom puts the baby to bed, then when she isn't looking the big sister walks over and tips the cradle over. While the parents frantically try everything to soothe the frightened child, the sister suggests they visit the peddler's cart for something. And thus Daddy returns with a mockingbird... and so the story goes.

Both my two-year and five-year-old absolutely loved Hush, Little Baby when I read it to them. My five-year-old looked at the pictures several times and wanted me to sing it to her. Then the book made the round of the family while they looked at the excellent illustrations and commented on them. Some of them even made them laugh.

Hush, Little Baby is a book that won't be read once and forgotten. If you sing nursery rhymes, lullabies, or folk songs to your children and can't quite remember the words to Hush, Little Baby, this is an excellent resource. Not only that but it is made out of sturdy cardboard so it will hold up to everything except possibly a teething baby. I'm keeping my copy to enjoy for my children, and later, my grandchildren.

Armchair Interviews says: You won't be disappointed in Hush, Little Baby.

I bought this book after using the 'New Real Book' for a while.
I quickly started building a sizable repitoire of standards at my performances. I play solo piano, but singers and bassists could follow it as well. There are E flat versions too for horn players. I especially liked the Cole Porter and George Gershwin selections.

This is exactly what I wanted. One page for each song. Chords large so the piano player can see. And the words included for the singer.

I just started playing piano for an oldies singer. 90% of the stuff we do comes out of this book. 250 songs can't possibly cover everything, but these songs were chosen VERY well. The chords are "interesting" (not just vanilla major/minor/7th that you get in some books), although a few songs have chords that are clearly wrong, so avoid sight-reading on the job if you can. My singer owns an extra copy of this book to share with his accompanists, but I liked it so much that I bought one for myself. I may even get my rock band to buy some copies so we can play dinner music before the party gets going. There's even Bb and Eb versions for the sax player. It doesn't get much better than that.

The "Just Jazz Real Book" was one of my favorites. Many of the songs include the verses, the chords (including alternates) are well thought out, the song selection is good, and I've found very few errors in notes or chords. I figured I'd love the "Just Standards Real Book" even more. There's a fair amount of overlap between the two books, but this one suits me even better, as it replaces famous Coltrane riffs, etc. with songs I can actually do justice to on the piano. I must have 20 or more fake books, but this one is quickly becoming my favorite.

Exactly as the cover of the book states. Many great standards for musicians and lovers of great tunes to perform at the keyboard. Standard chord changes have been replaced with substitute changes. Music is easy to read. Verses for some tunes that you've heard at shows are present. Lyrics are clear and easy to read. A job well done with the standards of old.

First of all let me tell you that this book is not an easy reading, it has to many characters and to many stories, to be exact it has six stories, at first all of them separately but in the middle of the book they will be as one big story. Of course the main story, the story of Lucky and Lennie is the must important, but you are really interested in all the stories at the same time. When you end a chapter of one story you want to skip the next chapter to see what happened in that specific story, but when you start to read about the other story you forget about the first one and you will want to know what happened to this one.
The end of the book is not so good, but the book still keep 5 stars

Yes, I should be reading something with more substance, but I love Lucky Santangelo's story! This is like watching your favorite soap opera, but with better characters, and a faster, tighter storyline. Very hard to put down once you start it! I especially loved how Lucky planned to make her studio more receptive to female stars and women's stories. If only there was a Hollywood studio like that for real!

I am not normally one to ready "trashy" novels. Ms. Collins has set up a great list of characters (Bridgett, Charlie Dollar, etc.) in the Lucky Santangelo series. This is perhaps the best of the bunch. Feisty Lucky Santangelo purchases a movie studio from one of the old time owners (kind of a Louis Mayer personna) and becomes the boss of the studio. This causes a lot of friction with her husband Lennie Golden, who feels cheated of his right to win roles on his own merit.

I read this one really fast!

Nothing comes remotely close to this series.

