So... I must admit, I was terrified to click on the "Music Theory" tab because I was certain I would enter in on some discussion that I feel I should know very well but know almost nothing about! I was a music major in college for a year and a half, and never foresaw myself leading musical worship in a church (which I do now... at a mediocre level) otherwise I'm sure I would have stuck with that major. So I've had three semesters of theory during 2000-01. A long time needless say. I have been feeling lately though if I want to call myself a guitar player, or really a musician, I need to work harder at the craft. This book seemed like an excellent suggestion and has loads of good reviews. I just ordered it now, but I am certain it is a good place to start and I hope it gives me some things to talk about here. How long have you been playing, Ryan?

-David

Hi,

It's not as nicely formulated as Fretboard Logic, but Frank Gambale's method books are also pretty good for music theory.  THe mode thing is way easier to grasp when you sit at a piano keyboard and just look down and see the whole thing in front of your eyes--which is where Fretboard Logic comes in.

Thanks Ray!

Thats awesome... I have told people about this book for years, even giving it as a gift to several people only to find they were not interested enough to even read it.  Its great to hear from someone who got something from this book.  I have never seen another book with such elegant diagrams and such a clear and concise breakdown.  Its also the way he gradually increases complexity without overwhelming... If you can just remember that there are only really 5 forms to learn on the guitar then it really seems much easier... in hind sight its hard to understand how everyone couldn't know this stuff.

When I say 80% of guitarist don't know C-A-G-E-D.. I think it may be true... of course classically trained guitarist know this and much more but there are so many who play the guitar and dont know anything about the theory, numbers and patterns behind it... thats cool too though... The approach of just learning songs from tab or making up whatever can be equally fulfilling as well I suppose.

I don't personally give lessons at all... thought it would be fun methinks... if I only had the time...

I do understand that fretboard logic is very popular for guitar instructors to use in there classes though..

I just taught myself using it and can't imagine what life would have been like without it.  I still look at the diagrams for the melodic minor scales though I think this is one area that the patterns start to breakdown or become too complex...  you really have to think more about the numbers and know what notes to alter going up and down... for me, all the secrets of western music are embodied in the melodic minor scale... its quite aptly named... ;)

Thanks for this thread Ryan.  I bought Fretboard Logic from Bill Edwards (the author) at his house maybe a year or two ago.  Like most educational efforts, I utterly stalled.  I tend to think that I have to absolutely master excercises and concepts before moving on, and so I never move on...

I've been playing the 5 shapes for each chord since the first week of owning it.  But I still can't just grab any shape at any fret and instantly know what chord I'm playing.  Of course, I don't put in the time necessary for this.  But after reading your review of the course, I'm going to just plow ahead even though I don't think I'm ready.  Because, in all reality, if I wait until I think I'm ready to move along, I never will.

BTW - I bought the 3 book and DVD set - it's really the best deal.  And Bill Edwards is a very competent guitarist; I got to sit in his living room and he showed me the practical applications of his method.  Very cool, very nice guy, and that means something to me.