Learn Music Theory: An In-Depth Guide to Mastering the Basics and Becoming an Expert

Kurt Witowski: Comprehensive, concise and practical. Nicolas does such a good job of covering what’s important to understanding HOW music works, that I can see how it would be overwhelming to beginners. So take heart if you are and want to attain a professional level because this book will take you there.
There’s something for every level in this book. Expect to ponder many aspects of this wonderful thing we call music and improve your musicianship as you do. There’s so much information that even seasoned professionals will find “I didn’t know that” topics. At the very least you’ll get different perspectives that will expand your horizons, i.e. there’s plenty of food for thought (that’s not wordy or a waste of time).
I particularly appreciated how Nicolas points out crucial information that is easy to not to think much of. For example, page 192 Timbre/Tone points out the importance of this subject. For years I was “unable” to figure out songs by ear because no matter what I did, it “didn’t sound right” to me. When I heard other people play I’d think “yeah, that’s it, but something’s wrong” without having a clue what it was. If only I had known that...

United States on Feb 29, 2024

Philip O. Zettle: I got the hardback and it is easy to handle and read.

United States on Feb 18, 2024

M. blanc: ouvrage intéressant- en bon état

France on Dec 29, 2023

Marcin: I love the structure of the book and the accessible language it uses to explain complex concepts of music theory starting from the very basics (intervals, chords, scales, rhythm) all the way to modes, chromaticism and improvisation. I can recommend this whole heartedly - 10/10 <3

Poland on Dec 08, 2023

Hrvoje: Great way to learn about music theory especially in you are new

United States on Nov 05, 2023

Michel: A good book to learn about music theory, it really goes from basics to an advanced level. As it's packed with information, be prepared for some very intense and contentful learning sessions.

Germany on Oct 10, 2023

Kindle Customer: Cuando el alumno es ta listo aparece el maestro. La semana pasada decidí ponerme serio con apreder y practicar la lectura de musica sin ver el teclado del piano para ejecutar mejor los jazz standard que tanto me gustan. Despues de revisar multiples opciones en Amazon me decidi por "How To Read Music: For Beginners - A Simple and Effective Guide to Understanding and Reading Music with Ease (Essential Learning Tools for Musicians Book 2) " de Nicolas Carter.

Sin embargo, al empezar a leer el autor inivita a revisar este Libro "Book 1", yo que siempre quiero ver qué mas aprendo decidí revisarlo y finalmemte leerlo, que grata sorpresa ver tan estructuraada explicacion de los temas Escala y Armonía. Y lo que mas me encantó del estilo es que cuando es necesario el autor vuelve a explicar conceptos en el nuevo contexto con excelente referencia a lo ya explicado.

In summary, by far this is the best music theory book for my selftraining in music.

Thanks Nicolas

United States on Oct 09, 2023

InesInes: Este livro leva o leitor pela mão explicando desde as noções mais básicas e fundamentais de teoria musical até noções complexas de uma maneira muito simples e eficaz de digerir. Eu já tinha algumas noções básicas antes de ler este livro, que no fundo me está a ajudar a consolidar o que já sabia mas também a aprender a lógica por detrás de ideias que eu entendia apenas intuitivamente. Não posso recomendar o suficiente. Vale mesmo muito a pena!

Spain on Sep 04, 2023

Ron MacPherson: Nicolas Carter's books are excellent teaching/study aides! I have several, and they're the best I've found! His guitar books are well written, and provide a complete and well laid out course of study, with exercises to guide you along.

Canada on Sep 12, 2021

ami-mac-sun: Nicolas Carter has written an extremely well rounded book on music theory that can be understood by beginners; This is the first part of the book (excluding only the last chapter) that starts by explaining basic music theory fundamentals and then eases into scales, modes, chords, rhythm, movement, and concludes with musical structures. Amazingly, Mr Carter has done this without using standard music notation, which is conveniently covered in his companion book, How to Read Music. Chord progression is explained and expanded upon throughout the book as appropriate. However, experienced musicians may also learn a few things or gain valuable review by reading this first part too. Please note that chord abbreviations are meticulously defined, thus music notation (staff/staves) can be avoided without compromising explanations regarding chords.

The final chapter goes beyond these fundamentals; it focuses on improvisation with parallels to actual composition. Here Mr. Carter explains advanced musical concepts and expands on concepts introduced earlier in the book, such as further techniques for modifying chord progressions (substitutions, modal reduction, polytonal substitutions,...

United States on Aug 01, 2020