Guitar Fretboard Workbook

This book changed all that for me. I am doing things now I only dreamed of before. I don't know how the author figured it out, but he has come up with a way to communicate an understanding of music and the fretboard to both your head and, probably more important, your hands. Simple things like combining diagram exercises and playing, reinforced by having you speak the information out loud, really work to imprint the material on your fingers. The book walks you one step at a time, fairly painlessly, from simple to very complex. This thing is a gold mine. No kidding.


A complete, highly comprehensive approach to the fretboard.   December 8, 2003
60 out of 60 found this review helpful

I have been using this book with my students since Barrett started putting together the opening chapters. I first used it with my advanced students, those who already had some experience with the 5 patterns of major scales. Immediately they returned saying that it helped them understand the scales and visualize the fretboard more easily.

Having my students walk in with diagrams of scales and intervals for me to check has been an incredible reversal of roles. Normally I would draw diagrams for them to study and play. Going over a chapter and sending them home to complete and play the exercises gets the student involved in a way that the normal draw, demonstrate, "see ya' next week" cycle never really reaches. It gives the student an opportunity to take home and digest the information that was normally only available during the lesson.

Teaching people to operate a guitar and teaching music on a guitar are almost completely different tasks. I found the first six chapters to be very helpful when initiating beginner and intermediate students into the world beyond the 3rd fret and power chords. There is something in this book for nearly anyone interested in knowing how to play the guitar.

If you are an instructor you will find the comprehensive, organized approach very thorough and focused. If you are self-studying the instrument or a student seeking more than just another tabbed-out solo this is a book you can keep coming back to throughout your journey. I highly recommend it.

Billy Burke


Fretboard Magik   January 14, 2004
E Scott
90 out of 95 found this review helpful

This is one of the best books I've ever read for guitar. I have always had trouble finding my way around the fretbaord, but after working with this book I have no trouble at all. There are so many helpful tips and exercises that you can't help but become ultra fluent on guitar. And unlike most books, the material in this book is presented in a manner that is easy to understand. It's all connected perfectly, instead of YOU having to piece things together. I would recomend this book to anyone.


Worth 10 Times the Price!   June 14, 2005
A. Hebert (Reno, NV)
38 out of 40 found this review helpful

Tagliarino does something very few authors of guitar books have done - he puts the entire fretboard within reach of the guitar student. About 99 percent of the guitar players I know panic when they get beyond the fourth fret. But all of these players absolutely love the guitar and truly desire to learn the instrument - all the way to fret 12 and above. They have all kinds of musical notes and guitar riffs in their heads, but can't reproduce them on the fretboard. That is the worst kind of pain.

Fortunately, Tagliarino's method is the "wonder drug" that takes the mystique out of the guitar fretboard and makes it all come together. Please be advised however, that getting this book doesn't reduce the necessity of practice. What students should experience is an increased desire to practice more! My advice to any guitar player, or instructor for that matter - get this book and the boxed set of Fretboard Logic (with DVD) by Edwards - and get to work! Within six months: you, your friends, your students, your teachers - eveyone - will be absolutely amazed at your increased level of knowledge. Take the plunge and buy this book! You won't regret your investment!


This one truly deserves 10 Stars !   November 22, 2006
M. Narulla (India)
29 out of 31 found this review helpful

This is a Big Message (Review) - Please read it - Its my honest opinion about the book...

I've been teaching myself Finger-style and Metal Guitar for the past 8 Months.

I have a habit of collecting a lot of Guitar Instructional Material (Books, DVDs etc) as my basic Aim is to become a Guitar Teacher. Out of all my books (and DVDs) this has been the best investment I've ever made for my Guitar playing ! I truly believe that this book deserves 10 Stars (or maybe more) :)

For the first time in my life I've thoroughly enjoyed a Instruction book(In terms of learning) and I feel I'm truly beginning to understand the Fretboard. I've completed almost 10 Chapters already and I must say I already feel like an achiever ! This book has cleared a lot of grey areas and has taught me all that I wanted to know - I'm sure that by the time I'll complete this book - I'll be a better player and I plan to start teaching as soon as I finish this book.

Also wanted to say that, as soon as I start teaching - the Only book I think, I'll ever recommend (or maybe buy) for my future-Students will be "Guitar Fretboard Workbook" by Barrett Tagliarino :) This is absolutely "No-Nonsense" pure Knowledge (and in a perfectly graded - in a gradually building manner)

Though I can play a lot of Guitar pieces and leads, (and I mostly figure things out by ear) - I have been having a desperate "Hunger" to understand the Guitar's Fretboard (which definitely is a Confusing maze !) - but this book made sense of everything and took me step-by-step, teaching me everything I needed to know so badly. I really cant wait to go deeper into the Book !

I truly dont know how much to stress - This is the Best Book ever written (IMHO) on "Understanding" the Guitar (I'm not saying playing the Guitar) - but I always believe - If one doesnt know Why and How things work on a Guitar - playing a song or a piece is just a "Temporary Pleasure" (IMHO) which fades very quickly...

I say all this from the heart, and according to my experience with this book only. I really-really want to thank Mr.Barrett Tagliarino for writing such a Master-Piece and Amazon.Com to have given me access to this wonderful material (as I'm in India).

Another very important thing is the way this book approaches the concepts - unlike other books and methods - it not only teaches or gives information about a particular topic, but it makes sure the student has got firmly fixed into his mind, by using the unique 3 step system of permanent memorization.

I must say the Author is a "Master-Teacher" and I envy (in healthy spirit) all students of him - who've had the 'Blessing' of to be able to learn from such a teacher. Though I've been self-taught, I take this book as my Teacher and I'm sure this will help me getting nearer to my Goals (becoming a good Guitarist and teacher)

I hope this helps you all.
Take care and Have a Good Day !
Regards and Care
Kush