Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Paul Balmer does it again!, 22 Oct 2008
Paul Balmer manages to write a fantastic book about a fantastic creation, with new interviews and pics of all your favourite guitarists/guitars.

he even manages to put aside his love of the Fender Stratocaster - for evidence of this love, see the Haynes Stratocaster manual, another AMAZING book!

in short, this book will tell you everything you need to know about owning and maintaining a Les Paul. it won't, however, make you feel any better about not owning a 1959 Les Paul Standard. i nearly cried at some of the pictures in this book...


phil so77, 02 Oct 2008
I am very proud to have my 1977 les paul deluxe featured in this manual.I have yet to seen the finished book,but if it is anything like the stratocaster manual,it will be stunning!

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Paul Balmer does it again!, 22 Oct 2008
Paul Balmer manages to write a fantastic book about a fantastic creation, with new interviews and pics of all your favourite guitarists/guitars.

he even manages to put aside his love of the Fender Stratocaster - for evidence of this love, see the Haynes Stratocaster manual, another AMAZING book!

in short, this book will tell you everything you need to know about owning and maintaining a Les Paul. it won't, however, make you feel any better about not owning a 1959 Les Paul Standard. i nearly cried at some of the pictures in this book...


phil so77, 02 Oct 2008
I am very proud to have my 1977 les paul deluxe featured in this manual.I have yet to seen the finished book,but if it is anything like the stratocaster manual,it will be stunning!

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Paul Balmer does it again!, 22 Oct 2008
Paul Balmer manages to write a fantastic book about a fantastic creation, with new interviews and pics of all your favourite guitarists/guitars.

he even manages to put aside his love of the Fender Stratocaster - for evidence of this love, see the Haynes Stratocaster manual, another AMAZING book!

in short, this book will tell you everything you need to know about owning and maintaining a Les Paul. it won't, however, make you feel any better about not owning a 1959 Les Paul Standard. i nearly cried at some of the pictures in this book...


phil so77, 02 Oct 2008
I am very proud to have my 1977 les paul deluxe featured in this manual.I have yet to seen the finished book,but if it is anything like the stratocaster manual,it will be stunning!

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Good grade 1+ book, 06 Dec 2006
I have this for my 8 year old daughter who is working towards her grade 1 exam. She finds the easiest pieces playable but difficult due to 3 finger cords and lots of hand postion changes. I would recommend this for grade one and above , at grade 1 you could play the simpler pieces which are well set and aproved my my daughters piano teacher.

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Paul Balmer does it again!, 22 Oct 2008
Paul Balmer manages to write a fantastic book about a fantastic creation, with new interviews and pics of all your favourite guitarists/guitars.

he even manages to put aside his love of the Fender Stratocaster - for evidence of this love, see the Haynes Stratocaster manual, another AMAZING book!

in short, this book will tell you everything you need to know about owning and maintaining a Les Paul. it won't, however, make you feel any better about not owning a 1959 Les Paul Standard. i nearly cried at some of the pictures in this book...


phil so77, 02 Oct 2008
I am very proud to have my 1977 les paul deluxe featured in this manual.I have yet to seen the finished book,but if it is anything like the stratocaster manual,it will be stunning!

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Good grade 1+ book, 06 Dec 2006
I have this for my 8 year old daughter who is working towards her grade 1 exam. She finds the easiest pieces playable but difficult due to 3 finger cords and lots of hand postion changes. I would recommend this for grade one and above , at grade 1 you could play the simpler pieces which are well set and aproved my my daughters piano teacher.

Great beginner book, 12 Nov 2008
Very basic and slow which is what you need for the first month! including adults, and then move on to other books
Great grounding as teaches one thing at a time
Perfect

Good tutor book but not the best, 03 Oct 2008
I'm a piano teacher and have used this book with nearly 100 pupils now- it is certainly a lot better than Piano Time and 10 little fingers as it gets started with treble and bass clefs immediately and is therefore nowhere near as confusing as the books mentioned above.

However, following the reviews mentioned below, the presence of so many American tunes isn't great and the actual content of the book isn't at all different to the original 1955 version.

Book 2 of the same series is ok. The quality of the teaching is good but the material itself isn't of the same standard.

I solely use Chester's Easiest Piano Course now.

A good start, 02 May 2007
I use this with my pupils along with books by John Schaum and Barnaby Byron. My only criticism is that there are loads of American tunes in it that are not relevant to Europeans really. It is better than the Shaum books though.

