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Guitar Zero: The Science of Becoming Musical at Any Age Paperback – December 24, 2012

4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 445 ratings

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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?

For anyone who has ever set out to play a musical instrument—or wished that they could—
Guitar Zero is an inspiring and fascinating look at the pursuit of music, the mechanics of the mind, and the surprising rewards that come from following one’s dreams. Gary Marcus, whom Steven Pinker describes as “one of the deepest thinkers in cognitive science,” debunks the popular theory that there is an innate musical instinct while challenging the idea that talent is only a myth. From deliberate and efficient practicing techniques to finding the right music teacher, Marcus translates his own experience—as well as reflections from world-renowned musicians—into practical advice for anyone hoping to become musical or learn any new skill.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jimi Hendrix meets Oliver Sacks in this great new science book." — VeryShortList.com

"Guitar Zero is a refreshing alternation between the nitty-gritty details of learning rock-guitar licks and Mr. Marcus's survey of the relevant scientific literature on learning and the brain . . . makes some delightful counterintuitive fine points. . . . For those who look forward, in 'retirement,' to honoring the lifelong yearnings they have neglected, Guitar Zero is good news."

Norman Doidge, The Wall Street Journal

"[Guitar Zero is] the sort of book where Steven Pinker (Dr. Marcus's mentor and collaborator) mixes with K. Anders Ericsson (the psychologist most associated with the '10,000 hours' theory of expertise) and Tom Morello (the lead guitarist from Rage Against the Machine)."

The New York Times

“This book in the end is about more than a desire to shred like Eddie Van Halen. Marcus examines how our brains are affected by creativity—learning a musical instrument, for instance, or a new language—and how these experiences remain open to all of us, no matter our age."

Los Angeles Times

“An entertaining and enlightening memoir, filled with insight about music, learning, and the human mind, by Gary Marcus, one of the deepest thinkers in cognitive science.”
Steven Pinker, bestselling author of The Better Angels of Our Nature

About the Author

Gary Marcus, described by the New York Times as “one of the country’s best known cognitive psychologists,” directs the Center for Language and Music at New York University, where he studies language, music, cognitive development, and evolution. His previous book, Kluge: The Haphazard Construction of the Human Mind, was a New York Times Editors’ Choice pick.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Publishing Group; 38095th edition (December 24, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143122789
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143122784
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.72 x 8.44 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 445 ratings

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Gary F. Marcus
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Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
445 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and descriptive about the learning process. They appreciate the easy-to-read, comprehensive writing style. The book provides useful insights into music theory and education for musicians. Readers describe the author's journey as compelling and charming.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

69 customers mention "Readability"59 positive10 negative

Customers find the book interesting and enjoyable to read. They say it's a great read for inspiration and motivation. The book is described as fun and informative, offering a fun look at learning to play the guitar with some jaunts into music theory, education, and practice.

"...What a fun story he tells of his journey. He is very real about his emotions, his concerns, his failures and in my estimation his ultimate victory...." Read more

"...in a rock band with 11-year-olds at a music camp and MANY MANY hours of practice...." Read more

"...So, by that, I would say it's worth a read, but don't be afraid to skim if it gets tedious." Read more

"...I thought it would be an interesting read...." Read more

51 customers mention "Educational value"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and descriptive about learning challenges. They enjoy the studies and theories shared. The author does a good job explaining the theory needed along the way. The content reminds us to stay diligent when learning new skills, and includes references to actual research.

"...Marcus does a good job of explaining the theory needed along the way, but I do not believe he spends so much time on it that it would annoy a reader..." Read more

"...pearls from this book, but nonetheless there's something to gather from almost all perspectives, and usually a fair amount of confirmation of things..." Read more

"...at just about the perfect level: I learn something new and interesting on each subject but not *everything*, there's always something more I'll want..." Read more

"...does a good job of discussing his journey AND how it maps on to a general view of learning...." Read more

40 customers mention "Readable"30 positive10 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and comprehensive. They say it provides good insights about starting from scratch to learn guitar. The writing is accessible and relatable. Readers appreciate the author's real experience and find the content interesting without being overwhelming.

"...I am not versed in psychology but this book is accessible and I think it's for two reasons. For one thing the writing is down to earth...." Read more

"...Marcus writes in a conversational tone that is easy to read, with a lot of information at his fingertips that doesn't feel hauled up by the armload...." Read more

"...It's very readable - I don't have a strong science background, but he kept everything in layman's terms, which I appreciated!..." Read more

"...Gary Marcus is an obviously talented research psychologist (and I say this, knowing much about the field through my personal studies)...." Read more

32 customers mention "Music theory"25 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's music theory. They find it informative and helpful for learning to play a musical instrument. The book provides good insights and ideas to get students on the right track. It is an excellent primer on the differences between adult and child learning, especially with regard to musical instruments. Readers appreciate the interesting aspects about playing the guitar and how the brain and evolution impact musical ability.

