Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords : Book Review

The Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords by John Baxter is an essential guide for mandolin players wanting to elevate their chord knowledge. This comprehensive resource goes beyond the basics, offering a plethora of advanced and exotic chords that can enhance any musical piece. Baxter's explanations are clear and concise, catering to both beginners and experienced players.

One of the highlights of this book is its organized format. Chords are presented in an easy-to-follow manner, with diagrams and labels for quick reference. The book is divided into sections based on chord type, such as major, minor, seventh, augmented, and diminished. This makes it simple to find the specific chord you are searching for.

In addition to chord diagrams, the Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords provides useful suggestions for using each chord in various musical contexts. Baxter explores chord progressions, harmonizing melodies, adding color to solos, and creating interesting voicings. These practical applications allow players to incorporate the learned chords into their playing and explore new musical possibilities.

Another advantage of this book is its extensive collection of chord variations. Baxter goes beyond basic open position chords, offering alternative fingerings and voicings. This variety allows players to experiment with different tonal possibilities and adds versatility to their playing. Whether you are a beginner or advanced player, you will find something new to discover and learn from this book.

Overall, the Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords by John Baxter is an invaluable resource for mandolin players of all levels. With its comprehensive collection of chords, clear explanations, and practical applications, this book is sure to inspire and enhance your mandolin playing. Whether you want to expand your chord vocabulary, add depth to your arrangements, or explore new musical territories, this book is a must-have for any mandolin enthusiast.

What are readers saying?

John Baxter's "Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords" has received varied feedback from readers. Some found the book extremely useful for expanding their mandolin chord knowledge. They appreciated the comprehensive content, which encompassed a wide range of chord diagrams for different playing styles and musical genres. Baxter's clear explanations made it easy for them to learn and apply new chords to their playing. The book's organized structure was also praised for its ease of navigation.

However, some users expressed disappointment, feeling that the book was too basic and lacked depth. They believed it catered more towards beginners rather than intermediate or advanced players. They were looking for more advanced chord variations and techniques, which they felt were lacking in the book. Some reviewers also noted that the chord diagrams were occasionally unclear, making it difficult to accurately learn and apply the chords.

Another criticism was the absence of accompanying audio or video resources. While the book provided written instructions and diagrams, some readers believed that having audio or visual examples would enhance the learning experience and help them master the techniques more effectively.

In terms of presentation, reviewers generally found the layout and typography visually appealing and easy to read. However, some commented on the book's size and felt it was too large and cumbersome to carry while practicing.

In conclusion, John Baxter's "Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords" receives a mix of positive and negative feedback. It is considered a valuable resource for beginners or those seeking to expand their chord vocabulary. However, more advanced players may find it lacking in depth and advanced techniques. The absence of multimedia resources like audio or video examples was also a point of concern for some readers.

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