Zen Guitar

Inspiring! The book totally changes how I approach practising the guitar. A must have!!

guitar or no guitar.....everybody should read it atleast once

I'm a bit of a closet Buddhist, and a major guitar nut, so this title appealed to me.It's pure, unadulterated rubbish. The author has just sat down and made up all this stuff himself. Have you ever looked at a disaster, felt guilty about looking, but couldn't tear your eyes away? Well, that's how I felt wading through this silliness. I stuck at it, hoping to find some redeeming gem, but didn't. The start was ridiculous, and things got progressively worse throughout the book.It's interesting that the author has also written a book on 'Zen Sex'. I'm sure the celibate Buddhist monks will appreciate this. Just because you're Japanese by race/birth doesn't mean you're a Zen Master.Avoid like the plague. Admit that you 'can't see the emperor's new clothes' and spend your money on something that would do more to improve your guitar playing. Like a set of drum sticks...

This book unexpectedly became one of my favorites, and as such the pages are already faded and worn from use- as all good books should be! This is not a book for improving guitar technique or learning new licks, but it is a book for those looking to find a "spiritual" side of guitar or simply to develop a better mentality towards their playing. It does this by using a similar approach to martial artists, and it encourages a lot of reflection about your own personality and ideas of the guitar. It also features a multitude of great quotes from guitarists of all backgrounds, from Clapton to Vai.I'd recommend this book to any guitarist who wants to find the song within their heart and play those good notes.

I've studied a bit of Zen Buddhism. I've also been playing guitar for thirty years, so this book caught my eye. It's a great way to bring some mindfulness to guitar playing. All too often we pick up our guitars and start playing, usually the same tired old licks and riffs, as if on autopilot. This book helps you bring mindful intention to many aspects of playing and helps to develop a more respectful, productive and spiritual relationship with your guitar and the music and sounds you make. Much of the wisdom and philosophy is transferable to most things we experience in life. And don't worry, it's not a bunch of heavy, deep new age stuff. It's all really straight forward and a really enjoyable read.

I didn't know what to expect when i purchased this book.one thing for sure, I couldn't put it down once I opened it up!I think that's the key, if you have an open mind, you may just find Zen guitar a good read and you may just learn a few things along the way.No riffs or licks here just an insight to attitudeas with everything guitar, its all about patience and practice, this book gives you a deeper meaning to the actions we take when learning the guitarI recommend it, simply because it was different and I learnt something new along the way!and i have learnt to empty my cup !

As a guitar teacher, I am always on the lookout for something to inspire my pupils and make them think for themselves. You cannot impose learning on someone, they have to find it for themselves through their journey with music - and this book succinctly gives much nourishing food for thought along the way.Each chapter begins with a quote from a well-known guitarist.It is not a 'method' book, and I would say it is not for young beginners (as they may not see the relevance of the whole approach) but I now suggest it to all my serious students. In fact, for about 90% of the material one could replace the word "guitar" with any other instrument. I've suggested that my wife (an accordionist) reads it, and have just bought a second copy to give to my son, who is a professional drummer!