No Bull Music Theory for Guitarists - by James Shipway (Paperback)

About the Book

Essential guitar theory with free audio file included. Confusion-free language. No music reading required. Each new theme is backed up with examples, exercises and quizzes to really drive your understanding home.

Book Synopsis

Easy language. Music reading not required. Includes free downloadable audio!

Inside the 12 chapters of this guitar theory book you'll learn about intervals, triads, major and minor keys, chord sequences - and understand how to apply them to your playing, improvising and songwriting. I'll use diagrams and simple, non-intimidating language to teach you in minutes, things which confuse some guitarists for years.

This guitar music theory book is for you if:

• You want to boost your music theory knowledge so you can become the guitar player you really want to be
• You're a singer-songwriter who needs to learn about chords, keys and chord progressions in order to write great songs (like you hear on recordings!)
• You want to learn music theory but are unsure where to start
• You're a student who needs a crash course in music theory essentials to prepare for college auditions, entrance exams etc
• You're a beginner who wants to easily learn how music works as you take your first steps in learning to play guitar so you can avoid confusion, improve faster and learn more easily
• You feel confused and intimidated by the 'jargon' you hear other musicians or YouTube teachers use
• You 'kind of' understand theory... but you're not really sure how well!

What will this book teach you about?

In the 12 lessons you'll find super clear explanations, practical examples and quiz questions on:

• The Musical Alphabet - the only 12 notes used in all music!
• Tones and Semitones
• The Major Scale - learn what it actually is
• Major and Minor Triads - as used in most pop, country, rock and folk music
• Major Scale Intervals - major 3rds, perfect 4ths...what are they?
• Chromatic Intervals - discover what weird names like diminished and augmented really mean
• Major Keys - parts 1 & 2
• Chord Progressions - start writing pro-sounding chord sequences and songs of your own
• Pentatonic Scales - the most common guitar scales ever...
• The Natural Minor Scale - essential for minor key soloing in rock, pop and other styles
• Minor Key Basics - learn the secrets of awesome minor key songs and chord sequences

How will you learn and remember all this? Easy!

Each chapter introduces a new element of guitar theory. You get a clear but detailed explanation of the concept and multiple examples/practical exercises, FAQs and more to drive your understanding home. Test yourself using the quiz questions at the end of each chapter (answers supplied). To help you play certain practical examples there is also an appendix of common open chord shapes and barre chords at the back of the book. Plus, every chapter is also available to you (free) as an audio file so you can immerse yourself in guitar theory whilst at the gym or walking the dog! You'll find details for these in the book.

You Can Do This ... and without all the bull!

Review Quotes

'If you're looking for something that does what it says 'on the tin' then you're in safe hands. Makes concepts that are often overcomplicated seem easily understandable. We'd highly recommend this book!' Guitarguys Blog, May 2020