American songbook -for guitar ???

[Silly Moustache]

Hi folks, I have a zoom client who is fast outstripping me and wants to learn some of the good old stuff from the '20s- '40s and has asked me for recommendations.

Without sounding pretentious he's still learning chord construction and progressions but I'm not the right guy to teach him comping etc.

Can anyone recommend some "relatively simple" song/chord books that he and I might find useful?

Thanks.

Ol' Andy

[Bluemonk]

For a basic chordal knowledge, it's hard to beat Mickey Baker's books. Lots of jazz guitarists got their first introduction here.

https://www.amazon.com/Mickey-Bakers.../dp/0825652804

[frankmcr]

Perhaps something like this?

https://www.halleonard.com/product/6...ig-band-guitar

I would recommend staying away from Mickey "Learn This In All Twelve Keys" Baker. Very discouraging material for beginners.

[Bluemonk]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

I would recommend staying away from Mickey "Learn This In All Twelve Keys" Baker. Very discouraging material for beginners.

I had the impression from the OP's post that his student is progressing nicely and not a beginner.

What I find discouraging to people just dipping their toes into this music is too much emphasis on what scale to play over what chord, modes, and that sort of thing.

[JonPR]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Hi folks, I have a zoom client who is fast outstripping me and wants to learn some of the good old stuff from the '20s- '40s and has asked me for recommendations.

Without sounding pretentious he's still learning chord construction and progressions but I'm not the right guy to teach him comping etc.

Can anyone recommend some "relatively simple" song/chord books that he and I might find useful?

Thanks.

Ol' Andy

The obvious resource for "good old stuff from the '20s- '40s" would be the Real Book, although that's mostly from 30s-60s, and all instrumental.

Assuming he wants "songs" (including lyrics), there are vocal real books such as:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Real-Vocal-...228/ref=sr_1_2

Of course, it's just chord symbols there, not diagrams, but presumably (if he's outstripping you? ) he's OK with working them all out.

If he does want chord diagrams, there's this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Ameri...dp/1423419545/
- which has piano arrangements too, if he wants reading exercises for harmony and bass parts!

[Rjlipton]

The iReal pro app has chord diagrams, key changes, rhythm, and many other features.