Mel Bay's Deluxe Encyclopedia of Guitar Chords : Book Review

If you're looking to master guitar chords, "Mel Bay's Deluxe Encyclopedia of Guitar Chords" is an excellent resource to consider. Written by Johnny Rector, this book offers a vast collection of chords that range from basic open chords to complex jazz chords and everything in between. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, you'll find this book to be well-organized and easy to navigate.

One of the standout features of this book is its extensive collection of chords. With over 740 chords covered, each comes with clear and detailed diagrams to facilitate learning and memorization. The chords are presented in a logical and systematic manner, making it simple to find the right one for any musical situation.

Beyond just presenting chords, the book also provides valuable information on chord theory, including chord construction and progressions. This makes it more than just a chord dictionary, but also an educational resource that helps guitarists understand the theory behind the chords they're playing.

The layout and design of the book are top-notch. Chords are presented in a clean and visually appealing manner, with diagrams that are easy to read and understand. Thanks to its spiral binding, the book can effortlessly lay flat on a music stand, making it convenient for practice sessions and performances.

Overall, "Mel Bay's Deluxe Encyclopedia of Guitar Chords" is highly recommended for guitarists of all levels. Its extensive collection of chords, informative content, and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any guitarist's library. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your chord vocabulary or an experienced player seeking new and unique chord voicings, this book has something to offer.

What are readers saying?

Mel Bay's Deluxe Encyclopedia of Guitar Chords has received a variety of reviews from customers on Goodreads. While some users praise the book for its comprehensive chord library and educational value, others have noted concerns with its organization and formatting.

Many reviewers appreciate the extensive collection of guitar chords provided in the Deluxe Encyclopedia. The book offers a wide range of chord variations, making it useful for both beginners and experienced players. Users find the chord diagrams clear and easy to follow, enabling them to effectively learn and practice new chords.

Another aspect frequently mentioned in positive reviews is the educational value of the book. Customers appreciate the explanations and descriptions provided for each chord shape, which helps deepen their understanding of guitar playing. Some users even credit the book with expanding their musical creativity by allowing them to experiment with different chord progressions.

However, some reviewers express frustration with the book's organization. They mention that the chords are not arranged in a logical or intuitive manner, making it difficult to quickly find specific chords. This lack of coherence can be frustrating for users who want to locate specific chords based on their musical needs or preferences.

Formatting issues are also mentioned in some reviews. Customers note that the font used in the book is small and hard to read, which can strain the eyes during long practice sessions. Additionally, a few users mention that the book's binding is not durable, with pages falling out or becoming damaged over time.

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