Fretboard Theory: Complete Guitar Theory Including Scales, Chords, Progressions, Modes, Song Application and More.

by Desi R. Serna

Do you love sitting at home playing guitar, but find yourself playing the same old things over and over without making much progress? When other musicians invite you to jam, do you worry that you won’t be able to keep up? Are you a veteran guitarist who has played for years, but you’re embarrassed to admit you have no idea what you’re doing? If you want to take your guitar playing to the next level, compose songs like you hear on the radio, and improvise your own music, then you need Fretboard Theory. Fretboard Theory by Desi Serna teaches music theory for guitar including scales, chords, progressions, modes and more. The hands-on approach to theory shows you how music "works" on the guitar fretboard by visualizing shapes and patterns and how they connect to make music. Content * Learn pentatonic and major scale patterns as used to play melodies, riffs, solos, and bass lines * Move beyond basic chords and common barre chords by playing the types of chord inversions and chord voicings used by music's most famous players * Chart guitar chord progressions and play by numbers like the pros * Identify correct scales to play over chords and progressions so you can improvise at will * Create new sounds with music modes and get to know Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian * Add variety to your playing by using intervals such as thirds, fourths, and sixths * Increase your chord vocabulary by using added chord tones and extensions to play chord types such as major 7, minor 7, sus2, sus4, add9, and more * Learn how all the different aspects of music fit together to make a great song * See how theory relates to popular styles of music and familiar songs Fretboard Theory will have you mastering music like a pro easier and faster than you ever thought possible. Plus, it's the ONLY GUITAR THEORY RESOURCE in the world that includes important details to hundreds of popular songs. You learn how to play in the style of pop, rock, acoustic, blues, and more! 

This guitar instruction is perfect whether you want to jam, compose, or just understand the music you play better. The material is suitable for both acoustic and electric guitar, plus it features many references to bass. Recommended for intermediate level players on up. Video Fretboard Theory is also available as a 21-hour video series that is sold separately on the author's GuitarMusicTheory.com website. Visit the website and sign up for email lessons to sample the footage. Fretboard Theory Volume II When you're ready to take your playing to the next level, get the second book in the series, Fretboard Theory Volume II, which is also available as a 12-hour video series.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Lux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have attempted to understand the fretboard many times, using at least 10 different beginner books. None of the books were as good as this one.

I think other writers expect you to understand the logic without explaining why and how. This book said it all!

For example, another book I studied mentioned C shape and put a small picture saying “this is C shape, play it.” I thought it is called C shape because it resembled the letter C! Can you believe how ridiculous this is? Exactly. In the mind of a beginner, it is that complex to understand.

Anyway, really good book. Great for self learning. I can already easily move around the fretboard and create melodies without searching for notes for half an hour.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Desi is an outstanding teacher. I've studied both volumes I and I I of Fretboard Theory, and have completed a few of his online courses. I've also have had a few Skype lessons with him. He has an impressive breadth of knowledge of music theory. So do others. What sets him apart is his distinctive ability to impart that knowledge. Beginning with the basics, he leads you confidently not only through the forms and shapes needed to master the fretboard, but also to a secure understanding of the theoretical basis for those skills. His is a course for the mature learner, who willing to put in both the time and the intellectual effort necessary to both master material and enjoy the journey. Do as he suggests: learn songs. But do it with his help.

[Mark Tsai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

I have read a lot of theory books but Desi really makes it simple with examples to follow and understand. I would highly recommend this book to every guitarist

[Steven Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll keep coming back

Every time I open this book I learn something new. Will use it for years. Finally learned my arpeggio and intervals with it.