eMedia Guitar Method 1 v1.2

by eMedia

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002EPGS
• Item model number: 2024753
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 31, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,435 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Guitar Method is no cheesy slice-and-dicer or muscle-toning contraption, but a very cool, innovative instructional system for beginning guitarists. It has so many features, in fact, that even seasoned guitarists might learn something new about their instrument. We'll admit to being a little skeptical about Guitar Method after seeing an infomercial for the instruction software on late-night TV--the uncertain realm of those strange devices that someone, somewhere must buy. And with none other than '70s heartthrob himself, Peter Frampton, pitching the product, we were rather amused. But Frampton is a great guitarist, and although he certainly never used computer software to help him learn to jam back in the day, he apparently knows what he's talking about when it comes to guitar-instruction technology on PCs.

The heart of Guitar Method is the Fretronome and the song library. The Fretronome is an illustrated layout of a guitar's fretboard--its six strings and the frets behind which you place your fingers. The view is as if you were looking down at your own fingers on the neck (the view can be adjusted to suit left-handed players). Circled numbers on the strings indicate the chord patterns and associated fingers, and the chords change as the chosen song from the song library is played. The song library contains about 75 songs, from standards like "Greensleeves" and "Amazing Grace" to pop classics like "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "La Bamba." Just below the Fretronome is the notation for the song. You can choose either tablature or standard music notation.

After you've selected a song, just click the play icon and select the tempo comfortable for you. As the song progresses, you'll see the chord fingerings change on the Fretronome, and the current notes and chords in the notation are highlighted in red. You can change the tempo, pause at any time, or skip around in the song to work on select parts. Double-click in the notation to bring up that section on the Fretronome. If you wish, you can follow the 60 lessons provided, learning at your own pace. Its all very intuitive, thorough, and easy to use.

Is your axe slightly out of tune? Bring up the tuner from the menu bar and tune up. Want to learn or practice specific chords by themselves? From the menu bar, simply click to launch the Chord Dictionary, an illustrated view of dozens of chords from A Major to G#7 with a suspended 4th. Use the Metronome to practice playing in tempo. Practice specific techniques like syncopation, muting, and how to hold a pick.

There wasn't much to not like about Guitar Method. If you're looking for a way to learn to play, pick this CD-ROM up. You can take our advice, or take it from rock legend/late night television pitchman Peter Frampton. Guitar Method is truly an original, impressive instruction package. We believe you'll be inspired to write your own hit songs in no time. --John Bosch

Product Description

Learn how to play guitar by using eMedia's Guitar Method 1. This latest version contains 25 additional lessons, an animated fretboard, fretronome, and multitrack audio for hit songs. In addition, you now can learn songs in either guitar tablature or standard music notation, as the notes on the screen highlight and the animated fretboard displays fingering. Learn acoustic or electric guitar at your own pace. Eighty-five comprehensive lessons include over 100 songs and exercises (many hit songs), and range from basics like stringing the guitar to playing chords and melodies to fingerpicking. A built-in automatic tuner allows you to tune your guitar interactively. In addition, a digital metronome, recorder with playback, and 250-chord dictionary are included. Complemented by over 30 videos and over three hours of audio from guitar instructor-national performer Kevin Garry, the Guitar Method offers an alternative to expensive lessons and hard-to-follow books.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Songs, November 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: eMedia Guitar Method 1 v1.2 (CD-ROM)

Guitar Method is sweet. I tried to have friends teach me how to play back in the day but I got frustrated way too quick thus frustrating my friends. The cd rom was great because it spent time showing me the fingering and It never got frustrated. I've done GM1 and GMsongs now i play better than most of my friends! Trust me this program is easy and it will keep your interest, plus it has great songs from the 60s and 70s.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good - better than a book, March 6, 2000

By 

Khaldoon B. Sakkal "Gadgeteer" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: eMedia Guitar Method 1 v1.2 (CD-ROM)

This is a very good program for learning how to play. It is better than a book because you can hear what the song should sound like. It is also more relaxed and less intimidating than taking lessons. Highly recommended. The only problem is the selection of songs - mostly folksy stuff.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uses computer effectively..., September 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: eMedia Guitar Method 1 v1.2 (CD-ROM)

What little playing ability I had was picked up from books, and a couple of video tapes. I played folk music in the 60's and 70's then career and family and...frustration set in. I put the guitar away for 20 years.

Several lucky things converged...a computer/sound card attached to my stereo...an operation giving me 6 weeks of recovery time...a new Martin guitar and maybe most important, eMedia Guitar Method 1 (then 2). Guitar is hard. But having the whole teaching thing in one place, a PATIENT teacher willing to play (and SING) along with me as many times as necessary to get it down...

This is the best $50 I've ever spent on anything musical. If you are just learning. BUY IT. If you are further along, it is still fun to practice with, and some of the Licks on the second volume just may be new to you.

I've recommended it to several newbies and they all found it useful. Good luck...