| If you're looking for easy songs play on acoustic | | | | song also includes chord box diagrams which show |
| guitar, it can be hard to know where to start. While | | | | you how to play all the chords that are required for |
| the internet is full of guitar tabs, these are often | | | | that song, which is useful if any of the chords are |
| inaccurate, and may be beyond the abilities of new | | | | unfamiliar. |
| guitarists. A lot of them are also songs that you've | | | | However, the book does not contain tabs or written |
| probably never heard of, and have no interest in | | | | notation, and if you don't know the melodies of the |
| playing. | | | | original songs, this will be an issue, as they're not |
| However, another option is at hand in the form of | | | | included here. And while there's a playing guide which |
| The Big Acoustic Guitar Chord Songbook series from | | | | gives some useful hints, it's not as if every little step |
| Wise Publications. Let's take a look at what this book | | | | is spelled out for you, which may or may not be a |
| has to offer, and see if it really is a good choice for | | | | problem. |
| those looking for easy acoustic guitar songs. | | | | Accuracy - according to the blurb on the back cover, |
| What Is The Big Acoustic Guitar Chord Songbook? | | | | each song has been arranged in the original key from |
| As the name suggests, this book contains a number | | | | the original recordings. However, like most books of |
| of songs complete with chords, which can be played | | | | this type, some of the chords have been simplified, |
| on the acoustic guitar. More precisely, it consists of | | | | as you'll discover for yourself if you listen very |
| 191 pages and 78 songs. The book has a paperback | | | | carefully to the original songs and compare them to |
| cover and is in easy to read A4 format. | | | | the chords that are given in this book. This isn't a |
| Is It Any Good? | | | | problem, as they still sound 'right', but if you want to |
| Overall, I think this is a good book, although it is not | | | | play a note-perfect rendition of the original, you'll |
| without its flaws. | | | | probably need to rely more on your own ears. |
| Musical styles - the book contains songs across a | | | | Playing level - some of the songs in this book contain |
| wide range of musical genres. It was published in | | | | very easy chords, whereas others are more difficult. |
| 2001, and the songs range from that time back to | | | | Beginners will find the book of value, but those who |
| 40 years previously, so there's a lot of classic rock | | | | have a bit more experience will probably get the |
| and pop in here, as well as more modern songs. The | | | | most from it, as many of the songs will be too |
| artists covered include The Beatles, Pulp, The Corrs, | | | | difficult for complete beginners to play initially. Also, |
| Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams, Oasis, Blur, Eric Clapton, | | | | the lack of step-by-step playing guides may be a |
| The Jam and many more. | | | | problem for those who are just starting off. |
| So if you're looking for classic hits that most people | | | | Verdict |
| recognise, chances are you'll find a good few of | | | | If you're a guitarist who is interested in playing a |
| them in here. However, if you're more interested in | | | | wide range of well-known hit songs on your acoustic |
| specialist genres or more extreme musical forms, this | | | | guitar, this is a great book to have. Just be aware |
| is probably not the book for you. | | | | that it is something of a barebones guide - as the |
| Ease of use - the book is laid out in a very clear and | | | | title says it's a chord book, so don't expect to find |
| simple way. For each song you get the full lyrics with | | | | tabs or notation in here. |
| chord symbols added in the appropriate places. Each | | | | |