What is it?
This is an AWESOME new book for anyone looking to learn how to Shred on the guitar, no matter if you’re a beginner or a more advanced player….the Ultimate Shred Machine was written for everyone so that way everyone has something they can learn, personally I think this book is a godsend for those just starting out with learning how to shred so that way you learn the correct way to play ridiculously fast and not develop any bad habits that’ll hinder your playing later on.
Is It Worth The Money?
Absolutely. Last I checked it’s less than 20$ and has over a hundred exercises, Legato Tapping, and Sweep techniques WITH audio examples as well. You’re literally getting thousands of hours of Zoupa’s time and effort condensed into a book. Something you’d pay multiple thousands for if you were being taught in traditional lessons.
I will warn you though….
There are people a couple reviews out there that say this is only for beginner and intermediate players, but I would just like to say that’s rubbish. I’ve played for 15 years and I got quite a bit from this book. There’s all sorts of hidden gems all over it.
So, yeah. I’d say it’s worth the money unless you’re really really low on cash. It’s really a phenomenal book and you can tell Zoupa put a ton of work into it. Some of his techniques are surprisingly quite different than others out there, which is pretty cool.
Oh, it also comes with two bonuses as well. The first one just explains practicing with a metronome and the second is sick. It explains exotic scales and blues notes and how they can just make your playing have that extra umph that really sends the listener over the edge. Probably my favorite part of the book is the second bonus.
Who is Chris Zoupa?
Zoupa is an incredible guitar player who has playing since the age of five years old. Since he is 29 as I write this (He was born Dec. 10th, 1988) that means he has been playing almost 25 years now. He even began giving lessons since he was 15.
Chris Zoupa is most well known on the popular video uploading service Youtube. He is known for being very very clear on the proper techniques to playing certain songs. Here is his most famous Youtube video currently:
I personally believe he’s become so popular since he has an incredible way of teaching that never seems to miss anything. You don’t find yourself pausing and coming back to certain parts over and over again in his videos. Something that can be extremely annoying when trying to learn a lick or song or whatever you’re trying to learn. He goes at the right pace (At least for me, as far as I can tell most people in his youtube comments feel the same)
Chris Zoupa has also had a successful course already as well, “A beginners guide to modes on the guitar” which of course…..talks about the modes on the guitar.
Chris refers to them as the moods, and did a great job with this course as well. 4.6 average rating (Which is really really hard to get on udemy btw, people can be ruthless on there) which he actually only charges 20 bucks for last I checked.
Last but not least, the dude is f###### hilarious. Watch this video on “I’m addicted to Dive bombs.”
Conclusion:
Yeah, I obviously think you should get the book. Most of the time though, I do suggest getting any book written by someone with talent that has put effort into it. (There are lots of half ass guitar books out there written by good musicians sadly)
So, as long as you want to shred pick it up. It’s not expensive and also I’d say to check out his channel as well.