Product ReviewsGraded Rock Guitar Songs: 8 Rock Classics Carefully Arranged for Intermediate-Level Guitarists (Paperback, 2011)

Great for those taking RGT exams but not for 'normal' rock music

This is a book to accompany people completing RGT exams grades 4 & 5. Contains a total of 8 tracks. It also contains a CD so you can hear what the songs should sound like. If you want to play the full versions of 'Layla', 'Sweet Child of Mine' etc, then this book is not for you. This music has been arranged so that RGT grade 4/5 (or similar)can play them reasonably easily. For those of us old enough to know the originals, when played the tracks do not sound 'quite right' as though there is something missing. This is because they have been adapted for ease of playing.
In addition to written music it also gives tab instructions at the same time, making it easier to read the music particularly when not in 1st or second position on the fret board. What I do not like about this book is that it contains no playing instructions (soft Loud) other than slides and hammer ons, the musical interpretation is down to the individual. (I am used to ABRSM) This is what is being assessed in the exams - such is the nature of the beast!
The book is nicely laid out with written instruction on playing each track, also with plenty of room to making playing notes and annotations.
My son is enjoying the challenge of these songs and I would recommend to anyone taking these exams, but not to people who just want to play rock musicRead full review...