{PRETITLE} The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition {POSTTITLE}

Rating: (113 reviews)
Author: Michael Miller
ISBN : 1592574378
New from $10.25
Format: PDF

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A music theory book that hits the high note …

This updated and expanded edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Music Theory breaks down a difficult subject in a simple way—even for those who think they have no rhythm or consider themselves tone deaf. With clear, concise language, it explains everything from bass-clef basics to confusing codas. This new edition includes:
-A brand-new CD
-A comprehensive ear-training section
-Musical examples of intervals, scales, chords, and rhythms
-Aural exercises so readers can test their ear training and transcription skills

Direct download links available for PRETITLE The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition [Paperback] POSTTITLE

• Product Details
• Table of Contents
• Reviews

• Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: ALPHA; 2nd edition (September 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592574378
• ISBN-13: 978-1592574377
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 8.4 x 10.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

{PRETITLE} The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition {POSTTITLE}

My background is in engineering and computer science. However, I do a lot of multimedia programming, and when it came to writing code for computer music I was at a loss because I have no formal musical training whatsoever. I've never played an instrument and I probably never will. However, I found it disabling to be unable to read music or understand the language of music theory when it came to reading the many helpful works on computer music that are in print and on the web. This book appeared to be what I was looking for and it turned out I was correct in my choice. It takes you from the absolute beginning, assuming you can't even read music, and takes you from intervals through phrases through counterpoint and into composition and performance. There are very helpful exercises at the end of every chapter with solutions at the end of the book, making this a good choice as a textbook or an excellent and inexpensive means of self study.

Part one talks about the notes of a scale,the different types of clefs and staves, the intervals between notes, major and minor scales, and keys and key signatures. Part two, on rhythm, starts by teaching you what simple whole notes are and moves on to sixteenth notes and syncopations. Also covered are time signatures, tempo and dynamics, and how to navigate through a piece of music. In part three, Tunes, you learn how to put tones and rhythms together to create a melody. Next you learn how to add chords to your tunes and find out about chord progressions and song forms. At this point, you have what you need to create your own pieces of music. Part 4, on accompaniment, teaches you how to train your ears so you can write down music as you hear it. You'll be able to create simple accompaniment parts on piano or guitar.

I feel that this is a very solid primer for people either new to music, or people like me who are returning to playing an instrument (in my case the guitar) after many years. I studied the piano/keyboard in my childhood and early teens, but ultimately stopped and are now getting back into music after many years. Needless to say I had pretty well forgotten all of my previous music theory, and needed to start back at the beginning. Mr. Miller's book thus far has been invaluable in helping me get started, and it has done so in a way that isn't threatening or overwhelming.

There are a couple of areas that I have run across that need to be addressed however.

1: Do not recommend attempting to work through this book without either owning or having ready access to a keyboard or piano. Keep in mind that I'm writing this from the standpoint of the beginner when I say this. Although this book is supposed to be geared for all instruments, starting with Chapter 2 the material may prove to be confusing without being able to reference an actual keyboard. While the author does make this point in the introduction, this is something that I notice has been skipped over in the book's description and likewise would likely be missed by someone who is simply browsing for a book on the subject.

2: The ear training disk. Good in concept, but weak in execution. The way Mr. Miller approaches the subject is to play a note on the disk, then have the student copy the note on the piano, then write it down on music paper. Personally I like the approach as it not only develops the ear training but also sight reading and reinforcing where the notes are on your instrument.