Guitar Zero

The New Musician and the Science of Learning

By: Gary Marcus

Narrated by: Gary Marcus

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

On the eve of his fortieth birthday, a professor of no discernible musical talent learns to play the guitar and investigates how anyone of any age might master a new skill.

Just about every human being knows how to listen to music, but what does it take to make music? Is musicality something we are born with? Or a skill that anyone can develop at any time? If you don't start piano at the age of six, is there any hope? Is skill learning best left to children or can anyone reinvent him-or herself at any time?

On the eve of his fortieth birthday, Gary Marcus, an internationally renowned scientist with no discernible musical talent, becomes his own guinea pig to look at how human beings become musical- and how anyone of any age can master something new. Guitar Zero traces his journey, what he learned, and how you can learn, too. In addition to being a groundbreaking look at the origins and allure of music, Marcus's journey is also an empowering tale of the mind's plasticity.

In a quest that takes him from Suzuki classes to guitar gods, Marcus investigates the most effective ways to train your brain and body to learn to play an instrument. How can you make your practice more deliberate and effective? How can you find the best music teacher for you or your child? Does talent really exist? Or is hard work all you need?

Guitar Zero stands the science of music on its head, debunking the popular theory of an innate musical instinct and many other commonly held fallacies. At the same time, it raises new questions about the science of human pleasure and brings new insight into humankind's most basic question: what counts as a life well lived? Does one have to become the next Jimi Hendrix to make a passionate pursuit worthwhile? Or can the journey itself bring the brain lasting satisfaction?

For those who have ever set out to learn a musical instrument-or wishes that they could- Guitar Zero is an inspiring and fascinating look at music, learning, and the pursuit of a well-lived life.

©2012 Gary Marcus (P)2012 Penguin

A bit academic, but helpful

As an academic and aspiring, older (49) guitar player, I really enjoyed Gary's tie to research, particularly behavioral studies. He is a good story teller and he kept me interested with anecdotes of both famous people and regular Joes. It rambles a bit at times and is quite academic, but I appreciated the tie to applied theory. I wish there would've been more practical advice and some summary take-aways from each chapter. All in all, it helped me on my journey to becoming a better, more informed student of the guitar.

For everyone, not just musicians

As an amateur guitar player I found this to be a great story. Can relate to the authors struggle to learn to play and the emerging neuroscience is fascinating as well.
Highly recommended👏👏

This book is not what I expected

This book is well written and narrated by Gary Marcus. It dives into the relationship of
music and the human mind. It was interesting and enjoyable. I know nothing of music theory. I could have been a chapter in his book with my history of performing in front of thousands and recording my record J. Dale Young - It’s All Good Man. But the book is about the author and how he immerses himself in guitar, and through practice, ends up enjoying his new found love in life. Great book and I recommend it.

Music and the Brain

I’m learning guitar late in life and so it’s an inspiration to follow his journey. But I’m also a teacher and his discussion of the art of techniques and the neuroscience behind everything has me thinking about new ways to approach what I do. It’s a good book.

Nostalgic value

I found this surprisingly enjoyable, although probably more so because I am a former musician and it gave me a nice shot of nostalgia while teaching me a few things I wish I knew 25 years ago.

Loved it!

Fascinating book, but an excellent writer and cognitive scientist. Listened to it twice it was so compelling.

Excellent exploration of music learning neuroscien

ROUGH beginning, but excellent book. Captures the genuine curiosity of a guitar student and answers questions about music learning that no one teaches. I will be reading it again.

Wonderful book, wonderful audio

Love Gary Marcus,. This one is read by himself, peppered with musical pieces by Marcus also.. what a treat..

Enjoyable account of our relationship to music

This is a short but enjoyable account of how and why people play music. Centered around the author's quest to learn guitar as an adult, it touches on many aspects of learning and playing music. The author was an excellent reader. A couple of reviews complained that it didn't give them tips on improving their playing; that is no reason for a negative review, as the book doesn't promise that any more than it promises to teach you to ride a bike. I plan to read more books on this interesting topic.

Expectations & Reality Out of Tune

I'm looking to start guitar at a later age and this book looked like a perfect fit from that perspective. The title and summary gave the impression that this professor of the brain who was also attempting to learn guitar later in life would use his knowledge and personal experience to impart some wisdom and advice on steps to take to optimize our practice. (Expectations) The reviews I noted were greatly split, with almost a love it or hate it result. And I think that's largely because the expectations I had, and probably many others, with regards to tips on how to practice guitar as a late bloomer were far and few. Instead, there's a lot of discussion on the brain, how various parts function, how music affects the brain, how the brain learns new skills, etc....utilizing this professor's knowledge. (Reality) While I found the material interesting, it was not what I expected or hoped to gain from the purchase of the book. I think that's why the reviews are so varied, and why I gave it an average score.