Zen Guitar by Philip Toshio Sudo Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Zen Guitar
Book Review: A great mix of music and spirituality in the Zen tradition.
Summary: 5 Stars
Phil Sudo has written an inspiring and captivating work that is a must read for musicians who want to explore the mystical link between creativity and spirituality. In fine style, Sudo gives examples from both music and Zen Buddhism on how to reach new creative and spiritual heights through the medium of instrumentation. While it is called Zen Guitar, any musician or spiritual seeker should consider this an important work in understanding the creative spirit in all of us.Book Review: A philosophy book, not a music book
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an interesting book, sort of a hybrid between Zen philosophy and the reasons one decides to learn to play an instrument. At times vague (maybe the author's intention), it urges the reader to determine his/her motivation and approach to playing. I feel the reader would have a better perspective progressing through this book if he/she had some basic knowledge of Zen philosophy. Without that, some concepts may come across as unnecessarily simple or off point. Overall, this is a very good work....it compels one to become more introspective and realize ideas such as motivation and personal reward.Book Review: A simple, pleasant philosophy book for guitar players...
Summary: 3 Stars
This small, attractively presented book ostensibly takes a spiritual look at making music with the guitar. It provides an interesting perspective that, if it had been available in the 80s, might have prevented the awful "Hair Metal" phenomena! While the book is nicely presented and easy to read it is rather lacking in substance. The gist of it seems to be that the main thing is to approach guitar with the right attitude - and it details what the author thinks that attitude should be. Basically, don't sell out, play from heart, don't cut corners, respect the audience, etc.. The authors Zen approach has something of a martial arts feel to it (not surprising as Zen was also the philosophy of the Samurai warriors). It reminds me of that Japanese meticulousness that is evident in the Tea Ceremony, Hondas, and martial arts Katas. By all means by a copy if you want to nuture a more Santana-like view of guitar playing, or consider buying a copy as a gift for a guitarist/musician that care about if you think they are selling out! ;)Book Review: A weak attempt at applying Zen Philosophy to Guitar Playing
Summary: 1 Stars
I know I'm in the minority here, but I was very dissappointed in this book. The fact that many of the topics were covered with only one paragraph shows that the author is merely tacking on Zen quotes and "soundbytes" to the art of playing guitar, without any serious or in depth discussion of playing guitar. I have read several Zen texts and believe that others that also have, can draw their own metaphors and conections to not only guitar but everything. Sorry I thought this was really lame.Book Review: Amazing Book (read the bad reviews once you read the book, they're hilarious)
Summary: 5 Stars
(I believe this review must appear with this product as many of the negative reviews heer are from people who just simply do not get the point of the book, thus unfairly affecting the opinions of those who may come to the book with no preconceptions. If for no other reason, please publish this review to set the records straight)
The first thing I need to point out is that this book does not include any actual music theory, no chords, TABs or the like.
Secondly I must point out that each of the currently 6 reviewers on here who gave this a one-star review have shown through their review that they have missed the point entirely.
Although the book can indeed be summed up pretty easily, some of these reviews over-simplify the book by doing so. The depth that the author goes into in each of the sections is amazing and whereas I can see how it might be more value to performers rather than hobbyists, any open-minded, honest and unconceited guitarist can take something of value from this book regardless of why or where they play.
The main objections I have seen to this book are from people who have become lost down the path the book warns about - playing needlessly flashy stuff with no spirit or emotional content, likely just going through the motions, over-focussing on their technique rather than giving a moment's thought to what notes they are playing or why they are playing them.
One reviewer says he plays for a living and that this is the worst book he ever read. If he puts 100% of his spirit into every performance and plays for purer motivations (i.e. not money or to feed his ego) then he is already practicing Zen Guitar and just doesn't know it!
This book changed my life and summed up what I believe to be the perfect approach to music-making so well, that I am currently planning to run seminars and workshops on the subject.
Quite honetly, if this book doesn't mean something to you, you need to check why you bother playing guitar in the first place. If you can honestly say that it is for the joy and love of the instrument, you cannot possibly dislike this book.