Ask a Teacher About Best Music Books for Your Needs

If you don't want to work with a music teacher, at least consult one about which music books, DVDs, and other materials will be most useful to you.

I wrote a post back in September about my views on using music books and DVDs in place of a teacher. I said that these tools are great to use as supplements, but that I advise all learners, particularly beginners, to find a good teacher.

I was asked to revisit this topic, as there are lots of people who are committed to learning an instrument without a teacher. So, my advice to someone who is looking for materials is to: get some guidance about materials from a good teacher! The human element is essential in learning music. A good teacher should be able to point you to reliable and accurate materials such as useful books, DVDs, etc.

I can only write about my own materials. If you were interested in learning about Rock and Blues improvisation, I have a book for that. If you need to understand the notes on the neck or how to strum the guitar, I have books for those topics. I cover fingering for the guitar in a downloadable DVD called “Navigating the Jazz Guitar” available at Mike’s Master Classes. There are many more resources available if you know where to look. Check with a teacher on what materials would be best for you.

Beyond that, it’s trial and error. Most self-taught players have spent a lot of time copying things from recordings. Though I’m not a fan of that approach, it certainly has benefits for the development of your ear.

You will benefit to some degree by just playing – playing anything. The biggest negative issue is developing bad habits, which can be difficult to break in the future.

Note from LRG: For more on teachers and teaching materials, read the following:

• Selecting a Music Teacher
• Find a Music Teacher by Seeking Satisfied Students
• When “Tell, Don’t Show,” Makes Sense
• Do Online Guitar Lessons Deliver What They Promise?
• Wes’ Words to a 16-Year-Old Play Out Today