In LADY BOSS, Lucky has finally found the love of her life in comedian/actor Lennie Golden. Not only are the two different as night and day, but they are both as headstrong as ever causing them to sometimes bump heads, but the love that they have for each other surpasses all of that.
Who would've thought that Lucky would find love again after her beloved Marco? Three marriages later, and she has finally got it right this time around. So like any loving wife, Lucky tries to make her husband happy. When Lennie nags and complains about the goings on in his workplace -- Panther Studios, Lucky decided to eliminate his frustration by buying the studio so that the pair of them can have complete control. But nothing wanted in life comes easily. Before Lucky can take full control of the studio, she has to go undercover, and expose all employees who pretty much aren't "getting the job done". This is where the adventure begins.
Meanwhile Lennie is oblivious to this plan. Lucky has to cover up her whereabouts because she wants to surprise him with this after the plans flow accordingly. This situation brings on strain that the two were not prepared for. Will Lennie appreciate the gift Lucky is working on presenting him with? You'll have to read and find out!

I recently finished 'LADY BOSS' the third book in the Lucky Santangelo series and I absolutely loved it! Where 'LUCKY' was good 'LADY BOSS' was great. In this third installment Lucky goes to Hollywood in hopes of acquiring a major movie studio, however, just before she closes the deal she finds out that there is a catch. She has to work undercover at the studio for six weeks as a plain Jane secretary! At first Lucky is reluctant but soon the idea of surprising her husband movie star Lennie Golden with his own studio coupled with the sheer enjoyment of being able to spy on all of the studio executives is too much for Lucky to pass up. But as Lucky soon finds out Lennie is not too thrilled with her surprise, which puts their marriage in serious jeopardy.

There are so many enjoyable story lines in this book that it makes it hard to put down. An example of this is the story of Venus Maria and Martin Swanson the movie star and the billionaire. Swanson is a business tycoon who is married to Dena Swanson a woman who became famous by using the Swanson name and refuses to let anybody take that away from her including the Madonna like movie and recording star Venus Maria. But Venus is determined to have Martin all to herself that is until her brother Emilio shows up and stirs up trouble for the couple.

I found this book to be extremely entertaining and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Lucky is powerful, demanding and independent a true example of a strong woman. 5 Stars!

Maxine Brown has created a masterpiece about the history, and characters involved in the making of Country Music. Her story is honest and heartbreaking at times. She has bumped into just about everyone who has had anything to do with the industry. She's smart, funny, honest and in some cases, unforgiving of those that have crossed her in the business. And, rightly so. Just the insight into the beginning career of Elvis Presley is worth the read. She toured with this shy kid who would become king. She gave us a glimpse into what it was like to know him before all the fame. This woman had guts to stick it out in a business that could be very unkind to women in the early days. Her determination to carve herself out a place in the business of country music is witness to her drive. The Browns hold a very important place in the history of Country Music. They influenced an entire generation, and let us not forget, were one of the first crossover sensations. Not only did they create a fire here in the States, they took on Europe with huge success as well. They lived through the rough and tumble days in Nashville when a chosen few could make or break a career. There were also good guys, like Chet Atkins who believed in the Browns, and stood up to the big studio execs to ensure that their records were made with integridy. Maxine was there to see it all, and tell it through her amazing recall. This book is an important piece of history, and should be read by anyone who calls themselves a fan of country music.

I've been a fan of the Browns ever since I was a young child in the early 1960's and my mom bought a Browns album. In recent years, I continue to enjoy the sweet harmonies brought by this incredible brother/sisters singing team.

Maxine Brown writes a riveting story of what country music was like in the 1950's, when they got started. It was a brutal, unforgiving business at the time and the Browns had their share of unscrupulous businessmen. She also writes about the relationship the Browns had with other country music singers of the day, some who have become major legends.

Very honest & open by the Author/Singer Maxine Brown. Very interesting & revealing, especially about Elvis Presley & Jim Reeves. Very good book.

Maxine Brown was part of a family country band with her brother, Jim Ed and sister, Bonnie. Their most famous recording is that of Edith Piaf's `The Three Bells'.

