Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 2 by James Shipway

Volume 2 of No Bull: Music Theory for Guitarist applies many of the principles of music theory learned in Volume 1 further.The Author continues to season the more complex applications with excellent examples that are much more digestible.My title for this review is Complexity with simplicity.Spot on!

This book was very shocking, I have only read a few chapters because I am still in Volume 1 of the set. I have not understood the circle of fifths, or how modes work, or even constructing my own chord progressions. This book took my fear out of the whole process and opened many guitar playing doors that were previously closed to me because of the steep learning curve of guitar theory. Volume 2 breaks down the most complex things in guitar theory like inversions, modes and how they are used in the context of scales. That alone makes this book a very wealth of knowledge, I have a lot of guitar theory books that I have tried to read through the years and my eyes would glass over and I would fall asleep. This book was a fresh clear and concise take on guitar theory, with clear understanding of how to apply them. If your serious about learning the right way to guitar theory this set is a no brainer, I would recommend pulling the trigger on all three volumes. These books are so awesome I am seriously considering purchasing James other books on the caged theory which I have tons of those books by other authors that have taught me nil, except for giving me headaches.

This book really helped my guitar playing.

This series of music theory books from James Shipway are clear, concise, and well worth the time spent.I read/study/highlight these books during my lunch break when I don’t have a guitar in my lap. I find that I can process the information at my own speed.The ORDER that the author chooses to divest the various theories really resonates with me. He doesn’t overwhelm you with extra information. He states the theory, shows examples, shows the application but then lets it rest with you.I have repeatedly reviewed information from all 3 of the Music Theory books. There is just so much to learn and retain. I will eventually purchase ALL of his books as funds and time allow.

I like the book. Nice format and easy to follow. What I don't like are the annoying (unwanted) email solicitations asking for my reviews from the author.

I just want to thank James for his EXCELLENT presentation of music theory. The content is very well organized and he makes it VERY understandable. I've been on you tube, looked at other books and sites and none helped like this series. I highly recommend any of his books as I know the three I've begun with are the best three I've come by.

I recently finished working through volume 2 of James Shipways music theory books. The first is required reading. Very informative and helped me look at chords and scales in a deeper way. I'm very much beginner level and it was exactly what I needed.Volume 2 has a lot of very useful content like sus2 and sus4 chords, an intro to the circle of fifths, and scale layouts. However for my level there was about half the material I was just not ready to worry about learning yet. It seemed to be tailored more for those going to compose more than still learning to play, so I didn't find as much helpful in this book. As I progress in my own skill though I think a reread will be very beneficial.Just like the first volume it is very easy to follow.

Clear, straightforward, easy to understand. I bought all three volumes and they've helped a great deal in my understanding and technique.

Great book. Clear and straightforward.

I would consider myself intermediate at guitar, perhaps lacking in some places and excelling in others. Which is why I bought this book to fill in any gaps. I skipped the first one, though I have glanced over it. James is generally quite good at explaining things (and showing them on his youtube channel).I like these books because you get usable examples and pretty immediate results. I Think the chord sections of this book were nice for me, covering, inversions, sus, 7th and 9th's and how to fit them in progressions.The learn the fretboard methods, there's good tips here but it's just putting in the work. In the exercise files James likes to call all the accidentals, as flats which threw me as I tend to call everything sharps due to the music software I use.I don't think modes are explained that well, or maybe it is just me and you might be thinking this book has the circle of fifths of in it but James also has a whole book on the circle of fifths so why by that book if it's in this and that is one of the down sides of this book is that he had already written a circle of fifths book so this book has an introduction then suggests you buy that book.I don't have Volume 3 as yet, but I feel like the CAGED section of that book will also be an introduction and ask you to buy his dedicated CAGED book.So I have given it 4 stars due to it feeling a bit light when it comes to subjects he has other books about.I think if you just know your basic chords and understand intervals and how scales and chords are constructed you will get the most out of this volume 2 book.

its hard to find resources that teach guitar music theory in a clear understandable way, at an appropriate level ( without becoming too academic). This book delivers on that promise

James Shipway’s long awaited Music Theory for Guitarists volume 2 is now published. This is a very quick review as I have not completed the volume 2 book yet. As James states, the highly informative first theory book should be studied first as it lays the foundations for volume 2.The volume one material includes the musical alphabet, construction of triads, keys and chords etc.My top tip is to revisit the earlier book of volume 1 and quickly work through the 12 chapters and revisit each chapter’s self-help test and check my understanding is correct. For new readers to James, read volume 1 first before moving to volume 2.Spookily James has split his volume 2 new book into 12 chapters. This is more intermediate in its content as we move from the simple to the more complex. For example we move from intervals in volume 1 to compound intervals in volume 2.That said, don’t panic. James supports the reader through self test sections on each chapter. The free downloadable audio tracks reinforce your learning as you hear examples of the material your studying Avoid the temptation of skimming sections. You cannot skip these sections as it bites you further down the line.Volume 2 starts with the learning of the notes of the fretboard. Don’t be daunted by this. James breaks the task down to manageable chunks. You download the audio track and get a cool note finding practice drill.I hope this helps your understanding of the impressive structure of James Shipway books.

I recently took a punt on these, I have so many books on music theory for guitarists, and this is by far the best, easiest book I have found. Concepts that have eluded and confused me for years have finally all slotted into place.Whilst the information hasn't suddenly turned me into SRV overnight, what it has done has made me finally understand the context of what I'm playing in more detail and I have found that addition of knowledge has given me the ability to explore a wider variety of things to do on my fretboard.I would highly recommend this book series as they are well written, straight forward and easy to understand and made fun for a change.My thanks to the author, this must have taken a long time to write!