Mel Bay's Complete Book of Guitar Chords, Scales and Arpeggios [Paperback]

William Bay (Author)

Book Description

Series: Complete | Publication Date: September 1, 1992

We believe this to be the most complete and thorough book of its kind in print! The Scale Section contains major and minor scales in numerous forms and positions. The Arpeggio Section contains a multi- octave presentation of each chord-related arpeggio. The Chord Section presents carefully voiced, powerful-sounding chords in every key. In addition, chord spelling, chord notes, and scale tones are shown. A wealth of information for daily practice performance.

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: 296 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (September 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156222526X
• ISBN-13: 978-1562225261
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Of Little Ue, May 8, 2003

By 

Jerry Peterson "SBW2Fan" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay's Complete Book of Guitar Chords, Scales and Arpeggios (Paperback)

In some areas, this book assumes you have never seen a guitar beore, in others it assumes you have been studying for years. Of primary concern to me was that there was only 1 page of text - which was in essence an advertisement for the book!

In 74 pages of scales, it offers only the Major, Minor, and Minor Pentatonic scales, and doesn't even show THOSE in all positions. The book assumes that if you are given a scale in "A", you also have to be told where the "A#" is.

The Arpeggio section displays no picking patterns or notation/tab, just fretboard maps. Some of the Arpeggios are shown over the entire fretboard, some are only shown in the first couple of positions.

The chord charts are just ordinary chart, they have no text which may display insight into chord construction or useage.

Bottom line: I have seen chart and fretboard maps that were of greater use available free on the web. If you are looking for an in-depth study of Scales, Arpeggios or Chords...this book AIN'T IT.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is incomplete, July 6, 2006

By 

Michael Goh "MGS" (Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay's Complete Book of Guitar Chords, Scales and Arpeggios (Paperback)

I don't find the scales and arpeggios helpful enough. You can get better ones on the Internet and for free.

The book does not give you the names of the notes on the fretboard. You have to figure that out yourself and it's not easy for beginners as you cannot see the subsequent tonic notes.

Wouldn't recommend this book to my friends.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for all Guitarists, October 28, 2008

By 

Robert G. Leigh (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mel Bay's Complete Book of Guitar Chords, Scales and Arpeggios (Paperback)

This is a terrific resource for figuring out chords and where to play them on the fretboard,as well as arpeggios and scales. I keep it at my side and refer to it often when I'm working on new pieces. What a dictionary is to a writer, this is to the guitarist.