eMedia Guitar Method

Learn How to Play Guitar at Home at Your Own Pace

The Easiest Way to Learn to Play Guitar!

The best-selling eMedia Guitar Method features guitar lessons for beginners from University of Colorado-Boulder’s Kevin Garry, Ph.D. This award-winning, learn-at-home course is complete guitar instruction that runs on your computer with interactive technology to make understanding the lessons easier. You can even get eMedia Instant Feedback and Performance Evaluation as you strum new guitar chords and play your first, easy guitar songs and exercises.

Learn to play guitar quickly with over 190 easy-to-follow guitar lessons that take you from basics such as how to tune a guitar and how to play simple guitar chords to fingerpicking, how to read guitar tabs, how to read guitar music notation, how to play guitar by ear, and much more. Learning guitar is made fun with popular songs for both acoustic guitar and electric guitar made famous by Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, John Lennon, and others.

Arranged in twelve chapters, these incremental lessons cover the basics from holding, stringing, and tuning the guitar to playing chords and melodies, culminating in an explanation of fingerpicking styles, reading standard music notation, and a new chapter on ear training. Lessons include a variety of exercises and songs. In total, there are over 50 high-quality videos and over three hours of audio and video! On-screen teacher Kevin Garry, Ph.D., provides clear and friendly instruction.

eMedia Guitar Method features songs in a variety of genres to make learning fun and memorable – including Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, and Classical! Version 6 includes play along Jam Tracks as well as live-recorded audio and variable speed tracks. Over 80 songs include hits such as:

• Bob Dylan (“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”)
• Rolling Stones/The Doors (“Little Red Rooster”)
• John Lennon (“Imagine”)
• The Steve Miller Band (“Rock’n Me”)
• Heart (“Dreamboat Annie”)
• Rod Stewart/Tom Waits (“Downtown Train”)
• The Grateful Dead (“Uncle John’s Band”)

Also included are popular songs “Wayfaring Stranger,” “Scarborough Fair,” “La Bamba,” “Midnight Special,” “Ode to Joy,” “Minuet,” “Greensleeves,” “House of the Rising Sun” and many others.

Instant Feedback shows you when you play the correct chords or notes on your guitar as you progress through an exercise. With a microphone connected to your computer and a guitar in your hands, play the notes in the exercise (or song) on any screen featuring the “ear” icon in the upper right corner and the computer will highlight the notes for you in green. You’ll discover that reading tablature and music notation is easier than you ever thought possible!

When you’re ready, you can switch to Performance Evaluation and get feedback on both pitch and rhythm to help you improve your playing! Earn up to a 5-star rating or view your score as a percentage. We’ve also added Progress Tracking so you can review your best scores and track your progress through the course.

The Animated Fretboard displays fingering positions as the music plays. It allows you to see exactly how to play the song on a guitar fretboard as you hear the music. Since you can highlight and loop any section of the music (or even double-click on a single note in the music), you can use the Animated Fretboard to make difficult sections or quick changes easier to manage and learn. The Animated Fretboard makes it simple to follow along with the lesson content. Includes option for both right- and left-handed views; and, just for fun, choose from six different fretboard skins modeled after classic guitars!

The Note and Finger Tracker tools make it easier to see what note you’re playing by displaying the note as music notation and on eMedia’s Animated Fretboard. You’ll be able to correct your playing quickly and learn to read music fast!

Tune your guitar quickly and easily. A precision gauge Guitar Tuner allows you to play into your computer’s microphone and tune up interactively. Reference guitar tuning notes are also included.

The Chord Dictionary includes fingering charts and recorded playback for over 250 guitar chords. Find new chords for songs quickly. An indispensable reference tool!

With a Metronome, set your tempo and practice keeping a steady beat with audio and visual indicators.

Use the Recorder to save your recordings and play back to share and compare.

Attention Educators, please visit our academic product page for information on using this product in schools or for private group instruction.

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Contents Summary

Introduction

I. About the Guitar

Types of Guitars; Stringing; Tuning; Holding; Finger Position; Reading Charts; Simple G Chord.

