The Use of Guitar in Music Therapy

A comprehensive examination of the guitar’s prominent place within the field of music therapy. Music therapy students with little or no guitar-playing experience, as well as practicing professional therapists, may find it to be a practical and valuable resource. Part one of the book introduces the reader to historical and important functional information about the instrument, and describes how to play the guitar with proficiency and versatility. Parts two and three address clinical uses of guitar-playing by therapists and clients. In addition to reviewing guitar references within the music therapy literature, creative and innovative techniques are provided which will allow clinicians to take advantage of the instrument’s wide range of adaptability. Examples are given that demonstrate ways in which therapists can use guitar to accompany songs and improvisations, as well as to make guitar-playing accessible to clients of varying physical and cognitive abilities. Clinical uses of traditional guitar playing, alternate tunings, and adaptive devices and accessories are discussed.