Description:
Guitar Method is no cheesy slice-and-dicer or muscle-toning contraption, but a very cool, innovative instructional system for beginning guitarists. It has so many features, in fact, that even seasoned guitarists might learn something new about their instrument. We'll admit to being a little skeptical about Guitar Method after seeing an infomercial for the instruction software on late-night TV--the uncertain realm of those strange devices that someone, somewhere must buy. And with none other than '70s heartthrob himself, Peter Frampton, pitching the product, we were rather amused. But Frampton is a great guitarist, and although he certainly never used computer software to help him learn to jam back in the day, he apparently knows what he's talking about when it comes to guitar-instruction technology on PCs. The heart of Guitar Method is the Fretronome and the song library. The Fretronome is an illustrated layout of a guitar's fretboard--its six strings and the frets behind which you place your fingers. The view is as if you were looking down at your own fingers on the neck (the view can be adjusted to suit left-handed players). Circled numbers on the strings indicate the chord patterns and associated fingers, and the chords change as the chosen song from the song library is played. The song library contains about 75 songs, from standards like "Greensleeves" and "Amazing Grace" to pop classics like "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "La Bamba." Just below the Fretronome is the notation for the song. You can choose either tablature or standard music notation. After you've selected a song, just click the play icon and select the tempo comfortable for you. As the song progresses, you'll see the chord fingerings change on the Fretronome, and the current notes and chords in the notation are highlighted in red. You can change the tempo, pause at any time, or skip around in the song to work on select parts. Double-click in the notation to bring up that section on the Fretronome. If you wish, you can follow the 60 lessons provided, learning at your own pace. Its all very intuitive, thorough, and easy to use. Is your axe slightly out of tune? Bring up the tuner from the menu bar and tune up. Want to learn or practice specific chords by themselves? From the menu bar, simply click to launch the Chord Dictionary, an illustrated view of dozens of chords from A Major to G#7 with a suspended 4th. Use the Metronome to practice playing in tempo. Practice specific techniques like syncopation, muting, and how to hold a pick. There wasn't much to not like about Guitar Method. If you're looking for a way to learn to play, pick this CD-ROM up. You can take our advice, or take it from rock legend/late night television pitchman Peter Frampton. Guitar Method is truly an original, impressive instruction package. We believe you'll be inspired to write your own hit songs in no time. --John Bosch
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