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Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition

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Description

Unlock the secrets of guitar music theory with "Music Theory for Guitarists: The Complete Method Book" by James Shipway. This comprehensive guide combines Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of the acclaimed "Music Theory for Guitarists" series into one essential edition!Whether you're a music theory beginner or aiming to reach pro-level, this method book provides clear, step-by-step lessons in music theory for guitar so that you can enhance your guitar playing and musical understanding.What You’ll Learn:Volume 1: Grasp guitar theory basics with lessons on the major scale, triads, basic intervals, major and minor keys, pentatonic scales, chord progressions and moreVolume 2: Advance your skills with in-depth lessons on the fretboard, chord inversions, compound intervals, seventh chords, the Circle of Fifths,modes of the major scale and moreVolume 3: Achieve near pro-level expertise with the CAGED system, extended chords, improvisation with modes, harmonic minor scale, key change techniques, and much more.Features:Over 100 downloadable audio lessons, demonstrations, backing tracks, and practice drillsEasy-to-follow, jargon-free explanations - no prior music theory knowledge necessaryEasy-to-read chord diagrams, fretboard diagrams and guitar tabPractical examples and exercises to reinforce learningQuizzes and assignments to test your understandingNo music reading skills necessary!Why This Guitar Theory Book?James Shipway, a seasoned guitarist and educator, brings his extensive teaching experience to help you navigate the complexities of music theory. His straightforward, practical approach makes learning accessible and enjoyable for guitarists at any level. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Headstock Books (September 29, 2022)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 380 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1914453824


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 23


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.95 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.86 x 11 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #12,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #4 in Music Theory (Books) #8 in Guitar Songbooks #10 in String Instruments (Books)


#4 in Music Theory (Books):


#8 in Guitar Songbooks:


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Best Music Theory Book for Guitar?
This might be one of the best theory books written for guitar out there. It's formatted in such a way so that everything you learn in one chapter continues to build onward into the next. This structured approach is fantastic. Here's the layout of each chapter, and what to expect (note: prior to reading this book, I had an okay understanding of the basics, so this is the point of view I'm coming from) Volume 1: Covers the absolute fundamentals of theory. Intervals, the musical alphabet, steps/tones, keys. Volume 2: Expands on the knowledge of volume 1. Different chord types, a handful of things you might find in other theory literature, 7th chords, modes, and so on. Volume 3: Further expands on the previous knowledge from the other two volumes. This was the hardest book for me to get through personally, but I learned a ton from it. This volume gives a lot of detailed information on things like the CAGED system, extended chords (major 9th chords, dominant 13th chords, minor 11th chords, etc.), harmonic minor scale, key changes, parallel keys, and more topics. Overall, this is a fantastic book that would benefit someone looking to seriously improve their composition skills and theory knowledge as it pertains to guitar. I can't recommend it enough. For $35.99, I feel like I got a very valuable resource. Here are my pros/cons/nitpicks of the book: Pros: -Great study/learning resource for people who want to improve their music theory knowledge (especially as it pertains to guitar). -Topics explained in a structured and concise manner (although I think in later chapters, it does slowly become less concise. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, and might be a consequence of the subjects being taught). -Audio examples to help the reader not only see, but hear AND play the theory they're learning to give a good idea of what the concepts sound like. Cons: -Even for the first volume, this might be a lot for a guitarist just starting out. I'd say after someone becomes comfortable with the basics (open/cowboy chords, barre chords, chord names, how to read basic tabs/chord charts, scale exercises and/or spider walk etc.), then they should get this book. -This is both a pro and a con, but as with the pro section, the later chapters do seem to become less concise. Maybe this has to do with my own personal level of knowledge, but it felt like they started getting much more detailed compared to the first volume of this book. This is a pro because there's a lot of well-explained knowledge, but a con because it can be a bit difficult to learn. Nitpicks: -End of volume 1 uses fretboard diagrams instead of chord charts to display the chords used throughout the volume. This was kind of confusing to me and made them harder to read. -Took a while to mention how chord progressions use lowercase roman numerals to show a minor chord. Just seems like most music theory literature out there uses this system, and it's not mentioned until volume 2 chapter 10. Maybe James had a reason for this, but I felt like it could've been included in volume 1 (just my opinion). -In my opinion, I found it easier to memorize the mode interval formulas by comparing them to the formulas of the major and minor scale. For example, if you know the major scale is 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and the natural minor scale is 1,2,b3,4,5,b6,b7 - you could remember that the dorian mode is like a minor scale but with a natural (sharpened, in this case) 6th. So, it's formula would be 1,2,b3,4,5,6,b7. For the lydian mode, it's like a major scale but with a sharp four, so if you know the major scale formula, you just add a sharp 4 to it (1,2,3,#4,5,6,7). The aeolian mode is just the minor scale, etc. In volume 2 chapter 11, James uses a chart which I found harder to understand. I think it would be cool if he included the other way of doing this which makes use of memorizing the major and minor scale formulas to help memorize the mode formulas. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2023 by david

