Additional information
by Charles E. Brewster Ph. D. (Author)
This book is intended to take even a beginning guitarist from the basics to competency in Bluegrass Guitar. It covers 128 songs, all of which are in the Public Domain. They are set in very large typeface with chord changes shown directly above the syllable in the lyrics where the change is to be made. Many of the songs have accompanying Tablature. The Tablature is my own design and is specifically made to be intuitive and easily readable. Use the "Look Inside" feature to see some of the song formatting and the Tablature.The book has many illustrations and diagrams. There are also many historical facts and anecdotes pertaining to the songs sprinkled throughout the book. Most people will find it to be a treasure-trove of information. The very large fonts are more visible in in low-light level areas such as will be found where we normally play Bluegrass. Some people like to get the Kindle version on an iPad. That way you can play with your iPad on the music stand. A kindle version also allows you to link directly to the web sites. I have included suggested phrasing in many cases so that band members can harmonize together in synchronization. I have shown Capo locations and Keys which best fit my voice. You can determine which capo location best fits your voice and adjust higher or lower to suit, A diagram explaining the Circle of Fifths and will help if you need to change the chords rather than the capo, You should advance progressively as you work through the songs in the book. Techniques include picking, strumming, "scratching" and Dedepicking. Transitions, kickoffs, and Fills are covered early in the material. Tablatures are included for Dobro on two special Dobro songs. A section is included explaining How Chords Are Constructed, the Standard Music Scale, The Nashville Method, and the Fret Method. Jamming techniques and Bluegrass etiquette is explained as well as tagging, kickoffs, and breaks. The associated Hooked on Bluegrass web site will have video links and teaching aids. Some videos are done in a very different way to aid the student in using the Tablature. I have extensively researched and collated verses from various sources. In some cases, I have written new verses, revised the lyrics, and removed "Mondegreens." You are free to copy the formatted work in the book for use by you and your band members. Since the songs are in the public domain, you can perform them in any venue without having to worry about a cabaret license.
