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Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method)x$12.02
  (31 reviews)
Best Price: $19.95 $12.02
Guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book and CD package. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams. The accompanying CD provides 94 tracks of music examples, scales, modes, chords, ear training, and much more!
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Customer Reviews
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Review by a beginner
By A34IC48GLL4U3Y on 2008-02-10
I should start by stating that I am a beginning guitar student. So please take my review in the appropriate light. The book "Music Theory" is a unique addition to my quickly growing guitar library. It is broken into 13 chapters:
Chapter 1 - a detailed explanation of the fretboard. This was particularly useful for me, because it explained what every note on the fretboard was. Tuning and intonation are also briefly discussed. Everything in the book is also given in TAB as well as sheet music.
Chapter 2 - covers the basics of reading music including the treble clef, musical alphabet (A-G), accidentals (flats, sharps, naturals), rhythm, time signatures, note values, beams, dotted notes, chords (stacks, names, and frames), repeat signs, and tablature.
Chapter 3 - discusses the major/minor scales, key signatures, and the handy circle of fifths.
Chapter 4 - focuses on intervals (distance between two notes).
Chapter 5 - covers the major and minor triads (chords which are a third interval apart).
Chapter 6 - discusses harmonizing the major scale.
Chapter 7 - a study of chord construction - both in theory and on the fretboard, covering major, minor, power, suspended, sixth, six/nine, seventh, extended, altered, slash, and poly chords.
Chapter 8 - discusses harmonizing the minor scale.
Chapter 9 - talks about key centers (something I must admit I haven't quite figured out yet).
Chapter 10 - covers the 12-bar blues progression, the major and minor pentatonic scales, and parallel pentatonic scales.
Chapter 11/12 - discusses modes, modal harmony, other scales, and chord/scale relationships.
Chapter 13 - covers chord substitutions and reharmonization.
My impression of the book is "Wow!" There is a tremendous amount of information in this book. As a beginner, I really benefitted from the first five chapters, but quickly lost my way as I pushed further ahead. But I fully expect that as I gain more experience, I will continue to consult this very valuable resource.
Written by Arthur Bradley, author of "Process of Elimination" - a cool erotic thriller that pits a martial artist against a world-class sniper.
As always, please be kind enough to indicate if reviews are helpful.
Best yet
By A1W8MEPU42J2OP on 2005-08-27
After 35 years of self taught guitar and knowing a fair amount about music theory, I found this book to be the clearest, most concise and comprehensive overview of theory I've ever read. This is "must have" for any guitarist who wants to move beyond groping the neck and develop an organized approach to your music.
The best book out there for music theory as applied to guitar.
By A2GD1FO2CWU8JK on 2006-07-24
There are many things to really like about this book. Music theory throughout the book is presented systematically from triads to seventh chords to altered chords and so forth. There are quizzes at the end of chapters to test yourself to make sure you really understand what was just presented in the chapter. There are ear training exercises in most chapters to develope your aural skills along the way. Graphics are professional and visually appealing. The diagrams really make the book easy to follow. Every critical chord group, scale, and mode is explained. The author gives advice on how the guitarist can apply scales over jazz changes and explains key centers and substitutions. Great book for beginning and intermediate level jazz guitarists.
Comprehensive, intuitive guide for the guitarist wanting to understand theory...
By A1QY8E4DAAJ73K on 2007-09-22
I have been a musician all of my life, since the age of 4, and a guitarist for a decade, since the age of sixteen. I was in high school orchestra and took guitar lessons for a few years, but at no time during any of this did any of my instructors really help me understand music theory. I tried learning a few times by myself, but that always ended in frustration.
Then I found this book. "Music Theory for Guitarists" is the most in-depth, intuitive, and well thought out book on the subject that I have ever come across. After reading this book and completing the exercises in it, I now feel confident in my grasp of music theory in a way I thought would never happen.
