This book is designed to be useful for guitarists at any skill level. Beginners can use it as an introduction to the foundational concepts of the instrument, intermediate players can use it for training and theoretical work, and advanced players can explore the sections on advanced theory, extended technique and the exhaustive tables of melodic and rhythmic possibilities. It is divided into two parts: pitch and rhythm. Part 1 (pitch) begins with the properties of string, harmonics, and tuning systems. It then moves methodically through pitch information, beginning with locating all versions of a single pitch, building pentatonic, heptatonic, and all possible symmetrical scales. This is followed by a study of intervals, with all possible locations of every two pitches, and a long study that moves through every possible fingering of three pitches, with a series of exercises to master triadic syntax. Part 1 closes with a study of four-pitch structures and complete tables that show all possible pitch sets in circular visual notation. Part 2 (rhythm) begins with a complete course in "Symmetrical Picking," a method based on drum rudiments that builds control in the picking hand through an exhaustive variety of movements. The focus of this section is building a strong rhythmic foundation, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, speed, dynamics, and groove. It is followed by a study of legato playing, working with ornaments and slides. The study of playing with fingers on multiple strings takes up the remainder of the book. This begins with the study of pulse against pulse, playing two simultaneous tempos. The book concludes with a study of polyrhythm, playing one rhythm against another. Plain English is used as much as possible to describe theoretical concepts, and hundreds of illustrations were made for the book as an aid to those who either don't speak English or prefer to think visually. This approach is designed to be inclusive and to promote creative practice. The main idea of the book is described in this passage (page 154): "Even in this small area there is a lot of material, potentially a lifetime of study. The amount of information can feel overwhelming to students at any level. For this reason, the book is designed for self-directed practice, with an emphasis on what the player "could" do, rather than what the player "should" do. The principle is to develop your own learning process, rather than following someone else's. The ability to make choices is essential in finding a personal approach to the instrument. Pick and choose the studies that seem interesting - there should be enough variety to accommodate a wide range of personalities. If any particular concept or exercise has been useful as the starting point for a new creative direction, then the book has done its job. Its purpose is not to push any dogma, method, or style, but to open the door to options for guitarists of any background that are looking for new perspectives.

Preface 
Introduction 
PART I Pitch 
The String  
Harmonics  
Stopped Pitches  
Just Intonation and Equal Temperament  
Tuning  
Monads  
All locations of any single pitch  
The Pentatonic  
The Diatonic  
Diatonic Patterns  
Modulation  
Other Scales  
Symmetry  
Dyads  
All locations of any two pitches  
Intervals  
Triads  
Constructing three-note structures  
All locations of any three pitches  
Voice leading  
Triadic space  
Tetrads and beyond  
Constructing four-note structures  
All tetrads of the four Heptatonic scales  
Dominant progressions  
All-Interval Tetrads  
All remaining pitch structures  
PART II Rhythm 
One String, One Pitch  
Time  
Symmetrical Picking  
Diatonic scales with Symmetrical Picking  
Pick Control  
Dynamics  
Endurance  
Rhythmic Pentatonics and Diatonics  
Reduction  
One String, Multiple Pitches  
Diatonic scales with Legato phrasing  
Diatonic ornaments  
Chromatic ornaments  
Slides  
Multiple Strings  
Polypulse  
Creating rhythms  
Rhythmic Dyads, Triads, and Tetrads  
Polyrhythm  
Rhythmic tiling  
Infinite growth  
Conclusion  
Back Matter:  
Glossary  
Short subjects  
Sources  
Acknowledgments  
About the author