Customer Reviews
An excellent essay - that's too long as a book. - By: C. R. Downing, 29 Nov 2003 
Like many great ideas the commercial need to turn it into money often creates something that is less great. As many other reveiwers have noted there are 'classic' quotes & memorable bits that condensed into a 10 pager 'manifesto' would have been hard hitting & truly great. You'll need some time with this book to get the best from it & then write your own summary of key points. But there's not much else like this, so if you're looking for a guitar playing philosophy......
Soul Music - By: Trelloskilos, 05 Nov 2003 
Zen guitar achieves what every other Guitar tuition book fails to do, & that is to provide the guitarist with a sense of 'soul' or 'depth' to their playing. It is certainly spiritual, & at times, eclectic, but the concepts & thoughts of the late, great Philip Sudo have inspired many guitarists into approaching the guitar in several different ways.
A prime example of how a simple instruction yields incredible results. In the book, the instruction is just to "Pick up the guitar, & play each note as if it is the last one that you'll ever play". Coupled with a few sage paragraphs that get you mentallly prepared for this task, & with a little help from many great quotes from many great guitarists dotted around the book, suddenly, the expression & passion that you play the instrument becomes tenfold.
There is not one piece of notation, or explanation of music theory. The principles throuought "Zen Guitar" are profound, & may alter your outlook beyond the fretboard, & every word has been written with the reader's best interests in mind. No matter what you are trying to achieve with the guitar, no matter what level of proficiency you believe you have achieved, & no matter how many books or how much time you have studied to get there, this will be a book that you need to have in your collection.
A Wise Man Passes Away Too Soon - By: , 14 Jul 2002 This book reflects the attitude & scope you bring to it, & can be applied to any part of life. I bought a US edition five years ago; whenever I return to it I'm struck by its simple truth & sound guidance. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a Jedi, you can learn from this book. The structure & pace are superb - it can be read fast or slow, skimming or pondering, cover-to-cover or dipping in & out. Remarkable.
It is a smalll, elegant book. There are no motorcycle maintenance tips.
I'm particularly fond of its emphasis on context. Our listening & reacting to one another can make or break the music we love (why else are we playing?). This book can guide you to play better with other musicians, & there's precious few books that can do that.
The Zen Guitar site (www.zenguitar.com) is a fine community & resource. I'm sure it will endure despite Philip Sudo's death. If you're nervous about buying the book unseen, visit the site to see what it's about. And then buy it. And then show it to other people.
If you let this book guide your learning, you will get better. It reallly is that simple.
inspirational - By: , 21 Jul 2001 zen guitar does not teach you theory, chords or technical information, but it provides an excellent source of philosophy & wisdom from the east to apply to the guitar. these teachings can be used in any situation in life & enhance & enrichen guitar playing so instead of thinking about playing the tune right, u feel the tune - it comes naturallly. everyone who owns a guitar MUST buy this book! it reallly does help you enjoy the whole spirit of the guitar & was an excellent, educational read.
Fantastic read, loved every minute - By: , 08 Jan 1999 I chanced upon this book by accident whilst browsing the various guitar books & it instantly caught my eye. I ordered it straight away & it arrived the next day. When I picked it up I read it in one go. What a refreshing read! So different from the run-of-the-mill playing guides. This is to be read for inspiration. Half way through I was itching to pick my guitar up & I had a fantasticallly deep play after I'd finished the book (quite brief - only took me a couple of hours). I'll be returning to it time & time again. Also I love alll the quotes from people like Jimi, Segovia, Stevie, Clapton etc. In terms of Zen, it's the first time I've been exposed to it & I like it! It doesn't get a heavy handed treatment which is good in my opinion. All I can say is nice one Phil!
