Hal Leonard Pocket Music Theory: A Comprehensive and Convenient Source for All Musicians

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 176 pages
• Published by: Hal Leonard; Min edition September 1, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 063404771X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0634047718
• Book Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.9 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 3.2 ounces

Product Description
Following in the footsteps of the popular Hal Leonard Pocket Music Dictionary, this handy pocket-sized book is the most contemporary music theory book on the market! A step-by-step guide to harmony and theory for every musician, it includes thorough, yet to easy-to-understand analysis of: intervals, rhythms, scales, chords, key signatures, transposition, chord inversion, key centers, harmonizing the major and minor scales, extended chords, modulation and much more. Packed with info from the Harmony and Theory course at Musicians Institute!

Reader Reviews
I've always liked learning new things about music theory. But most of the books on the market only teach you so much. I found this little book in a music store one day, and decided to buy it. I've bought lots of other general music theory books before, but I've NEVER seen so much packed into such a small volume. On top of that, the book is written so precisely with the performer in mind, and with practicality as its main focus. I gave 5 stars to another book called "Music Theory Made Easy", and while I don't regret giving it that rating for its own reasons, "Pocket Music Theory" is about the same price yet covers three times as much material, including how all of it relates to the formal structure of sheet music notation. It also swiftly addresses the bogus argument that so many rock musicians use an excuse: the myth that learning music theory will limit your creativity. On the contrary, music theory facilitates communication and lets you better express the creative ideas you have in mind. Whether you're a beginner or advanced when it comes to music theory, you're bound to pick up something from this book. It starts with the most basic fundamentals of sound, and gradually builds off each previous section until coming to composition methods you might learn in a second or even third year course at a music college. For me, I already long-since knew my scales and modes, but I was still curious about why progressions that go beyond one scale could still sound "right". Why do we use a blues scale over dominant seventh chords? Why do those chord progressions of Beatles songs sound so good even though they go outside of the scale? This book analyzed the situations and answered those types of questions, and more. This little book is such an incredible reference manual, and no matter what instrument or what kind of music you play, you're bound to pick up something. I'm buying extra copies to give to the guys in my band. Regardless of whatever I reviewed before picking up this book, PLEASE - if you only buy one music theory book in your life, make it this one! $4.95 is an incredibly small price to pay for becoming a more knowledgeable musician! Comment | | (Report this)