Essential Elements for Guitar - Book 1 with Online Audio Access | Beginner Guitar Lessons & Practice Exercises | Perfect for Music Students & Self-Learners at Home or School

My 9-year-old daughter used the Essential Elements book for Saxophone, and we were both pleased with how the book was laid out, and the progression from simple to more difficult songs. I decided to purchase Guitar Level 1 and Level 2 to teach her guitar. We are very pleased with the books. Level 1 begins by showing simplified C and G chords using only one finger. It teaches the simplest strum patterns for 4/4 and 3/4 time. It then provides songs with just those two chords. They can either sing or have someone else play while they strum along. I like the fact that the student is able to "play" a real tune in the first lesson. Although very simple, my daughter felt like she had accomplished something in Lesson 1.The book then teaches fingering for single notes on the 1st string (high E). There are several short songs using only three notes to get the student comfortable with finger placement and reading standard notation. The book continues in this way, adding new chords and new notes, always ending with several tunes to practice using the new information. Some of the songs are actually pretty good and recognizable (although short). All have notation and chords written across the top. If chords have not been covered yet, they are written in grey (so the instructor can play chords as an accompaniment). The book does not include Tabs, which I am actually pleased about. I will teach my daughter tabs, but would like her to know standard notation first. So many scores don't include tabs, I don't want her to be limited in her ability to read both forms.Throughout the book, there are several interesting facts about music, history, terminology, style. It does go into some music theory, but a little at a time. My daughter would be bored with too much theory at once.The book is a good size so it can be placed nicely on the music stand. Some books are too thick and it's work to keep them open on the stand.This book did not include a CD, which kept the price down. Level 2 includes a CD (at least mine did), but the price went up considerably. I would prefer no CD and less $$, but that's just me. Usually, we listen to CD's and play along once and it gets stored somewhere and never seen again.I don't have any complaints about the book. My daughter is excited to learn the guitar and I now have an organized progression to use as a guide. This book could be used with an instructor or individually. I believe both adults and children can learn the basics using this book.