Music Theory Workbook for Guitar: Scale Construction and Application, Vol. 2 [Spiral-bound]

Bruce Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

Guitarist tend to learn scales as fingering patterns, but all the great players can see scales on the guitar without having to rely on patterns.  If you are spending too much time thinking about what pattern to play rather than just playing, then this book is for you.  With a 10 to 15 minute commitment each day you can revolutionize your playing and finally get to a place in your mind and on your fingerboard where you can really let loose. Imagine not having to always relate your improvisation back to some pattern you've learned!  The exercises here will help break down those bad habits and make you a much better improviser, and also get you finally learning all the important scales used in improvisation. This book continues the unique approach of Music Theory Workbook Volume One by tackling 22 different scales in staff notation, and just as importantly, directly to the guitar fretboard through guitar diagrams. A simple theory section written in concise and easy to understand language prepares you for each of the exercises. Worksheets are given that quiz you about scale construction using staff notation and guitar tablature. Answers are supplied in the back of the book enabling you to work without a teacher.
Multiple videos available in the member's area show you:

1. How to finger scales on the guitar.
2. How to find proper scale for any chord.
3. How to applying these scales in multiple situations.

This book is a required text at the New York University and Princeton University Music departments.

EXCERPT 1 How to Use this Book

The course of study presented in this book assumes that the reader has absorbed the information and terminology from Music Theory Workbook for Guitar Volume One ISBN # 0-9648632-4-3. Both of these books are information intensive and crucial questions may naturally arise. Muse-eek presents a forum where relevant questions will be answered by the author. Please visit our website at muse-eek.com first to see if your question has already been answered. If not, use the form on the website to e-mail your questions. This book is divided into 5 sections. 1. Basic scale theory 2. A discussion of each scale and corresponding chord progressions 3. Chord scale possibilities for each chord type 4. Worksheets for scales 5. Answers for scale worksheets First read through the basic scale theory section to familiarize yourself with the basic theory behind scales and their construction. Proceed to the discussion of each scale. As you learn about each scale do the corresponding worksheets. Use the answer section in the back of the book to check your answers. As you get more familiar with each scale, check out the "Chord and Possible Scale Usage" section located on pages 28-38 for further information concerning the application of each scale to different chords.

Make sure to improvise with each scale over the chord progressions presented to be sure you have a working knowledge of each scale.

Use the extra linear page at the end of this book to write out each scale starting on all strings. This will ensure that your knowledge of each scale is complete.

The first thing a student must tackle is learning how to read music. A detailed description of the development of music notation is beyond the scope of this book and some inconsistencies (which will appear in italics) have stayed in musical notation, in the course of that development. For the beginner these inconsistencies can be very confusing but inconsistent as it may be, music notation does have a standard for expressing itself visually and by understanding this system a whole new world of music is open to you.

In this system a series of lines and spaces are employed to create a visual representation of sound.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Mr. Arnold has taught at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, and these books are the result of twenty years of experience. He has observed his student's most common musical problems, elicited their input, and the results are the Bruce Arnold Series of Music Workbooks, addressing both harmonic and rhythmic issues. These books are geared to the seriously dedicated musician, whether beginning or professional, and will provide a lifetime's worth of study and inspiration.

Music Theory Workbook for Guitar Volume Two is unique in that it also comes with Internet links to Audio and Video examples of all the written exercises. To be downloaded at your leisure and revisited when your practice schedule permits.

We are very excited about Mr. Arnold's innovative instruction series. We believe that this series of books will help more students and professional musicians to perfect their technique and reading skills. We know of no other books to compare with them; they are truly a teaching method for the New Millennium!

From the Back Cover

Music Theory Workbook for Guitar This book provides real hands-on application for 22 different scale types. A theory section written in concise and easy to understand language prepares the student for all exercises. Worksheets are given that quiz a student about scale construction using staff notation and guitar tablature. Answers are supplied in the back of the book enabling a student to work without a teacher. Audio files are also available on the muse-eek website to facilitate practice and improvisation with all the scales presented.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 215 pages
• Publisher: muse eek publishing (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964863251
• ISBN-13: 978-0964863255
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Guitarist Bruce Arnold has developed an extensive reputation as a composer educator and guitar virtuoso. He has created a unique signature sound that stems from his combination of jazz techniques and 20th Century compositional methods. He has played with such diverse musicians as Stuart Hamm, Peter Erskine, Joe Pass, Joe Lovano, Randy Brecker, Stanley Clarke, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Arnold is also deeply devoted to music education and had written more than 60 music instruction. He heads the guitar departments at NYU and Princeton University and is the director of the New York University Summer Guitar Intensive He has taught at some of the most prestigious music schools in America, including the New England Conservatory of Music, Dartmouth College, Berklee College of Music, New School University, and City College of New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great way to learn, December 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Music Theory Workbook for Guitar: Scale Construction and Application, Vol. 2 (Spiral-bound)

I highly recommend this book. Mr. Arnold presents you with 22 scales, explains each one and gives you chord progressions to use to apply the scale. The publisher's website gives you cool midifiles of each chord progression with a whole band playing them. I've been jamm'in away with this stuff and it is very enlightening.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Workbook 2 keeps the pedal down, July 3, 2008

By 

Thanh T. Pham (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Music Theory Workbook for Guitar: Scale Construction and Application, Vol. 2 (Spiral-bound)

Like Arnold's first book on theory and intervals, Workbook 2 focuses on scale construction and its application on the guitar neck and staff. In addition, like the first book, it has answer guide for corrections. After going through these books, the student will definitely have their minds educated on where and what and just need to apply this to the guitar.

Again, not for beginners, but useful for those who have theory knowledge, and jazz intentions.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not a workbook, July 29, 2009

By 

saul "saul" (CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Music Theory Workbook for Guitar: Scale Construction and Application, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Although Music Theory for Guitar Volume 1 is an excellent book for beginners and intermediates, this one would really only be useful for a more advanced guitar player. It mostly contains scale charts for Lydian and Mixolydian scales, which was completely useless to me. There were NO written exercises in this book as there were in Volume 1.