Sidharth Kadadi, founding member of Zygnema, Mumbai, is on a high. Besides heading one of the top hard core heavy /thrash/ power metal bands, Kadadi is now author of a guitar book The Guitar Journal Volume One, published by Locksley Hall Publishing LLP.
Kadadi, who is a musician, guitar instructor, academic consultant, and a music educator for 15+ years, has ventured into new arena via his book that teaches the guitar through its pages to all age groups. “The images, diagrams and instructions have been incorporated so that you know your chords and scales thoroughly. The book tells you, chapter wise, how to approach the instrument and learn using free videos that are available. It keeps you more focused and driven to your weekly and monthly goals,” the author explains.
An experienced hand on the guitar himself, he has addressed all possible questions, thus paving the way to learn the instrument with confidence.
He has dedicated his life learning to understand the challenges music educators face when it comes to standardising modules for learning. “I consulted examination boards, academic schools and private music academies for close to a decade, and realised that their biggest and the most obvious struggle is not knowing what to teach. Often music educators don’t study the syllabus of these competitive examinations and the students don’t really end up learning music under these instructors. To fill this void, I decided to compile this technical/self-help book,” says an elated Kadadi.
With an attractive cover, loads of drawings with explanations, the book is an excellent module for teachers, academic schools, and private trainers, offering a step by step instruction along with personalised tips through the author’s musical journey as a beginner. “Among its 10 Chapters, I have even dedicated chapters to Introductions to Major and Minor Chords and Introduction to Major and Minor Scales in an easy to follow pattern with diagrams”.
Kadadi has tried his best to keep the book casual, interesting, goal-oriented with simple language. He wants people from smaller towns to pick up this module as a guide and begin their journey with the instrument. “The bigger picture is to see this book as an obvious choice for anyone who plans to start learning the guitar all by themselves or under an instructor,” he says.
Kadadi says it was an absolute joy to work on this book and shares his personal insights about certain chords or scales. “It’s how I viewed it when I was a beginner and then as a student of this instrument. I still am, as learning never stops,” states Kadadi, who since 2015 has been running his guitar academy called Guitar Garage Inc.
While there are numerous videos, books available on the internet to learn guitar and other instruments, Kadadi says his book gives out all the information in one book, which others don’t. “I have covered the entire foundation level that every enthusiastic candidate is looking for. It’s just not a bunch of exercises or workouts that most books offer. I mean they are great, but first you need to know why they exist in the first place. The Guitar Journal Vol 1 covers the basics thoroughly and is a fantastic teaching tool for teachers who want to follow a method and incorporate their vision along with it. In short, it doesn’t dictate your learning. It’s open ended,” he shares and adds that he plans to release Volume II soon.
Through the years Kadadi has worked hard to reach the summit of his career. He imparts the golden words he’s adhered to, to young learners of the guitar. “Patience, determination, and practice. No matter how well you play or how old you are, these three mantras are the only way to satisfy your soul and get better with your instrument,” Kadadi signs off.