She writes about her early family life growing up in rural south Arkansas during the Depression. Her journey in country music and the people with whom she traveled and the songs she wrote. The people she met and performed with such as Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Chet Atkins. Performing on the Louisiana Hayride, at The Grand Old Opry and touring Europe. Particularly touching was the story about Jim Reeves' tragic death. It bought a new reality to his life for me.

I particularly enjoyed her stories of their encounters with Elvis Presley and how he fell in love with Bonnie and asked her to marry him. She turned him down. One particular incident was at the time of his discharge from the army when he called a press conference and invited the Browns to attend. He asked Bonnie did she wait for him and she told him `no', she was married and expecting a baby. She must have known what would have been ahead.

I absolutely loved reading this book and did it in 3 days. I love country music and it is also takes a look at the background of some of the great American country performers and the people involved with their careers.

Here in Australia we only see the end result of some the greats and have no idea what life was like for budding country singers in America.

I found this book while listening to WSM America's Country Music Station broadcast live from The Grand Old Opry. There was a live interview with Maxine promoting the book.

Thank you Maxine, for the experience.

Kudos to Maxine Brown for her fascinating no-holds-barred look at the country music industry of the 1950's and 1960's. Maxine, along with sister Bonnie and brother Jim Ed, were legendary country group The Browns, who chalked a number of hits for fifteen years, notably THE THREE BELLS, one of the biggest hits in country music history and as well as a number one pop hit for them. The Browns were all but ready to throw in the towel when they scored that monster hit. Their RCA recordings were not producing major hits. The group earlier came to success on the small Fabor Records label founded by one Fabor Robinson. Like many vocalists on small labels during the era, according to Maxine, the Browns "never made a dime" on their hit LOOKING BACK TO SEE, needless to say she has harsh feelings for Robinson "probably the sorriest b****rd then infesting the industry." She recalls a string of horrors the Browns had to put up with due to the association, so much so Robert Cochran, in the book's introduction feels to need to note country musican historian Colin Escott found similar stories from other Robinson associates in his research. Maxine titles one of her chapters "We Get Screwed" and her tales of blackmail attempts to harassment are truly astonishing.

There's lots of good times too, from dozens of close friends in the industry from Elvis Presley to George Jones and their years as the leading country vocal group. The Browns were especially close to Jim Reeves, and like Reeves they suffered from some backlash in some country circles because of their pop hits. Maxine recalls a run-in she had with Little Jimmy Dickens at a country music function during the peak of the Browns' crossover success when Dickens strolled up to them and said "What are you doing here? You Ain't country." As you might have guessed Maxine is not the type to just stand there and take that, calling him a "sawed-off son of a b***ch" which broke into a cuss fest that led to Maxine and Dickens not being on speaking terms for years although she happily notes they have since made amends.

After the Browns disband in the late 1960's and brother Jim Ed becomes a popular male star, Maxine found it difficult to launch a solo career (I personally love her only solo album SUGAR CANE COUNTY) and is surprised how quickly the industry seems to have forgotten she was one third of the hottest group in country music. Happily, the Browns have frequently reunited for concerts since the late 1980's and still perform today.

LOOKING BACK TO SEE is a great read, loaded with rare photos. Maxine writes in a friendly, talkative style and as you might guess, is as blunt as someone having an intimate conversation. This is a fairly large book - 348 pages - for a country star autobiography. The University of Arkansas (Maxine's home state and where she still lives) published this book and did a fine job with it. It's clear a local press is the way to go for country music star's of the past who might not be able to attract New York publishers. This book is a must for anyone who loves country music during it's classic "Nashville Sound" era.

This book makes fascinating reading. It helped me to appreciate more the musicians I was already familiar with, such as Jack Teagarden, and opened my eyes to a lot of people I knew little or nothing about. Be sure to pick up the companion CD, too.

This is the finest book about jazz that I have ever read. I own many of the records that the author dissects, as well as having seen several of these great jazz artists perform, and I find his judgment perceptive and unerring. But this is far more than just a book about jazz music. What makes these musicians tick, how did they happen to assemble together for a recording session, how did the record business impact their selection of pieces to perform? The author draws on a variety of academic disciplinces, including art, psychology, economics, and social history, to put his subjects in perspective. Most important, he is a fine storyteller who empathizes with the people he writes about. While many reviews focus on his overall thesis about race in jazz, this is but one theme he articulates, and it serves more as an organizing structure for the book than as its sole message.

