With the time-tested classroom teaching methods of Will Schmid and Bob Morris, popular songs in a variety of styles, and quality demonstration and backing tracks on the accompanying audio that is available for download or streaming online, Essential Elements for Guitar is sure to become a staple of guitar teachers' instruction – and get beginning guitar students off to a great start.

This method has been designed to meet the National Standards for Music Education, with features such as cross-curricular activities, quizzes, multicultural songs, basic improvisation and more. Concepts covered in Book 1 include: getting started; basic music theory; guitar chords; notes on each string; music history; ensemble playing; performance spotlights; and much more!

Songs used in Book 1 include such hits as:

• All My Loving
• Amazing Grace
• American Pie
• Au Clair De La Lune
• Aura Lee
• Can You Feel The Love Tonight
• C.C. Rider
• Corrina
• Danny Boy
• De Colores
• The Drunken Sailor
• Duke Of Earl
• Dust In The Wind
• Eleanor Rigby
• Every Breath You Take
• Fanfare Rondeau
• For He's A Jolly Good Fellow
• Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?)
• Give My Regards To Broadway
• Good Mornin' Blues
• Greensleeves
• He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
• Hey Jude
• Hound Dog
• I Gave My Love A Cherry (The Riddle Song)
• Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
• Jingle Bells
• Joshua (Fit The Battle Of Jericho)
• Let It Be
• Low Rider
• Marianne
• Midnight Special
• Minuet In G
• Move It On Over
• Ode To Joy
• Pay Me My Money Down
• The Rainbow Connection
• Ramblin' 'Round
• The Red River Valley
• Rock Around The Clock
• Rockin' Robin
• Scarborough Fair
• Shenandoah
• Simple Gifts
• Sinner Man
• Snake Charmer
• Stand By Me
• The Star-Spangled Banner
• Surfin' U.S.A.
• Sweet Home Chicago
• Teach Your Children
• Tell Ol' Bill
• This Land Is Your Land
• This Train
• Time Is On My Side
• Water Come A Me Eye
• Wayfaring Stranger
• When The Saints Go Marching In
• Will The Circle Be Unbroken
• Worried Man Blues
• Yankee Doodle
• Yellow Submarine
• You Really Got Me
• Your Cheatin' Heart