Mel Bay

Author: Dix Bruce
Format: Book/CD Set
Instrumentation: Guitar

The best way to learn a musical instrument is to play it as much as possible, and the most enjoyable way is with other musicians in a band setting. Trading songs, interacting with other instrumentalists, and building an ensemble sound help you learn much faster than approaching a new instrument on your own.

This play-along series of books and accompanying audio promotes a fun way of learning by providing you with a band to play along with. You can practice chords and rhythm, singing and lyrics, melodies, solos, licks, and back-up playing along with a real band. The accompanying audio includes Dix Bruce on the guitar, mandolin and vocals, Bill Evans on the banjo and vocals, Julie Cline on vocals, and Cindy Browne on the string bass. The songs are recorded just as they would be played at a jam session or performance, with introductions (kickoffs), vocals and solos. By playing (back-up/melody) and singing along, you will have a lot of fun while you learn. Open solo spaces in the recordings allow you to play the chords and solos from the book, create your own improvised solos, or sing the lyrics while the band provides accompaniment.

The book includes fifteen of the most popular Bluegrass, Old-Time and Gospel songs, recorded at slow and regular tempos in the audio. No matter what your ability level is on the guitar, you can enjoy playing along with the band!