II. Simple Chords and Strumming

Songs Introducing Simple C and G7; Full A7, C and D Chords; Double Strum.

III. More Chords and Adding Accents

Songs with Accents; Shifting Accents; 3/4 Accented Time; A, Am, D7, E, Em, E7, Full G Chord.

IV. Slash Chords and Chord Progressions

Songs with Slash Chords G/B, A/C#; New Chords Am7, Bm, B7, C7, Dm, F, Full G7; “Imagine.”

V. Rock Strumming and Power Chords

Folk Rock; Syncopation; Power Chords A5, D5, E5; Palm Muting; Contemporary Rock Strumming.

VI. Playing the Blues

Introducing the Blues Rhythm: “Corrina,” “Little Red Rooster” and Others; the 12-Bar Blues.

VII. Modern Rock Strumming and Movable Power Chords

Movable Power Chords and Riffs; Palm Muting in Modern Rock; Rock/Punk Strums; The Chika.

VIII. Reading Tablature and Playing Melodies

Tablature; Rhythmic Notation; Melodies – Folk to Classic; Boogie Woogie Bass; Blues Shuffle.

IX. Bass-Note Strum with Country Tunes

Popular Songs with Bass-Note Strum; Bass-Note Double Strum; Alternate Bass-Note Strum.

X. Fingerpicking – from Arpeggio to Travis

Introduced in “Scarborough Fair,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Romanza,” and Others.

XI. Reading Standard Music Notation

How to Read Music String by String; Rhythm; Time Signatures; Accidentals; Key Signatures.

XII. Ear Training

Introduction to Playing by Ear; Using Your Voice; Direction, Distance, and Duration.

Appendix

Button Symbols; Commands and Shortcuts; Song Looping; Tools (Animated Fretboard, Recorder, etc); Instant Feedback; Performance Evaluation.

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What reviewers are saying...

“This is the ultimate way to learn how to play guitar! You learn at your own pace, and it’s easy for anybody.”
– Peter Frampton, guitar superstar

“I used to teach guitar, and eMedia’s Guitar Method is the greatest because it centers around playing songs. And if it’s not about playing songs, what’s it about?”
– Nancy Wilson, guitarist/vocalist of the rock band Heart

“eMedia Music’s instrument training programs are complete.”
– The New York Times, March 13, 2019

TOP TEN REVIEWS – GOLD AWARD “Guitar Method from eMedia is the simply the best and can teach you to play quicker than any other product we have seen...”
– TopTenREVIEWS.com

Editor’s Choice + (out of 4) “Picks”
– PC Magazine

“One of the best music tutorials I’ve seen... Guitar Method can help you become an accomplished journeyman guitarist.”
– C/NET

“Everything you need to know to start strumming away.”
– Kim Komando, USAToday.com

“An instructional title worth pickin’”
– Billboard Magazine

“ More than just music... my favorite feature is the built-in 'tape recorder' which allows you to record your performance and replay it. Ideal instruction for beginners.”
– Toronto Sun

“You could spend a lot more on guitar lessons, an electronic tuner, a chord book and a metronome, and still not get as much as you might out of this.”
– Boston Globe

“Before you know it, you’ll be an international star.”
– Discovery Channel

“Could keep a budding Eric Clapton or Chet Atkins busy for many months, which is more than can be said for most computer games on the market these days.”
– Halifax Herald

“I’ve been playing guitar for 35 years, and this is the best beginning program that anyone wanting to play guitar could own.”
– Greg Heigh, WWBA Radio (Tampa, FL)

“For those who not only want to appreciate an art form but take part in it...”
– Consumer’s Digest

“eMedia Guitar Method is the easiest way to learn guitar. I really cannot say enough good things about this program.”
– Heidi Strawser, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

What customers are saying...

