Any good Instructional Books with CDs?

Greetings! I'm a newbie trying to get started with an acoustic guitar. I have no aspirations to be a virtuoso or anything like that, but I would like to be able to play casually in my spare time.

Regular guitar instructions with a teacher is out of the question because I'm just too busy most of the time. Therefore, I'm stuck with learning on my own with a sporadic schedule.

I have tried learning with a guitar how-to book once before, but it proved very unfruitful. The biggest (and only) problem was that a newbie can't learn music by just reading a bunch of words printed on sheets of paper. I needed to hear an actual guitar playing so I could get a *feel* for how it's supposed to be played.

And so I'm looking for suggestions on any good instructional books with accompanying CDs (or DVDs). Computer software is also welcomed.

So far I've tried the 'Dummy's Guide' book, it proved to be worthless. For some inane reason, the accompanying CD uses a full band with elecronically synthesized effects instead of an actual guitar. Needless to say, it didn't help me get a 'feel' for the acoustic guitar at all.

I'm in a similar situation but I do take lessons. I just miss most of them. I am using Hal Leonard Guitar Method Complete Edition which comes with CD's. I'd recommend books with CD's over DVD's and I have many of both. Now, if your reason for not getting a teacher is really that your too busy and not tight on cash, I'd reconsider. There are a lot of little things that a teacher can help with that will save you time in the long run. Sometimes I only make 1 of my 4 lessons in a 4 week period but I still take lessons. The reason I still go is because I want the most out of the limited time I have to invest in guitar. In any case, the Hal Leonard book will take you through reading music, counting, up and down strokes and some chords. I think it's a good book.

I personally would recommend you do not use books that use tab, at least to start. Learning to read is well worth the effort.

Bob

There are teachers willing to give individual lessons, I recommend you find one. The lessons are well worth the 40 to 50 dollars an hour. He/she should also be able to recommend which books to use.

Bob

Chheck out Happy Traum's homespun tapes. Many lessons on dvd .

Two words:

METAL METHOD
www.metalmethod.com

You will be a GOOD player of any style if you learn this. Doug Marks is the man!