This book deftly guides the reader through the journey from the most basic of basics to much more complex topics, such as chord substitution and reharmonization. It also includes an entire chapter on learning to find the key center of songs, which is an incredibly useful skill to have. You can't always tell by ear what key you are in.
Perhaps the most in depth part of this book...the author analyzes the major and minor scales, and all of their modes, in depth. He gives each scale and mode its own section, discussing the nuances of what sets each apart from the others, and giving ideas for how and when to apply it in real world situations. He also goes into detail about building and identifying chords and harmonizing the major and minor scales (a section that has completely reinvented the way I look at writing music.)
I cannot say enough about this book. It has opened my eyes to a subject I thought I was too "stupid" to grasp, and showed me that I was only unable to learn because it had never been presented to me correctly. If you have any weaknesses in your knowledge of music theory, I would strongly recommend that you take advantage of the goldmine of information found in this book. You will likely find yourself, as I have, seeing the language of music in a completely different light, and for the first time really seeing how all Western music is connected at the root.
Clear cut theory for the guitarist!
By A2RPTSRT6232B8 on 2005-08-04
If you are like me and have been searching for a music theory tool that is tailored for the guitarist, look no further. This is it. This book breaks down music theory in a simple, easy to understand fashion. It has taught me, so it must work!
- Solid
By A3M1PLEYNDEYO8 on 2007-09-30
An easy to understand guide in music theory as it relates to the guitar. I'm no wiz-bang when it comes to music. I constantly struggle with it, but despite that I recieve so much gratification from the effort. This book lays out the concepts in very easy and digestible chunks so that even a slow music learner as myself is able to grasp the concepts.
- Very Good book!
By A1A1YQTECMYD62 on 2006-05-29
This is a must have book if you want to dig into musical theory
behind what you play and what you're going to play. Very comprehensive and easy understand.
- this is the book I am looking for
By A1SN0D76Q5SOWZ on 2006-09-07
I am a first time learner to music and guitar. Although I was attending classes, the terminology was totally confusing. I wanted to find a book which tells me the music fundamentals specific to guitar. This is the book! I read only first few chapters, I liked it and highly recommend it. I will post my experiences after reading it fully.
- Good Overview of music theory
By A142QKZJ60Y6Q8 on 2007-01-09
For the guitarist who wants to understand more of the theory behind music notation and the guitar. This is a good reference. It is pretty comprehensive, although the explanations are often a bit brief. Best for those with some music notation experience looking to expand their knowledge.
- Surprisingly useful
By A3MHZMU0K3X6Q7 on 2007-05-29
I've been playing guitar for roughly 12 years now, and I had stagnated. While I could play just about anything I wanted to (except a little Django) I had some weaknesses. I had learned theory in school, but it was strictly on paper - I had only applied the knowledge to guitar in the most obvious ways.
With increased practice time, I've been looking for more material to learn. I wanted a book that would provide all of the scale exercises I'd need to become a little more fluent in my ability to construct interesting ideas.
And this book helps quite a bit!
It is a dense book, since it boils theory down to very concise entries. It isn't a book you can fly through, especially if you haven't already known what you were doing.
So far, my speed has increased, and my scale knowledge has blossomed.
- not for a beginner or anything close to it
By A18TUHNXMHTGDB on 2008-06-13
You know how when you go into a guitar shop you see racks full of pamphlets with nothing but chord and scale diagrams? Well thats what this "book" is. Customer reviews on Amazon have helped me find a lot of cool books, but this is one time where I got suckered. This pamphlet is 103 pages long, and has very sparse amount of text between diagrams, which you will only understand if you already have a working knowledge of music theory.
- Everything you Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
By A1E93LIWSDHB1A on 2007-01-26
This is truly a remarkable book. It covers a wide range of areas important to any musicial regardless of their instrument. I brought it obviously to improve my skill on the guitar, but I've learned so much more with regard to the theory behind music.
