The Contemporary Guitarist

Books can be ordered or downloaded! The download includes clickable links to all video lessons and audio play-alongs!

Click the books below to order.

Level One

Book one is ideal for beginners and those who are not quite ready for barre chords. This book is designed to quickly train a guitarist to be able to play for worship. By the end students are capable of playing most worship songs in the keys of C and G, as well as simple songs in the keys of A and D.

Features Include:

  • How to play all common open chords, complete with diagrams, photos, and exercises. Also, numerous strum patterns and techniques.

  • DVD of all lessons and songs. The book can be self taught! DVD features Marty Mikles, Adely Charles, and Jimmy Cox.

  • Practice CD of all songs and exercises.

  • Songs by transMission and from the Salvation Army Songbook.

  • Suggestions for other popular songs that can be played at different points in the book.

  • QR code links to extra online content.

Level Two

Book two is designed for players who have mastered open chords and can play consistent strum patterns. This book is largely dedicated to barre chords, and also covers chord alterations and one technique of using a capo. Students can play in all keys at a basic level using barre chords by the end of the book.

Features Include:

  • How to play chord alterations, sharp and flat notes, major and minor barre chords, and how to use a capo.

  • DVD of all lessons and songs. The book can be self taught! DVD features Marty Mikles, Adely Charles, and Jimmy Cox.

  • Practice CD of all songs and exercises.

  • Songs by transMission and from the Salvation Army Songbook.

  • Suggestions for other popular songs that can be played at different points in the book.

  • QR code links to extra online content.

 

Level Three

Book three is all about versatility and style. We learn how to things we have previously learned in new and exciting ways by using chord substitutions, finger-style, alternate tunings, power chords, and a second technique of using a capo. This book covers many "tools-of-the-trade" that give the professionals their signature sound. 

Features Include:

  • Finger-style playing, tablature, and new time signatures.

  • Bass lines, power chords, capo studies, 7th chords, chord and substitutions, alternate tunings.

  • DVD of all lessons and songs. The book can be self taught! DVD features Marty Mikles, Adely Charles, and Jimmy Cox.

  • Practice CD of all songs and exercises.

  • Songs by transMission and from the Salvation Army Songbook.

  • Suggestions for other popular songs that can be played at different points in the book.

  • QR code links to extra online content.