Customer Reviews
Best Chord Book I Own 
2008-06-26
This book nicely fills the gap between Mel Bay and Ted Green's "Chord Chemistry" - Mel is pretty basic, and Ted is way too advanced for what I do. This is also a better resource than the handheld electronic chord finders, because Rooksby explains basic theory behind the chords and some of the musical context to prefer one chord or inversion over another. This has easily become my "go to" reference for chords. Here are some of the things I really like:
1) The "Chord Q&A" section is an overview of basic guitar technique, and presents basic chord theory from a guitarist's perspective. (Most theory books are written for piano and staff notation.) Even if you never learn any more theory than this, you'll know more than a lot of guitarists I've played with.
2) The "Moveable Shapes" section shows you basic shapes for the chord families, in a number of inversions, and expands on the theory that links the chord's name to the scale notes it contains. And these are practical shapes, too - nothing that requires twisting your fingers into knots. If you play melodic lines in and out of chord shapes, this will give you some fingering options you might not have known before. It has also helped me recognize what another guitarist is doing just by watching his/her hand position.
3) The "Chords for Different Styles" section was a true revelation. I've been frustrated more than I care to think by trying to play a song, knowing I had the right chords, but still not getting the right sound and feel. This section has variations on chord forms for 8 common musical styles. Now I can play James Brown or REM and have it sound right.
4) "Chords Used In Famous Songs" has a nice collection of unusual signature chords that make the song immediately recognizable. As with the "Styles" section, if you don't play the chord right the song just doesn't sound as good. It also gives you some insight into the hallmarks of great musicians' styles. As a writer, I've recycled some of these chords into my own songs when I want a particular feel.
5) Finally, the actual Chord Matrix (dictionary) section is as well organized and thorough as anything you'll need unless you're playing really avant-garde stuff and have 6" fingers. There are certainly a ton of shapes not included, but by this point in the book you should know enough to be able to start with these shapes and modify them as needed.
I have a number of Rikki Rooksby's books, and they are all well and clearly written, and very well edited.
Chord Master by Rikky Rooksby 2008-02-02
This is an excellent book for the beginner and mid-level guitarist. It not only has a wide range of chords and their many shapes, it also contains useful knowledge relating to how, and most importantly, WHY a chord is shaped. It will explain how a shift of one note can turn a major to a minor or become a 7th, plus moveable shapes and the chords most often used with a particular genre. I keep mine close at hand and refer to it quite regularly. You should too!
Very helpful!! 2007-12-26
This book has helped me write MANY songs. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to music theory. So this book was able to teach me many new chords. Also, it has helped with transposing to a different key. It tells you which chords are in certain keys. I love this book and definitely recommend it for someone like me who doesn't know all that much about music theory but enjoys writing music.
More than a simple chord dictionary. Quality as only Rooksby can deliver. 2006-11-12
What makes this book great is that it has song examples that use a specific chord coloration.
For example, G6 is the Beatles' "She Loves You" chord. You hear a G6, and you immediately think of that song (it's one of the most popular songs that uses such an odd chord, really).
And then you have Gaug4, which is the intro chord to Zeppelin's "Dancing Days." You hear the Gaug4 and you think... "Dancing Days!"
Those are just a couple examples on why this is so much more than a chord dictionary.
Here is how the book is sectioned:
-Chords for Beginners
-Triads (how to play simple triads all over the guitar neck, using only three strings)
-Movable Shapes (very useful section!)
-Chords for Songwriters. Here's where the book gets REALLY good. It tells you all the basic chords you can do in some of the major and minor keys. If you don't know a lot of theory, this helps you create a pop song quickly and easily. Awesome for beginners.
-Chords for Different Musical Styles. This is another GREAT section of the book. He details which chords you can use for acoustic/folk, blues/rock n roll, funk & R&B, jangle/indie rock, heavy rock & punk, soul & easy listening, and jazz. This section teaches you an INCREDIBLE amount in nine pages.
-Chords Used in Famous Songs. This is what I mentioned above-- he's got 50 different, unique chords and the songs which feature them (which instantly make you go, "hey, that's from that song."
-Chord progressions on the CD. Some basic song examples, explaining why certain chords go after or before others. Very good information.
And lastly, the second half of the book is what Rooksy calls the "Chord Matrix." It's basically your typical chord dictionary. Shows you which fingers to put on which strings/which frets. Organized by coloration (Major, Minor, inversions, Maj7, Min7, Maj7#5, etc. etc. etc.
Needless to say, this book is pretty damn comprehensive. Don't pass it up.
This is not only about HOW, but WHY as well 2006-09-08
I had been playing guitar for more than 40 years from Classics, Rock, Jazz to Flamenco... you name it! I've never owned and/or read any Guitar Chord Book except this one. This is the ONLY book for you if you wanna know WHY a chord should be pressed like this and what's the relation between the notes you are pressing. So far this is the ONLY guitar chord book I found that ALSO uses the harmonic notes 1 to 7 and of course the A to G# as well. Creating your own chords will be a piece of cake after you read this book.
The best introduction to music theory I've ever read! 2005-07-24
Unlike a traditional chord dictionary, Chord Master takes the time to discuss each of the chord types and patterns a guitarist is likely to come across. Rooksby looks at how and why different shapes sound the way they do, helping you to find the ideal chords in any situation, in any style of music, and, of course, the easiest way to play them. Includes over 1,000 chords and their variations, in easy-view color "guitar neck" boxes; chords arranged by key, by type, or by musical style; answers to all your chord queries; sections for beginners, songwriters, and advanced guitarists; chord secrets of famous songs; a 20-track audio CD demonstrating chords and chord sequences in musical context; and more!
Another Chord dictionary 
2005-07-11
Well, if you're interested in learning how to play the subpar samples on the CD that comes with this book, then I suppose you'll get something out of it. But in the end, it's pretty much just an overpriced chord dictionary... Save your money.
