Last week I wrote a post mentioning how I had been reading Guitar Man by Will Hodgkinson (and how it inspired me to start learning guitar again with Next Level Guitar.) I actually finished the book not long after making that post (this is probably the quickest I’ve read a book in a long time) and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it.

I was actually dreading the book coming to an end because then I wouldn’t have anymore to read, that’s how much I enjoyed it. And when I found out he had another book (Song Man) I ordered it right away (it hasn’t arrived yet.)

I found this book to be totally fascinating (and inspiring.) It’s great to read about how all of these different guitarists approach the instrument. I also found the stuff about the history of the guitar to be quite interesting. On top of that, the book is also hilarious and very well written. I was very curious to find out how his journey as a complete beginner trying to learn how to play guitar well enough to perform live within six months would turn out.

Among the guitarists you get to meet in the book through Hodgkinson’s interviews with them: Davy Graham (whose acoustic guitar classic “Anji” inspired the 34 year old author to learn the guitar), Johnny Marr (of The Smiths), Roger McQuinn (of The Byrds), James Williamson (of The Stooges), T. Model Ford, Sky Saxon, Polly Harvey, Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys), Devendra Banhart, Vinicius Cantuaria, Bert Jansch, and Les Paul.

I cannot recommend this book anymore strongly to anyone with an interest in playing guitar. It’s great!