First of all, Dick Sudhalter is a gifted writer. He crafts his narratives like a well constructed solo or composition. Second, this book tells us about early white jazz musicians and correctly describes the interplay between vital African American innovations and the contributions of Caucasian jazzmen. Sudhalter in no way diminishes the seminal contributions of African American jazzmen. He simply talks about the contributions of other artists, and does a masterful job of helping us to see the interplay between musicians who have given us this wonderfully entertaining music. I thought I knew a fair amount about the history of jazz. After reading this book, I know more. Nothing is more American than Jazz music (just my opinion), and the more you understand it, the more you know about the USA in the 20's and 30's. I keep re-reading parts of this book because there's so much here.

While a brilliant documentary, Burns' "Jazz" also reinforced the notion that jazz is exclusively an African-American artform. Fortunately, "Lost Chords" does much to blow away that misperception. While never belittling or downplaying the role of those African-American giants in jazz, this book does an outstanding job of profiling all of the individuals and bands who received short shrift from Burns: Steve Brown, who pretty much invented jazz bass playing; the Jean Goldkette Orchestra; Miff Mole; Frank Trumbauer; and may more. And he does so in a way that is both interesting to the casual fan (with anecdotes and such) and the hardened muso (excerpts of scores abound). A scholarly tome, this is a worthy addition for any jazz fan's library. I look forward to Volume II.

Not a mere antidote to political correctness in jazz criticism; Lost Chords is a prewar cultural history, a lesson in music structure, a history of woodwind instruments, a guide to innovations in guitar tuning, AND MORE. It shows the musicians as human beings with all their failings, humor, drives, hard work, and talent. I especially loved the account of the bass sax --- an instrument that looks like it could double as a moonshine still --- and its usefulness in the early days of sound recording. Sudhalter admonishes us to listen to the music and to make up your own mind. Exactly right. A good place to start is Robert Parker's Bix Beiderbecke Great Original Performances 1924-1930 (available on Amazon) If you have ever heard an early 78 rpm record, you will be astonished at Parker's sound restoration.

My title is part of the inscription her husband Charlie had placed on Patsy's grave marker.Time has shown that truer words have never been said.
All the letters in this book were written to Treva Steinbicker who started and operated her fan club.They corresponded very frequently from the time that Patsy started in the business in 1955 when she was was only 23.The letters continued till 1959.There may have been more and Treva probably continued until she was killed in a car accident in 1960;but no letters were found during that period. Patsy met her untimely death in a plane crash on March 5,1963.
More than anything else,these letters show what a huge struggle and sacrifice to health,family and security the artists of the 50's went through in establishing a career.The number of Country Artists ,who made a living,were only a few dozen,and it took many years to make it.However,the music they made came from the heart and soul and was so good because they really lived it.Today new superstars appear like autumn leaves,and in my opinion most of it is "studio" music and that which the Industry promotes.It is hihhly that the stoff promoted today will be enduring like that which we got from the artists of Patsy's time.
Try as they may,to replace Country Music with Pop,Rhinestone Cowboy stuff,Country Rock,New Country,Line Dance music,the music of the Legends like Patsy,Hank Williams,Web Pierce,Johnny Horton,Roy Acuff,Ernest Tubb,Loretta Lynn,and other artists of the 50's and 60's,the real Country music survives because of the simplr fact that Country Music is the music of the people,by the people and for the people---Not the music establishment and studios.
The thing that surprisedme the most is how little these artists were compensated These letters show that during the time Patsy made her greatest hits,she virtually lived in poverty.Just imagine how moch people who couldn't write a simple ditty or even carry a tune,made off Patsy.

I found, Love Always, Patsy to be quite compelling. I wasn't reading about Patsy Cline the superstar but "Patsy" the young girl working her way up. To be able to do that in her own words left me with a special warmth for the person and all she hoped to achieve. To spend time recapturing a "lost" time in the business of music. A more simple time. I would recommend this book not only to Patsy Cline fans but anyone interested in music, life, biographies, or a hard working housewife.

