The first Jamorama lesson shows you how to find your way around the strings and fretboard (the first Jamorama book focuses on notes and chords in the first position, whereas the second book encompasses higher positions), and introduces chord diagrams. Unlike the traditional chord diagrams used in most tutor books, Jamorama uses dots on a photo of a guitar fretboard to show where the fingers should be placed – I think that this is a nice touch, since it’s a little easier to relate to a photo of an actual guitar, as opposed to a more abstract diagram. However you are shown what the usual type of diagram looks like too, as you’ll probably encounter it elsewhere.
You then learn to play two of the most common major chords – A and D. As well as illustrations, videos are used to show you exactly how the chords should look and sound. The videos are high quality and professionally presented, showing the correct positions of both hands, as well as a chord diagram – and as mentioned earlier, they can be accessed automatically by clicking the ‘video’ icon within the text. You’re also introduced to tab notation and basic strumming.
I’m rather impressed with the first Jamorama lesson. It is clear and well presented, and covers enough material to feel like you’ve really made a start and can actually play something, but not so much as to be overwhelming for a complete beginner.
