Customer Reviews

Esteban's Complete Guitar Course for Beginners

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was working on the second song (Green Sleeves) and found out the hard way that the diagram on page 26 does not match what I was trying to play. Luckily the Video tells you the correct chord to play. But on the very next page the diagrams and video don't agree again, not to mention the tune. It's not a very big book! The least they could have done was proof read.

When America was first introduced to Esteban, many played off his infomercials as nothing more than a "fly by night" trying to make a fast buck. He was a joke to many people, and he even made a comical insurance commercial. But Esteban is no joke, not by a long shot!!!
Simply put, he is a Master guitarist, and if you want to learn guitar, he is one of the best.
I learned to play guitar many years ago. And like many, I set it down after awhile and gave up on it. One day, I stumbled across a guitar at a very reasonable price and thought, I'm going to try it again. Some of the things I had forgot, until I purchased and played the vhs version of this extraordinary guide. What I Like about Esteban is that he literally takes you step by step into the world of guitar playing, and he does it so in such a way that someone with absolutely no musical background can learn to play.
But while he patiently teaches guys and girls of all ages how to play guitar on this fun video, I could since from the way he acted, that he would much rather tear that guitar apart(JAM, and after seeing the mini concert at the end of the vhs instructional video I have, I can tell you he can do it thoroughly!!! It's inspiring to watch him play. He's like a 21st century Mozart, only on guitar.
And many guitarists, whether they be into country music, rock, soul (do they call it that now?), or gospel, will tell you that it is best to learn to play classical guitar first, mainly because if you can play claissical music, you can play anything. With Esteban, you'll have the perfect teacher, to show you how to play.
But note, no matter if you learn from Esteban or Joe Blow down the street, the expression, NO PAIN NO GAIN, is a fact of life. You will have to learn to stretch your fingers, and you will have to have the drive to want to learn. But if you have that desire, the possibilities are endless, and Esteban is just the right person to get you started.
If you want to learn guitar and learn it at your own pace, and if you want to learn it by the easiest method possible, and learn from someone who has the credentials to back up his own words, you'll want to own this very exciting and fun course.

I bought it for my niece and didn't think I needed lessons myself. I learned to play the guitar as a child from my dad, who played music only by ear. I learned from my dad's techniques but I also learned a lot of newer, easier techniques from this set too. I didn't think there was more to learn once you already know how to play. I was wrong. I learned a lot from Esteban.

For people who can't play by ear or who are not musical prodigies, this set will help you learn to play any guitar easily and play it well too.

Though I think the DVDs could have been way more educational. It is really good. I am learning how to play guitar!!!!! JUst do not get discouraged when you compare the way you play with Estában's way. He is a professional, we are not. So enjoy!!!

I have been playing guitar for about ten years. I also teach beginning guitarists. I prefer the Hal Leonard method for teaching and like to use Fast Tracks if I judge a student to be impatient. The Hal Leonard teaches beginning music theory along with technique and is accessible to most people.

The Esteban course teaches the way I used to learn from friends when I was young. Do this and you will sound like that. I learned to play Malaguena from the DVD and it sounds excellent. Beginning guitarists can learn a few tricks and techniques that will impress their friends and family before they will be that accomplished musically.

The Esteban course is NOT a substitute for musical training, but it IS A VERY GOOD supplement to keep you interested and help you to sound good with a modicum of effort.

There is no substitute for music lessons from a good teacher. I would not use the DVD's for that, but if you have had basic lessons or want to jump start your playing by learning some cool arrangements this course may help you.

As a final note, an absolute beginner might become a little frustrated with the course as it takes alot of practice to be able to copy Esteban's technique, but with practise and a few basic skills the beginning guitarist can learn some pretty cool arrangements.

I recieved this teaching program as a gift. I, too, at first thought that this gentleman was a showman/promoter. He plays! He is the first teacher who speaks clearly, describes technique and is confident in his manner. I am using this course to become "as one" with my three guitars. Next, I will go back to the course that is teaching me music and theory. This program is well worth the money and learning time.

I recently got this guitar course - I am really enjoying it - I find Esteban to be thorough and the instructions to be clear and easy to follow - i'm glad I bought it. It will give me a good start on classical guitar without putting out $100 a month in formal lessons.

I love to watch Esteban play! This course does teach you some awesome techniques. Esteban shows you step by step how to play a tune, provides a demonstration, then shows you what Esteban can do with it. It provided me with some glimmer of hope that I can achieve a similar talent...but I haven't.

Please see my review on the same item under DVD. It seems to be the identical package yet the price is lower here under the book heading.
I rate it very highly. The errors in the book mentioned in other reviews here are minor and easily found and corrected.

I'm just coming back to the guitar and this is the absolute easiest and best product I've seen. Makes me want to learn and gives me the ability to follow at my own speed. Really enjoying the course.