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

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.

I've wasted many hours trying to learn chord theory from scattered sources, none of them complete, some very hard to follow. This book is really well put together. I feel like I no longer need to search for chord theory information. I'm very pleased with this book and gave away all my other books on chord theory. Great job by the author.

great book for people who know nothing about theory and starting from zero

Just finished the first of three volumes in the book. Excellent format and pace. Finding the lessons very easy to assimilate. Was planning on reviewing upon completion of the book, however, at the author's request I'm submitting early. Highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to acquire practical knowledge music theory on guitar!

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.

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.

Very understandable for beginners

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.

This trilogy takes you from start to finish with the essentials and really breaks down theory in a non-intimidating way.The exercises and chapters to start are brief but effective.I can't wait to go through his other books once this one is complete. I haven't tried the jam tracks but they are easily accessible once you get the book.

I have completed book 1, and although I am pretty confident with my musical theory, this book made it very clear, and there were quite a few "Lightbulb " moments, when , thanks to the very clear text, I managed to joint the dots on a LOT of music theory.

Having been a guitar player for several years this is still an interesting read. It explains things that you may have assumed you understood, but in reality only s9me of it was clear. Definitely worth getting.

Easy to understand.

I am working my way through this book and gaining a much clearer understanding of music theory. I like the bite sized chapters providing clear information. I feel I am gradually building a solid music theory foundation by working through this book. I have recommended it to other guitarists that I know, as it is so clearly explained - thank you.