Guitar Zero

The New Musician and the Science of Learning

By: Gary Marcus

Narrated by: Gary Marcus

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.

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.

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.

Inspiring

This was an inspiring book for an amateur guitarist considering how to approach learning a new instrument as an adult, incorporating practice, learning music theory and learning to play in a band. I especially enjoyed the discussion on innate talent vs practice and the concepts of hedonism vs eudaemonia.

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.