Edly's Music Theory for Practical People

I have tackled theory using several books; some quite brief and some that are many volumes. I have studied piano, guitar, and voice. (I don't claim to be a master of any of them, but I give it a good try.) While I had a fairly good understanding of BASIC theory before beginning Edly's book, his presentation and content really cleared up some of the "rough spots" in my understanding of some concepts. If you are a musician or a wannabe, and you want a simple exposure to the basics, this should be your first purchase. Frankly, I don't think it will be your last and ONLY purchase of theory material. However, I have never seen a better place to start. Be prepared to really think about what you are reading and truly study it and it will pay off. If you are just getting started studying theory, or some of the fundamental concepts are not quite clear, BUY THIS BOOK! RHB

I returned to studying piano after 20 years hiatus. This book was just the ticket - fun but incredibly packed with informtation. I learned more in the first two chapters than I had previously in eight years of piano lessons. Highly recommended!!!!

This book gives you exactly what you need to make sense of music. I can now easily work up major and minor scales. I understand what modes are. I can harmonize major scales (important). I know how to substitute chords and why the substitutions work. My playing has already improved. I'm only on page 41. Supposedly, this book has sold 22,000 copies. I recommend making it 22,001 and getting yourself a copy. I can't believe how complete it is.

I was one of those professional musicians -- and there are a lot of us out there! -- who didn't know very much about music theory. Music theory's for college cats, dig? Then I started giving lessons, and I figured I'd better know what I was talking about. So I bought this book. Edly makes music theory charming, funny, and interesting with a combination of explanation, practical example, and humour. Believe it or not, this book is hard to put down once you get going. For me, much of the book was a revelation of "Oh, so that's what I've been doing!" than any new information, but it's great to be able to understand and talk about music on a deeper level. The book is geared towards jazz and blues players, but the information is easily adapted to any genre. A must for anyone, from beginner to professional, who wants to deepen his understanding of western music!

This is by far the most entertaining book on music theory I have ever read. It is one of the most understandable and easy to read books on theory, too. The book covers all of the fundamental areas of theory from diatonic intervals to chord construction to tritone substitutions. Ear training is also covered as is the philosophy of improvisation (including tips for better improv.) I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone new to music theory read the book cover to cover. Experienced musicians will find it useful as a reference.