As a musician and student with Music as my Major in college, one of the most important chapters in the book for me was chapter# 4 (Intervals). I struggled with intervals constantly. But now I am becomming much better at identifying them. I had not seem this thing called "interval shapes" which is in chapter 4, and was not aware that being able to identify shapes would allow me to achieve the interval I was looking for. There is so much more to this book that I will tell you if you're a serious musician or even if you're not, this is the book for you; hands down!
- Not What I Hoped
By A1CFVPK32RR2T9 on 2008-04-02
I am mostly an intuitive guitarist who actually does fairly well as a performer. I was hoping this was the book that would help me along, but it was not what I hoped. It's still pretty technical and fails to link riffs, patterns, and fretboard relationships into music that you can recognize and use. A few bits were OK, but it's back to doing what I do best- listening and playing along, and teaching myself.
- great book
By AKU4YA6NKVGUT on 2007-08-29
Ive reviewed alot of material on theory, and I really gained alot from this book. I dont have a guitar teacher, however, I do have a music theory instructor that I meet with weekly, and now that Ive completed a workbook in theory, and now reviewing with Music theory for guitarists, I feel that I am covering things as both review and newly applied to the guitar. There are great tips to understanding the guitar as well, which make me create my own music, and not just learn songs. Songs seem great for the once a year campfire, where everyone can sing along, but I play everyday, and without an audience. Sooner or later, youre going to discover that youre bored with other peoples songs, and youre ready to create your own music, of which this book gives you the keys to understanding this and take off on your own. Before this book, I was very frustrated with the fret board, now its user friendly in all positions.
- very good!
By A3BFQJS08T6GN6 on 2007-01-25
i would have to say this is one of the best music theory books i have studied. it is very intelligible, and goes into the fundamentals. the cd has quizes that will test your brain about what you learned in the chapter so as to solidify the information.great for begginers and intermediate.i would definiatly request this study aid.
- Pretty good
By AC5IVU8KH60K9 on 2007-02-18
I'm about halfway through this and its fairly thorough w/o being overcomplicated. The only complaint I'd have is that the chapters are sometimes uneven, in that one will take about 5 minutes to understand the material perfectly and another one will take at least a half hour to read through the more complicated info.
- Great book!
By A21BMD53RNKOH4 on 2007-09-17
Although some of the concepts can be a little tough at first, this book has become invaluable to me. It has enabled me to progress as a professional guitarist, not just someone who seeks to "self-learn" things on their own by playing songs of favorite bands.
I am very glad I got this book. It will teach you everything you need to know about music theory- which will greatly improve your guitar playing abilities in the long run.
- It taught me stuff, didn't scare me off
By A273JI83ZHFX6B on 2007-05-20
I got this book because it was recommended at Harmony Central, and I was starting to realise that I need some theory to be able to play better.
It presents the material in a fairly approachable way, and I actually learned some stuff, which was good. Then went I went to lessons, I had a kick start, knowing some of what the teacher was talking about. That was worthwile. Lessons are ultimately the way to go though :)
- Music Theory for Guitarist
By A21XSTU2W5V0FP on 2008-01-15
I found this book extremely helpful. For the first time, I learned about a visual pattern on the fretboard that allows me to play a mayor scale on any key. Switching to a blues scale simply ammounts to removing certain steps in the major scale. This is a great work.
- Great resource
By AFY4OJKGXJ0OA on 2007-11-05
This book has been one of the best learning tools I've come across. The author lays out exactly the things needed to learn and memorize. Great discussion on scales, modes, etc. I recommend.
- Must have if you are learning guitar
By A2LRI8W1LCRS2M on 2008-01-09
I would say that if you are seriously studying guitar and music music theory (yes, the two go together), this book is a must have addition to your library. It gives clear concise explanations of music theory as it applies to the guitar.
- Excellent
By A2SC6VRSFMFHI0 on 2008-08-20
Tells you all about music theory as it relates to guitar.
This won't give you any riffs. That's not the point of the book. It explains music theory as it applies to the guitar and gives you a framework in which to create those riffs. It works very well as a resource. This is not a "play all the stuff in here and you'll get better at guitar book". It delves into some fairly complex territory, so you'll have to think deeply at times, but it's well-written and it serves to advance your understanding of music.
