An Introduction to Chord Theory: Guitar Book

Clear and methodical without being dry. The straightforward progression from simple to complex creates momentum; each section builds confidence before the next challenge arrives.

Guitar students who need a clear framework for understanding what chords are and why they work. This book suits self-directed learners and studio teachers alike who want their students to move beyond shapes into genuine harmonic literacy.

• Work through the interval section slowly before jumping to triads. This foundation makes chord construction intuitive rather than memorized.
• Play each chord example on your guitar while reading the explanation. The physical experience of finger placement reinforces the theory.
• Use the chord function section to analyze songs you already know. Recognizing ii-V-I in a standard you love sticks much better than abstract study.

Use this as a supplement alongside repertoire study, assigning sections that correspond to the harmonic language of pieces students are learning. A student encountering a vi chord or a chord substitution in a song can reference the relevant chapter to deepen understanding of what they're playing.

• Identifying intervals on the guitar neck and hearing their sonic character
• Constructing triads and understanding root position, inversions, and voicing
• Recognizing extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths) and altered tones
• Analyzing functional harmony and chord progressions
• Applying common chord substitution techniques in practice and improvisation