“I am enjoying this software a lot. It provides exactly the kind of structure that I need to keep practicing. The exercises are good. Being able to play along with songs is really helpful.”
– Tom B. of Berkeley, CA

“It is very impressive. Easy to follow, many helpful hints, repeatable sections, play-along finger tracker, chord dictionary, and so much more. Excellent product.”
– Ralph Andrews of Prospect Park, PA

“I am just learing to play the guitar after 46 years. I find that eMedia is easy to understand and easy to follow. I also have a 9 year old that is learing to play, and she is also finding the method easy to follow. Thanks eMedia!”
– Andy Pfister of Terre Haute, IN

“It’s the greatest way to learn, and I have experienced different kinds of courses. Yours is the best. With all the options available, you made learning a breeze. Thank you.”
– Lyne Côté of Laval, Québec, Canada

“It seems to work well for me. I’m happy with my progress. It has been the only form of coaching I’ve had so far, and I’m feeling more confident in my playing.”
– Dean Alexander

“I am enjoying learning with Guitar Method. There are a variety of genres that I am interested in. Moves at a very friendly pace.”
– Matt of Eugene, OR

“Solid foundational training and a great reference I return to often. I find the navigation is easy to find what I need during ad-hoc searches. Besides the great content I also get a lot of use of the chord finder and metronome.”
– Kevin Eggers of Cumberland Furnace, TN

“This program is great because it does not assume that you already know something. It is user friendly and gives actual demonstrations of finger placement on the fretboard. I highly recommend it.”
– Addison Melba of TX

“Love the material and supplemental knowledge provided in addition to just 'chord' how to. I feel I am receiving a thorough training with the eMedia Guitar Method. Thank you!”
– David Bair of Grass Valley, CA

“Great experience for my daughter. She’s learning faster than I could have imagined!”
– Nick Vazquez of Holtsville, NY

“Had been plucking around for a couple of years and not getting anywhere. Within one month of following this program I have made great progress. Excellent program.”
– Allan Chatel of Québec, Canada

“My teacher marvels at my progress.”
– Donald Beggs

“I enjoyed learning the chords and playing a song right away. The whole experience is rewarding.”
– Lisa Nagy of Moorpark, CA

“It’s very nice to step through slowly with the basics and progress quickly onto useful songs.”
– Peter Keenan of Hong Kong, China

“I enjoy the idea of step by step instruction, learning at my own pace. And with this product there are so many lessons to look forward to learning. It seems to have been a good investment.”
– David Jones of College Park, MD

“What a great product you have. Please make an advanced guitar method. Once I finish Guitar Method I will definitely be moving onto Intermediate.”
– Jon Hawkins of Richmond, MO

“Fantastic! I’ve never touched a guitar and this application is very good at explaining all the techniques and basics.”
– Jeff Smith of St. Charles, IL

“Great program for learning guitar. I combine this with finding songs on the Internet that I like to learn. Learning guitar has been a fun journey. Thank you!”
– Doug Horsley of Scottsdale, AZ

“Nice program, much more affordable than private lessons. I’m satisfied.”
– Aaron Kellerman of Pembroke, MA

“Had been plucking around for a couple of years and not getting anywhere. Within one month of following this program I have made great progress. Excellent program.”
– Allan Chatel of Québec, Canada

“I love this program!”
– Jake Bryan of Scottsville, VA

“It’s great. Honestly! I’ve always wanted to learn how to play, but my life and crazy work schedule always made it difficult to do anything i wanted. Now i can learn the guitar at my own speed when i get the free time. Thank You very much!”
– Joshua H. of Union City, CA

“I love the Method series of software. Simple, very easy to follow and understand.”
– Dennis Blankenship of Charlotte, NC

“The option of not having to start and stop a CD or DVD makes this easy. Being a ‘program’ and not just something to play in the computer makes all the difference.”
– George Farah of Nags Head, NC

“An excellent tool for self paced learning. I love it.”
– Leo Hogan of Fitzroy, Victoria

“Love this program. I’ve been using it for two days now, and I never thought I would do as well as I am doing.”
– Michael Conrad of Ocala, Florida

“Great product – thanks a lot :-)”
– Bjarke Fog of Denmark

“The Program has helped me tremendously. I can play and enjoy singing when I am having fun with my friends. Thank you!!”
– Jesus Hernandez of Chimayo, NM