  • The only book on music theory that doesn't read like a fortune cookie
If you want music theory, jargon, and music mumbo jumbo explained to you in a clear, easy to understand way, this is the book you want. EVERY topic you want explained is covered and there are quizzes and exercises to make sure you retain it. This is as close to a perfect book [on any topic] I've seen. I picked up guitar late in life and this book has been invaluable. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024 by Nemo

  • Awesome theory books
I recently purchased all 3 volumes of James Shipway’s theory for guitarists, been having a lot of fun. The audio content is awesome and the theory is very easy to understand the way James explains it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn theory.
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2024 by Roger

  • Great source of information
I really have been enjoying this book. The concepts are explained free from the music technical jargon that populates so many guitar theory methods. I know…I have bought a few of them over the years. Very pleased with my purchase.
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2024 by Amazon Customer

  • great book two thumbs up. laid out very logically and systematically
I like the way this book progresses from one principle to the next building on the last concept presented. as an older player(68) I have always wanted to learn some theory to understand what I was trying to play other books have left me confused and just giving up. I would recommend this book to guitar players of any age who want to learn some music theory ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024 by I Love Jesus

  • Science behind the music
As a late commer guitarist, I have traversed countless musical landscapes, seeking that elusive bridge between creativity and theory. My quest let me to " No Bull Music Theory for guitarists", and let me tell you...it is a game changer. 1. Accessible Brilliance: James Shipway, the maestro behind this gem, weaves theory into our fretboard journey with finesse. His approach is like a well-tuned riff—simple yet profound. No convoluted jargon here; just pure, unadulterated knowledge served in bite-sized portions. 2. Science Unleashed: Ever wondered why certain chords evoke joy while others tug at your soul? Shipway demystifies it all. From intervals to scales, he unveils the science behind the construct of music. Suddenly, those frets make sense—they’re the atoms of our sonic universe. 3. Quizzes That Rock: Each chapter culminates in a quiz. Picture this: you, your guitar, and a glass of wine. The questions nudge your memory, reinforcing concepts. It’s like jamming with theory—fun, enlightening, and oh-so-satisfying. 4. From Novice to Virtuoso: Whether you’re strumming your first chords or shredding solos, this trilogy (yes, there are three books!) caters to all. Shipway’s genius lies in pacing—no theory avalanche. He says, “That’s what you need to know about that for now,” and you nod, grateful for the clarity. 5. The “Aha!” Moments: I’ve scribbled notes in the margins, underlined revelations, and dog-eared pages. This book isn’t just a read; it’s a conversation with your inner musician. Suddenly, modes make sense, and the fretboard becomes your canvas. 6. Guitarists’ Holy Grail: Shipway’s work isn’t just a book; it’s a secret society. We nod knowingly when someone mentions “Mixolydian.” We wink when we spot a “tritone.” And we owe it all to this unassuming paperback. In summary, “No Bull Music Theory for Guitarists” is the Stratocaster of theory books—timeless, reliable, and capable of electrifying your musical journey. So, fellow guitarists, grab your six-stringed companions, dive into Shipway’s universe, and let the frets sing their secrets. Thank you James for broadening my life with your teaching of music. Kaveh ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024 by Amazon Customer

  • Great book
Very understandable for beginners
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024 by DEBBIE CONWAY

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