Have you ever dreamed of being able to pick up a guitar and perform before an adoring crowd captivated by your talent, whether it be in the supercharged atmosphere of a rock concert or the moody ambience of a blues or jazz club? Guitar heroes are the stuff of modern musical legend... but even guitar heroes have to start somewhere, painstakingly picking out basic notes and simple chords as they take their first steps along the road to fame. This detailed, extensively illustrated book is the ideal guide to accompany aspiring guitarists on their journey of musical discovery. How to Play the Guitar is a comprehensive beginners introduction to steel-strung (acoustic and electric) guitar playing and basic musicianship. It tells you what to look for when choosing your first instrument and amplifier, demonstrates the techniques used to form and pick notes and chords, and shows how you can greatly extend your abilities by learning to read musical notation and tablature. There are chord diagrams and exercises to assist you as you practice, as well as up-to-the-minute information to help you select the right electronic effects and accessories, and advice on finding out more about particular playing styles that interest you. The book's step-by-step explanations are illustrated with more than 200 specially shot photographs, and its author, Nick Freeth, has over 30 years of playing experience.A detailed, extensively illustrated guide that will teach you the essentials of acoustic and electric guitar playingPacked with advice and information for every budding guitaristGives the fingerings for all main chords and scales, and explains their workings and constructionShows you how to read musical notation and tablatureA guide to different playing styles, with blues techniques and alternative tuningsShows you how to select the right equipment and how to maintain itIncludes chord diagrams and exercises to assist your practice