"Guitar Zero is a refreshing alternation between the nitty-gritty details of learning rock-guitar licks and Mr. Marcus's survey of the relevant scientific literature on learning and the brain. For those who look forward, in 'retirement,' to honoring the lifelong yearnings they have neglected, Guitar Zero is good news."
Wall Street Journal
"[Guitar Zero] looks far more deeply into the ways our brains rewire themselves and find ways to compensate for certain gaps or deficits in our abilities. In the process of demonstrating these, Marcus sounds an encouraging note (pun intended) for older readers who have always wanted to do something but have never had time."
Los Angeles Times
"This enjoyable blend of music appreciation, science and personal exploration commands a new respect for how the brain and body responds to the promise, and shock, of the new."
Kirkus Reviews
"Jimi Hendrix meets Oliver Sacks in this great new science book."
Very Short List
"A delightfully inspiring, charming, and detailed musical journey that explodes myths of human limitation, while revealing that the fountain of youth very well may be made of wood and played on six strings."
Richard Barone, musician, author of Frontman Richard Barone, musician, author of Frontman
"Gary Marcus, one of the deepest thinkers in cognitive science, has given us an entertaining and enlightening memoir, filled with insight about music, learning, and the human mind."
Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature
Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature
"Captivating and filled with insight, GUITAR-ZERO is a look at the challenge of personal reinvention by Gary Marcus, one of our leading psychologists. Whether you are a music lover or not, if you care about reaching your own potential, you should read this book."
Dr. Drew Pinsky, host, Dr. Drew, Lifechangers, and Loveline Dr. Drew Pinsky, host, Dr. Drew, Lifechangers, and Loveline
"Marcus is one of the smartest psychologists around, a deep thinker and an eloquent writer, and the story he tells is informed by the best science of perception and learning and evolution, talent and effort, genius and frustration and success. If you have ever dreamed of becoming a musician, you simply must read GUITAR-ZERO."
Paul Bloom, author of How Pleasure Works Paul Bloom, author of How Pleasure Works
"I enjoyed GUITAR-ZERO immensely. Marcus has not only intensified the process itself but simplified the definition of one's dedication to it. His elaborate illustration will certainly cause many of us to better appreciate the gifts we've been blessed with."
Pat Martino, four-time Grammy nominee - Pat Martino, four-time Grammy nominee