“Enjoying the product. Very easy to use.”
– Greg Brown of CA

“This is my third trip thru eMedia guitar, and I keep finding new stuff each time. Thank you. I have already purchased Intermediate and can’t wait to get to it!”
– Billy Williams of Modesto, CA

“So far I am learning a lot from this software.”
– David Curtis of Afton, NY

“This program is really great for beginners.”
– Saul Augustine of Boston, MA

“I like the song choices.”
– Faith Jessome

“I am enjoying Guitar Method very much.”
– Mark Caroll of Columbus, OH

“Makes me want to keep learning more.”
– Catalina Petersen of Rockville, MD

“I have recommended the course to several people. It’s great because it makes practicing fun. And it covers a lot of material.”
– Greg Savino

“I like your program because it teaches simple songs [right] anyway and takes away the drudgery of practice practice practice.”
– Leo Walding of St. Paul, MN

“It’s been really useful. My son took lessons for a few months and didn’t make as much progress as with eMedia. Thank you!”
– Jennifer Wallace of Garner, NC

“I find this course to be structured very well for making quick progress. After 3 weeks for my fingers to develop hardness on the ends I find that I'm progressing about 10 pages per day.”
– Bob Miller of Manchaster, NJ

“I really like the way the lessons teach me. I’m able to learn quicker and enjoy playing the guitar.”
– Ellie Cumming

“Awesome, the way you teach.”
– John Prater of Perrysburg, OH

“Excellent way to learn guitar. I’m already playing chords and a few songs. I look forward to my lessons every day. Will want more rock songs later though. Great lessons.”
– James Buscemi of Maynard, MA

“Being able to hear and see the music has really helped me understand the music and how to play.”
– Porter Holmgren

“I needed a way to get ahead fast. Your program came highly recommended. Love it.”
– Carl Bretzke of Edmonton, Alberta

“I love this program, it has helped me expand my guitar skills and learn some fun songs.”
– Wade Doty of Seattle, WA

“I like the way it’s set out in small easy steps.”
– Alan Brooks of Edinburgh, UK

“I like the videos when learning new lessons, and that it congratulates you when you finish a lesson.”
– Joseph Soliday of Westminster, MD

“Pretty easy to follow and flowed well with my experience level.”
– Dan Anderson of Marysville, WA

“Great way to learn and have fun by actually playing songs at an early stage.”
– Gord Lawson of Markdale, Ontario

“An excellent way to start learning to play.”
– Charles of Seattle, WA

“Great option for those without time in their schedule to commit to a weekly appointment with a teacher.”
– Dale Jones

“My problem is to create a routine to site at my computer and work....other than that I like the instruction. I go back and forth between learning chords and learning the notes.”
– Rick Simmons of Kileen, TX

“I love the sound demos & info bits.”
– Gina Bull of Hallsville, TX

“I have upgraded my eMedia Guitar Method to this version (v5), and it is a lot better than the previous edition. Much better.”
– Rich Howard of Chiloquin, OR

“This software far exceeded my expectations. I am enjoying and learning loads!”
– Scott Tyler of Ticonderoga, NY

“It got me interested immediately. After only a few chapters I ordered the Intermediate course to have it ready.”
– Gary Harvey of Miami, FL

“Seems to be a good program. I like the ease of use. Learning the guitar is hard enough without figuring out the computer program on top of it.”
– Glenn Main of Lynn, MA

“Great tutorial for beginners!”
– David Pennington of Raytown, MO

“Easy to understand and follow along. I have tried other tools similar to this one and could not understand it or follow it. Thank you for making this version. It’s perfect.”
– Marshall Sites of Boise, ID

“Easy to follow and understand.”
– Mark Franklin of Lincolton, NC

“I love using this software. I have tried other things besides actually getting lessons from a instructor, and this is very easy to use.”
– Derek Brassard of Joliet, IL

