Mel Bay Publications, a well-known name in music instruction, provides a specific set of online resources for purchasers of its "Modern Guitar Method, Grade 1 Expanded Edition." These resources are referred to as "Internet Freebies" and are designed to supplement the physical book. This article details what these freebies include, how they are accessed, and the context in which they are offered, based exclusively on the provided source material.
The core product in question is Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method, Grade 1 Expanded Edition. This instructional book is part of a long-running series intended to teach modern plectrum (pick-style) guitar technique. The expanded edition includes special features to aid beginners, such as tips on tuning, correct posture, hand positions, and pick-hold technique. The curriculum is structured to introduce students to scales, chords, duets, and solos in the keys of C, A minor, G, and E minor. A significant pedagogical feature is the introduction to the chord/melody concept, which aims to foster an early understanding of how melodies fit with chords. The method emphasizes learning through playing material and includes a measured amount of music theory to build a solid foundation.
The "Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies" are the digital components that accompany this method. According to the source data, these freebies are categorized into two main sections: "Rock Freebies" and "Other Solos." Each section provides downloadable content in three formats: PDF, Audio, and Video. This structure suggests that the freebies offer both written musical notation and supporting multimedia files for listening and visual learning.
The "Rock Freebies" section lists a series of titles that appear to be specific exercises or pieces. These titles include: "Rock Feeling," "Rock Feeling 2," "Swamp Buggy," "Low Gear," "Power Drive," "Four-String Blues," "Reading Tab," "Guitar Rock," "Rainy Day Blues," "Classic Rock Boogie 1," "Classic Rock Boogie 2," "Classic Boogie," "Drivin' D," "16 G's," "Down Shift," "Do it!," "Overdrive," "GrandSlam," "Triplets (Explanation) / Triplet Blues," and "Three Past Midnight." The inclusion of "Reading Tab" indicates that the freebies may also introduce or reinforce the understanding of guitar tablature, a common notation system for guitarists.
The "Other Solos" section provides a different set of titles, which appear to be pieces from various genres and traditions. These titles are: "Hungarian Dance #4," "The Sally Gardens," "Sakura," "Minuet," "Caleb's Gorge," "Parson's Farewell," "11 Mile Canyon," "Star of the County Down," "Shady Grove," "Shabat Shalom," and "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier." This collection offers a diverse musical experience beyond the rock genre, potentially aligning with the method's goal of preparing students to play in any style.
Access to these freebies is linked to the purchase of the Grade 1 Expanded Edition book. The source material specifies that the book "Includes access to online audio and video" and that the "Downloadable instructional video" is part of the special features of the expanded edition. The freebies are listed on a specific product page for "Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies (93200E)" on the Mel Bay website. The source data also notes that Mel Bay products are available through local music stores or online dealers, indicating that the physical book is a prerequisite for accessing the associated digital content.
It is important to note that the provided source material does not contain information about a separate, standalone free sample program for Mel Bay products. The "Internet Freebies" are an integral part of the paid instructional method, not a promotional offer for a free product trial. The material also does not provide details on the redemption process, such as whether a unique code is printed inside the book or if access is granted through a registration process. Similarly, there is no information regarding geographic restrictions, eligibility beyond purchasing the book, or expiration dates for accessing the online materials.
The broader context of the Mel Bay website, as seen in the source data, shows a vast catalog of instructional materials for numerous instruments, including guitar, piano, violin, harmonica, and many others, with subcategories for different genres and styles. However, the "Internet Freebies" are specifically mentioned in connection with the Grade 1 Expanded Edition of the Modern Guitar Method. Other product listings, such as those for various sheet music books, do not mention associated free digital content in the provided chunks.
In summary, the Mel Bay "Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies" are a set of supplemental digital resources—comprising PDFs, audio files, and videos—provided to purchasers of the "Modern Guitar Method, Grade 1 Expanded Edition." These resources include rock-oriented exercises and solos, as well as a selection of classical and folk pieces, designed to reinforce the techniques and concepts taught in the book. Access is contingent on buying the instructional method, which is sold through music retailers. The available source material does not describe a separate free sample or trial program, nor does it provide specifics on the technical process for downloading or accessing the freebies.