A fairly well structured introduction to the piano., 22 Jan 2001
My daughter (age 6) really liked this book, and the pieces are chosen to introduce a range of basic piano techniques. The "theory" sections are also useful at this stage.

An easy to follow first piano book for children and adults, 28 Apr 1999
This first piano book is colourful, easy to follow and includes teachers accompaniments. The book is primarily aimed at children so includes some well known nursery rhymes to play and cartoon charaters to guide you through. I am an adult beginner and used the book to teach myself and found it preferable to other beginners books that were aimed at adults because of the way John Thompson's book built up my skills step by step and offered opportunities for review and practice before moving on.

My one small critiscm would be that some of the peices are (I think) American and having never heard of them and teaching myself I had no idea whether the (ahem) music I was making was right or wrong. If you are a parent trying to guide a child through the book you may also find this a problem. That asside, I would recommend this book for any beginner and have gone on to use the others in the series. If you reach the end of the book a reward awaits you!

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Paul Balmer does it again!, 22 Oct 2008
Paul Balmer manages to write a fantastic book about a fantastic creation, with new interviews and pics of all your favourite guitarists/guitars.

he even manages to put aside his love of the Fender Stratocaster - for evidence of this love, see the Haynes Stratocaster manual, another AMAZING book!

in short, this book will tell you everything you need to know about owning and maintaining a Les Paul. it won't, however, make you feel any better about not owning a 1959 Les Paul Standard. i nearly cried at some of the pictures in this book...


phil so77, 02 Oct 2008
I am very proud to have my 1977 les paul deluxe featured in this manual.I have yet to seen the finished book,but if it is anything like the stratocaster manual,it will be stunning!

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Good grade 1+ book, 06 Dec 2006
I have this for my 8 year old daughter who is working towards her grade 1 exam. She finds the easiest pieces playable but difficult due to 3 finger cords and lots of hand postion changes. I would recommend this for grade one and above , at grade 1 you could play the simpler pieces which are well set and aproved my my daughters piano teacher.

Great beginner book, 12 Nov 2008
Very basic and slow which is what you need for the first month! including adults, and then move on to other books
Great grounding as teaches one thing at a time
Perfect

Good tutor book but not the best, 03 Oct 2008
I'm a piano teacher and have used this book with nearly 100 pupils now- it is certainly a lot better than Piano Time and 10 little fingers as it gets started with treble and bass clefs immediately and is therefore nowhere near as confusing as the books mentioned above.

However, following the reviews mentioned below, the presence of so many American tunes isn't great and the actual content of the book isn't at all different to the original 1955 version.

Book 2 of the same series is ok. The quality of the teaching is good but the material itself isn't of the same standard.

I solely use Chester's Easiest Piano Course now.

A good start, 02 May 2007
I use this with my pupils along with books by John Schaum and Barnaby Byron. My only criticism is that there are loads of American tunes in it that are not relevant to Europeans really. It is better than the Shaum books though.

A fairly well structured introduction to the piano., 22 Jan 2001
My daughter (age 6) really liked this book, and the pieces are chosen to introduce a range of basic piano techniques. The "theory" sections are also useful at this stage.

An easy to follow first piano book for children and adults, 28 Apr 1999
This first piano book is colourful, easy to follow and includes teachers accompaniments. The book is primarily aimed at children so includes some well known nursery rhymes to play and cartoon charaters to guide you through. I am an adult beginner and used the book to teach myself and found it preferable to other beginners books that were aimed at adults because of the way John Thompson's book built up my skills step by step and offered opportunities for review and practice before moving on.

My one small critiscm would be that some of the peices are (I think) American and having never heard of them and teaching myself I had no idea whether the (ahem) music I was making was right or wrong. If you are a parent trying to guide a child through the book you may also find this a problem. That asside, I would recommend this book for any beginner and have gone on to use the others in the series. If you reach the end of the book a reward awaits you!

