The ultimate solution for teaching beginning guitar in middle school and high school class settings. From his experience as a class guitar instructor, Grant Gustafson has designed a unique approach to learning to play the guitar. Beginning on day one, students become acquainted with the basics of beat, rhythm, and musical communication by turning their guitars into percussion instruments. Clear, full-color illustrations introduce the guitar in an engaging manner and help students develop correct hand and playing positions.The Art of Guitar introduces the three basics of guitar music notation - staff, tablature, and chord charts - in a visual, easy-to-understand manner. Notes, chords, and bass tones are introduced systematically in the context of guitar-friendly keys, and each new key is reinforced with songs and technical exercises. Most exercises and songs are also interactive, allowing students to fill in the tablature or draw in the bar lines. The musical examples range from French Renaissance dances to the blues and are arranged to be played in three parts: melody, strummed chordal accompaniment, and bass line.