“I have learned more from eMedia guitar for $50 than a year’s worth of private lessons for a thousand $. Everything you need, except the guitar, is in here. Everything.”
– Mike Butcher of Lakewood, CO

“So far I am liking eMedia Guitar Method. I just like the fact that I can really just go at my own pace.”
– Scott Burnell of Austin, TX

“I had taken several lessons with different teachers, but they only wanted to teach music theory. I did not want to learn theory. I wanted to learn how to play, and this does it. I have told several people about eMedia and bought one for someone.”
– Dean Gillogly of Pocahontas, AR

“Great incremental learning and introduction to different technical aspects of playing. Like the breadth of songs learned.”
– Geoff of St. Paul, MN

“Very comprehensive and been very helpful when I needed to find something quickly. Specially I like the chord dictionary.”
– Raj Phillips of London, UK

“It’s been helping me out and not being so stressful where I can go at my own speed :)”
– John Casto of San Juan, TX

“Great program. Guides you along and makes learning easy and at your own pace. Fantastic tools, tuner, metronome, chord dictionary and practice exercises make learning fun.”
– Richard Rodden of Lexington, SC

“This has really made it easy to learn. I am making good progress.”
– Jerry Keene of Grove, OK

“Great progression leading through the basics. Easily understood through current lesson plan. Enjoyable. Thank you.”
– Randy King of Columbia, SC

“I am a handicapped man with degenerative disease in my hands. This program is great because I need to stop and start depending on my condition at the time. Thank you...”
– Joseph Ratledge of Tega Cay, SC

“Easy to understand. Images and method well thought out. Sound quality is very good.”
– Yolande Matthews of Miami, FL

“Easy to follow, I am learning chords much better and retaining the information. If I could find an instructor for weekly guidance on hand positions and tips to combine with this software, be a nice one two punch.”
– Rick Meyers of Xenia, FL

“I’ve done months of research to find a good guitar method, spend money that was wasted on methods that held promise but did not deliver. This method is the best, hands down. Clear and easy to follow, and enjoyable. Thank you.”
– Anthony of Brunswick, OH

“Super Good!!! In seconds of use, I fell in love with it.”
– Adiran Roychoudhury of Canton, MI

“The pace of lessons is just right for a novice student like me.”
– Juan Reyna of Brownsville, TX

“Great program for beginners to start and get to where they want to be.”
– Chris Bourg of Baton Rouge, LA

“Really enjoy the program.”
– Dale Lindsey of Medina, OH

“Keep up the good work! :)”
– Arthur Morales of Granada Hills, CA

“Great program. Good focus for older beginners.”
– Charles Freemyer of Elizabeth, CO

“Guitar Method is a great tool for learning to play the guitar. It has taught me lot. I would recommend it to anyone who is learning to play the guitar.”
– Steve Rollinson of Durham, England

“What an easy way to learn guitar! Love it!!! Getting better every day.”
– Richard Pettinheo of St. Augustine, FL

“I find the approach you use simply perfect.”
– Peter Wurzer of Aham, Germany

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System requirements

Internet connection recommended for online activation. Requires a Windows desktop, laptop, or tablet device; or a 32-bit (only) Mac desktop or laptop computer. Not compatible with iPhones, iPads, Android, or Chromebook devices.

* Attention Mac Users Beginning with macOS 10.15 (Catalina), Apple has eliminated the option to run 32-bit apps on the Mac. If you wish to continue using our applications, which currently require 32-bit support, do not upgrade your operating system past Mac OS 10.14 (Mojave). Alternatively, you can retain an older Mac operating system on a separate drive partition. eMedia developers are currently working on software updates to support Catalina and future versions of macOS, but this is a major undertaking. We are currently unable to foresee how long it will take us to create these new versions. If you purchased your eMedia Mac software on or after September 7, 2019, upon receiving proof of purchase we will provide you with a free upgrade to a macOS 10.15 (Catalina)-compatible version of an eMedia application when it becomes available. All other registered owners of eMedia software will be qualified for discounted upgrades.

Questions about system requirements? Contact our technical support department.

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