Essential reading for Strat owners and lovers, 13 Aug 2008
The book's 176 well-illustrated pages are packed with information for players of the iconic Strat. Even if, as a player, you have no desire to tinker with the setup on your guitar, you will learn much about the instrument. General sections on choosing a Strat, and detail on the Vintage and American Standard versions are followed by a detailed acount of setting up a guitar. A major part of the book is ten case studies of work on specific variations of Strat. Finally, there are profiles of eight key Strat players (with Eric Clapton getting no less than three profiles). Hank Marvin is one of those profiled, and contributes the foreword. Strat owners and fans will consider this money well spent. As a minor gripe, the section on case studies does become somewhat repetitive, as the same advice is often given for each type of Strat. There is some evidence of careless proof-reading, with heel mis-spelled as heal, and scratchplate sometimes referred to as fingerboard. Such errors will quickly be spotted by players and do not detract from the manual's usefulness.

Does exactly what it says on the tin, 24 Jul 2008
Paul Balmer not only has years of experience in playing, repairing and setting up this guitar but also has an obvious love for the Strat and its creator, Leo Fender.

He writes with genuine enthuisiasm, throwing in very good practical advice - including "don'ts" gained from youthful experimentation - as well as humour. He also aims the book at beginners and professionals alike, compares Stratocasters from different eras including priceless vintage models and the Squier models - ideal for cheapskates like me!

I've had the book (it's actually the American edition not the Haynes one) for just under a day and it's helped me set up my £65 Korean Squier to a stage where it is sounding and playing better already.

A personal message to Mr. Balmer - hope your red '62 turns up somewhere!

Buy This Book Now!, 12 Feb 2008
If you own a Fender Stratocaster, are thinking of buying one, or just like to dream about them, then this is the book for you. Inside is a wealth of information on the most famous guitar ever, making it the best book for value for money, I have come across in a long long time.

I agree, a must!, 08 Dec 2006
I bought this book in a shop (sorry Amazon) as an impulse buy. What a bargain! If you own a stratocaster you definitely need one of these. It's fascinating. If you don't own one, start saving up as you'll have to buy one after reading this.



A real joy - if you buy a copy, you won't be disappointed, 24 Oct 2006
I just received a copy of this book today, and I can't put it down. It's an easy to read, informative, well produced, well organised and very clearly presented book - a real joy.

This book is for you if you're interested in buying a Strat, if you own a Strat, if you're interested in the history and features of the Strat over the years, if you want to set-up, maintain or repair your own Strat, if you are interested in the instruments of many of the most distinguished Strat players (for example; Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hank Marvin).

If you like Strats, you will love this book. If you buy a copy, you won't be disappointed.

Not for proper piano playing, 13 Sep 2008
If you want to tap out a tune on the piano then this book is fine but not if you would like to actually be able to play the piano. If you can read music already then you will speed through this and probably not be challenged in the slightest, there is far too much writing and too little music. For learning to play with both hands and popular music there are much better books

A really outstanding book, 25 Apr 2008
This is a well written book. I love playing my piano and this book has really shown me how to do it with ease.

A step in the right direction, 09 Feb 2003
I started the book already having a small amount of knowledge of the piano and music. I wanted to take up the piano seriously with no human instruction, therefore I bought this to see what playing the piano properly was like. It starts off very basic, explaining everthing as it is, with a small amount of justification. It then progresses into melodies and accompanying them with simplistic chords. As you go further, you learn about the sharp keys, sharp chords etc. It's easy, but it's not simple. The book generates the idea of ANYONE being able to play, but you have to have knowledge of the songs and have to be competent with the keys. It moves very quick therefore you have to literally MASTER a chapter before moving on to the next one, and this means being able to play every tune perfectly without the music, otherwise you struggle. Overall though it's a step in the right direction and the easiest piano book you'll ever find, so if you're taking up the instrument and don't know what book to buy, this is the one.

Good book but one small request to the publisher/author, 28 Aug 1999
This book is very good for the person who knows the songs. Now I am a foreign student who wants to learn to play the piano/keyboard, because of interest in Western music. All the songs in the book are totally unfamiliar to me. I know I am in the minority, but I will certainly appreciate it if the publishers include a audio cassette/CD which has the songs in it. Like those programming books which have the source on the CD-ROM. My keyboard has some songs in-built but I don't know how "Silent night..." should sound, so I am stuck at the very first song. Otherwise the approach in the book is good.

Excellent, concise course on how to play the piano, 16 May 1999
It's one of the few books that delivers what it promises. In 10 really easy lessons you can be playing the piano with confidence. He writes in a very down to earth style with explanations that let you intelligently play the piano. It's great.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Excellent for Adults & Kids, 18 Nov 2008
I want to learn piano myself and so does my 8 year old so I bought a few books, but this has been the best by a long shot, even for my old age group. I did music in school, never piano though, and after two weeks I'm playing the likes of Strangers in the Night and Annie's Song - very slowly though, so I'm no genius.