"...learning a new skill, which I got, but Marcus also explores many facets of the science of music, such as whether talent or practice is more important..." Read more

"...Marcus writes in a conversational tone that is easy to read, with a lot of information at his fingertips that doesn't feel hauled up by the armload...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book immensely, both as a guitarist and a music educator...." Read more

"...Unfortunately, a lot of the chapters read like filler. Too esoteric to keep me interested...." Read more

19 customers mention "Story quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and interesting. They appreciate the author's journey as a neuroscientist learning to play guitar. The book intersperses mini-lectures on music history, theory, and education. Readers say it parallels their own experiences and is enjoyable.

"...It's about much more than the inspirational, feel-good story it sounds like from the cover blurbs...." Read more

"...The author does a good job of discussing his journey AND how it maps on to a general view of learning...." Read more

"...It is a very interesting read, and spends a lot of ink describing some of the science of the brain's processing sound and related topics...." Read more

"...I found this book interesting because it parallels my own experiences, and because it satisfied my own amateur interest in the brain and cognitive..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2012
    I recommend this read to anyone interested in learning to play music - especially as an adult. This book is clearly written by a true academic because his insight into the way the human mind interacts with music is detailed. I am not versed in psychology but this book is accessible and I think it's for two reasons. For one thing the writing is down to earth. Even when I know it's weighty concepts they are delivered in a digestible way. I don't feel talked down to. The other reason I think is the big difference - the author USED HIMSELF AS A TEST SUBJECT! He tried to move from a Guitar Hero video game failure to a functional guitar player (a real guitar, not a glorified joy stick). What a fun story he tells of his journey. He is very real about his emotions, his concerns, his failures and in my estimation his ultimate victory. Really cool to experience his journey through this book. As an adult who wishes to be more musical this gives me hope.

    As a side note, psychology students may get inspiration from this book. Like I noted, this author speaks from the benefit of being a professor. A student who is seeking inspiration for class required experiments, or perhaps a person seeking test their own skill boundaries, and of course people who just want to grow in his/her own understanding should consider this book at text as much as it is entertainment.

    I'm hard on books normally, but this one has a thumbs up from me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2012
    This book wasn't quite what I had expected, but I wasn't disappointed.
    Cognitive psychologist Gary Marcus, who clearly has a history of being "challenged" musically, decides as he approaches the age of 40 to learn to play the guitar. A serendipitous sabbatical from his usual gig teaching at NYU gives him enough leisure that he takes on the project seriously. Guitar Zero (a pun on the popular video game Guitar Hero, for those like me who didn't get it)recounts his adventures, which include playing in a rock band with 11-year-olds at a music camp and MANY MANY hours of practice.
    I had expected a memoir of a middle-aged scientist observing himself learning a new skill, which I got, but Marcus also explores many facets of the science of music, such as whether talent or practice is more important, what kinds of music people like and do not like (I was pleased to have my own preferences supported by finding out that the "most unwanted song" would be sung by an operatic soprano.), and how experts and novices differ when they listen to music.
    No knowledge of music theory is necessary to enjoy this book. Marcus does a good job of explaining the theory needed along the way, but I do not believe he spends so much time on it that it would annoy a reader who does not need the explanation. As someone who is a contemporary of Marcus' father, I was a little at sea when it came to many of his references to musicians I genuinely had never heard of, and I would have appreciated definitions of pop music guitar terms like "riff" and "lick", but he does talk about Bob Dylan and even mentions the Andrews Sisters.
    I picked up a lot of fascinating information from Guitar Hero and was incredibly impressed with what Marcus accomplished as a guitarist. Maybe I should pull out that guitar that has been sitting in the closet for the past 30 years....
    76 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020
    Pretty common theme among the previous reviews - lots of detours and filler, but I read it anyway. It kinda feels like a bunch of Family Guy "like that time when" cutaways...except not always as entertaining. I put this book down for a couple of months, and read a couple of other books, before i could finish it. I've gotten used to sifting through a certain amount of filler in these types of books, while looking for pearls of wisdom from people who have done it. I don't necessarily recall any new pearls from this book, but nonetheless there's something to gather from almost all perspectives, and usually a fair amount of confirmation of things that I've learned elsewhere. Essentially, I reconfirmed from the book that there is no "science" to becoming musical. There is plenty of science around accumulating knowledge, and learning and developing skills. One of the anecdotes the author provided was very useful, describing a certain artist who was turned off by someone trying to talk music theory, because the artist felt so strongly about how bringing music theory into focus ran counter to staying on a musical creative wavelength. Build the vocabulary, internalize it, and move on (which still translates into practice, practice, practice...smartly). Becoming musical...creative and expressive in application of knowledge and skills, is still an unpredictable and non-guaranteed "aha" phenomenon. Just like being a straight A student by itself won't make you a best selling author...but it helps and is usually evidence of a lot of work. The book reinforces that as an aspiring guitarist, you have to be engaged and playing (not just noodling and going through the motions) in order to develop or discover musicality. So, by that, I would say it's worth a read, but don't be afraid to skim if it gets tedious.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Tri Tran
    5.0 out of 5 stars Learning as an adult...
    Reviewed in Australia on April 22, 2024
    You've heard the old phrase "It's never too late to start anything". And that's true, it's never too late to START anything. The problem with this quote is that it's too vague to have any real meaning. If you want to pick up a hard skill, like music, you should know how much time and energy is required for return of investment. So here are some tips for adults to get there sooner rather than dead:

