In this book Mike Perlowin combines the practical experience of being a working musician in the fields of rock, blues, country, R&B, reggae, and bluegrass with the theoretical knowledge of an academic background to explain music theory in terms that any moderately accomplished musician can understand. Starting with the most basic of lessons, Perlowin clearly and concisely explains the tonal relationships between notes and how they form different types of scales and chords. Instead of using examples from unfamiliar classical music, this book uses well known tunes like Mary had a Little Lamb or Silent Night to illustrate theoretical principles. Rather than offering information on how to play a specific instrument, this book is designed for people who already play proficiently but don't understand music's underlying theoretical principles. Although the book is relatively short, it contains the equivalent of a year's worth of college level material, all made accessible to the average musician desiring a better understanding of music theory.

About the Author
Author's Preface
Lesson 1- Notation: The Basic Language
Lesson 2- Scale Structures, Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths
Lesson 3- Intervals
Lesson 4- Chord Structure Part 1: Major and Minor Chords
Lesson 5- Chord Structure Part 2: Seventh Chords: The Major Seventh and Dominant Seventh Chords
Lesson 6- Chord Structure Part 3: Other Kinds of Seventh Chords
Lesson 7- Chord Structure Part 4: 6th, 9th, 11th, 13th Chords
Lesson 8- Non-Chordal Tones
Lesson 9- Chord Substitutions
Lesson 10- Scales and Modes
Lesson 11- The Blues Scale
Appendix: Chord Spellings
Conclusion and Credits