Basics 1 launches you right into a hands-on contemporary approach to learning both the foundations of guitar and music. The essential visual elements of shapes and patterns on the fingerboard unlock the secrets to successful and creative playing. You'll learn exciting power chord shapes, strum patterns, riff patterns, guitar techniques like muting and string bending, and 12-bar progressions. All presented with contemprary music examples and figures (from rockabilly to hard rock).