Customer Reviews

Learn to Play Acoustic Chord Riffs

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First, the title "Acoustic" chord riffs is a bit of a misnomer, as several rock and jazz "riffs" are included, but of course they can be played on an acoustic guitar. Its just that I'm not sure what about this is particularly "acoustic" oriented. Also, you should be aware that by "riffs" the author means basically short chord progressions. Some are strummed and some fingerpicked.

Several keys and a variety of styles are covered. This might be appropriately titled "The Big EZ Picture Book of Chord Riffs." A lot of space is taken to very graphically demonstrate the material. Each "riff" is shown on a single page. First the chord forms are set out in large diagrams, then a line of tablature at the bottom. This is effective in getting the idea across, but uses a lot of space to convey a rather small amount of information.

The level of difficulty runs from very basic to intermediate-level playing. There were a few interesting fingerpicking things that I enjoyed. While I can't say they made it worth the price of the book, I'm glad I learned them.

In short, this is a very broad overview type of book that doesn't go into any depth. It might be best suited for an advanced beginner who is very graphically oriented and/or who wants some ideas on chord forms that can be played up and down the neck in a variety of styles. Not for serious study.

As guitar books go, it probably deserves only 2 stars, but since it did broaden my horizons a notch or two, I'm giving it three.