Hal Leonard Guitar Method, - Complete Edition Review

The 3 book/3 CD compilation of the HL Guitar Method is where I began and what I use to teach students how to master the guitar and to become... musicians. The book methodically relys on learning to read actual music (later in the book the tab method is introduced) and slowly, patiently develops the student's fingers, ears, and appreciation of harmony and melody. Theory is introduced ever so subtley and enjoyably. The CD tracks are excellent and make quality self-study feasible. Many of the songs or exercises are presented in slow and up tempo versions. This is a treasure chest for the teacher and student or the student who is teaching himself. The supplemental HL "pop melody" books enhance the entire method, but this compilation volume is itself complete. This book is one of the best guitar beginner books, that's why i decided to write a review in the first place. This guitar book helps in the following areas: 1) Builds music reading ability. 2) Teach you in a string-by-string approach. 3) Music is wonderful especially played along with the CD. 4) Coil binding makes it very easy to read. However, it does have some drawbacks: 1) Not all sounds are played on the CD, especially for strumming. 2) Introduce chords too earily in the book, which makes them hard to play for beginners. 3) Guitar sound track is not sepearated from other music instruments, and makes it difficult to listen to the guitar and learn the details. Compare with Alfred's guitar method, I found Alfred's book is better than this book in that Alfred's book has all the benefits that this book provides except it is not coil-binding.