The Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method Grade 1 Expanded Edition offers a comprehensive foundation for aspiring guitarists. Beyond the printed material, Mel Bay provides a variety of digital "freebies" to supplement the learning experience. These resources include audio tracks, video lessons, and PDF files accessible through specific download processes. According to the official product information, these extras are designed to reinforce concepts presented in the method book, covering styles such as rock, blues, and traditional folk. Access to these materials typically requires possession of the physical book or eBook, which contains necessary product identifiers or download buttons for the "Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies."
Overview of Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies
Mel Bay’s "Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies" constitute a collection of digital media intended to accompany the Modern Guitar Method Grade 1 Expanded Edition. The resources are categorized by format and musical style, providing students with auditory and visual aids for their practice.
Audio and Video Resources
The primary components of the freebies are audio files and video lessons. The audio tracks cover a wide range of musical pieces, allowing students to hear proper tempo and phrasing. The video content includes an instructional video introducing the beginning student to plectrum-style guitar, as well as downloadable video materials.
PDF and Sheet Music Resources
PDF files are available for specific pieces, likely offering notation or tablature that complements the audio tracks. These files cover various genres, including rock studies and other solos.
Rock and Blues Studies Content
A significant portion of the freebies focuses on Rock and Blues styles. These resources are designed to help students apply their technical skills in modern contexts.
Rock Feeling and Rock Studies
The "Rock Freebies" section includes tracks such as "Rock Feeling," "Rock Feeling 2," "Swamp Buggy," "Low Gear," and "Power Drive." These are likely short etudes or solos designed to teach specific rock techniques. The "Modern Guitar Method Grade 1, Rock Studies" product listing confirms that rock-specific material is a component of the expanded edition.
Blues Jam and Solos
Blues enthusiasts can access "Four-String Blues," "Reading Tab," "Guitar Rock," "Rainy Day Blues," and "Classic Rock Boogie 1 & 2." The "Modern Guitar Method Grade 1: Blues Jam Play-Along" suggests that these tracks may be intended for play-along practice. Additional solos listed include "Drivin' D," "16 G's," "Down Shift," "Do it!," "Overdrive," and "GrandSlam."
Technical Explanations
The freebies also cover specific technical concepts. For example, "Triplets (Explanation) / Triplet Blues" is included, providing targeted instruction on triplet rhythms. "Three Past Midnight" is listed as an "Other Solo," offering additional repertoire for students.
Traditional and Classical Repertoire
In addition to modern styles, the freebies include a selection of traditional and classical pieces. These tracks help students develop sight-reading skills and familiarity with standard repertoire.
International and Folk Tunes
The "Other Solos" category features diverse pieces such as "Hungarian Dance #4," "The Sally Gardens," "Sakura," "Minuet," and "Caleb's Gorge." Folk tunes like "Shady Grove," "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier," and "Star of the County Down" are also available. These pieces expose students to different musical cultures and time periods.
Sacred and Holiday Music
While specific holiday tracks like "Trumpet: Christmas" appear in a broader list of Mel Bay resources, the Grade One Expanded freebies focus primarily on the core curriculum pieces. However, the inclusion of "Shabat Shalom" indicates a breadth of repertoire that extends to sacred music.
Accessing the Freebies: Requirements and Process
Obtaining these free digital resources generally involves a specific process tied to the purchase of the Mel Bay product.
Product Identification
The freebies are associated with specific product codes, such as "93200E" for the Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies. Possession of the physical book or the eBook is likely required to access the download links or codes necessary to retrieve these files.
Download Instructions
The process typically involves clicking a "Download Extras" button on the Mel Bay website or entering a product code. Users are directed to double-click the downloaded file to open it. If issues arise, instructions are available, and users can contact Mel Bay for assistance.
Contact and Support
Mel Bay provides contact options for customers needing help. The phone number "1-800-8-MELBAY" is listed on their site, along with a "Contact Us" link. This support infrastructure ensures that students can access their purchased or bonus materials.
Product Versions and Availability
The freebies are specifically tied to the Expanded Edition of the Modern Guitar Method Grade 1. It is important to distinguish this version from the standard edition.
Expanded vs. Standard Edition
The standard "Modern Guitar Method Grade 1" (stock #93200EB) may not include the same breadth of digital extras. The Expanded Edition (stock #93200E) explicitly includes access to online audio and video, as well as the specific "Internet Freebies" list.
Other Editions and Languages
Mel Bay offers various adaptations of the method, including "Left-Handed Modern Guitar Method Grade 1" and translations such as "El Metodo Moderno para la Guitarra, Nivel 1" (Spanish). However, the specific "Internet Freebies" list provided in the source data corresponds to the English Expanded Edition.
Educational Value of the Resources
The inclusion of audio and video significantly enhances the learning process for beginners.
Reinforcement of Concepts
The resources reinforce "principal chords and accompaniment patterns in the keys of C, A minor, G and E minor." By listening to the audio tracks, students can internalize the sound of these keys and the rhythm of the accompaniment patterns.
Visual Learning
The downloadable instructional video provides visual cues for "correct posture, hand positions and holding the pick." This is crucial for beginners to avoid developing bad habits that can be difficult to correct later.
Diverse Styles
The variety of styles—from "Classic Rock Boogie" to "Minuet"—ensures that students remain engaged. It also prepares them for playing in different musical settings, whether in a band or a classical ensemble.
Summary of Available Tracks
Based on the source data, the Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies include the following tracks and resources:
Rock and Blues Tracks
- 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
- Three Past Midnight
Other Solos and Classical Tracks
- 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
- Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Conclusion
The Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method Grade 1 Expanded Edition provides substantial value through its "Grade One Expanded Internet Freebies." These digital resources, consisting of audio tracks, video lessons, and PDF files, are essential companions to the printed method. They cover a diverse range of styles, including rock, blues, and traditional repertoire, ensuring a well-rounded introduction to guitar playing. To access these freebies, users must typically purchase the Expanded Edition and utilize the provided download instructions or product codes. For assistance, Mel Bay offers support via their website and the "1-800-8-MELBAY" contact number.