FastTrack Guitarra 1 by guitarist and educator Blake Neely is a beginner-focused guitar method designed for Spanish-speaking players who want a clear, engaging introduction to acoustic or electric guitar. Built for those starting from the ground up, it combines structured lessons with musical examples, making it suitable for self-learning as well as guided instruction. The method is designed to keep early learning approachable while still introducing real musical skills that players can use right away.
This method introduces essential guitar skills through both standard notation and guitar tablature, helping new players develop reading ability while learning practical techniques. Students explore full chords, power chords, riffs, licks, and scales while working within foundational rock and blues styles. The inclusion of 73 songs and examples reinforces each concept and supports steady, confidence-building progress, with online audio demonstrations to guide listening and timing. These examples help bridge the gap between theory and real playing, making each lesson feel immediately useful.
What sets this method apart is its balance between technique and musical enjoyment. Instead of isolated exercises, players immediately apply new skills within musical contexts, helping improve retention and motivation. The progression is designed to feel natural, allowing learners to steadily expand their abilities while developing timing, coordination, and stylistic awareness. This structure helps reduce frustration for beginners while encouraging consistent practice and gradual improvement.
Whether used for independent practice, classroom learning, or as a thoughtful gift for a beginning guitarist, this book offers a reliable and enjoyable path into playing. Its approachable structure and integrated audio support make it a practical choice for anyone ready to turn their first guitar into a meaningful creative outlet.
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.