Recommended as a a supplement to any beginning/intermediate "learn guitar" book.
- Music theory for guitar
By A1FYJNFFXME2NU on 2008-06-05
This book will provide good information for a beginning guitar player. I still have a long way to go in what appears to be a long process.
- Excellent Resource
By A2NK9OWJXZ4ZJ1 on 2008-08-26
Mr. Kolb's style of writing is highly conducive to learning music theory for the guitar. Whereas most music theory books I've looked at have been rather dry and focus more on piano, this book focuses solely on guitar and has given me several "a-ha!" moments. Highly recommended!
- Simple yet Effective.
By A397ZHLPGEHGN7 on 2007-10-06
This is a book that should be read after or at the same time as reading The Guitar Fretboard workbook. This book expounds on scales and intervals, triads and arpeggios, but in theory. Helps with learning how to write staff, read staff, sightread, and play! A MUST HAVE!
-Dr. Kenneth
- Theory for Guitarists
By ABD7A4FRO654X on 2008-10-01
As the title suggests this book concentrates on music specifically for guitar. It would probably be smart to have some knowledge in basic theory before trying to tackle this book. A good free website for a quick rundown of the basics is musictheory.net. There are thirteen chapters which contain information on intervals, triads, major and minor scales, pentatonic scales, chord construction and the like. There are quizzes to help you learn the information. The book also includes a CD with audio examples. Overall, this is a good guitar theory book as long as you have an understanding of basic theory.
- gonna be very helpful
By A1DM8B7D6YUCQJ on 2008-10-18
I'm one of those who has to know every step on the way to big picture. For those who need to KNOW how to play rather than just bang it out.
- Well-Structured Book, Wealth of Material
By AUGD06VRO0BKE on 2008-10-22
I think the irony with many standard guitar methods, at least the better ones, is that they usually expect you to have a basic knowledge of music theory to allow the exercises to really sink in from the very beginning. Conversely, I think the irony with starting a music theory course or method is that it normally expects you to have already begun contextualizing the material on the instrument of your choice before you can even begin to make practical sense of the material and apply it. It seems very much like a Catch-22.
What Tom Kolb manages to do in the opening chapters of this book is quickly and thoroughly provide the vital concepts you need to really get going with both: a diagram of the fretboard with all of the notes on it (without the high register), a nice explanation of the different types of notation, the terms you need to begin to develop your musical language abilities, scales and key signatures, intervals, and triads (the most basic chord forms). He uses a bottom-up approach; however detailed or complex the material gets, he usually manages to apply it to the larger context. And I use the word "usually" because it's very apparent that music theory becomes an infinitely large topic the more you cover. The latter chapters contain some very heady concepts that require playing experience to contextualize.
This book is loaded with material, and can be challenging depending on how much you invest yourself in it. If you use a healthy balance of memorization and application all the way through, there is no doubt that you will benefit.
- Alot of information packed in...
By A1U5U6AUJYOGJJ on 2008-11-11
This reference book does not have many pages, but it does have a huge amount of information. This information is presented in a logical sequence, and I found it easy to read. Be aware that, just as with any guitar theory book, actually LEARNING the contents and being able to use what you learn in your playing will take you months if not years.
- One Of The Best.
By A2GYYZ07SNLCGL on 2008-11-22
This is one of the best and most complete guitar guide/book I have had a pleasure to buy. It is a compilation of all the important aspects of the music theory all good guitarists should know and it is a fantastic reference guide, so you can be sure it will never stay long on your bookshelf covered in dust. Notation, tabs, CD with plenty of tracks, 104 pages easy to understand for everyone. The author did a really good job. Do not look at the price as it is like for free. At last I put all the pieces I was learning before in a one good shape.
Thanks Tom Kolb, Hal Leonard and Amazon for delivering this great release.
Regards,
Grzegorz Witkowski
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