    - adults learn slower and better incrementally
    - immersion is ideal for complex subjects like music and language
    - kids are persistent and have an open mind - take a leaf from this
    - practice must be focused/deliberate, regardless of age
    - adults are better at conceptual aspects of music - composition, arranging, musicianship

    These are tips I've picked up from the book and for anyone mature person wanting to become competent on an musical instrument. The author himself picked up the guitar at 38 and though he'll never be world class player, it's enough to write, play and have fun which is the most important part.
  • itagaki_unlucky
    4.0 out of 5 stars タイトルにイマイチ乗れなかったですが、意外と面白かったです。
    Reviewed in Japan on June 16, 2020
    最近の本か、って思ってたんだけど7年以上前の本なんですね。読もう読もうと思いながら、そんな長い時間、スルーしてましたかw

    なんですぐ読まなかったかというと、言語・進化・意識・AIといったような、僕がアメリカの認知科学者に求める内容じゃない気がしたので。

    実際、この本は臨界期(あると仮定して)を過ぎた40代中年が、ゼロからギターを学ぶとどうなるか?といったテーマで解き明かしていく内容です。

    マーカスの意外ともいえる豊富な音楽のうんちくも含めて、なかなか面白かったです。趣味のいい小品といった趣です。

    というわけで、次のAI本を読むのが待ちきれなくなってきました。
  • Augusto S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 14, 2016
    Great book.
    Within his research, you'll find, maybe, the words you need to keep going deeper in music. A pat in the shoulder
  • Panagiotis Mantas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice and clever writing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2014
    Very nice and clever writing.. I am reading other books of this writer. Nice to read and very informative without tiring the reader!
  • Dave Webster
    5.0 out of 5 stars BEST BOOK I EVER READ ON LEARNING TO PLAY MUSIC
    Reviewed in Canada on June 4, 2012
    (Written from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada) This book is a classic. I especially recommend this book to the person of any age who is interested in learning to play guitar (and other instruments also). There are many helpful insights and a fine sense of perspective, and an appreciation of the joy and even the nobility of making that great effort to competently perform and create good guitar music.

    For the beginner there is encouragement plus a realistic picture of just how big a job competent music-playing is.

    For a parent whose son or daughter is taking lessons, look especially at the Back to School" chapter starting on page 65, although you will find valuable insights that could earn you a lifetime of gratitude from your kids scattered all through the book.

    For someone who has played for enjoyment for a long time there are valuable insights into just how difficult good guitar chording is and what it takes to move to the next step.

    For the person interested in guitar lore, there are some fine interviews and well-told stories.

    For the person interested in the psychology of learning, starting from infant age and going into the elderly years, there are fascinating studies, and confirmation that we never really lose the ability to learn new things, nore the pleasure found in doing so.

    I was particularly interested in the fresh and amusing approach, the wide perspective (this was not like a nuts-and-bolts instruction book), and the description of the trials of a person, who has coped with a huge learning disability in connection with playing music but still has never been able to just let it go and get on with other things. The success-story narrative was very encouraging. Also I much appreciated the psychological studies on how people learn, the guitar lore and the interviews with experts in the art form.

    I also liked the style of writing. There was a nice balance between the substantiveness of the content and the readable, accessible presentation with some very nice turns of phrase.

    It's a wonderful subject. I would think many beginner-level players would identify with the journey and appreciate corroboration of the feeling that guitar-playing is really every difficult and takes an enormous amount of time, not to mention a lot of creativity and persistence in devising and revising techniques for practicing, and in sticking with the activity. In agreement with the author's experience, I have found that a No. 1 reward for the activity is the social experience of meeting on a regular basis with people who are at a novice or intermediate level but are still serious about the art form and want to jam together. There is a very satisfying feeling of being able to contribute to other people's progress with their lives and their enjoyment.