FastTrack Guitar Method - Book 2 by Blake Neely and Jeff Schroedl is a beginner guitar instruction songbook designed for players ready to move beyond introductory basics and expand their rock and blues technique. Created for self-learners and students working with a teacher, this structured method builds practical skills through guided musical examples and play-along material.
The book develops essential techniques including power chords, barre chords, riffs, slides, bends, strumming patterns, and fifth position playing. It includes 92 songs and audio examples that reinforce each concept in a musical context. Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The PLAYBACK+ audio player allows users to slow tracks without changing pitch, set loop points for focused repetition, change keys, and adjust stereo balance for more effective practice.
With guitar tablature, standard notation, chord names, chord diagrams, instructional text, and photos, the method supports clear step-by-step learning. The consistent lesson format helps players connect technique directly to real music, strengthening rhythm accuracy, fretboard awareness, and stylistic confidence across multiple contemporary styles.
Because later sections of the FastTrack series share songs across instruments, the book also encourages ensemble playing and group learning. Whether continuing a structured guitar program, preparing for lessons, or looking for motivating rock and blues material, this method supports steady progress while keeping practice engaging and musically rewarding for developing players.
Full Song List
Song titles are included within the method’s 92 guided examples and exercises as printed in the book.
Blake Neely has been playing piano since he was about 4 years old, although it took a while before real audible music could be detected. His fascination with music led him to other instruments, such as the French horn, guitar, and drums, but the keyboard remains his baby.
Upon graduation from the University of Texas in 1991, he moved to Los Angeles to experience the music business. He licensed music for Hollywood Records and later worked for Disney Music Publishing as editor of all printed music publications.
An award-winning composer and author, he has written symphonies, a piano concerto, and numerous orchestral and chamber works. He is co-author of the acclaimed FastTrack series, published by Hal Leonard Corporation.
Blake has worked as a composer, orchestrator, arranger, copyist, engraver, musicologist, and consultant for such prominent figures as Disney, Hal Leonard Corporation, Decca Records, Hyperion Books, composers Michael Kamen and Alan Menken, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
Currently living in Austin, Texas, Blake spends his free time tuning into his family: wife Elizabeth, daughter Jordan, and son Jacob. Blake is the proud owner of a Kawai grand piano and Kurzweil, Ensoniq, and E-Mu synths and samplers. You can reach Blake via e-mail at BlakeNeely@aol.com.
