Cover design and photo by Layne Russell
Red Molly guitar by James Russell
Russell Guitars
www.russellguitars.com
   There are three main reasons why I have created this book.

1. As a teacher, I have found it necessary to use several different books to present a complete series of lessons for the beginner. This book will give you everything you need to get started.

2. I believe that playing an instrument is like playing a sport where it is important to develop strength, speed and flexibility, as well as a sense of personal style and grace; so, I begin with a focus on exercising.

3. One of the most important reasons for playing guitar is to accompany yourself or others and share songs. Therefore learning all the chords with a variety of strumming and picking styles is essential.

   GUITAR ONE is a complete outline of effective exercises, chords and simple instructions for learning about tabs, notation, picking and strumming. This book is designed for the absolute beginner to start with a 15 minute workout routine followed by 15 minutes of learning how to play songs.

    If you can practice for half an hour at least once or twice a week you will make progress. When it comes to practice, more is better.  To take your commitment to learning a step further, I recommend taking lessons from a qualified teacher.
   With the use of this book you will learn how to play all the basic chords with a variety of rhythms, and how to play some of your favorite songs from any song book. Very soon you will be able to enjoy playing and learning with friends.

   Remember that if you start with the right basics and play as much as you can, you will progress quickly and enjoy playing guitar. It can be fun! Let's get started.
Introduction

                          Choosing the right guitar           
Chapter 1        Exercising with  a 15 minute workout     
                          Playing a C major scale
                          Movable scales           
                          Pentatonic  scales                                                  
Chapter 2         Chords         
                          Strumming tips
Chapter 3         Reading music  
                          Notes on the 1st string  
                          Notes on the 2nd string 
                          Notes on the 3rd string
                          Notes on the 4th string
                          Ties and pickup notes 
                          Notes on the 5th string 
                          Notes on the 6th string 
                          Sharps and flats  
Chapter 4         Down and up picking 
                           Eighth notes
                           Rests
Chapter 5         Barre chords
                           Rhythm Chart
Chapter 6         Progression chart
                          Tuning 

Contents
3
4
8
10
11
12
13
16
18
20
24
26
28
30
34
36
40
41
44
47
49
50
52
Books are available through our online store and outlets in Calgary.
Video Introduction