Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar Book with Online Audio by Troy Stetina | Advanced Guitar Technique and Shredding Exercises for Speed and Precision

Excellent book that I've gone back to time and again. So much so that this is my second copy. It's hard to find a book that covers so much as far as exercises, technique and a little theory. I recommend to all my students.

This is a book about developing speed. Thus it is classified as "technique". I expect no music theory from this sort of book, and as expected, there isn't much. I did find the comments on how to practice for speed, comments about understanding what you are trying to get from an exercise, and concentration on those things for each exercise to be especially vital practice tips. It sounds like common sense but I am sure many guitars just try to play without much real focus on exactly what a particular exercise is trying to accomplish, and almost certainly too fast.I have purchased a lot of guitar books - I think this is a very good one, and I recommend it. But...I rated it 4 because it needs some updates to the audio tracks. Rather than having 1 audio track per exercise, which allows you to load that into a looper and practice that one exercise, it lumps several exercises into a 10 minutes track called "right hand" and another into another 10 min track. You can still set markers and loop between those points if you have the right software (something like Amazing Slow-Downer), but you shouldn't have to do that. I think the format of the audio is just left over from the fact that maybe it was originally produced for a cassette tape format and they didn't take the time to reformat each exercise as its own track when they produced the CD. I originally dinged it 1 star, but I have moved it back up to 5 stars because the content is just that good. It really is an essential book in your guitar library...in fact, if you spend a year with this book you'll see some nice gains in speed and technique.I've not used the whole book but I've looked it over and read a lot of it, and I've spent a couple of 2 month periods doing exercises. I've developed better speed and dexterity from the exercises on the first few pages. Like all guitar activity it comes down to volume of practice time and effective practice methods. I think this book provides good exercises and very good tips on effective practice if you take them to heart.It's one of the best books I have purchased (and I have a LOT), but took me a while to fully appreciate it. If you are a beginner or even intermediate, I'd recommend you first start with Steve Stine's free video on you tube titled "Steve Stine Guitar Lesson - Everyday Practice Techniques for the Intermediate guitarist". Doing these 3 exercises every day first as a warm-up, then again faster when fully warmed up, and possibly several times a day - will do a lot for your technique. But I think this book is probably one of the top 2-3 on technical exercises & technique development.Do *not* buy the kindle version it is useless with no audio and bad graphics. Buy the paper book version with a CD of the audio tracks.

This book promises to make players faster, cleaner, and more technically adapt. It does just that. In the short hours I have had this book in my possession, I have already begun to see minor improvements to my general technique. If this can make an improvement (albeit minor) to my playing in such a short time, imagine what it can do to my playing over a longer, more dedicated time!The content is simply marvelous. The beginner may have frustrations trying to understand the concepts, and Troy doesn't waste too much time explaining some of the ideas, such as modes, chords, and general theory. However, if you've had your fair schooling of theory and guitar basics, and wish to advance your playing technique through serious work and study and practice, this book is perfect for you.The CD, as many have already noted, does not divide the exercises too well. However, it is still easy to find whatever exercise your heart desires, provided you're playing the CD over a computer. The sound quality is studio-worthy.The actual print quality is also very crisp and clear. No need to worry about whether that smudge is telling you to hammer on or slide! Some exercises' print is slightly small, leaving plenty of white space on the page, but it is all perfectly readable to even I, with horrid vision.Overall, it is a must for any guitarist stuck on that blasted speed plateau, or shredders wishing to go even faster and cleaner.

First, Let me state that I'm primarily a Jazz guitarist but studied classical guitar and composition for my bachelors. I respect all kinds of music, (i have an unhealthy obsession with classic Country, for example,) and metal guitarists have great technique, so I thought I'd give this book a try to give my pick playing a shot in the arm.For probably 90% of "good" guitarists, this book is a GREAT way to improve your technique. Its well written, progresses at a great pace, and provides a explanation of the fundamental physical aspects of playing. Like all great teachers, Troy doesn't just show you a lesson, but explains why you should learn it. Brilliant!It is a VERY good method for those willing to put in the time. Most of the musical samples are technical, not musical in nature so you really have to stick with it and understand it has a purpose beyond its sound. But I also found that most there aren't any "new" approaches to technique here- it cleans up economy picking, sweep picking, hammer-ons and pull-offs.So if you know how to practice those things on your own, have patience and can write out or create your own exercises, the book isn't necessary. Therefore, i'd suggest it for players who are intermediate looking to advance to more virtuosic techniques.What it is not, is a method for playing, or approaching the guitar from a new angle. When initially reviewed the book, this bothered me, but since then, i've met many guitarists who NEED to work on these exact things.For convience, especially rock, blues and metal lead players, it is a GREAT book. For advanced guitarists in general trying to clean up technique, decide if you are motivated enough to do this stuff on your own. if you are, you can probably do without this book.Troy, however, is a great guitarist and teacher, the book is clear and well written. Nothing else on e market is as good at teaching this stuff.If you're already an advanced guitarist, and have your alternate picking, legato playing, etc down pat, i'd suggest these following books for getting to a higher level and approaching the guitar in a new way:Sheets of Sound for GuitarSheets of Sound for Guitar Vol IISpeed Picking - Frank GambaleMel Bay Art of PickingIf you'r e an acoustic guitarist, go get a copy of Michael Horowitz's "Gypsy Picking" which teaches the rest stroke method of playing used by Django Reinhardt, as well as most Bluegrass players like Tony Rice.In summary, son't buy this book expecting any "secrets" to be revealed, or to see the guitar in a new light. But if you are having trouble mastering alternate picking, sweeps, or legato playing, this is one if the best guides you will ever find.