Complete Book of Harmony, Theory and Voicing

[Oldern]

I am humbled. Some people know how to ask a question and some don’t. I find that I am one of only five people who posted a question in the last 350 messages and who received zero replies. I had asked for a revisit and perhaps an update to an old post, "Developing A Method to Build a Foundation" posted 6/13/09. (However, "Blessed is he who has nothing to say-and knows when not to say it.")

If I may, I would like to resubmit the second question from my infamous post of 9/12/11.

It concerns the book, "Mel Bay’s Complete Book of Harmony, Theory and Voicing" by Bret Willmott, which was mentioned in that thread. I have had this book for several years but it was too much for me (and still is). In spite of this, I would like to give it another try.

Can anyone recommend a primer that would help me prepare for this book? I have "The Harmonic Language of Jazz Standards" by Marc Sabatella, and Bert Ligon’s "Jazz Theory Resources Books and his "Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony". I have to admit Bert’s books are a bit of a stretch for me but I am beginning to understand much of what is in them.

Thanks.
Oldern

[bako]

If you break it down to manageable size, I can see no reason why you can't use this book now.
You can focus on one chord change at a time.

Ex. 1st page in triad section---Major Scale in Cycle 2

Full progression is C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C

Adjacent chord pair

C---Dm close inversion

C E G---A D F // G C E---F A D // E G C---D F A // C E G

Play each pair and then later all these chords on each adjacent 3 strings. (EAD // ADG // DGB // GBE)

You can locate the pairs by reading one across and then the chords directly below the starting chord pair.

The next pair is Dm Em then Em F etc.

My general point is that we can always break things into smaller steps.
Voice leading is important work and I believe it would be good to address this sooner rather than later.

Mick offers almost no explanation in this book, just chart after chart.
It is understandable that it might appear overwhelming.
Let me know if I can be of further help with this.

[AlsoRan]

I feel your pain, Oldern. Part of the problem may be no one is familiar with that particular book so you may have to be a little more specific by asking about different subjects. Are you having problems with the theory, such as upper extensions of a chord? Is it the technical aspect of reading and interpreting chord shapes in standard notation that is giving you problems? Is it developing solos based on triads vs. arpeggios vs. scales vs modes? I am sure you get the picture. While I can't answer your question with a recommendation, I can engage in a moment of shared misery.

I have been playing for almost 5 years. I have done a lot of reading in that time and own many books. (I have become a bit of a collector and I enjoy reading and learning different lessons).

Well, now I find myself to be full of bits of knowledge but with no real plan to put it all together. I don't have a teacher (althought I may have found a really good one yesterday) and right now my schedule would require a teacher that is very flexible with his teaching schedule. But, as a result of this forum and of hearing the life lessons many have learned, I think I am slowly seeing what I think will for me to be able to reach my jazz guitar goals of being able to improvise and comp effectively.

You may even find that you need to rethink your present approach. There are some interesing ideas on this forum on "how to get there."

Good luck!

[AlsoRan]

Oops! You have already gotten a good response. Great!

[Oldern]

[quote=bako;171099]If you break it down to manageable size, I can see no reason why you can't use this book now.
You can focus on one chord change at a time.

Thanks for responding. Are you referring to Bret Willmott's book, the one I referenced?

Oldern

[whatswisdom]

Originally Posted by Oldern

Can anyone recommend a primer that would help me prepare for this book? I have "The Harmonic Language of Jazz Standards" by Marc Sabatella, and Bert Ligon’s "Jazz Theory Resources Books and his "Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony"

jonnypac's book which you can get directly from him is really nicely done and gives clear examples on chord construction, voicings, and how things lay on the fretboard. If you want some good foundation for navigating the fretboard, you'll find it there. I'm enjoying it a lot...

[Oldern]

AlsoRan
You may even find that you need to rethink your present approach. There are some interesting ideas on this forum on "how to get there."

You’re right about this. I started reading all the messages on theory and to the extent I can remember them, they are all very good. I’m enjoying the journey.

Whatswisdom
jonnypac's book which you can get directly

Thanks. I saw this book referenced in several prior messages. I’ll check it out.
Oldern

[bako]

Sorry, posted too early in the morning.
My mistake, I was referencing Mick Goodrick series of books, another great book (discussed in another thread) that can seem overwhelming.

Brett's book is also one of my favorites.
You will need to know all the drop 2 7th chord inversions on the middle 4 strings (an early exercise).
Being able to think intervals quickly will also be very helpful.

The basic premise and presentation is around using 4 note chords to represent extended harmony.
This is accomplished through combining parts of the functional 7th chords with extensions.
The resultant chord is often another chord functioning in a different role. This idea of superimposing a chord to arrive at a different meaning is not the easiest way to access this information but there is a wealth of sounds to be found in this book, both common and less so.

Willmott's book is very dense with charts showing various relationships.
I would suggest focusing on the II V I examples first and coming back to the charts later. Ask a specific question about where you get stuck.