I am the secretary for the Always Patsy Cline Fan Organization and I have to say, I'm pretty picky about my Patsy Cline merchandise, info., etc.

This book was so interesting to me because you really found out who Patsy was. She struggled just like the rest of us. It blew me away at how tight things were for her. Although times were tough, she kept going to make her dreams come true.

You could really tell how much she loved Charlie and her new daughter, Julie. Randy wasn't born yet.

It was really easy to read and I couldn't put it down. It's a real treasure to have something like this about someone we don't know much about, because of how short of a time she was with us.

If you are in any way a fan of Patsy Cline, this is a must read for you. It also contains a few new photos.

Enjoy!

Thank you Mike and Cindy for sharing the personal letters of Patsy Cline with all of us. What better way to get to know someone, then to peek into their letters written to someone very special. Not only are the words that she writes very intimate and from the heart, but the paper they are witten on and the way they are written(phrasing and penmanship) give you insight into Patsy's feelings and personality. Since reading this great book, I have become an REAL Patsy Cline fan.

If you are looking for a book that tries to analyze Patsy Cline from a woman's perspective, read Margaret Jones' biography. If you want dirt and hack writing, read Ellis Nassour. But if you want to know Patsy Cline, read this book. Patsy wrote it herself with a guiding hand from Mike and Cindy. Patsy tells us in her own words what kind of a woman she is and she shares her dreams and disappointments in a way no other writer can touch.

Mike and Cindy let Patsy tell the story, intruding long enough to clarify a point or identify an obscure reference.

I enjoyed this book and was very informed by it. I doubt you can find more detailed background data about Lucille Ball's work (from the beginning of her career to the end, from stage to the big and small screens) and her (lesser known) co-stars and co-workers anywhere else. The problem is, I'm a new fan to Lucy and I wanted to read about her life in a more conventional way (where she was born, raised, her influences, her marriage, children, etc). Those types of books got such mixed reviews from fans that I thought I'd start with this one, which had only positive reviews. There is some basic bio in this book, but it assumes you know that type of information about Lucy. So I would just say: make sure you don't start with this book if you're a new fan. It's like getting to know her backwards (everyone around her instead of the star herself). This is definitely a book for seasoned fans who want to know "more."

Great format, easy to read. Every coffee table must have one!!

A thoroughly enjoyable read on Lucy. Learned some things I never knew - and loved that way you could navigate from one section to another.

This new paperback biography of Lucille Ball is something different, an "A to Z" run through her life, sprinkled with the author's opinions. I actually agreed with most of them, and the breezy style and content is the perfect antidote for a depressing day. Read it and love Lucy all over again.

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I couldn't put it down. I loved the format, the authors perspective and views were interesting and unique and you could tell he was a real Lucy fan (who isn't). Add this book to your cart and you won't be disappointed. You can read it again and again because of the unique way it is written. A must for Lucy fans. Enjoy!

The backbone of Duke Ellimgtons music was his association with Billy Strayhorn. Where such genius came from emanates from poverty and rather ordinary family roots. This is a fascinating and beautifully documented story that completes any previous knowledge of the beauty that is Ellingtons music. Strayhorn was obviously an unrecognized genius deserving of notoriety and equal prominence.

Great Book... if you're an Ellington fan and like "Strays" music this is an absolute must. Very informative and interesting and also great reading. The author was here in Seattle for an Elllngton concert with Earshot Jazz and I met and chatted with him.... a very charming and informed man. cmm

one of the most interesting biographies I've ever read. When Billy Strayhorn was growing up in Pittsburgh he met Duke Ellington in the back of the theatre after a concert Duke performed at. He blew Duke away when Billy played the piano for him. Years later Duke would remember him and asked Billy to come out to NYC to see him. When Billy asked for directions Duke would write on a piece of paper, take the A train. While on the A train to Upper Manhattan to see Duke, Billy wrote the music for 'Take the A Train". So it goes the great collaboration between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn would begin. Always in the background and never given the proper credit for all the music he wrote Billy Strayhorn would live a lush life. Travelling the world and meeting the kings and queens of the jazz world, he could be the life of the party but the applause for Duke Ellington's music would bypass him. Being black and gay back in those days was not acceptable behavior so Billy stayed in the background and Duke kept him. Billy wrote the music and Duke played it, his own personal muse. Billy loved the 3 am hour the best, it was the happiest hour of the day when you're too exhausted to care anymore and numb to everything else. A wonderful book.

