Zen Guitar

I bought this book because I was moving further and further away from conventional playing. Riffing on the same scales as everyone else gets boring after awhile so I started trying alternative tunings to force myself out of old playing habits. This book gave me the mental language to the direction I was already heading in, prioritizing clearing one's mind and just playing from a place within that existed before we learned language to explain away everything.Even if you're a conventional player, this book is great for redefining your approach to music so every note you play and how you play it and when you play it has meaning and emotional content. It's how you can escape that masturbatory competition of trying to be the world's fastest shredder to actually making a statement with your music that is a creative expression of who you are. This book is the path to becoming a master in your own right, not the master your ego thinks you should be, but the master your soul needs to be.

Zen Guitar is a simple read for anyone interested in learning guitar by looking within yourself. This IS NOT a technical manual on how to actually play, but how to think and prepare your mind, body, and soul. Here are just a few lines that I highlighted that caught my attention:Never stop listening to the sound inside you. (p25)When we empty our cup we agreed to rid ourselves of the preconceptions that block new learning. This is the attitude of the true beginner. (p26)There is joy in the struggle. (p40)Do not allow knowledge to interfere with the naturalness that music demands. One can easily overthink a part. Just play. If it feels right, it is right. (p51)We find our limits by taking on challenges. (p61)Follow through in every aspect of your training, then follow through some more. (p65)Look for the opportunity in the chance occurrence. (p90)Good leaders don't seek to make people fit into an existing model. They adjust and build a new model out of the pieces they have. (p148)

Philip Toshio Sudo really created something special in this book. As others have mentioned, you will not find any guitar course material whatsoever. There are no scales, lessons on theory, etc. Instead, Philip teaches you "the way" of Zen philosophy through guitar playing and musicianship. The book is sectioned off in different belt colors, like in martial arts, and as you progress from white to black, and then back to white, each chapter is a lesson in life and how you can relate this lesson to guitar playing. I have found this book so enlightening and eloquently worded that I am astounded it hasn't gotten more attention. This is a book I've read three times over the past few years and it is still a joy to read. This isn't a book you'll want to read from cover to cover in one sitting. I find it most helpful to read one chapter per day (the chapters are on average only 2 pages). This allows you to contemplate the information and let it sink in. Philip includes a phrase or word from Zen philosophy to associate with each chapter and lesson, and centers the information around this word and how you can apply it to your own life to become the strongest version of yourself. This is a book you'll keep around for a very long time, I promise. My favorite book.

Great book. Got me thinking about why I wanted to learn guitar, and focusing on my own inner muse. I play and practice differently as a result.NOTE: This is not a "how to play guitar" course or method. It is a philosophical dissertation on learning and developing guitar skills.I have seen this book highly recommended on a number of guitar instruction websites, and it has exceeded my expectations. Some my be turned off by the "zen" focus of the book; however, the author begins each chapter/section with a supporting quote from a big-name professional that melds perfectly with the topic.

No, you don't need to know anything about music or play an instrument to enjoy (and learn from) this book. Yes, this book will provide plenty of encouragement and mental energy to pick up your instrument and become a better person through music. I read this book from cover to cover and now I keep it by my bed to read individual sections whenever I need to. I think this book will furnish your mind to create the necessary mental space you need to practice or, as it turns out, focus your brain power in anything you do in life. Yes, this book has made me find joy in my bass practice and learning process, but it has also made me re-examine my reading habits, my attitudes in relationships, and my teaching philosophy, and has even helped me cope with the recent death of a very important person in my life. No, it's not a motivational book; it's a serious mental practice to learn through difficulties and find joy in the things that you do.

This is not a guitar method, but a mindset. I've read the book and listened to the audio book multiple times. This is really about playing with purpose, paying attention to your playing, approaching practice with the right mindset, that kind of thing.Playing guitar can be, in a way, "competitive". Comparing yourself to others, others judging you, you judging yourself, etc. This book is good for getting you out of your own head and approaching your instrument with a positive and productive mindset. Great stuff and a fun read.

Are you ready? If you are ready for the message, this book is invaluable. No chords, no scales, no teacher, no guru. It is you and what you think about playing music. If one's ego gets involved in the process of making music there might be a problem. I am on my second reading. Insights abound, not only for music but for life. Imagine there are other possibilities out there-- just play. Reminds me sometimes of Golf in the Kingdom. As is mentioned there F*** ever getting better. It works but don't read it for that reason, just read it.

I'm a bit of a closet Buddhist, and a major guitar nut, so this title appealed to me.It's pure, unadulterated rubbish. The author has just sat down and made up all this stuff himself. Have you ever looked at a disaster, felt guilty about looking, but couldn't tear your eyes away? Well, that's how I felt wading through this silliness. I stuck at it, hoping to find some redeeming gem, but didn't. The start was ridiculous, and things got progressively worse throughout the book.It's interesting that the author has also written a book on 'Zen Sex'. I'm sure the celibate Buddhist monks will appreciate this. Just because you're Japanese by race/birth doesn't mean you're a Zen Master.Avoid like the plague. Admit that you 'can't see the emperor's new clothes' and spend your money on something that would do more to improve your guitar playing. Like a set of drum sticks...

This book unexpectedly became one of my favorites, and as such the pages are already faded and worn from use- as all good books should be! This is not a book for improving guitar technique or learning new licks, but it is a book for those looking to find a "spiritual" side of guitar or simply to develop a better mentality towards their playing. It does this by using a similar approach to martial artists, and it encourages a lot of reflection about your own personality and ideas of the guitar. It also features a multitude of great quotes from guitarists of all backgrounds, from Clapton to Vai.I'd recommend this book to any guitarist who wants to find the song within their heart and play those good notes.

I've studied a bit of Zen Buddhism. I've also been playing guitar for thirty years, so this book caught my eye. It's a great way to bring some mindfulness to guitar playing. All too often we pick up our guitars and start playing, usually the same tired old licks and riffs, as if on autopilot. This book helps you bring mindful intention to many aspects of playing and helps to develop a more respectful, productive and spiritual relationship with your guitar and the music and sounds you make. Much of the wisdom and philosophy is transferable to most things we experience in life. And don't worry, it's not a bunch of heavy, deep new age stuff. It's all really straight forward and a really enjoyable read.

Most guitar books will make you a better player technically speaking. This book does something much more important: it can make you a better person, and therefore a better player... If you're open to it.Every guitarist, no, every musician, should own a copy of this and read it and re-read it until the covers fall off.

As a guitar teacher, I am always on the lookout for something to inspire my pupils and make them think for themselves. You cannot impose learning on someone, they have to find it for themselves through their journey with music - and this book succinctly gives much nourishing food for thought along the way.Each chapter begins with a quote from a well-known guitarist.It is not a 'method' book, and I would say it is not for young beginners (as they may not see the relevance of the whole approach) but I now suggest it to all my serious students. In fact, for about 90% of the material one could replace the word "guitar" with any other instrument. I've suggested that my wife (an accordionist) reads it, and have just bought a second copy to give to my son, who is a professional drummer!