"What a cool book!  Modern, progressive, complete - everything a person would ever need to know about electric guitars. A must have!" - Bumblefoot

MusicTech Magazine
January 2006

The electric guitar – one of the most prominent instruments in modern music – is a fascinating subject. The design principles of the most popular models (the Telecaster, Stratocaster and Les Paul) have remained in place since the first models were introduced in the 40s and 50s. Yet even today, advances are still being made: Gibson is set to release a guitar with digital Ethernet cabling this year, while Brian Moore released a guitar with a USB port in early 2005.

Alan Ratcliffe’s tome is an illuminating read that begins with the history of the electric guitar and then explains to would-be guitarists what to look for when buying a guitar as well as detailing the differences in amp types and the various effects available to guitarists. The The Electric Guitar Handbook also provides advice on forming a band, recording a demo and finding gigs. The final chapter looks at 35 guitar legends, including Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa alongside contemporary legends such as Tom Morello and Tony MacAlpine. Existing guitarists are likely to know much of the information contained in this book; however, by leaving no stone unturned Alan Ratcliffe has produced a book that will give beginners and the unenlightened a thorough understanding of electric guitars.
MH

Total Guitar Magazine November 2005 TG RATING: This book has quite an original slant on the whole 'handbook' idea. Rather than than providing hundreds of archaic musical examples and yet another list of of unusable chords, this book offers sound advice on a range of useful subjects including purchasing a guitar, rehearsals and even repairing guitars. The main advantage of this book is everything is explained in great detail and the pictures support the text. Good show!

Tonight
September 8, 2005

If you're a budding Jimi Hendrix, have the finger calluses to prove it, and wish to take your art further, this is a handy reference. It will strike a chord with budding musicians looking to learn the technical side of guitar playing, explaining the ins and outs of wah wah pedals and other guitar effects, amplifiers, and the latest guitar technology.

You will learn how to kickstart your musical career from starting a band, to gigging and studio recording. There's a biographical section on legendary guitarists and their equipment, and it is extensively illustrated.
Denis Droppa