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Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 415 ratings
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Legacy Learning Systems

Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar is the world's best DVD-based guitar course that starts an aspiring guitarist at the beginning and builds to a master level of skill. With the Learn & Master system, you get a true multi-modal learning experience (reading, listening, watching, and doing). This is no "learn overnight" approach, but takes world-class guitar lessons to a more comprehensive level using multimedia training presented by expert instructor, Steve Krenz. This course is designed for those who want serious guitar lessons, learning the principles of reading, guitar tab, music theory, and technique. With Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar you enjoy learning in the comfort of your own home, and on your own schedule. We believe that learning should be fun rather than intimidating. You’ll love Steve’s “take you by the hand” approach in Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: the parts of the guitar
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: the names of the strings
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: proper right & left hand technique
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: how to tune your guitar both with an electronic tuner and by ear
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: how to read guitar tablature
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: how to read chord blocks
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: finger exercises to build up dexterity in your hands
  • You will start off learning some basic terms and concepts: learn to read music
  • You will: develop a true understanding of how music works and why something sounds good
  • You will: learn about major and minor scales in a simple, logical, step-by-step approach
  • You will: learn practical tools for soloing in any key in any place on the guitar neck
  • You will: learn to incorporate simple chord substitution tricks to transform a basic chord progression into something memorable
  • You will: learn the chord voicings the pros use to create the sounds you hear everyday on the radio
  • You will: develop systematic, practical ear-training skills so you can listen to a melody and immediately play it
  • You will: receive the instruction and practice you need to understand what notes are in any chord and simple ways to include those notes all over the neck of the guitar
  • You will: learn to play many different genres of guitar music, including rock, blues, jazz, country, and funk
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Course Introduction and Tools
Course Introduction
Tuning Your Guitar
Tuning
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses a multi-modal learning experience that incorporates reading, listening, watching, and doing, which caters to different learning styles and enhances comprehension
Covers a wide range of guitar music genres, including rock, blues, jazz, country, and funk, which allows learners to explore their musical interests
Teaches practical ear-training skills, which enables learners to listen to a melody and immediately play it on the guitar
Requires learners to have a physical guitar and possibly an electronic tuner, which may pose a barrier to some learners
Develops an understanding of how music works and why something sounds good, which is essential for composing and improvising
Teaches how to read guitar tablature and chord blocks, which are essential skills for learning and playing guitar

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive step-by-step guitar mastery

According to learners, this course offers a highly comprehensive and structured path for learning guitar, particularly excelling for absolute beginners. Students praise the logical, step-by-step approach and the quality of instruction provided by Steve Krenz, who is often described as patient and easy to follow. The multi-modal format, combining DVDs, lesson books, and practice sessions, is highlighted as a significant strength, providing a robust foundation covering everything from reading music and theory to technique and various playing styles. While requiring discipline and time commitment, many feel it provides an unparalleled depth compared to quicker methods. Some reviewers note that the DVD format feels somewhat dated compared to modern online platforms, but the core content remains highly effective.
Needs time commitment and consistent practice.
"This course requires serious dedication and practice time. It's not a learn-in-a-week program, but it's worth it."
"Be prepared to put in the work. The course is thorough, but you need to follow along and practice regularly."
"It's a long journey, but if you stick with it, the results are impressive."
"You need discipline to get through all the sessions and workshops, but that's how you truly learn."
Uses DVDs, books, and practice sessions.
"The combination of video lessons, the lesson book, and the bonus workshops is highly effective for learning."
"I love being able to watch the lessons on DVD, follow along in the book, and practice with the workshops."
"Having the physical books and DVDs makes it easy to learn at my own pace without needing to be online constantly."
"The practice sessions are particularly helpful for reinforcing what you learn in the main lessons."
Ideal starting point for new guitarists.
"As a complete beginner, this course was exactly what I needed. It assumes you know nothing and builds from there."
"If you're just starting out, this course is perfect. It covers all the basics you need to get a strong start."
"I had never touched a guitar before, and now I'm playing songs and understanding theory thanks to this course."
"Highly recommended for anyone serious about learning guitar from scratch."
Covers fundamentals to advanced topics.
"This course covers everything! Reading music, theory, technique, different styles... it's a complete education."
"Much more than just learning songs, it teaches you how music works and gives you a solid foundation."
"It goes into theory and reading music, which many online resources skip, providing a deeper understanding."
"I feel like I'm getting a true musical education, not just how to play a few chords and songs."
Instructor Steve Krenz is patient and clear.
"Steve Krenz is an amazing teacher. He's patient, explains things clearly, and is very encouraging."
"The instructor's calm demeanor and clear explanations make even difficult concepts easy to grasp."
"Steve's teaching style is fantastic. It feels like he's right there with you, guiding you through the lessons."
"His love for music and teaching really shines through, keeping you motivated."
Course follows a logical, step-by-step progression.
"The course is laid out beautifully, starting from the absolute basics and building complexity gradually. I never felt lost."
"Steve takes you by the hand and walks you through everything. It's a very systematic way to learn guitar."
"I appreciate the structured lessons; each one builds perfectly on the last, making learning feel manageable and logical."
"This is not a quick fix, but a serious, well-organized course that progresses at a good pace."
DVD format less convenient for some learners.
"While the content is great, the DVD format feels a bit old-fashioned compared to streaming services or online platforms."
"Accessing lessons on DVDs can be less convenient than having everything online and searchable."
"I wish there was an option for digital access alongside the physical media."
"The technology is a bit dated, but the quality of instruction more than makes up for it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar with these activities:
Review Basic Music Theory
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like rhythm, notes, and scales, which are essential for learning guitar.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of rhythm and timing.
  • Study the basics of musical notation.
  • Familiarize yourself with scales and chords.
Read 'Guitar For Dummies'
Supplement the course material with a beginner-friendly guide to guitar playing, reinforcing fundamental concepts and techniques.
View Classical Guitar For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Guitar For Dummies'.
  • Read the sections on basic chords and strumming patterns.
  • Practice the exercises provided in the book.
Practice Chord Transitions
Improve your finger dexterity and muscle memory by practicing smooth transitions between common guitar chords.
Show steps
  • Select a few basic chords from the course material.
  • Practice transitioning between these chords slowly and deliberately.
  • Gradually increase the speed of the transitions as you become more comfortable.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record Yourself Playing a Song
Assess your progress and identify areas for improvement by recording and reviewing your guitar playing.
Show steps
  • Choose a song you've learned from the course.
  • Record yourself playing the song.
  • Listen back to the recording and identify areas where you can improve.
Learn a Full Song
Apply your skills and knowledge by learning to play a complete song from start to finish.
Show steps
  • Select a song that interests you and is within your skill level.
  • Break the song down into smaller sections.
  • Practice each section individually until you can play it smoothly.
  • Combine the sections and practice playing the entire song.
Explore 'The Complete Guitar Player'
Expand your understanding of guitar playing with a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of techniques and styles.
View The Complete Guitar Player Books 1, 2 & 3... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Complete Guitar Player'.
  • Browse the chapters on techniques that interest you.
  • Practice the exercises and examples provided in the book.
Explore Advanced Techniques
Refine your skills and learn new techniques by following online tutorials from experienced guitarists.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on specific guitar techniques.
  • Follow the instructions in the tutorials carefully.
  • Practice the techniques until you can perform them consistently.

Career center

Learners who complete Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Guitar Teacher
A guitar teacher helps students of all ages and skill levels develop their guitar playing abilities. This course helps build a strong foundation for teaching, ensuring a prospective teacher understands fundamental concepts like chords, tablature, and music theory. By learning various genres such as rock, blues, and jazz, the guitar teacher can cater to diverse student interests. This course, with its comprehensive approach, prepares someone to effectively explain concepts and demonstrate techniques to students. The course's structured progression makes breaking down complex skills into manageable lessons easier, which is essential for effective teaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for Guitar Teacher
Session Musician
A session musician is a skilled instrumentalist who is hired to play on recordings or in live performances. This course helps a musician learn diverse guitar techniques and music theory, crucial for quickly learning and performing various styles demanded in session work. The instruction on understanding chord voicings and soloing will be valuable for contributing creative, professional-sounding parts. A session musician may find that the ear-training skills developed through the course are essential for learning parts quickly and efficiently in studio settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Session Musician
Band Member
Being a band member involves collaborating with other musicians to create and perform music. This course may be useful for someone who wants to join a band, because they will learn essential guitar skills and music theory. The course allows someone to develop the ability to play in various genres like rock, blues, and funk, expanding the band's musical possibilities. A band member may find the course's emphasis on chord substitutions and ear training particularly beneficial for songwriting and arranging music with their bandmates.
See salaries and explore the career path for Band Member
Songwriter
A songwriter crafts original songs, often involving both music and lyrics. This course helps develop the musical knowledge needed to write compelling guitar parts and chord progressions. Understanding music theory, scales, and chord voicings, as taught in the course, allows a songwriter to create richer and more interesting compositions. The course may be useful to someone looking to enhance their songwriting by providing practical tools for chord substitution and melody creation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter
Music Arranger
A music arranger takes existing musical pieces and adapts them for different instruments or ensembles. This course helps because it provides training in music theory, chord voicings, and various guitar techniques, forming the foundation for effective arranging. The ability to understand and apply chord substitutions, learned in the course, is particularly useful for creating unique and innovative arrangements. The course, with its comprehensive learning approach, will be helpful for music arrangers looking to understand how music works.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger
Music Journalist
A music journalist writes about music, covering topics such as album reviews, artist interviews, and music industry trends. This course may be useful for developing a deeper understanding of music theory and guitar techniques, which provide a richer perspective when analyzing and discussing music. The course's coverage of various genres, like rock, blues, and jazz, enables a music journalist to write with more authority and insight. A music journalist may find that the ear-training skills developed are helpful for analyzing musical pieces and writing informed critiques.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist
Music Therapist
A music therapist uses music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Usually, this role requires a master's degree. This course may be useful in helping someone develop their musical skills, like playing the guitar, and this can be applied in therapeutic settings. Learning different genres, as covered in the course, allows a music therapist to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A music therapist may find that understanding music theory and chord voicings gives them the tools to create personalized musical interventions for their patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist
Acoustic Engineer
An acoustic engineer works to control and manipulate sound in various environments, such as concert halls or recording studios. This often requires a bachelor's degree at a minimum, but often requires a master's degree. This course may be useful for expanding their knowledge of music theory, guitar techniques, and the sonic qualities of different genres. This understanding helps them to design spaces and systems that optimize sound quality for musical performances and recordings. An acoustic engineer may find that the ear-training skills developed through the course are helpful for identifying and addressing acoustic problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustic Engineer
Music Producer
A music producer oversees the recording and production of music, from selecting musicians to mixing and mastering tracks. This course provides a foundation in music theory, guitar techniques, and chord voicings, which are essential for making informed decisions during the production process. The course may be useful because it teaches you different genres. This will also expand your musical knowledge. A music producer may find that the ear-training skills developed through the course are helpful for identifying and correcting sonic imperfections.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer
Video Game Designer
A video game designer creates and develops video games, often involving music and sound effects. This course may be useful for understanding how music works and how to play the guitar, providing a unique perspective on creating engaging soundtracks and sound design. A video game designer may find that knowledge of different genres, as covered in the course, allows them to craft diverse and immersive game environments. Understanding chord voicings helps provide the tools necessary to create dynamic and memorable game music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Designer
Film Composer
A film composer writes original music for movies. This role usually requires a master's degree. This course may be useful for developing a foundational understanding of music theory, guitar techniques, and chord voicings. These elements help create compelling and emotionally resonant film scores. Understanding different genres, as covered in the course, will enable a film composer to adapt their music to various cinematic styles. A film composer may find that the ear-training skills are helpful for scoring scenes and synchronizing music with visual elements.
See salaries and explore the career path for Film Composer
Radio DJ
A radio DJ plays music and entertains listeners on the radio. This role may benefit from a basic understanding of music theory and guitar playing. This course may be useful to the point where you are able to speak knowledgeably about different musical styles and techniques. A radio DJ may find that the knowledge of different genres, as covered in the course, will enable them to curate diverse and engaging playlists. The skills developed through the course can contribute to creating a more informed and engaging radio experience for listeners.
See salaries and explore the career path for Radio DJ
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates and manipulates sound effects and audio for various media, such as films, video games, and theater productions. This course may be useful in developing a basic understanding of music theory and guitar playing. This foundation can provide a unique perspective on creating and integrating sound effects. A sound designer may find that the knowledge of different genres will enable them to craft more diverse and impactful soundscapes. The skills developed through the course can contribute to a richer and more immersive audio experience in various media.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer
Talent Agent
A talent agent represents musicians and other performers, helping them find work and negotiate contracts. This role may benefit from a basic understanding of music theory and guitar playing, This course may be useful for developing more informed decisions about which artists to represent. A talent agent may find that the knowledge of different genres, as covered in the course, helps them identify and promote artists with diverse musical styles. The skills developed through the course may contribute to better communication and understanding with their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Agent
Stage Manager
A stage manager oversees all aspects of a theatrical or musical performance, including coordinating rehearsals and managing the technical elements. This course may be useful for developing a basic understanding of music theory and guitar playing. This allows for better communication with musicians and a greater appreciation for the musical aspects of the production. A stage manager may find that the knowledge of different genres can improve their ability to coordinate diverse musical performances. The skills developed through the course could contribute to a smoother and more collaborative production process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Stage Manager

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar.
Cover image
Classical Guitar For Dummies
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to playing the guitar, covering essential topics such as choosing a guitar, basic chords, strumming patterns, and reading tablature. It's a great resource for beginners who want a user-friendly guide to supplement the course material. The book's accessible style and clear explanations make it an excellent companion for self-paced learning, and it can serve as a helpful reference tool for reinforcing concepts learned in the course.
Classical Guitar For Dummies
Paperback
$$
Classical Guitar For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Complete Guitar Player: Book 1
Save
Offers a more in-depth exploration of guitar techniques and music theory. It's suitable for students who want to delve deeper into the subject matter. It is more valuable as additional reading to expand knowledge. It is not commonly used as a textbook, but it useful reference for intermediate guitar players.
The Complete Guitar Player Books 1, 2 & 3 Omnibus...
Paperback
$$
COMPLETE GUITAR PLAYER BLUES & RAGTIME (Guitar...
Mass Market Paperback
$$
The Complete Guitar Player Songbook: Omnibus,...
Paperback
$$$
COMPLETE GUITAR PLAYER CHORD BOOK (Complete Guitar...
Mass Market Paperback
$$
Complete Guitar Player Tablature Book (Complete...
Mass Market Paperback
$$$
THE COMPLETE GUITAR PLAYER - BOOK 1 (NEW EDITION)...
Paperback
$$
The Complete Guitar Player Book 1 - New Edition
Paperback
$$
The Complete Guitar Player Songbook - Omnibus...
Paperback
$$

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Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
38 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Legacy Learning Systems
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses a multi-modal learning experience that incorporates reading, listening, watching, and doing, which caters to different learning styles and enhances comprehension
Covers a wide range of guitar music genres, including rock, blues, jazz, country, and funk, which allows learners to explore their musical interests
Teaches practical ear-training skills, which enables learners to listen to a melody and immediately play it on the guitar
Requires learners to have a physical guitar and possibly an electronic tuner, which may pose a barrier to some learners
Develops an understanding of how music works and why something sounds good, which is essential for composing and improvising
Teaches how to read guitar tablature and chord blocks, which are essential skills for learning and playing guitar
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