i find myself always enjoying Books on People&this is no exception.very well detailed Book on a Important Composer&His Many Demons&Surroundings.I heard a few years back that Will Smith was considering doing the Bio Movie on Billy Strayhorn.it would be really interesting to see how things would come out on the Big screen.this book reflects on Music Talent&whole Life.very well done book.

This book has a lot going for it. Do you like music, swing and jazz? Do you like intersting people? Did you live through the 30's, 40's and 50's? Do you enjoy reading about that era? Do you enjoy reading a well written biogratphy? If the answer to any of these is yes, you'll like this book, it the answer is yes to several of these questions then you'll LOVE this book. David Hajdu has done an exemplary job of documenting the life of Billy Strayhorn. I really felt like I knew the man after reading this. He has done his research and he also writes with a very smooth style that keeps you intersted. I love music and I've read bios of Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, BB King, Chuck Berry, Led Zepplin, Allman Bros. on and on. This is one of the best if not the best music bio I've read.

I worked my way through Troy's Metal Rhythm Guitar I & also his Metal Lead Guitar I before buying this book and I'm here to tell you that guitar instruction books don't get any better than this... the theory, presentation and examples are top-notch! You will LOVE the riffs he gives you to learn each technique and style of Metal Rhythm - it's SO FUN to learn when the stuff you play sounds SO COOL! Troy Stetina knows his stuff & can he ever PLAY! When you hear the examples he recorded to accompany the book you'll realize you're learning from a MASTER! To top it off, the theory is easy to understand as Troy explains it & the musical notation in the book uses TAB, but WITH the timing (half notes, quarter notes, etc.) BUY THE ENTIRE SERIES!!

I am a music teacher. I was looking for a book that will teach young adults a method of playing heavy metal music. This is the book I would recommend. My students are enjoying the simple exercises and the play along cd.

I have played guitar for over 12 years. I have recently begun teaching private lessons. I try to teach such that the information I give relates personally to each student. Everyone learns differently and has different tastes.

I recently purchased Troy Stetina's book, Metal Rhythm Guitar Vol. 1, for a few of my students who are interested in studying heavy metal. I have to say, this book is excellent. It starts from the very beginning, teaching how to play powerchords. Troy's notation is excellent, incorporating counting techniques into his TAB.

I find as a teacher that it is essential to get your students playing something cool from the beginning. Otherwise, they lose interest. This book has been a great resource to help my heavy metal students start rocking almost from the first lesson.

Excellent job Troy, keep it up.

-Craig Nybo, author of Total Human: The Complete Strength Training System

If you are a beginner who wants to learn how to play metal or even rock then this is for you. The book is all in Tabs, so if you can't read standard notation or do not want to learn than this will speed up the learning process for you. Troy takes you through a series of exercises which eventually lead to a real song that you will get to play. The book and CD work together and you definatley need the CD to understand how to play. If you are a guitar teacher this is a great tool to help you teach your students about metal guitar. I have used this book for myself for over 15 years. Now that I teach guitar I use it with my students with great results. The play along CD is of the highest quality and you will enjoy playing along for hours. I reccomend this book and all of Troy's guitar books. Well Done Troy!!!!!!!!!

Of the 30 or so guitar method books I own, the Troy Stetina collection is by far the most useful. His method is somewhat similar to the musicians institute series of instruction, except that his series tends to focus on a particular style of music rather than just general learning. This particular book is great as it is progressive. Start at the beginning of the book and work your way through at your own pace. That's it -- easy schmeezy lemon squeezy. Also, buy a metronome and you'll get even more out of it.