Creating a Companion Method

Hi everyone! I’d like to take a few minutes to tell you about my new method book, The Oz Guitar Method. There are hundreds of guitar methods out there, but I decided to write this book based on research and positive results from my students over the years. While there are lots of great books out there, The Oz Guitar Method can work side by side with any other method books you may already be using. Many method books spend too little time and focus on strumming chords, which is what the vast majority of popular musicians do. By contrast, this is a great companion to develop your rhythm guitar chops more extensively since it focuses solely on chords and strumming. You’ll develop more tools in your guitarists’ toolbox.

After searching for the perfect method book for years, I was inspired to write my own because:

Strumming and Kinesthetic Learning

Strumming is often easier for beginners than picking riffs and melodies. Since strumming uses larger muscles than picking, you feel the rhythm in your whole body for more kinesthetic learning. While playing chords often involves using more than one finger at a time with the left or fretting hand, your fingers will often move fewer times than if you were playing melodies.

New Chords

The Oz Guitar Method includes many chords that are frequently used for popular songs but often omitted from other method books. In this book you’ll find chords like E minor 7, C add 9, and F Major 7. These chords have a rich sound, and you’ll use them often for popular songs.

New Approach to Music Literacy

Reading chord diagrams is much easier than reading music for the majority of learners. You will still learn to read musical symbols and notation throughout the book, but at a more gradual pace that doesn’t slow you down in the beginning. The chord charts and photos are great for visual learners.

Opportunities for Singing and Playing

The majority of popular songs use guitar to accompany vocals, which means utilizing more chords and strumming for the framework of the tune. So you will learn the skills you need to pick up and have fun playing your favorite songs right from the start. And always remember to have fun making music! The more fun we have, the more motivated we are to practice.

Video Examples

The book also includes video companions to help you through the process. You can find these free tutorials at http://www.ErolOzMusic.com/publications.

Practice Tips

The book also includes practice tips that are based on extensive research about music learning. Practice won’t feel like a chore if you’re having fun learning the chords and skills to play your favorite songs. Make sure to practice often. Research indicates that practicing daily for shorter periods is more effective than practicing for hours inconsistently. If you are crunched for time, even just glancing at the material from your last practice session can be an effective way to refresh your memory. Mental practice is a great technique when picking up the guitar isn’t an available option.

Get Erol’s book here!

… and don’t forget his sweet chord finder poster

 I have been amazed to see my students grow by leaps and bounds. While the curriculum in my book was built on research, most importantly, it stemmed from positive results and student achievement. I hope you enjoy it, and good luck!