String Theories is the book every modern guitarist needs for a lifetime of inspiration and growth.

#1 Amazon Bestseller

The essays and lessons in String Theories cover topics including effective practice strategies, fretboard technique, playing with other musicians, composition, improvisation, listening and reading recommendations, and more. Concepts are followed by practical exercises and plans of action—things you can do today, throughout the week or month, or even all year.

“Adam and Ethan have written an affable yet rigorous guitar guide filled with sage observations and suggestions for anyone who is super serious about guitar.”

Nels Cline

Lead guitarist of the band Wilco, and Rolling Stone’s top 100 guitarists of all time

“Equal parts practical and thoughtful, String Theories will guide any guitarist along the path that is focused learning and real improvement.”

Bryan Sutton

Grammy Award winner and nine-time International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year

“String Theories is a brilliant and soulful exploration of the world of guitar—from practicing and performing to cultivating one’s own voice, Adam and Ethan so elegantly celebrate the multidimensionality of what it means to be a modern guitarist.”

Julian Lage

Five-time Grammy nominee

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About The Authors

Adam Levy

Adam Levy is a storied guitarist, composer, and songwriter with several original albums to his credit. He has been featured on recordings by Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Joe Henry, Allen Toussaint, Vulfpeck, and other esteemed artists. He has taught at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles College of Music, and New York University. He is the author of Play the Right Stuff.

adamlevy.com

Ethan Sherman

Ethan Sherman is a guitarist and composer known for moving between a wide variety of musical worlds with ease and a deeply personal sound. He’s released numerous albums of original music, most recently Indoor Vistas. As a sideman, he’s recorded and performed with artists as diverse as Nels Cline, Harrison Whitford, Patrick Shiroishi, Sean & Sara Watkins, Lou Roy, Johanna Samuels, and Ed Helms. He is currently touring with Michael Bublé.

ethanshermanmusic.com

A Look Inside

In String Theories, renowned guitarists Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman offer a comprehensive and practical guide to boundless musical growth for the dedicated guitarist, as well as on-the-job lessons learned from both of their many years of experience as players and teachers.

Originally adapted from Adam Levy’s popular YouTube series Guitar Tips, the essays and lessons in String Theories cover topics including effective practice strategies, fretboard technique, playing with other musicians, composition, improvisation, listening and reading recommendations, and more. Concepts are followed by practical exercises and plans of action—things you can do today, throughout the week or month, or even all year. 

String Theories offers something different yet equally useful to the student, hobbyist, or pro—and everyone in between. With a framework for lifelong growth on the guitar, it’s a book you can return to year after year as you evolve as a musician.

Words of Praise

“Adam and Ethan have made a thoughtful and thorough book. Each page is filled with gems. String Theories feels personal—like you’re in a private lesson with the wonderful creators.”

Molly Miller

Collaborator with Jason Mraz, solo artist, educator

“Equal parts practical and thoughtful, String Theories will guide any guitarist along the path that is focused learning and real improvement.”

Bryan Sutton

Grammy Award winner and nine-time International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year

“The authors have provided a treasure trove of invaluable information through years of learning and insights into the content of this book. They ultimately are giving the readers a glimpse into what it means to be a lifelong music learner through the guitar. The holistic approach is beyond the information in typical guitar instructional books and gets to the heart of being creative about developing musicianship.”

Nick Stoubis

Professor & Chair, Studio Guitar Dept., USC

“Adam and Ethan have written an affable yet rigorous guitar guide filled with sage observations and suggestions for anyone who is super serious about guitar. Go deep!”

Nels Cline

Lead guitarist of the band Wilco, and Rolling Stone’s top 100 guitarists of all time

“String Theories is a brilliant and soulful exploration of the world of guitar—from practicing and performing to cultivating one’s own voice, Adam and Ethan so elegantly celebrate the multidimensionality of what it means to be a modern guitarist.”

Julian Lage

Five-time Grammy nominee

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(828) 254-6734

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(781) 860-0049

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