The Chord Master- How to Find and Choose the Right Guitar Chords Book/CD (Softcover)
by Rikky Rooksby
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Book Summary Information
Author: Rikky RooksbyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-01-01
ISBN: 0879307668
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Book Reviews of The Chord Master- How to Find and Choose the Right Guitar Chords Book/CD (Softcover)
Book Review: Best Chord Book I Own
Summary: 5 Stars
This book nicely fills the gap between Mel Bay and Ted Green's "Chord Chemistry" - Mel is pretty basic, and Ted is way too advanced for what I do. This is also a better resource than the handheld electronic chord finders, because Rooksby explains basic theory behind the chords and some of the musical context to prefer one chord or inversion over another. This has easily become my "go to" reference for chords. Here are some of the things I really like:
1) The "Chord Q&A" section is an overview of basic guitar technique, and presents basic chord theory from a guitarist's perspective. (Most theory books are written for piano and staff notation.) Even if you never learn any more theory than this, you'll know more than a lot of guitarists I've played with.
2) The "Moveable Shapes" section shows you basic shapes for the chord families, in a number of inversions, and expands on the theory that links the chord's name to the scale notes it contains. And these are practical shapes, too - nothing that requires twisting your fingers into knots. If you play melodic lines in and out of chord shapes, this will give you some fingering options you might not have known before. It has also helped me recognize what another guitarist is doing just by watching his/her hand position.
3) The "Chords for Different Styles" section was a true revelation. I've been frustrated more than I care to think by trying to play a song, knowing I had the right chords, but still not getting the right sound and feel. This section has variations on chord forms for 8 common musical styles. Now I can play James Brown or REM and have it sound right.
4) "Chords Used In Famous Songs" has a nice collection of unusual signature chords that make the song immediately recognizable. As with the "Styles" section, if you don't play the chord right the song just doesn't sound as good. It also gives you some insight into the hallmarks of great musicians' styles. As a writer, I've recycled some of these chords into my own songs when I want a particular feel.
5) Finally, the actual Chord Matrix (dictionary) section is as well organized and thorough as anything you'll need unless you're playing really avant-garde stuff and have 6" fingers. There are certainly a ton of shapes not included, but by this point in the book you should know enough to be able to start with these shapes and modify them as needed.
I have a number of Rikki Rooksby's books, and they are all well and clearly written, and very well edited.
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