Beginner Guitar Primer

Everything You Should Know Before You Begin to Play Guitar

By: Desi Serna

Narrated by: Desi Serna

Beginner Guitar Primer is geared toward teenagers and adults who want to learn how to play popular styles of music such as pop and rock on acoustic and electric guitar. The book covers everything you should know before you begin to play guitar. Get to know what to expect from the guitar-playing process, so you can be prepared for productive learning.

Learn how to take a hands-on approach to guitar that utilizes charts and diagrams over standard musical notation. See how to put together a plan that emphasizes the playing of familiar songs. Get advice on choosing the best gear and getting your guitar prepared for optimal playing. Learn how to avoid common mistakes that could cause you frustration and limit your progress. See how to structure your practice time so you move forward and reach all your playing goals.

This audiobook is short, to the point, and easy to follow. It’s the perfect introduction for any teenager or adult considering taking up guitar.

©2021 Desi Serna (P)2021 Desi Serna

A masterful education for the beginner

Just a quick bit of background on me— I've played for 57 years, and currently teach guitar students.

I've been following Desi's podcasts for quite a while now, and my interest was definitely piqued when I saw this book come out. It indeed does cover everything that somebody interested in guitar might want to know. I had to chuckle when he had finished a section on string gauges and then said, "Do you really need to know all that? No." since I found myself saying the same thing.

Having said that, I would advise people listening to the audio book to listen in chapter sized chunks because he does cover a lot of ground. The section on Acoustic vs. Electric will really guide some of those who aren't sure where to start. Desi gives pros and cons to both types of guitars, and I agree with his assessment 100%.

Even an old pro like myself can gain from a different perspective.

Well done, Desi!

Highly Recommend

I have been playing guitar for 15 years. I truly believe this is the greatest time in history to start playing guitar. But there can at times be too many resources to get a hand on. I recommend and will be recommending this book for anyone looking for a place to start. It's a great overview of what is most important to understand when getting started. It's critical to start off on the right foot!

I would also add it is worth a read for experienced players also. It is easy to miss some steps or helpful info in the days of YouTube lessons.

Well organized and describe. Give it a read/listen!

Required Reading Before Jumping into the Guitar

As a guitar player of 3+ years, I wish I’d read/listened to this before beginning my guitar journey. Desi provides all the practical information needed to avoid frustrating rabbit holes and ensure continued progress. From advice on selecting the right gear to developing the right practice plan, Desi’s guidance is spot on! I’ve also purchased a number of his video courses and have found all to be worthwhile. Desi translates difficult concepts to practical application while focusing on the most important goal…playing music!

Simple Tips for Beginners

I tried learning guitar through YouTube and various other videos. I also bought expensive subscriptions to try and learn guitar and made some progress. However, I wish I would have listened to this first. 1) I was making common mistakes (I guess that's why they are common!) and 2) You get access to a free training class which was what I really needed but didn't know I needed at the time I started. Plus Desi is nice and responds to emails.

Lots of information, but ultimately a useful start

Admittedly, I was initially a bit skeptical. I mean, I have a shelf full of beginner books. Why do we need another one? But by the time I was finished, I thought - yes, this would be a good book for someone just starting out. There is a lot of good, basic information. Maybe they could just include it when you go to buy your first guitar.

More importantly, it is presented in a very accessible, supportive, encouraging manor. A lot of emphasis on staying simple, learning songs, and staying on the path to learning to play music.

Why four stars, not five? Well, I listened to the Audible book - but there was no music. Live examples would have been really nice, and a great addition to the Audible format. But ultimately I came away with a positive sense. There’s a lot to listen to, maybe more than once.

Informative and Practical

Beginner Guitar Primer by Desi Serna provides you with very helpful information for choosing your first guitar, what you can expect and how to get started playing. I like the fact that as a teacher he focuses on learning songs from the beginning. This book is well worth an hour of your time.

Desi Does it Again

I listened through this book as a guitar player with more than 20 years under my belt. Everything Desi says is great advice that I wish I'd had from the beginning. If you're about to pick up your first guitar and are overwhelmed with the different styles and price ranges of equipment do yourself a favor and give this a listen. Already have a guitar and want to know where to start? This is the book for you as well.