Book excerpt: Let’s face it – in the music world, guitars set the standard for cool. Since the 1950s, many of the greatest performers in rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and country have played the guitar. Playing electric guitar can put you out in front of a band, where you’re free to roam, sing, and make eye contact with your adoring fans. Playing acoustic guitar can make you the star of the vacation campfire sing-along or allow you to serenade that special someone. And playing any kind of guitar can bring out the music in your soul and become a valued lifetime hobby. Guitar For Dummies delivers everything the beginning to intermediate guitarist needs. The information has been carefully crafted so that you can find exactly what you want to know about the guitar. This clearly written guide is for anyone who wants to know how to Strum basic chords and simple melodies Expand your range with advanced techniques Play melodies without reading music Choose the right guitar Tune, change strings, and make simple repairs Figure out how to play anything from simple chord progressions to smokin’ blues licks. Guitar For Dummies also covers the following topics and more: Hand position and posture Basic major and minor chords Adding spice with basic 7th chords and barre chords Playing melodies in position and in double-stops Different styles including rock, blues, folk, and classical Buying a guitar and accessories Taking care of your guitar Guitar For Dummies also contains a play-along audio CD that contains all 97 songs and exercises from the book. Whether you’re contemplating a career as a heavy metal superstar or you just want to strum a few folk songs for your friends, this friendly book-and-CD package makes it easy to pick up the guitar and start playing. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.