Ease of Use:  

Guitar Method succeeds in presenting helpful lessons, with an approach that's easy for enough for anyone, of any age, to understand. It employs icons, strategically placed throughout the lessons, to let the student know when a video or audio file is available for supplemental instruction. The screen does not appear overly cluttered and the tools are easy to use and quickly accessible through helpful menus.

This program by far, was the most simple to use and logically presented software we reviewed.

Feature Set:  

Guitar Method includes more features that any of the other programs, including instruction for both left and right-handed players. The chord dictionary provides audio samples of over 250 chords with finger positions. With a microphone connected to your computer you can also utilize the electronic tuner, record music or have the program track your playing, note by note.

Along with including incredible tuning and on screen sheet music, this program also teaches you what you need to know if you are not in front of your computer, such as, tuning your guitar without a tuner and how to read music written in standard notation. You can also print lesson material and sheet music if you are the kind of guitar player that likes to play on the road.

This program has a searchable lesson and song database. This makes it a breeze to look up your favorite songs including, Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", the Rolling Stones' "Little Red Rooster", the Grateful Dead's "Uncle John's Band" and classics like "Ode to Joy."

Ease of Installation:  

We did not have any problems installing Guitar Method.

Lesson Coverage:  

It doesn't matter if you're a rock star in the making or just want to sing the blues, you start by learning how to play your guitar. Guitar Method consists of ten chapters, with 165 lessons-all supported by great music, lots of supplemental material and over 50, technique-teaching video clips. Private instructors cost at least $20 an hour, this program includes over three hours of audio and video instruction alone, clearly Guitar Method is an incredible bargain.

The program teaches tablature as well as standard music notation, and you can switch between the two whenever you want. In addition, your progress through the lessons saves automatically, so you can easily pick up where you left off.

Guitar Method offers a diverse collection of familiar songs in several genres including blues, rock, folk, country and classical. These popular songs make learning fun and easy. The only feature we really felt this product was missing is a 'play by ear' section.

Practice Tools:  

The most useful practice tool Guitar Method incorporates is the ability to track your playing, note by note, and compare it with the instructors. It also has a looping function that lets you loop sections of music, repeating them, so you can practice until they're perfected. There is even a metronome that can be set as an audio prompt or as a visual guide.

Guitar Method can record and playback your performances. Unfortunately, it does not have the ability to help you compose or mix your own music and in cannot add accompaniment.

Another element missing from this program, are games, which can make learning fun, even for adults.

Help/Support:  

Guitar Method includes a comprehensive in-program manual, a help section and a troubleshooting guide. In the 'help' section they offer a link to technical support and contact information posted on their homepage. They also have email and phone support.

Studying with Guitar Method, you just can't go wrong; it offers more lessons than any other program we reviewed and includes everything you need to play on key and in time. Anyone, from the most basic beginner to the most proficient picker can learn new techniques and chord combinations from this easy-to-use and first-rate program.

With Guitar Method, you'll be playing in the limelight or by firelight before you can say encore.