EXCERPT 1

This theory workbook is designed to teach you the basic building blocks of music theory and how to apply these to the guitar fretboard. Each exercise presents a group of intervals or chords which must be written using staff notation and guitar chord diagrams. This method will instill the information in your head and your hands. Direct physical application of music theory makes it more relevant and greatly helps in learning the guitar fretboard.

Background theory information needed to complete each exercise is presented in easy to understand language. This is followed by exercises for learning intervals and triads, 7th chords (4 note chords) and chords with tensions. The answers are in the back of the book.

The exercises are designed for a 24 fret guitar so keep this in mind when completing the chord diagrams. The notes contained in each chord will fit into the chord diagram supplied with each exercise. Make sure to fit your answer into this diagram. You can place more than one note on each string. The answers are not meant to be played as a chord but as an arpeggio (one note after another).

For each exercise in this book you will need to find the intervals or chord tones/tensions. Each example will require you to figure out where the notes would be on a staff and where these notes would be located on a guitar. Remember that memorizing the notes contained in each chord presented combined with knowing where these notes are on the guitar will open up a whole new understanding of music. Here's how each example will appear: