Justinguitar.com Beginners Songbook: 100 Classic Songs Specially Arranged for Beginner Guitarists, with Performance Tips!

CONTENT: The songs progress in difficulty as you go (more chords, more complex strumming patterns, etc), and for the easy songs Justin gives tips about how to come back and add more difficult elements once you've improved. He's taken some popular songs that have key changes throughout the song and simplified them so a beginner can play without worrying about that, yet they are still recognizable. You could use this book on it's own, but it also pairs nicely with both the old and new course (either the books or videos). Each section contains a chord chart for new chords. Each song contains lyrics, chords, suggested strumming patterns, background info, and tips. A lot of this you could find free on the internet, but it's always a gamble if it's going to be correct or the appropriate level for a beginner. Plus this is a great way to support Justin and help keep his videos free for others. SONG VARIETY: There is a great variety of songs, artists, and genres, from old favorites like the Beatles to slightly more recent 00s alt rock. The only negative thing I have to say is this book is about ten years old, so a teenager might not find any of their favorites in here, but they will surely recognize and enjoy many of the songs. I'm 33 and have even discovered new songs through this book, great for building repertoire. In my opinion this is a more fun way to apply your skills than books having you play Row Row Row Your Boat or Mary Had a Little Lamb. WHAT ELSE YOU MIGHT NEED: A capo and a metronome. You can play any song in here without a capo, but if you follow Justin's recommendation about capo positions, it sounds closer to the original. Some songs can't be played along with the original recording because they've been simplified or the key is changed, so I recommend using a metronome so you can develop a sense of timing. FORM FACTOR: This is spiral bound so it lays flat easily. It's fairly small, so you can take it with you to practice, jam, or sing around a campfire. Many of these songs have free lessons on Justin's website, but I still rate this as a good buy because it's portable. I may not fit in a guitar's hard case, but it should fit in a gig bag, purse, or backpack. Hoping to start playing some of these songs with friends when covid is over.

I am more of a fingerstyle guitarist so I prefer to devote more of my practice time on that rather than strumming. However, I don't want to neglect that skill or at least the ability to strum out some singalong tunes if the occasion calls for it. Justin's Beginner's Songbook is the perfect tool to help me practice strumming patterns while learning some singalong tunes. Contrary to some other reviewers of this book, I like the book's set-up. New chords are given at the beginning at each stage only. There isn't a section that gives you chord diagrams so it forces you to memorize chord diagrams as you progress through the book rather than rely on convenient chord diagrams above every lyric. It isn't a chord reference book so if you're looking for that, there are plenty of cheap ones on Amazon or even free on the internet. The chord name is given above the words of the lyrics and on the corresponding page Justin gives his recommended strumming pattern as well as some tips and trivia. There are other chord strum-a-long books out there but most of them usually just give the chords and the lyrics and not much else. You definitely get a bit more with this book. That being said, if you are familiar with Justin's videos, there really isn't anything new in the book from what he says/does in his videos. So if you are looking for something new, you may be disappointed. I purchased this mainly because I am a visual learner and seeing strumming patterns and lyrics right in front of me makes learning a lot easier (as opposed to watching Justin's videos over and over again). If you have surpassed the beginner level in Justin's guitar course, I'd recommend skipping this. The song selection is great! With 100 songs, there is something for everyone across every skill level. Artists like Taylor Swift, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, Don MacLean, Bob Marley and Johnny Cash are represented in the selection. I definitely recommend using this book with Justin's free online videos on YouTube or on his website as it gives the book's lessons more context. I ordered this book through a third-party seller supposedly located in Indiana, USA. Dispatch was quick but it took a while to arrive because it actually was shipped from overseas. As of this writing, Amazon doesn't offer this title directly but don't let that stop you. Highly recommended for beginners really looking to develop their skills and creativity.

Really great for learning chords, but not very useful for much else. I really wish the book addressed some basic guitar knowledge before jumping into chord playing (i.e. posture, hand placement, typical guitar hardware etc). The videos on his you tube Chanel are pretty much a must when using this book. Some songs do not have videos, so that's a real drag. He is a very likable teacher and has offered a very dynamic list of songs from a lot of different genres. I wasn't expecting to encounter any heavy metal at this early stage, so no surprises there. This book is great for working on chord changes and the songs he offers really have you feeling like your on your way from an early stage. Within a few months I've been able to "fall" into melodies and for a few fleeting moments I actually have felt like I was a guitarist! pros; easy to read, easy to follow, great variety in songs, very likable teacher persona. You WILL see progress if your a novice. cons; lessons teach you chords, and really that is it. You won't be moving around the fret board at all. Many songs lack accompanying online video. Needs an "intermediate" level follow up book.

This songbook is most helpful as you take his online course, but I'm sure it would be helpful even if you aren't. When you get a good teacher like Justin, you realize how many mediocre-or even bad ones you have had to endure. The book has the lyrics and music (guitar chords) along with suggested strumming patterns. You also get his help online on his website, justinguitar.com, or on You tube. He plays the songs on video where you can play along with him. I get the feeling that I have a personal teacher who cares, (he has a friendly manner) is organized, never patronizing, doesn't skip steps, and has had years of musical training and experience. It probably doesn't hurt that he lives and works in one of the musical capitals of the world-London. Some of the songs I didn't know such as Lennon's "Working Class Hero" and "Common People" by the Pulp. I enjoyed reading the lyrics which weren't the usual love songs. They tell an interesting story and have social significance. However, there are more "popular" songs too. Enough songs to keep you going and interested. If a beginner like me without a good musical education, your musical terminology will improve as you start each song. For example,in the first songs you are introduced to the use of capos and what off-beats are. The book is more than a book, it's a musical journey. One that is just right-not too easy-or too hard. You can do it, but you grow as you keep learning and trying. There is a forum on his site where he answers questions and other learners share their experiences playing the songs. Also where he didn't play a song, I found a student of his playing the song on You tube, and it helped me a lot. Where else do you get a songbook and a free forum (a community of people like yourself) asking questions, sharing difficulties and getting advice from Justin and the other guitar learners?

The book is designed to be used with the Beginner's Guitar Course but works well as a standalone music book. There are songs for everyone's liking. Chords and words are listed on one page, next page has strumming patterns and special notes about the song including showing new chord diagrams. Many of the songs have YouTube video's that Justin did to help you with the song. The book is spiral bound which makes viewing while playing easy. Songs in the book are listed in easier and progress to harder. Songs listed below are in order of appearance in book. Songs in the book include: Three Little Birds, Feelin' Alright, Hound Dog, Walk of Life, I Walk the Line, The Gambler, That's All Right, Love Me Do, How Bizarre, Common People, A Girl Like You, Louie Louie, I'd Rather Go Blind, Natural Mystic, St. James Infirmary Blues, All Your Love (I Miss Loving), Twist And Shout, Peggy Sue, Lay Down Sally, Wild Thing, Hey Joe, Mad World, Hey Ya!, Brown eyed Girl, Yellow Submarine, Somebody To Love, How To Save A Life, What's Up?, This Year's Love, Working Class Hero, Killing Me Softly With His Song, (Sittin' On) The Doc Of The Bay, ...Baby One More Time, Save Tonight, Celebrity, Back to December, Black, Little Lion Man, Live forever, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Before You Accuse Me (Take A Look At Yourself), Folsom Prison Blues, Sweet Little Angel, Crossroads, Evil (Is Going On), Mary Had A Little Lamb, Going Down Slow, I Saw Her Standing There, Mrs Robinson, That'll Be The Day, Please Forgive Me, I'm A Believer, Dakota, No Woman No Cry, Can't Help Falling In Love, Pink Bullets, The Trill Is Gone, Mr. Jones, The Drugs Don't Work, House of the Rising Sun, Summer of '69, Wanted Dead Or Alive, Lucky Man, California Dreamin', Don't You (Forget About Me), You Really Got Me, Have A Nice Day, Love Is All Around, Down Under, Weather With You, Hallelujah, Fast Car, Fields of Gold, Vincent, Wonderwall, Polly, Molly's Chambers, The Sound of Silence, All the Small Things, Pretty Fly (For A White Guy), Better Be Home Soon, Have You Ever Seen The Rain, Wherever You Will Go, American Pie, Redemption Song, Wonderful Tonight, The A Team, Zombie, Hand In My Pocket, Let it Be, You're Beautiful, Imagine, Hey, Soul sister, Wild World, Use Somebody, Stuck In The Middle With You, Dream Catch Me, Substitute, Driftwood, Times Like These. Great book, just buy it!

