Fretboard Logic III Applications: Creative and Analytical (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Whenever a person makes a decision to learn the guitar, they enter innocently, a vast network of interrelated systems that existed long before that decision..." (more)
Key Phrases: Melodic Harmonic, Form Min, Form Tritone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

After fumbling around for years - I finally Get it now! Keep up the good work. your Introductions to Theory, Technique, Rhythm, Lead & Styles left me salivating for more! Send a catalog - Ill buy everything you write. [and wrote later of Vol. III...] Thanks again. What a great book. You continue to exceed all my expectations & are worth every cent. -- Allan Barsema Rockford IL

Bill, your books are good! They're unlike many books (and solos for that matter) that seem to take forever to get through and not say much that the average person can understand. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us thrashers. Another great thing I've discovered about your books is that one doesn't even need to have a guitar in hand to learn from them. I travel a lot and I've found that your books have the visualization tools that let me practice mentally while away from the fretboard. I'd heard from my keyboard playing friends that this mental activity is a key part of the learning process, but I hadn't been able to achieve it until I discovered your books. Thanks again! -- Dave Jenkins, Macon GA

Dear Bill, Just some happy greetings from a content customer who might also refrain why didnt I meet your work earlier? Better now than never. -- Michael Will Hannover Germany

I dont care if youre a beginner, novice or professional, Fretboard Logic is amazingly inspirational. Even if youre a professional guitar player and have been playing 20 years - this book will benefit you - guaranteed. -- Matt Edgeman Trilby FL

Its not only enlightening in a guitaristic sense, its fun to read. -- Charlie Bradley San Diego CA

Ive bought hundreds of dollars of instructions books but Ive never seen anything that put things in as clear of a light. Im just surprised that it isnt more well known. -- Werner Dellmeier Concord CA

Thank you Bill Edwards! Your commitment to teaching has turned this malnourished student into a happy picker. Many many thanks. -- Gena Rutkowski Silver City NM

The Fretboard Logic series is the best learning tool for the guitarist. I like your use of humor in teaching as well. Thanks to you, I have a better understanding of music and that will help prepare me on my way to a career in music. -- Jason Teague Hobbs NM

These books are fantastic. Ive been teaching for 30 years and they save a lot of time in the lesson. -- Bill Heinz Delta CO

From the Publisher

Volume III expands exponentially on the foundations established in the first two books. Much broader in scope, it touches on a wide range of subjects without being superficial.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Bill Edwards Publishing Corp.; 4th edition (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962477028
• ISBN-13: 978-0962477027
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #189,014 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful in part, but might not be worth your while, November 30, 2002

By	Ilia Asafiev (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

On my high praise of Mr. Edward's approach (in my review of the first two volumes of this series), it may come as a bit of a surprise that I consider this - a continuation of the method - unworthy of the rest of it. However, there are several reasons for it, and few, if any, of them are the author's fault. His intent is to keep the series accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

The first two volumes, which I recommend in the combined anniversary edition, go through the organization of guitar as an instrument, with the promise of actual music coming into play at a later time. Well, this volume is where the music not introduced in the second volume comes in.

Applications - Creative and Analytical (ACaA) is not necessarily something to be read in sequence. Rather, it is something to refer to as an encyclopedia, upon need of certain elements. If you're anything like me, you may find that you will buy this book for 20 out of the 170 pages of it, and end up using the rest just to make yourself feel that you haven't wasted any money.

ACaA goes through the fundamentals of music theory in this book. He uses guitar, not piano, to expain them, which is a bonus, but learning, or re-learning, to read standard notation may be a bit of a drag. Not that it isn't worth it, but it's something that can be acquired in other sources. It's not that difficult.

Another thing ACaA covers are technical development exercises, particularly for lead playing. Again, something we can easily find elsewhere. Rhythmic and melodic exercises, same thing. In short, there is a lot of material that, unlike the stuff in the first two volumes, can be found in other places in a duplicate fashion - Mr. Edwards simply adjusts it to his teaching style.

ACaA also includes some original compositions by Mr. Edwards, which is a nice addition, but the analytical application takes away from the creative aspect - having the tool (the guitar), to discover the music for oneself and grow with it. I've seen bands with guitarists who have mastered this approach - their playing is quite bland, with very little spark to it. In other words, this third volume is insufficient to make one a great guitarist, not just a great guitar player.

There is a very useful section on chord progressions, from which any player would benefit, and which all fans of volumes I and II will love. And to give credit where credit is due, there are many great pedagogical techniques in this volume, which are worth looking at, even if only academically. Also, there is a ton of great advice regarding learning techniques for everyone in this book, so don't write it off based on its negative aspects.

Also, on a negative note, there is a number of typographical errors in this book, which, unless you already know the concept being explained, might give you a little trouble.

To conclude, this book is something to consider. However, as Plato notes, be careful with logic - use it only once you've verified that the axioms of your system are true. I will use similar advice: use this book well, but don't limit yourself to it.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fretboard Logic should be an Easier Way to Learn Guitar!, November 6, 2002

By	Arthur S. (Amarillo, Tx United States) - See all my reviews

I had been struggling to learn guitar for years, that is until Fretboard Logic.I have both the Video and Volumes I & 2 and let me tell you I am playing G U I T A R NOW!

The moment I got the book and began pouring into it I was turned on. I figured out what I was doing wrong after just reading a few paragraphs of certain topics.

The way Bill (I kinda feel close to the guy now after hours of watching him on video) teach in the book and on video is very logical... that is, he makes it simple. Once you understand the fretboard, scales are no problem. But trying to learn scales without understanding the fretboard you are probably in for years of frustration; believe me, I know.

The C.A.G.E.D. system takes you all over the fretboard. Once you learn the forms and positions (which is simple) along with the CAGE system you are on your way. The rest is just mechanics and preference.

I am now playing with a band and getting great reviews from both the band members and the audience. BTW, I am lefthanded so I had to reverse a lot of figering shown on the video and was still able to do well, so I know you righthanded folks can.

My son, who just started playing bass 2 mths ago is learning at a fast pace. I ordered the Fretboard Logic video and book for Bass for him and he loves them.

I just wanted to give Bill his "props" and say to anyone who's trying to learn or get over the hump, Fretboard Logic is the way to go. I've wasted thousands of dollars on videos where the instructor seems more impressed with himself than trying to teach; and books where you are taught songs, scales, modes, etc, not application. Fretboard Logic is a godsend. If you are brand new to guitar I think you need to get books or videos that will teach you the basics; how to hold a guitar, a pick, etc. Don't spend a lot of money just get something that will familiarize you with the basics. Once you have the basics down, order Fretboard Logic (get the workbook that has both volumes in it I & 2). if you are a visual person like myself you may also want to order the video too.

Just wanted to spread the Love,
Peace

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Must Have This Series, July 14, 2001

By	Thomas Brown (Corona, CA USA) - See all my reviews

An excellent followup to an essential series on guitar. Edwards fills in all the gaps from intervals to chord progressions. I have found his suggestions useful in songwriting and breaking out of improvisational ruts. You really can't afford to be without this series if you are serious about guitar and music.