Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Guitar Chords (You Can Teach Yourself) (You Can Teach Yourself) [Paperback]

William Bay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

Rather than the usual alphabetic or encyclopedic chord listing (C, Cm, C-, C+, etc.) this comprehensive chord reference book presents guitar chords as they are actually used in specific keys (C, Am, F, G7, Dm, E7). Chords are further classified in five basic "zones" on the fretboard. By learning each zone carefully and playing the review studies at the end of each section guitarists can enhance their knowledge of chord forms and their ability to "make the changes" throughout the entire fretboard. An important appendix presents essential music theory regarding scale and chord construction while offering additional chord forms in each zone. Highly recommended for guitarists of all playing levels.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Bay is president of Mel Bay Publications, Inc. He is an accomplished guitarist and trumpet player and has performed on both instruments in a wide variety of professional settings. He is experienced as a performer and composer of music ranging from jazz and rock to the classics and sacred. He received his bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his master's from the University of Missouri. Bill has received international acclaim for his innovative teaching methods, and he has authored over 200 books with sales in the millions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786600551
• ISBN-13: 978-0786600557
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,429,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Reference Book!, March 20, 2008

By 

Jeff Smith "Expatriate Blaque" (Osaka, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay's You Can Teach Yourself Guitar Chords (You Can Teach Yourself) (You Can Teach Yourself) (Paperback)

I have played guitar for almost 20 years, and I think this book is very good for people who need to refresh their memory as to how to form chords in different neck positions (called "zones" in the book). I do agree with the person who wrote an earlier review, who was kind enough to warn people who don't know theory well that this book does not explain how certain chords are formed: this can confuse people to an extent. If you have studied rudimentary music theory, you know the scales and therefore know where the diminished, augmented, and other "interesting" chords are derived from.

However, nitpicking aside, the book does an EXCELLENT JOB at showing someone how to play chords in a particular key, and very thorough practice lessons to aid in chord mobility. Even long-time players can brush up with this, and beginner-intermediate players can find enjoyment in expanding their chord vocabulary.