Skip to main content

"Dummy" or "Idiot"?

A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I got a guitar. 

Now, I am not that busy of a person.  Yes, I work full-time, some side stuff (this blog, mentoring, continuing academic obligations), etc. etc... but I really could be spending more time with María (said guitar's name).

At least she didn't cost what this Spanish guitar did...

As seen at Guitar Center, Hollywood, CA
 So far, I've actually learned a few songs -- a lot of chord progressions, which basically means that you strum chords rather than play the individual notes of the melody.  I've also dappled into the true Spanish guitar form, but this is not really why I got a guitar.  I want to play Green Day, Adele, and even acoustic versions of Red Hot Chili Peppers, haha.  YouTube has been one of my primary teachers, along with books:



A while back, I received a copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Guitar to compare against the Guitar for Dummies that I already had at home.  I took to the challenge and worked through both books with about the same thoroughness (as in, I pick up what I desire without drudging through too many things I don't care for or find "too hard"...I'm bad).

I am not sure if I can say which is a clear-cut winner.  Each has its advantages -- I feel like the Dummies book as more thorough and methodic, whereas the Idiots book was cleaner (in print and layout) and more inviting overall. 

After I play my guitar more, I wonder what the next "Dummy vs. Idiot" comparison I should make... I know they both make running books, but after six years of running, I'm not really sure either would be very helpful to me.....

What has been your experience with any of these types of "how-to" books?
Labels:

Comments

  1. Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Wil TravelDecember 21, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    Brent and I each came to this relationship with guitars that we'd purchased but never learned to play. They sit on display in our living room, gathering dust and still unplayable :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. CalvinDecember 21, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    I am definitely a "Dummies" guy. They tend to break things down to the simplest level possible and break it down some more. Plus I appreciate the amount of laughter that they go out of their way to make sure you have while learning whatever concept you are trying to learn. So I'd probably lean towards that. Now I wanna get a guitar!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Giveaway Winner! -- Sony W Series MP3 Player (Update)

Updated Post: 3/20/11 As promised, here are the Sony W Series giveaway winners: -- both have been contacted and prizes sent -- Please e-mail me at (Gmail) Nobel4Lit2 with your addresses, and I'll ship out the units soon! Thanks to everyone who entered.  Stay tuned for another giveaway soon (maybe later this week)! (Note: I ended up putting everyone's retweets starting after the comments when it came to numbering the entries.) Original Post: 3/10/11 Sunday, March 20 2011, the day I will run LA Marathon for the 4th time (and embark on my 8th 26.2 journey overall), will also be very special because it will mark the 5th year since I did my FIRST training run with the intention of running a marathon.  (Check out that life-changing post HERE ). Yep, on March 20, 2006, I went to the track and ran my first 3.25 miles with the dreams of marathon glory (or even half-marathon glory). I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I was a sprint/track
61 comments
Read more

Sharkies Prize Pack (giveaway)

It's giveaway time! On a long run recently, I took a couple packs of Sharkies Organic Sports Chews  with me to keep me going on a hot day.  I got through those 15 miles  eating these, versus normal gels.  I've been opting to eat chews over gels in my running nowadays because I just find them more palatable and easier on my stomach for some reason.  Plus, they do pack a few more calories, which is a good thing in this case. I normally associate cute little chews with candy, but these actually contain natural electrolytes.  Plus, they were light to carry and very tasty, too!  Each pack is about 140 calories.  The only downside I found to the sport chews is that they stuck to my teeth a tiny bit more than my normal choices, and the packaging gave me a fight at times.  This could easily be solved by conslidating them into a baggie pre-run, or eating them BEFORE running would be much easier than during. Want to win the prize pack below?  It comes with these Sport Chews, a neat
54 comments
Read more

Rebecca Michaels Performance Clothing (Giveaway)

UPDATE: 6/21/12 -- This giveaway is closed, and the winner is #43, Jacqueline!!  I will contact you, but if you miss it, please e-mail me! ------ I'd like to credit in advance "The Ukrainian" who helped me stage some photos for this post. =) Perhaps because I don't dress well when working out, I was offered the opportunity to try some fun pieces from the Rebecca Michaels summer collection. Since I complained about my issues with headbands staying on my head, I also got to try their Violet Love headbands.  "The Ukrainian" didn't hesitate in throwing one on, and I think he said he looks like Rambo in it. Anyway, I'll start with my experience with the headbands .  They are very soft and actually look SUPER cute on!  They also cover a large portion of the top of your head, so those little fly-aways don't come drooping down.  Or is that just me?  My hair is normally cut in layers, so I do experience this quite a bit. Unfortun
51 comments
Read more