James ShipwayNo Bull Music Theory for Guitarists: Master the Essential Knowledge all Guitarists Need to Know

A great starting book for guitar theory. I've been playing a long time and found things I didn't know. Very helpful.

I have several hundred dollars in Guitar Theory books that are collecting dust because either they were laden with music theory terminology that would put me to sleep or turn me off from the guitar totally. Several were like the Guitar Grimoire I own all of them which are super difficult to understand unless you have had several hundred hours of theory classes. I purchased this book because I was like what the hell let me give this a go again and really test this book to see if it was "NO BULL". I received the first volume and right out the gate within the first few pages my jaw hit the floor and many doors opened with the other theory books I own. I could not put this book down and found myself reaching for the guitar every time I turned the page. I always dodged learning the fret notes but this book made me want to learn them because if you really read into this book once you know the seven base notes of the guitar, the flood gates open. I am serious about this book, I usually don't write reviews but this was a big exception because this book is no joke James the author breaks the terminology in chunks so you can absorb and understand it in context. I don't know how many books I own that teaches you stuff but doesn't tell you how to apply it in a real world setting. This book does that and more. I was so happy with volume 1, I purchase volumes 2 & 3. Holy cow I have learned more in a week then I have learned throughout playing the guitar for over 20 years. James also has little quizzes at the end of each chapter where you can test how much you retained. I keep going back to certain chapters because I want to solidify a deeper understanding so I can start creating my own music and not playing other artists guitar parts.

I use this book to teach basic music theory to a beginner guitar player who is 15 yrs old. I’m 70 and have played and studied music for years. His attention span is extremely short I soon ,learned. So this book brief approach fit well for todays youth! I discuss a chapter each session and give him a copy of the lesson and then show him how to apply it to the guitar. I am pleased with his learning pace so far. So I recommend this book for all beginner guitar players who have no music background.

He taught music theory go guitar so even I could understand good stuff I recommend it

I'm an intermediate player. I need more foundation in theory to advance. Theory is all over the internet, and I was wasting time bouncing around trying to find something between an Associates degrees and $150/year web subscriptions to guitar lesson sites. I stumbled on James' book during a web search on guitar theory and downloaded it to my iPad via the Kindle app. Now I have everything in one place in front of me. It's easy to follow. The price is ridiculously low. I highly recommend the book for those in need of a theory reference source.

I’ve been playing guitar all my life except the first 10 years. Purchased and tried to self teach myself Guitar theory many a time with many a book. If you really want to learn it and I mean learn and understand it with the ability to explain and teach it simply, plainly and with a sense of command over the elusive guitar theory. Look no more and just buy this book. It clearly maps out diagrams and really walks you through with enough detail that it won’t overwhelm you and keep you interested. The lessons are short. The quizzes are perfect and right on que. I’m onto book 2 of 3. I can see a difference in how I am even playing and I am an advanced player. Not EVH or even close. Lol. This book has been the best investment of a guitar book in my arsenal. And I do mean arsenal. Enough. Buy it. Thank me later.

This book has a series of short chapters explaining the building blocks of music theory for guitar. The author has managed to avoid ambiguity in his writing so the work has great clarity. End-of-Chapter “tests” help to underscore key points. I have attempted to read a couple of other music theory books with little success. I am looking forward to the other volumes in the series.

I have been playing guitar for let’s just say “many years” I have often been asked if I am a musician to which I have meekly replied. No, I am more of an entertainer. This statement finds its roots in my awareness of the dimly lit candle I hold in a brilliantly lit world of musical language. I am still coloring by number with the crayons that make proud pics for Mom and Dad. While the “ musicians” around me paint canvases of brilliant colors to wow vast crowds of admirers. That is the metaphorical difference between understanding Theory and just playing music. Between a musician and an entertainer.James’ book on theory has really been the first readable book I have discovered on this subject. I am finished with volume 1, though I purchased all three. I found volume one to be well organized, positive, insightful and encouraging. After reading the first volume I was left with a hunger to experience more.Thank you James for taking the time to clarify a seemingly allusive subject and coloring with me for a minute to help me make the connection between a picture you hang on the fridge to art hung in a gallery.I look forward to seeing a whole new world of musical understanding unfold as I read volume 2 and 3.Cheers,Jacob