Anyway, the book is engaging, facts are so well presented and absorbed easily, I don't know whether its the pictures of the little monsters or what, but it works. I have a full understanding of the notes, chords, how to read the music and how to use piano fingering. I do about an hour messing around each night and am improving daily. I initially read the book in bed and felt I had some knowledge but when I sat at the piano, it all just happened. I've read the book a few times now because it's short and sweet, my daughter loves it as well.

Basically if you buy this book you will get your value for money, you'll refer to for years and you could nearly teach your dog to play! Enjoy!!

My son's verdict on this book, 01 Apr 2005
I am twelve years old. When I got a keyboard, I wanted to learn how to play it. So I got this book and followed it page by page until I had finished it. Now I can play a lot of music. I don't think you will find a book much better than this one for learning how to play the piano or any keyboard instrument.

The Child Within, 10 Aug 2003
Since I consider my self tone-deaf any book that can actually remedy this to some effect is a welcome addition to my book shelves. The truth is I bought this book not for my self but for my seven year old daughter who had earlier during the year started attending piano lessons. The book is very cleverly illustrated both so as to capture and maintain the attention of a child as well as to make learning how to play the piano as easy as possible. I consider my daughter the best critic of how useful this book remains for her even though my daughter’s piano teacher was also quite impressed by its contents. If you have a child who has just started learning how to play the piano or if the child within you wants to have another go at learning how to read music and also play such a magnificent instrument then this book is highly recommended both for its simplicity and effectiveness.

A fun and effective book for begginers...., 30 Jun 2000
The book is great for first time piano players as it explains how to play and read piano music in an effective, easy to understand cartoon format. Each new topic eg.the different keys and concepts are introduced in a gradual sequence so you never get mixed up or overwhelmed. Especially useful to the "teach yourself learner" as the CD demonstrates how the music piece should sound like (ie.the tone and speed) giving the student/pianist the reassurance required as well as an opportunity to play along with the CD.May not be ideal for those who wish to learn the more classical and operatic piano styles, but a good book to start with nevertheless.

Paul Balmer does it again!, 22 Oct 2008
Paul Balmer manages to write a fantastic book about a fantastic creation, with new interviews and pics of all your favourite guitarists/guitars.

he even manages to put aside his love of the Fender Stratocaster - for evidence of this love, see the Haynes Stratocaster manual, another AMAZING book!

in short, this book will tell you everything you need to know about owning and maintaining a Les Paul. it won't, however, make you feel any better about not owning a 1959 Les Paul Standard. i nearly cried at some of the pictures in this book...


phil so77, 02 Oct 2008
I am very proud to have my 1977 les paul deluxe featured in this manual.I have yet to seen the finished book,but if it is anything like the stratocaster manual,it will be stunning!

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Good grade 1+ book, 06 Dec 2006
I have this for my 8 year old daughter who is working towards her grade 1 exam. She finds the easiest pieces playable but difficult due to 3 finger cords and lots of hand postion changes. I would recommend this for grade one and above , at grade 1 you could play the simpler pieces which are well set and aproved my my daughters piano teacher.

Great beginner book, 12 Nov 2008
Very basic and slow which is what you need for the first month! including adults, and then move on to other books
Great grounding as teaches one thing at a time
Perfect

Good tutor book but not the best, 03 Oct 2008
I'm a piano teacher and have used this book with nearly 100 pupils now- it is certainly a lot better than Piano Time and 10 little fingers as it gets started with treble and bass clefs immediately and is therefore nowhere near as confusing as the books mentioned above.

However, following the reviews mentioned below, the presence of so many American tunes isn't great and the actual content of the book isn't at all different to the original 1955 version.

Book 2 of the same series is ok. The quality of the teaching is good but the material itself isn't of the same standard.

I solely use Chester's Easiest Piano Course now.

A good start, 02 May 2007
I use this with my pupils along with books by John Schaum and Barnaby Byron. My only criticism is that there are loads of American tunes in it that are not relevant to Europeans really. It is better than the Shaum books though.

A fairly well structured introduction to the piano., 22 Jan 2001<