I'm not sure I took away anything of substance from this. Honestly this book is basically taking the most generic aspects of a self help book, compiling it, and making it guitar themed. You could take out the word "guitar" from the book and replace it with anything and the book would still make sense. It's generic garbage, honestly.

Super easy to read though, so at least there's that. ( )

Unlock the song within yourself and live your life with harmony

Zen Guitar begins with a simple premise: We carry a song inside-the song that makes us human. We're all born with this song but don't kow how to unlock it. Zen Guitar offers the key. Combining the ancient wisdom of the East with the most popular Western instrument, Zen Guitar presents a path to spiritual fulfillment for music-lovers of all kinds, be they shower singers, three-chord hobbyists, or professionals.

Zen Guitar unfolds through fifty-eight lessons that establish a beginner's mind and provide focus and a guide to common missteps, continuing through technical excellence and advanced levels of Zen. Philip Sudo offers his own experiences with music to enable us to rediscover the harmony in each of our lives and open ourselves to a Zen awareness uniquely suited to the Western mind. This harmony is further illuminated through quotes from sources ranging from Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix to Miles Davis and Andres Segovia.

The Zen harmony that you develop carries through to every aspect and action in life, applying to school, work, athletics, and relationships. Zen Guitar shows how the path of music offers fulfillment in all aspects of life-a winning idea and an instant classic.

'Philip Sudo provides an obvious grounding in tradition with a fresh and original perspective. Zen is dynamic and evolving, and Zen Guitar is a fascination contribution to this growth.'-Deng Ming-Dao, author of 365 Tao

'Loved Zen Guitar...(it) is filled with beautiful metaphors to help us sing and play our song of songs-life.'-Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

'A simple and clear step inside the process of making music, Zen Guitar is for anyone who is willing to be in a creative mind.'-Pat Irwin, guitar player with the B-52's and composer

Philip Toshio Sudo developed the zen guitar philosophy performing in the streets, parks, and subways of New York City. He lives with his wife and children in Maui, Hawaii, where he writes and records his music.

Contents

1 The dojo Welcome
2 beginner's mind-White belt
Wear the white belt
Pick up your guitar-Tune; Play
3 Practice-White belt to black belt
The twelve points of focus-Spirit; Rhythm; Technique; Feel; Perfection; Mistakes; Stages and plateaus; Discipline; Limits; Follow through; Taste; Collaboration
The Twelve common missteps-Self-doubt; Instant gratification; Ego; Halfheartedness; Overearnestness; Speed; Competition; Obsession; Mishandled criticism; Failure to adjust; Loss of focus; Overthinking

Read this because of an Instagram comment.

This turned out pretty boring and drags out a lot of stuff like "wow in The Orient 'crisis' is *danger* and *opportunity*" which is just so tiresome. I found the examples and analogies to be confused (as opposed to purposefully confusing).

I think that the Leonard mastery book has a lot more clear thinking around the theme of spirituality in practice, so read that instead if this book interests you.

W.A. Mathieu's Harmonic Experience is also currently a really wonderful read that is both very musically focused and expresses a certain spirituality. ( )

A year ago when I tried to read this, I rolled my eyes and tossed it back in the shelf.

This time, I found it I be a witty and creative approach to any creative craft - guitar, sure; painting, writing, singing, all would benefit from this approach to lifelong learning. ( )

One of the most important, enjoyable books I've ever had the good fortune to read. The concept of zen is familiar to many, and this book is certainly laden with familiar concepts, but it manages to relate those concepts incredibly well to the art of learning, practicing, and playing an instrument (not necessarily guitar; this book applies to any instrument... it is not an exercise book), all the while reminding you that those very same concepts seamlessly overlap into everyday life, and stretch far beyond the scope of playing an instrument. I really can't say enough good things about this book. If you play any instrument at all... or hell, even if you don't... I highly recommend it. ( )