This book is great to track along with the Justin Guitar course and app. The book contains tons of songs, tips, and help with strumming patterns for beginning guitar players. While I am using it to track along with the Grade 1 course, the book contains loads of lead sheets that we also used for to play along with on piano. Few Cons: I wish the book were larger and regular 8x11 paper. I would also be nice if it were April bound instead of bound like a normal book - so it sat on the music stand and stayed open without difficulty. Despite the cons, I’d still definitely recommend this Justin Guitar book for anyone taking the course!

I really wanted to like these books, and was happy that Amazon sold them. Justin's lessons are great. I'm just not a fan of chord strumming. There is an occasional song that includes some notable riffs but, most of it is intentionally simplified to the point of boring unless your voice can carry the song; and that's not most of us. I would have been happy at twice the price, one quarter the songs, and music that is more true to the actual song. Killing Me Softly begs for something more than chords, Jeff Buckley did the best version of Hallelujah but none of the intro is here nor his version of the lyrics, I Walk The Line doesn't include the simple trick Johnny Cash used to make the signature sound of this song. And on and on. On one of the songs Justin states that there is a melody in one part but, you can figure that out yourself. What?? For me, this is the kind of book that makes me want to put down the guitar. Justin does have other books that aren't labelled 'Beginner' but, none of the sellers have sample pages so you can't tell how simplified or altered the songs are.

There seem to be a lot of books that claim to songbooks for beginners. Most of them seem to get many reviews complaining that they are much too difficult for starting players. This book is one of the few that gets consistantly good feedback and it is well deserved. It is set up in stages and starts very simple. The very first song is Three Little Birds by Bob Marley. Never would have guessed how easy this song could be. The songlist is pretty broad as far as style which I think is a good thing. Whichever kind of guitar based music you prefer you will almost surely see some old and new favorites here. It is a little more expensive than some of the options on Amazon but I am quite glad I spent the money. If you were getting bored with just practicing chords and want to try playing some real music order this book. Then brush up on your A major, Emajor, and D major chords as those the ones used in stage one. The author also has an extensive website on learning guitar as well as youtube videos for each song.

Ma bonne résolution 2013, reprendre la guitare et ce bouquin est juste parfait ! des chansons connues avec des arrangements simples qui permettent une rapide prise en main. Bon tout est en anglais mais franchement c'est pas gênant d'autant qu'on peut aussi s'appuyer en complément sur les vidéos explicatives accessible gratuitement sur son site internet !

Come sempre, bel libro, ben scritto e funzionale. Consiglio l'acquisto del libro di lezioni base e l'utilizzo delle lezione su Youtube per completare questo prodotto.

If you want to follow along with the on line lessons, this book its a must have acquisition and you help Justin to continue the fantastic work.

Muy bien explicado, facilita el aprendizaje con una gran variedad de canciones

Excelente libro que complementa el curso de nivel inicial de Justinguitar, vienen las letras de las canciones con el acompañamiento rítmico y el patrón de rasgado de las cuerdas. El tenerlo en papel es muy cómodo para mí, a pesar de que soy defensor del formato electrónico, cuando toco la guitarra en mi habitación me gusta la comodidad que me proporciona el libro. Yo lo por dos razones: Primera: Como seguidor de las clases de guitarra de Justin tanto en su canal de YOUTUBE como en su BLOG, me parece un buen complemento a las ya de por sí excelentes clases que imparte Justin. Tiene varios cursos disponibles desde nivel inicial, Blues, etc. Muchisímo material pero bien ordenado para los que comenzamos en esto de la guitarra nos vayan abriendo el camino. Si estas comenzando con la guitarra o simplemente quieres mejorar, te recomiendo que visites su blog, no te va a decepcionar. La segunda razón es porque toda esta información que comparte es de manera gratuita y las donaciones, compra de material, etc ayudan para mantener el blog, el canal de YouTube y demás material lectivo, así que con lo que me estoy ahorrando en unas clases presenciales, que menos que contribuir a la causa para que siga siendo gratis.