Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method) (Paperback)

by Tom Kolb (Author)
Key Phrases: intervallic formula, minor key progressions, seventh chord form, Common Progressions, Key Answers, Jimi Hendrix (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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!

Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 063406651X
• ISBN-13: 978-0634066511
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,063 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Instruments & Performers > Guitar
  #4 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Theory
  #4 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Instruction & Study

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

210 of 214 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by a beginner, February 10, 2008

By	Arthur Bradley "Author of Process of Elimination" (Virginia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book out there for music theory as applied to guitar., July 24, 2006

By	Brian Busch (Mankato, MN) - See all my reviews

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.

79 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best yet, August 27, 2005

By	William L. Whitman (Washington DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.