Play better Bluegrass Newsletter sign up!
Sign up for news, discounts
and latest releases
Browse Play better blue grass
Books, Videos, DVD's > Music Theory & Reference
Music Theory & Reference

Music Theory is the study of how music works mechanically. While music is primarily and expression of emotions, this form of expression has a definite structure that can be studies in a scholarly manner, while being enjoyed emotionally. There are various elements of music that may be studied separately or together. These elements include melody, harmony, rhythm, structure, form and texture. We have chosen a good selection of music theory books to that would be most useful to the bluegrass musician.

Items [36]
Music Theory
FAQ:Types And Uses Of The Capo
FAQ:Types And Uses Of The Capo
The capo is a tool of the trade. This will guide you through an understanding of how it works, and how to select the one that is right for you and your guitar. It is a theoretically correct method that relies mainly on an understanding of the fingerboard of the guitar; and which can be employed with any notational system. Lots of photos, examples, charts, and exercises are included.
Product# 21002
Format
More info on FAQ:Types And Uses Of The CapoBuy FAQ:Types And Uses Of The Capo Now!List Price: US $3.95Our Price: US $3.85

How to Use a Capo for Guitar
How to Use a Capo for Guitar
This essential reference for all guitarists teaches how to play with a capo in the style of The Beatles, Keith Richards, The Byrds, Indigo Girls, Robert Johnson, and other great artists. Covers: basic information and capo types, capo chord shapes, capo tunings, and more. Includes standard notation and tab.
Product# 695255
Format
More info on How to Use a Capo for GuitarBuy How to Use a Capo for Guitar Now!List Price: US $5.95Our Price: US $5.75

Music Theory in the Real World
Music Theory in the Real World
In this book Mike Perlowin combines the practical experience of being a working musician in the fields of rock, blues, country, R&B, reggae, and bluegrass with the theoretical knowledge of an academic backround to explain music theory in terms that any moderately accomplished musician can understand.
Product# 98207
Format
More info on Music Theory in the Real WorldBuy Music Theory in the Real World Now!List Price: US $10.95Our Price: US $9.95

Music Essentials
Music Essentials
Regardless of the instrument or music you play there are music essentials that bridge the gaps between different styles and musical genres. Understanding these inner workings of the musical world will open up an awareness and creativity you never dreamed possible. Theory, Harmony, and Notation.
Product# 99439
Format
More info on Music EssentialsBuy Music Essentials Now!List Price: US $5.95Our Price: US $5.75

Every Musicians Handbook
Every Musicians Handbook
Pocket-sized resource covers rules of harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration. With sections on scales, keys, and chords plus musical term glossary.
Product# AM37391
Format
More info on Every Musicians HandbookBuy Every Musicians Handbook Now!List Price: US $5.95Our Price: US $5.75

The Gig Bag Book of Theory and Harmony
The Gig Bag Book of Theory and Harmony
Packed with information! No other series has been as highly acclaimed by musicians. Designed to fit into instrument case, comb-bound to lay open flat. A handy reference guide for both amateur and professional musicians. An excellent resource to learn or review all aspects of music theory.
Product# AM948816
Format
More info on The Gig Bag Book of Theory and HarmonyBuy The Gig Bag Book of Theory and Harmony Now!List Price: US $12.95Our Price: US $11.95

Understanding The Formula Of Music
[ENTER THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION HERE]
Product# 7038
More info on Understanding The Formula Of MusicBuy Understanding The Formula Of Music Now!List Price: US $39.95Our Price: US $36.95

How To Figure Out Music From Recordings
How To Figure Out Music From Recordings
How many times have you heard a great solo on a CD & wished you could play it exactly like the original? In this 2-hour video you will learn the history of lick learning, the ear training benefits, & how the process actually works the same for all instrument.
Product# 7042
Format
More info on How To Figure Out Music From RecordingsBuy How To Figure Out Music From Recordings Now!List Price: US $29.95Our Price: US $27.95

Songwriting and the Guitar - The Complete Guide
Songwriting and the Guitar - The Complete Guide
With this unique and informative guide, you'll discover new ideas and inspirations for crafting your own songs and making the most of your instrument. You'll gain a better understanding of chord progressions, melodies, alternate tunings and other subjects through a series of expertly designed workshops.
Product# 330565
Format
More info on Songwriting and the Guitar - The Complete GuideBuy Songwriting and the Guitar - The Complete Guide Now!List Price: US $14.95Our Price: US $13.95

Alternate Tunings for Guitar
Alternate Tunings for Guitar
This pocket book contains a comprehensive guide for over 300 tunings. Arranged in alphabetical order-drop, open, modal, unison, slack, and hybrid tunings are discussed. For example, under 'B' you'll find you can tune your guitar BADGBE to achieve Soundgarden's 'Rusty Cage' sound.
Product# 695217
Format
More info on Alternate Tunings for GuitarBuy Alternate Tunings for Guitar Now!List Price: US $5.95Our Price: US $5.75

