The Holy Grail - Rated 
Before deciding to buy this book I found myself buying teaching aids that I was never able to complete primarily out of lack of incentive and interest over time. So I picked up the thngs I liked and moved on to the next aid. For the first time ever, this aid presents everything you need from a technique perspective in a logical, chronological manner - each step building on the previous ones in a way that makes you appreciate and understand the progress you are making. Suffice to say that I have had to re-learn everything I thought I knew (I have been playing for 15 years - and let me tell you that starting the metronome at 60 again to make sure I am doing everything right has not been the most fun exercise ... but wow has it been rewarding). If you are prepared to do the same then this book is for you. I have had this book for about a year now, and I am still only on page nineteen (exercise 32). I play an hour or slightly more every day and although the experience has been very mechanicaly oriented and tedious at times, it has completely changed the quality of my playing. All the things I thought I would never be able to accomplish are finally within my grasp. The most important aspect is that he lays down a road map for you and you see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is a long and ardous journey, but you are able to see the finish line nonetheless, even if it takes a while to get there. This is not a book that cuts corners, as it forces you to start thinking and analyzing everything about your technique. This book really is a treasure chest but you have to be mentally prepared for the journey. It will not be for everyone as it really requires more dedication and devotion than any other training aid - and you have to stick with it. You too can finally understand and do all the things you never thought were possible. The only downside is that I wish there were more pictures - but on second thought there may have been a reason for that given how different everyone's dimensions are and that there is no single correct way to hold a pick for example. Get that metronome and get to work. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.
Does what it says on the tin - Rated
This book is great at doing exactly what you'd expect from the title- making you FAST. Troy's basic idea in this book is that perfect practice makes perfect. He lays down the foundations for optimum technique and tells you not to not to bother doing the drills unless you do them exactly as he says; this method is great for ironing out flaws in your playing.
In regard to the other two "parts" of this book- rhythm and creativity, they are laughably short. Troy has some good ideas but they're mere tasters to the vast banquet of options out there.
Buy this book for what it is- the best in business for speed and technique.
Jesus this is amazing. - Rated
Out of everything I have ever tried to master I have always looked for a book that gave you the explanation in words rather digging in deep through the roots which usually makes me give up. I can't stress how amazing this book is because I've never seen me accomplish anything this much from a book. You dont expect it, but when you see you fingers spinning over the fretboard it doesn't even feel like its you anymore. This book takes practice and i havent had it for too long but what I am experiancing right now is somthing amazing. You actually feel like you are finally getting down to buissness with this book. Because you quite litterally focus on the exercises that guide you to being an amazing guitarist. All I can say on a final note is that if you are a guitarist who has the time to practice but just doesn't know what to practice then this book will guide you. Futhermore you wont outgrow it because this book takes you all the way. Theres no catch about it. peace
Serious book for serious learners - Rated
Don't expect to learn this book in a few weeks; it is not for the feint-hearted. I've been playing 4 years now and I spent a good month perfecting the first page alone. If you have the time then this is the best book out there; not just to play like a shredder but to improve your speed overall which can be applied to more sedate forms of guitar playing!
A must have for the serious guitarist! - Rated
Let me start by saying that this book is amazing, i got it 7 hours ago and im already considerably better, and i've only done the first of 200 exercises!
The book is divided into 3 parts, "Mechanical ability" is centered on your technical ability, things like hammer-ons and pull-offs, bends ect. It then goes on about how to practice better, how to use a metronome, how to play faster and ends with sweep picking.As i have said, ive only done the first exercise and im a lot better! And ive been playing 3 years!
Part 2 Is "Rythmic ability", this part centers on your rhythm (duh!), things like sixteen notes and offbeats, and will improve your most important tool as a guitarist, your rhythm, considerably.
Part 3 is "Creativity" and is essentialy about how to be a good improvisational guitarist, and how to write good licks and songs, it goes between creating a good "feel" for the song (one section is called "setting, theme and story") and the hardcore theory, although there is not much of it.
The CD that accompanies it has obviusly been taken straight from a tape, and not all of the exercises are on the tape (theres 200 of them!) but its still quite good.
The tab is very good but sometimes gets quite crowded but everything you need to know is in the tab, plus more! Some of the exercises come withreal notation as well, so theres something for every level.
This book is not about building a collection of riffs, but more about building your technique solidly, so you can go learn harder riffs. It does this in an informative way, but never patronises, the difficulty level never sunddenly skyrockets, but rises steadily.
In conclusion, i must have book for the budding guitarist.
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