Ragtime Guitar Essentials (Paperback)

Adam Perlmutter

ISBN 10: 1936604485 / ISBN 13: 9781936604487

Published by Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee, 2025

About this Item

Paperback. (String Letter Publishing). Acoustic Guitar magazine presents a step-by-step approach to ragtime guitar from their master teachers, including 14 complete songs to play. In the early 1900s, ragtime, with its ragged, syncopated rhythms and dazzling speed, was one of the most popular styles of music, leading to spikes in sales of pianos and sheet music. More than a century later, at the mere mention of the genre, you can probably hear the first few bars of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" in your mind's ear. While ragtime is traditionally piano-based, many great blues guitarists put their own stamp on the music. Blind Blake, Reverend Gary Davis, and Blind Boy Fuller were among the first, and Dave Van Ronk, Eric Schoenberg, Mary Flower, and others followed with their interpretations. Playing ragtime on the guitar is not just musically complex, it can be a bit of a fingerpicking challenge. With this guide, the master teachers at Acoustic Guitar magazine will ease you into the style. You'll start with alternating-thumb patterns, simple melodies, and syncopation exercises before moving on to intermediate and advanced arrangements and transcriptions. But if you're feeling brave, start with Dave Van Ronk's interpretation of "The Entertainer." Just be sure to take things slowly--there is so much to learn and even more to play! If you put the time in the woodshed with this and the other compositions, you'll be prepared to make your mark on the rich history of ragtime guitar. This book includes standard notation and tablature as well as access to downloadable video instruction. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781936604487

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ragtime Guitar Essentials (Paperback)
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1936604485
• ISBN 13: 9781936604487
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This acoustic guitar instruction book is ideal for beginners and progressing players who want to learn the fundamentals of ragtime guitar in a clear and structured way. It is well suited for students, adult learners, and teachers seeking a practical resource for home practice, lessons, and gradual skill building.

The book presents a step by step approach developed by experienced educators, guiding players from basic alternating thumb patterns and simple melodies into syncopated rhythms and more developed fingerstyle arrangements. Ragtime guitar can be both musically complex and physically demanding, and this method carefully introduces each concept so players can build confidence while maintaining musicality.

Standard notation and guitar tablature are used throughout to support different learning styles, making the material accessible to readers with varying levels of music reading experience. The included instructional video content allows players to see and hear techniques demonstrated clearly, reinforcing timing, tone, and coordination while supporting independent study.

This collection helps build confidence and technique by strengthening finger independence, rhythmic accuracy, and right hand control. It improves rhythm, reading, and performance skills through engaging musical examples that motivate consistent practice and long term progress. As skills develop, players are introduced to intermediate and advanced concepts that expand versatility and expressive control.

A thoughtful gift for any music lover. Suitable for lessons, recitals, and focused practice, this book supports steady musical growth while connecting guitarists to the rich tradition and lasting appeal of ragtime guitar.