Easy Tablature Writing Book
Easy Tablature Writing Book
Tablature writing book with easy tab instruction and fingerboard charts.
Product# TAB
Format
More info on Easy Tablature Writing BookBuy Easy Tablature Writing Book Now!List Price: US $2.95Our Price: US $2.75

Harmonics
Harmonics
This pack covers: harp harmonics and natural harmonics; combining harmonics with hammers and pulls; using harmonics over chord progressions; and more. The CD includes 30 full-demo examples.
Product# 695169
Format
More info on HarmonicsBuy Harmonics Now!List Price: US $9.95Our Price: US $8.95

All Scales in all Positions for Guitar
All Scales in all Positions for Guitar
This book – featuring Jim Scott's revolutionary “rows” concept – gives guitarists the tools to really understand scales, and to create any type of scale in any position. It covers: major and minor scales; pentatonic and blues scales; the modes; and more.
Product# 695414
Format
More info on All Scales in all Positions for GuitarBuy All Scales in all Positions for Guitar Now!List Price: US $6.95Our Price: US $6.75

Building Right Hand Technique
Building Right Hand Technique
This book provides a master source for building agility, flexibility and speed while playing with a flatpick, as well as a repertoire source for the plectrum-style guitarist. The studies are designed to build reading ability and clarity of sound in a variety of styles, as well as agility in cross-picking and the playing of rapid linear passages.
Product# 93780
Format
More info on Building Right Hand TechniqueBuy Building Right Hand Technique Now!List Price: US $14.95Our Price: US $13.95

Modal Jams and Theory
Modal Jams and Theory
Not only will this book show you how to play the modes, it will also show you the theory behind mode construction, how to play any mode in any key, how to play the proper mode over a given chord progression, and how to write chord progressions for each of the seven modes.
Product# 163
Format
More info on Modal Jams and TheoryBuy Modal Jams and Theory Now!List Price: US $17.95Our Price: US $16.95

Guitar One Presents Music Theory for Guitars
Guitar One Presents Music Theory for Guitars
This handy guitar case-sized guide presented by Guitar One magazine covers music fundamentals, including: notation, scales, chords, meter and rhythm, keys, transposition, progressions, and more. An essential reference for any guitarist!
Product# 2500096
Format
More info on Guitar One Presents Music Theory for GuitarsBuy Guitar One Presents Music Theory for Guitars Now!List Price: US $5.95Our Price: US $5.75

Scales
Scales
Find any scale quickly and with ease! This book presents over 70 scales from bebop scales to synthetic scales to exotic scales from around the globe. Each scale is displayed on every possible string from lowest to highest with numerous fingering options. This is the ideal book for beginners.
Product# 2500121
Format
More info on ScalesBuy Scales Now!List Price: US $14.95Our Price: US $13.95

Finger Gymnastics: Warm-up, Flexibility, Speed & S
Finger Gymnastics: Warm-up, Flexibility, Speed & S
This book is for all levels and styles of guitarists. "Finger Gymnastics" is a term used for warm-ups, stretching, and any type of practice exercise that develops technique and stamina while preventing technique related injuries.
Product# 98751BCD
Format
More info on Finger Gymnastics: Warm-up, Flexibility, Speed & SBuy Finger Gymnastics: Warm-up, Flexibility, Speed & S Now!List Price: US $9.95Our Price: US $8.95

Killer Pentatonics for Guitar
Killer Pentatonics for Guitar
Innovative and diverse ways of playing pentatonic scales in blues, rock and heavy metal. The licks and ideas in this book will give you fresh approaches to playing the pentatonic scale, hopefully inspiring you to reach for higher levels in your playing. Companion audio features recorded examples. 37-minute audio.
Product# 285
Format
More info on Killer Pentatonics for GuitarBuy Killer Pentatonics for Guitar Now!List Price: US $17.95Our Price: US $16.95

Reading Studies for Guitar
Reading Studies for Guitar
A comprehensive collection of studies for beginners to improve their reading and technical ability. Covers: positions 1 through 7 in all keys while introducing scales, arpeggios, written-out chords, and a variety of rhythms and time signatures
Product# 50449490
Format
More info on Reading Studies for GuitarBuy Reading Studies for Guitar Now!List Price: US $14.95Our Price: US $13.95

Advanced Reading Studies for Guitar
Advanced Reading Studies for Guitar
This Berklee Workshop is designed for serious guitarists who want to sharpen their high register reading skills and take their playing expertise to the next level. It introduces studies in all keys, using positions 8 through 12 and all major, minor and symmetric scales.
Product# 50449500
Format
More info on Advanced Reading Studies for GuitarBuy Advanced Reading Studies for Guitar Now!List Price: US $14.95Our Price: US $13.95

Celtic Music
Celtic Music
This comprehensive guidebook covers all that is Celtic in music today, through essays exploring solo artists, bands, singers, and players of specialized instruments, such as harps, pipes, fiddles, drums, squeezeboxes, whistles, mandolins and more.
Product# 330732
Format
More info on Celtic MusicBuy Celtic Music Now!List Price: US $19.95Our Price: US $18.95

Repair, Maintenance & Construction